Product Settings
The Product Settings dialog is displayed by clicking File > Configuration > Product Settings on the ribbon in any eCADSTAR editor or viewer. It allows you to configure the following settings for the eCADSTAR application suite.
Display Settings
Allows you to specify display settings for items that you select in eCADSTAR PCB Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Viewer and Footprint Editor.
Selected (PCB and Footprint)
For objects that you select in eCADSTAR PCB Editor, or Footprint Editor, this section describes how to specify whether they are intermittently displayed in a specified color, in order to make them more visible on the canvas. These settings are effective in both the 2D View and 3D View modes.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Blink | Allows you to specify whether objects that you select in eCADSTAR PCB Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Viewer or Footprint Editor are intermittently displayed in a specified color. | |
Selected | Objects in eCADSTAR PCB Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Viewer or Footprint Editor blink in the specified color when you select them. | |
Not selected | Objects in eCADSTAR PCB Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Viewer or Footprint Editor do not blink when you select them. | |
Blink color | Specify the blink color that is associated with a selected object. The object is intermittently displayed in this color at the interval specified in the Blink interval (msec) box. | |
Blink interval (msec) | 200 - 2000 msec | Specify the time interval (in milliseconds) that a selected object is displayed in the color specified in the Blink color box. |
Canvas Information
Allows you to configure the font associated with the following items that are displayed on the canvas:
- The current coordinates of the cursor.
- Screen messages associated with commands.
- The labels associated with the grids in eCADSTAR Library Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Editor and eCADSTAR PCB Viewer.
Display
Allows you to specify the type, size and weight of the font that you select in this section.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Font | Select the font that is used for the current cursor coordinates, and the labels associated with the grids in eCADSTAR Library Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Editor and eCADSTAR PCB Viewer. | |
Size (pt) | Select the size of the font for the current cursor coordinates, and the labels associated with the grids in eCADSTAR Library Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Editor and eCADSTAR PCB Viewer. | |
Bold | Select the weight of the font for the current cursor coordinates, and the labels associated with the grids in eCADSTAR Library Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Editor and eCADSTAR PCB Viewer. | |
Selected | The font that you specify in this section is emboldened. | |
Not selected | The font that you specify in this section is not emboldened. |
Graphics
Allows you to specify the background colors for the canvas in eCADSTAR, and specify whether the pads on a particular layer are filled when you point the cursor at them.
Common (PCB and Footprint)
Allows you to specify the background colors for the canvas in eCADSTAR PCB Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Viewer and Footprint Editor. The color of the canvas is graduated using the specified colors. If you specify the same color for the top and bottom of the canvas, then the canvas is displayed using a single color.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Background color (Top) | Specify the background color for the top of the canvas. Click the box and select a color in the Select color dialog. | |
Background color (Bottom) | Specify the background color for the bottom of the canvas. Click the box and select a color in the Select color dialog. | |
Show outline of line in pad when displayed with no width | If No width is selected in the Data layer section, in the Layer Settings Panel in eCADSTAR PCB Editor or eCADSTAR PCB Viewer, or in the Layer Styles section in the Layer Settings Panel in Footprint Editor, for a particular layer, then this setting allows you to specify that pads on the layer are filled when you point the cursor at them. | |
Selected | If No width is selected in the Data layer section, in the Layer Settings Panel in eCADSTAR PCB Editor or eCADSTAR PCB Viewer, or in the Layer Styles section in the Layer Settings Panel in Footprint Editor, for a particular layer, then pads on the layer are filled when you point the cursor at them. | |
Not Selected | If No width is selected in the Data layer section, in the Layer Settings Panel in eCADSTAR PCB Editor or eCADSTAR PCB Viewer, or in the Layer Styles section in the Layer Settings Panel in, for a particular layer, then pads on the layer are not filled when you point the cursor at them. |
Common (Schematic and Symbol)
Allows you to specify the background colors for the canvas in eCADSTAR Schematic Editor, eCADSTAR Schematic Viewer and Symbol Editor. The color of the canvas is graduated using the specified colors. If you specify the same color for the top and bottom of the canvas, then the canvas is displayed using a single color.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Background color (Top) | Specify the background color for the top of the canvas. Click the box and select a color in the Select color dialog. | |
Background color (Bottom) | Specify the background color for the bottom of the canvas. Click the box and select a color in the Select color dialog. |
View Operation
Allows you to change the sensitivity of the pan and zoom functions on the canvas, and configure the operation of the Load, Previous and Smart Zoom commands.
