ECAD context data is imported onto a board in an ECAD assembly or directly onto the board part. The data is imported on a flat board. The board is automatically unbent when it is in a bent state. The following file types can be imported:
• ECAD EDA (*.eda)
• ECAD Cadence Design Entry CIS (*.dsn)
• ECAD GENCAD (*.cad)
• ECAD IPC-2581 (.xml, .cvg)
• ECAD CADIF (.paf, .cvg)
• ECAD ODBPP (.tgz, .tar, .gz)
The following types of context data can be imported:
• All data
• Pin Pads
• Via Pads
• Routes
• Planes
• Conductive Figures
• Silkscreen
• Solder Mask
• Paste Mask
You can use the filters in the Import ECAD Context Data dialog box to import context data by layer, by type, by net, and by area on the board. Filters are subtractive, you can refine and limit search results using the different filters. At any time after import, you can use the ECAD Context Data Explorer to hide, unhide, or delete data.
By default, ECAD context data is imported as lightweight entities. You can import Silkscreen only as entities. Options other than entity, require more memory and may affect performance. At any time, you can use the ECAD Context Data Explorer to change the geometry representation of ECAD context data types.
You can use the following configuration options, to set the import of fonts for silkscreen. Or use the ECAD Assembly – Context Data settings on the ECAD Assembly page of the Creo Parametric Options dialog box.
• ecad_context_data_default_font—Sets the default font for silkscreen import.
• ecad_context_data_default_font—Sets how to handle missing fonts during the import.
You can select ECAD context data only when working with Layers, Parameters, or using Analysis tools.
Importing a new set of ECAD context data removes the current set.
Watch a video of the benefits of importing silkscreen and solder mask layers.