In 2D View mode, the Duplicate (Layer) command allows you to copy an object that you select on the canvas to other layers. Execute this command by clicking Home > Duplicate > Layer on the eCADSTAR PCB Editor ribbon, and then select an object to copy on the canvas. Alternatively, select an object to copy on the canvas, and then execute the command.
To select multiple objects on the canvas, drag the cursor over them. Alternatively, hold down the Ctrl key, click each object and then press the Space key or click Selection End on the assist menu. Multiple layers, including the active layer, can be specified in the displayed Copy To dialog.
The reference designator of a new component is determined by copying the reference designator of the source component and incrementing the number at its end. The number assigned is the smallest value that does not duplicate any existing component reference designators on the board.
- For example, if components CN10, CN11 and CN12 are on the board and CN10 is duplicated, then the reference designator of the duplicated component will be CN13. If multiple components are duplicated simultaneously, then they are assigned numbers starting from the first available number.
- If the reference designator of a component does not end in a number, then the reference designator of its duplicate will be the original value plus one or more numbers. For example, if component aaa is duplicated, then its reference designator will be aaa1.
- Variant components cannot be duplicated. If you attempt to duplicate an object that contains a variant, then an error message is displayed.
- This command cannot duplicate parts and tracks simultaneously.
Command dialog
Conductor
This section allows you to specify whether net information is kept or discarded when circuit components, jumper components or track segments are copied.
Net
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
| Merge | For figures on the board, the pins of circuit components or track segments that are duplicated, the net will be the same as the net of the source object. |
| Discard | If a duplicated figure on the board touches a figure with a net, then its net will be the same as that net. If it does not touch a figure with a net, then it will have no net. The pins of circuit components or track segments will have no net.. |
For newly added components and nets to be visible in Constraint Browser, you must restart Constraint Browser or execute Reconstruct E-Net.
The following table shows how attributes are handled when a component is duplicated.
| Attribute | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Status | Duplicated |
| Jumper | Duplicated |
| Decoupling Capacitor | Always set to OFF |
| Height on Side A/B | Duplicated |
| Fixed | Always set to OFF |
| Permitted Placement Side | Duplicated |
| Permitted Angle | Duplicated |
| Part | Duplicated |
| Footprint Name | Duplicated |
| Alternate | Duplicated |
| Gate | Not duplicated |
| Component group | Always undefined |
| Reference Display Attribute | Duplicated |
| Group Net Display | Duplicated |
| Allow Testpoints | Duplicated |
| Comment | Duplicated |
| User Attributes | Duplicated |
| Color | Duplicated |
| Placement Group Name | Always undefined |
| Device Name | Duplicated |
| Nominated Driver | Always set to OFF |
- Commands in the Move and Duplicate sections of the ribbon, and the Paste command have several fields in common. Values specified in one dialog are applied to all relevant dialogs.
- If a non-electrical object is selected, then the associated library shape is displayed.
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
| Apply | Saves the settings that you specify in the Duplicate (Layer) dialog, and displays the Copy To dialog. If you do not select an object on the canvas, then this button is made unavailable. |
| Exit | Closes the Duplicate (Layer) dialog without copying objects to other layers. |