Action
Allows you to change the sensitivity of the pan and zoom functions on the canvas.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Pan step (% of canvas) | Allows you to change the sensitivity of the pan function when moving objects on the canvas. Specify the distance that an object is moved, as a percentage of the canvas, each time an "Arrow" key is pressed on the keyboard, and for each turn of the mouse wheel. Values between 1 and 100 can be specified. |
Zoom ratio (%) | Allows you to change the sensitivity of the zoom function when zooming the canvas. Specify the amount of zoom, as a percentage of the canvas, each time the "+" or "-" key is pressed on the keyboard, and for each turn of the mouse wheel. Values between 1 and 100 can be specified. |
Action (PCB and Footprint)
Allows you to configure the operation of the Load, Previous and Smart Zoom commands.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Enable animations for Load Display Area/Smart Zoom | Allows you to specify whether an animated transition is displayed on the canvas when the Load, Previous or Smart Zoom command is executed. | |
Selected | An animated transition is displayed on the canvas when the Load, Previous or Smart Zoom command is executed. | |
Not Selected | The display area on the canvas is switched immediately without displaying an animation when the Load, Previous or Smart Zoom command is executed. |
Advanced
Allows you to specify the size of the trap area that is used when selecting objects on the canvas, and specify the color of stroke traces on the canvas (see Stroke Commands). This section also allows you to specify that the mini-toolbar is displayed when you right-click on the canvas.
Trap area
Allows you to specify the size of the trap area that is used when selecting objects on the canvas.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Default size (pt) | When selecting an object on the canvas, this value specifies
the diameter of a circle around the cursor in which items can
be selected.
|
Stroke (PCB and Footprint)
Allows you to specify the color of stroke traces on the canvas in eCADSTAR PCB Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Viewer and Footprint Editor.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Color | Specify the color of stroke traces on the canvas in eCADSTAR PCB Editor and Footprint Editor by selecting a value in the Select color dialog. See Stroke Commands. |
Stroke (Schematic and Symbol)
Allows you to specify the color of stroke traces on the canvas in eCADSTAR Schematic Editor, eCADSTAR Schematic Viewer and Symbol Editor.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Color | Specify the color of stroke traces on the canvas in eCADSTAR Schematic Editor, eCADSTAR Schematic Viewer and Symbol Editor by selecting a value in the Select color dialog. See Stroke Commands. |
Assist toolbar
When items are selected on the canvas, and no commands are running, this setting allows you to specify that the mini-toolbar is displayed when you right-click.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Show mini-toolbar | If selected, the mini-toolbar is displayed when you right-click,
with items selected on the canvas. The mini-toolbar shows the
commands that are relevant to all selected items. The mini-toolbar
is not displayed under the following conditions.
|
Calculator
Allows you to specify whether the
button is displayed in relevant eCADSTAR
dialogs.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Show calculator button | Allows you to specify whether the ![]() ![]() |
|
Selected | The ![]() |
|
Not selected | The ![]() |
Analysis
Value (does not affect SPICE or PI/EMI)
Default unit
For the following analysis tools, select the default units for each component type.
