In the context of the IDF Data Adapter (PCB I/F), the term model refers to a 3D mechanical representation of parts. These models are used on the Creo Elements/Direct Modeling side only for mechanical design checking.
You can quickly and easily create realistic 3D mechanical models of EE parts used in PCB designs.
When you export the model, you will only retain the part placement information (part origin, orientation, side of board) of each model included in the PCB assembly.
To create a new model,
1. If you don't have an assembly structure,
2. Click PCB and then, in the Assembly group, click New. The Create PCA dialog box opens.
3. Click . A basic assembly structure is automatically created.
4. Click PCB and then, in the Model group, click New. The Create Model dialog box opens.
5. Specify a part name for the new model. The model name should consist of alphanumeric characters (a-z, A-Z, 0-9) and "_".
6. Click PartType to display a selection list of defined model types.
7. Select the applicable part type for the model from this list.
8. If you want to include "real" 3D geometry in this new model, click InclPart. Then select the part you want to include in the new model. Make sure that the position of any "included" part on the board is correct for exportation to the target EE CAD system.
9. If you want to apply the newly created model to imported PCB assemblies, be sure to store the model in one of your libraries.
Be sure that the local origin of each 3D mechanical model is located at the world origin. This is a prerequisite for the accurate placement of models in the PCB assembly. The part position and orientation data imported with a PCB assembly are interpreted by Creo Elements/Direct Modeling IDF Data Adapter (PCB I/F) with respect to the world origin.
To copy a model,
1. Click PCB and then, in the Model group, click Copy. The Copy dialog box opens along with the Local Lib table.
2. Select the source model to be copied.
3. Enter a name for the new library part. Note that the new part is added to the LIB_PART assembly.
4. Enter a prefix for the reference designator.
To replace an imported part with a model,
1. Click PCB and then, in the Model group, click the arrow next to More.
2. Click Substitute in the Modify section. The Substitute Model dialog box opens along with the Local Lib table.
3. Select the model to be replaced using one of the following methods:
◦ Select a model belonging to the active PCB assembly.
◦ Select a model from the Local Lib table of the active PCB assembly.
4. Click one of the following radio buttons on:
◦ LibPath: To specify or select the library path of the 3D mechanical model to be used as a substitute for the PCB_TOP/LIB_PART model.
◦ by Part: Select any 3D model in memory to be used as a substitute for the PCB_TOP/LIB_PART model. Note that the position of the selected 3D model will determine the origin for the substitute model.
5. Click to perform the substitution.
To expand a model,
Use Expand to add sub-parts to an existing model.
1. Click PCB and then, in the Model group, click the arrow next to More.
2. Click Expand in the Modify section. The Expand Model dialog box opens along with the Local Lib table.
3. Specify the name of the model you want to expand, or select its name from the Local Lib table.
4. Click to change the model to an assembly.
5. Use standard Creo Elements/Direct Modeling functionality to create a part structure for this new assembly.
To update a model,
Use Update to apply changes (such as a changed height in a profile) to a model.
1. Click PCB and then, in the Model group, click Update. The Update dialog box opens along with the Local Lib table.
2. Select the model you want to update, or select its name from the Local Lib table.
3. Click to update the model in the local library.
To change model properties,
You must unprotect (make editable) the model before using this command.
1. Click PCB and then, in the Model group, click More.
2. Click Model in the Properties section. The Properties dialog box opens along with the Local Lib table.
The property options in the Properties dialog box are:
• Geo Name: Specifies the export geometry name.
• Def PARTID: Specifies the default PARTID attribute.
• Def Refdes: Specifies the default reference designator.
New. The Create PCA dialog box opens.
. A basic assembly structure is automatically created.
Copy. The Copy dialog box opens along with the Local Lib table.
Update. The Update dialog box opens along with the Local Lib table.