Importing PADS data

I am being told by our board supplier that they cannot provide me with
the PCB layout formats (.emn/.emp/.brd/.pro/.bdf/.ldf/.idb/idl) that
2005 requires to import IDF board data. They use PADS.

Does anyone know of a free translator to take the PADS format into one
of the ones listed above so I can build a board assembly directly from
their layout data ? Is circuitworks the only option ?

Once again the connectors on the board don't match the holes in the
enclosure because the layout people moved stuff....argggg...
Thanks.

Dan

 

Dan, I suggest posting this in sci.electronics.cad, and perhaps also in
sci.electronics and sci.electronics.misc . . . minus the reference to
SolidWorks 2005, of course.

When one of my responsibilities was PCB layout I was also tasked with
making sure interface information got to the right people, and I would
have been held accountable if it didn't. Your management needs to make
clear that responsibility to the layout people if they haven't already,
and they need to put teeth in their directions.

'Sporky'

 

Dan,

Moving stuff is the name of the game with PCB layout. Seems kind of
arbitrary from my perspective, but our guys usually have a good reason when
asked. They also "check" with the designers and ME's first, they'd get
lynched if they didn't. Looks like you sub your PCB's out, so you don't have
the same control.

It's hard to believe that they didn't get at least one of those IDF
translators with PADS. I'm willing to bet the just don't know what it is, or
how to use it. Wouldn't be the first time. We use Protel and it came with
two of em for free.


Regards

Mark

 

Yes we do sub our board layout out. What has happened a couple of
times now is that I provide a mechanical print to our EE's who then
work with the boardhouse. The EE's end up signing off on the layout
(electrical) without my consent. I realize that this is an internal
issue but I also need a good way to give the OK with confidence. If
they provide me with printouts simply showing positions of surface
mount pads it gets a little hairy sorting though it all. We have had
it where they moved connectors and didn't tell me and also where they
simply made an error in placement.

I was really hoping to use the new board assembly features in 2005 to
double check that what I ask for is what I get.

Thanks guys.

Dan

 

Dan,

Looks like even the cheapest seat of PADS comes with translators for Protel
and Orcad.

http://www.mentor.com/products/pcb/pads/physical_design/pads_layout/index.cfm

These are IDF formats. You're "paying" these guys, make them give you what
you need.


Regards

Mark

 

Thanks Mark.