- Electrical Editor (Extract scenario)
- SI Analysis
- TDR Analysis
- FD Analysis
Note that the SPICE and PI/EMI tools are not affected by these settings.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Resistor | Select the default units for resistors in the relevant analysis tools. | |
kOhm | Kiloohm. | |
Ohm | Ohm. | |
mOhm | Milliohm. | |
Capacitor | Select the default units for capacitors in the relevant analysis tools. | |
F | Farad. | |
mF | Millifarad. | |
uF | Microfarad. | |
nF | Nanofarad. | |
pF | Picofarad. | |
Inductor | Select the default units for inductors in the relevant analysis tools. | |
H | Henry. | |
mH | Millihenry. | |
uH | Microhenry. | |
nH | Nanohenry. | |
pH | Picohenry. | |
Mega scale factor string | Select the abbreviation that represents the 'mega' scale factor in the relevant analysis tools. | |
M | Represents the 'mega' scale factor. | |
MEG | Represents the 'mega' scale factor. |
3D
This section allows you to configure the display of the canvas in 3D view mode, and display the compass and virtual trackball. You can automatically save the canvas view angle which was last used in 3D View mode, and configure the Rotate function. You can also specify the level of detail for 3D models.
View
Allows you to move objects more smoothly on the canvas, and specify whether the compass and virtual trackball are displayed.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Fix frame rate | If you are working on a complex design, or on a machine with limited performance, this setting allows you to move objects more smoothly on the canvas, in 3D view mode. | |
Selected | Objects on the canvas can be moved while the display is redrawn. This enables you to move objects smoothly, with no hesitation as the display is redrawn. However, objects may flicker as they are redrawn. | |
Not Selected | Objects on the canvas cannot be moved until the display is fully redrawn. If you are working on a complex design, or on a machine with limited performance, the movement of the object may be jerky, but will not flicker. | |
Show compass | Displays the 3D Compass on the eCADSTAR PCB Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Viewer and Footprint Editor canvas, when in 3D View mode. The 3D Compass allows you to intuitively manipulate objects on the canvas, using the mouse. See: Using the 3D Compass. | |
Selected | Displays the 3D Compass on the eCADSTAR PCB Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Viewer and Footprint Editor canvas, when in 3D View mode. | |
Not Selected | The 3D Compass is not displayed on the eCADSTAR PCB Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Viewer or Footprint Editor canvas, when in 3D View mode. | |
Show virtual trackball | When using the Smooth rotate command in 3D View mode, this setting allows you to display a virtual trackball (semi-transparent sphere) at the center of the canvas in eCADSTAR PCB Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Viewer and Footprint Editor. See Manipulating the 3D Canvas. | |
Selected | A virtual trackball is displayed on the canvas in eCADSTAR PCB Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Viewer and Footprint Editor when the Smooth rotate command is used. | |
Not Selected | A virtual trackball is not displayed on the canvas in eCADSTAR PCB Editor, eCADSTAR PCB Viewer and Footprint Editor when the Smooth rotate command is used. |
Action
Allows you to automatically save the canvas view angle which was last used in 3D View mode, and specify the angle that an object is rotated using the Ctrl key and "Arrow" keys.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Keep 3D angle | Allows you to automatically save the canvas view angle which was last used in 3D View mode. When you next switch from 2D View mode to 3D View mode, the saved canvas view angle is used. | |
Selected | The canvas view angle which was last used in 3D View mode is automatically saved. When you next switch from 2D View mode to 3D View mode, the saved canvas view angle is used. | |
Not Selected | The canvas view angle which was last used in 3D View mode is not saved. When you next switch from 2D View mode to 3D View mode, the default canvas view angle is used, which allows you to view objects on the canvas from an elevated position in the Z dimension. | |
3D rotation step (degrees) | When rotating an object on the canvas in 3D View mode using the Ctrl key and "Arrow" keys, this value specifies the angle that the object is rotated each time an "Arrow" key is pressed. See: Manipulating the 3D Canvas. You can specify a value between 1 and 180. |
Updates and User Experience
This section allows you to specify whether eCADSTAR is updated automatically, or to manually check for updates. You can also participate in the eCADSTAR User experience improvement program, or learn more about it from the Help page.
Automatic check for updates
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Automatically check for software updates on application start | Allows you to specify whether eCADSTAR automatically checks for available software updates when it starts. | |
Selected | eCADSTAR automatically checks for available software updates when it starts. If software updates are found, you are prompted to install them. A connection to the internet is required. | |
Not selected | eCADSTAR does not check for available software updates when it starts. |
Manual check for updates
Item | Description |
---|---|
Check for updates | Checks for available software updates to eCADSTAR. If software updates are found, you are prompted to install them. |
User experience improvement program
Allows you to participate in the eCADSTAR User experience improvement program, or learn more about the program by accessing the relevant Help page.
Value | Description | |
---|---|---|
Participate in the program | Allows you to modify consent of tool tracking and data transmission to eCADSTAR Portal. This setting is not included in Workspace files. | |
Selected | Tool tracking is enabled and tool usage is sent to eCADSTAR Portal. | |
Not selected | Tool tracking is disabled and tool usage is not sent to eCADSTAR Portal. | |
Learn more | Launches this Help topic. |
Library
This section allows you to specify the location of the library in eCADSTAR.
Library path
Allows you to enter the path to a library in the Library directory box, or browse to it using the Open library dialog.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Library directory | Shows the path to the library. You can define the path to the
library by typing it in the box, or by clicking ![]() |
![]() | Allows you to browse to the required library using the displayed Open library dialog. |
Web Lookup
This section allows you to specify whether the name or a selected attribute of a part is used when searching online for parts.
Search property
When searching for parts online, this section allows you to specify whether the name of the part or a selected attribute of the part is used.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Use part name | If selected, the online search is conducted using the name of the part that you specify. | |
Use attribute | If selected, the Attribute box is made available. The online search for a part is conducted using the attribute that you select in the Attribute box. | |
Attribute box | Lists the attributes that exist in the library for a part. The online search is conducted using the attribute that you select. |
You can search online for parts using any of the following methods:
- In the Library
Searcher panel, select Parts
in the Search for box and then click
.
- In eCADSTAR Library Editor, select the Parts tab and then select Home > Searcher > Web Lookup
- In eCADSTAR PCB Editor, right-click a component on the canvas and then select Web Lookup on the assist menu.
Environment
This section allows you to specify eCADSTAR themes, and set the position of the tabs for each window. It also allows you to configure the Start Page and tooltips, and clear the browser cache.
Application theme
Allows you to select the application theme that is used in eCADSTAR. Application themes define the color of the ribbon, dialogs and panels, and the transparency of the dialogs.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Windows theme | If selected, the "Windows" theme is immediately applied in eCADSTAR. |
Black theme | If selected, the "Black" theme is immediately applied in eCADSTAR. |
Tab location
Allows you to specify the location of the tabs for each window in eCADSTAR.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Top | The tabs for each window in eCADSTAR appear at the top of the application, below the ribbon. |
Bottom | The tabs for each window in eCADSTAR appear at the bottom of the application, above the status bar. |
Web
Allows you to clear the browser cache in eCADSTAR. This contains the most recently-downloaded web pages.
Setting | Description |
---|---|
Clear browsing data | Clears the cache of the web pages that have been downloaded in eCADSTAR. |
CLUI permissions
The CLUI permissions table indicates whether you have specified that CLUI commands can be executed from a particular host, and allows you to change or remove these permissions. When you attempt to execute a CLUI command in eCADSTAR, a dialog is displayed that allows you to specify whether the command is allowed to run. If you click Remember choice for [Host] in the dialog, and then click Allow or Deny, then Allow or Deny is displayed, respectively, in the CLUI permissions table, Permissions column. The Delete button allows you to delete a selected row in the CLUI permissions table. The permissions that are associated with the relevant host are removed.
Setting | Description | |
---|---|---|
CLUI permissions table | Displays the permissions for the associated host, from which you have attempted to execute a CLUI command. | |
Host | Displays the name of the host from which you have attempted to execute a CLUI command. | |
Permissions | Displays the permissions associated with a host from which
you have attempted to execute a CLUI command. If you click Remember choice for [Host] in the displayed
dialog, and then click Allow or
Deny, then the following values
are displayed, respectively, in this column:
These values can be changed by clicking in the relevant row, and selecting a different value. | |
Delete | Deletes the selected row in the CLUI permissions table. The permissions that are associated with the relevant host are removed. If you attempt to execute a CLUI command from this host, then a dialog is displayed that allows you to specify whether the command is allowed to be executed. |
Tooltip help
Setting | Description | |
---|---|---|
Display additional help tooltips | Allows you to specify whether tooltips are displayed when you point the cursor at fields in eCADSTAR dialogs. This setting does not control the tooltips on the ribbon, which are displayed regardless of this setting. | |
Selected | Tooltips are displayed when you point the cursor at fields in eCADSTAR dialogs. | |
Not selected | Tooltips are not displayed when you point the cursor at fields in eCADSTAR dialogs. |
Mouse Settings
This section allows you to configure your mouse, and specify whether the keyboard automatically gains focus when you point the cursor at the canvas. You can also customize its functionality by specifying the commands that are assigned to the Forward and Back buttons.
Wheel scroll
Allows you to define the functionality of the mouse wheel by assigning actions to the Scroll, Shift + Scroll and Ctrl + Scroll functions. For each function, you can select Invert to reverse the associated actions. For example, if you select Zoom in/out in the Scroll box, and select Invert, you then zoom out of the canvas by turning the mouse wheel forwards, and zoom in to the canvas by turning the mouse wheel backwards.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Scroll | Allows you to specify the functions associated with scrolling the mouse wheel. | |
(Not assigned) | If selected, scrolling the mouse wheel has no effect on the canvas. | |
Zoom in/out | If selected, you zoom in to the canvas by turning the mouse wheel forwards, and zoom out of the canvas by turning the mouse wheel backwards. If you select Invert for this item, these functions are reversed. | |
Pan up and down | If selected, you pan down on the canvas by turning the mouse wheel forwards, and pan up on the canvas by turning the mouse wheel backwards. If you select Invert for this item, these functions are reversed. | |
Pan right and left | If selected, you pan right on the canvas by turning the mouse wheel forwards, and pan left on the canvas by turning the mouse wheel backwards. If you select Invert for this item, these functions are reversed. | |
Invert | If selected, the actions for the associated function are reversed. For example, if you select Zoom in/out in the Scroll box, and select Invert, you then zoom out of the canvas by turning the mouse wheel forwards, and zoom in to the canvas by turning the mouse wheel backwards. | |
Shift+Scroll | Allows you to specify the functions associated with scrolling the mouse wheel with the <Shift> key pressed. You can select the same options as for Scroll. | |
Ctrl+Scroll | Allows you to specify the functions associated with scrolling the mouse wheel with the <Ctrl> key pressed. You can select the same options as for Scroll. |
Extra buttons
Allows you to specify the commands that are assigned to the Forward and Back buttonson your mouse. These are located on the side of the mouse, however, their exact location depends on the model. You can add any command to these buttons, including User commands, which can be assigned customized functions.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Forward: Previous | Allows you to select the command that is assigned to the Forward or Previous button. Select a command in the Edit dialog, which is displayed by clicking Edit by this field. | |
Edit | Displays the Edit dialog. In this dialog, select a command to assign it to the Forward button, and click OK. The selected command is displayed by the Forward field. | |
Delete | Deletes the command that is assigned to the Forward button. "(Not assigned)" is displayed by the Forward field. | |
Back: Next | Allows you to select the command that is assigned to the Back or Next button. Select a command in the Edit dialog, which is displayed by clicking Edit by this field. | |
Edit | Displays the Edit dialog. In this dialog, select a command to assign it to the Back button, and click OK. The selected command is displayed by the Back field. | |
Delete | Deletes the command that is assigned to the Back button. "(Not assigned)" is displayed by the Back field. |
Advanced
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Enable keyboard focus when the cursor enters the canvas | Allows you to specify whether the keyboard automatically gains focus when you point the cursor at the canvas. | |
Selected | The keyboard automatically gains focus when you point the cursor at the canvas. | |
Not Selected | You must click on the canvas in order for the keyboard to gain focus. |
License Settings
Allows you to configure licensing for the eCADSTAR application suite. You must restart eCADSTAR for any changes to take effect.
Authorization selection
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
PCB High Speed | Allows you to enable the High Speed functionality in eCADSTAR PCB Editor
for which you have a valid license. If you have a valid High Speed
license, and PCB High Speed is
selected, then the ![]()
| |
Selected | High speed functionality is enabled for which you have a valid
license. The ![]() | |
Not Selected | High speed functionality is not enabled. The ![]() | |
Schematic High Speed | Allows you to enable the High Speed functionality in eCADSTAR Schematic Editor
for which you have a valid license. If you have a valid High Speed
license, and Schematic High Speed is
selected, then the ![]() | |
Selected | High speed functionality is enabled for which you have a valid
license. The ![]() | |
Not selected | High speed functionality is enabled for which you have a valid
license. The ![]() | |
Advanced 3D | Allows you to make the MCAD ribbon available in eCADSTAR PCB Editor. From the MCAD ribbon, you can launch the Mechanical Object Organizer, load 3D models, and execute collision checks and 3D clearance checks. You can also configure views and cutting planes for 3D models. If Advanced 3D is selected, then additional types of 3D model can be selected in the 3D Model Manager. | |
Selected | The MCAD ribbon in eCADSTAR PCB Editor
is made available. In the 3D Model Manager, you can select the following types of 3D model.
| |
Not Selected | The MCAD ribbon in eCADSTAR PCB Editor
is made unavailable. However, you can still view and move 3D models
in eCADSTAR, and
align them in Footprint Editor.
In the 3D Model Manager, you can select the following types of 3D model.
| |
SPICE Controller | If a SPICE Controller license is found, then this setting allows
you to specify whether SPICE attributes are displayed in eCADSTAR Schematic Editor
dialogs for components, component pins and nets. You must restart
eCADSTAR for changes to
this setting to take effect.
Note
| |
Selected | If a SPICE Controller license is found, then SPICE attributes are displayed in eCADSTAR Schematic Editor for components, component pins and nets. | |
Not Selected | If a SPICE Controller license is found, then SPICE attributes are not displayed in eCADSTAR Schematic Editor for components, component pins and nets. |
License type (Administrator)
Allows you to select the type of license that is used by eCADSTAR. Administrator privileges are required to change the settings in this section. You must restart eCADSTAR for any changes to take effect. If a valid licence is not found after restarting eCADSTAR, you can change these settings in the Product Settings dialog.
Item | Description | |
---|---|---|
Node locked only | If selected, eCADSTAR
is licensed using a node Locked licence. A node-locked license
is an encrypted "key" that is locked to a specific machine.
The Network License Host (Administrator)
section is made unavailable.
| |
Network licensed and/or node locked | If selected, the Network License
Host (Administrator) section is made available. Licenses
are searched for in the following order:
For network licensing, a host name and port are required. These details are usually known by your System Administrator or I.T. manager. It is possible to network license some features and node lock license other features. |
Network license host (Administrator)
Allows you to specify the name and port for the license server. Administrator privileges are required to change these settings. This section is made available when Network Licensed and/or Node Locked is selected. These details are usually known by your System Administrator or I.T. manager.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Host name | Specify the name of the license server. |
Host port | Specify the port for the license server that you specify in the Host Name box. |
Requestable features
Allows you to view the features that you can request from your license environment.
Item | Description |
---|---|
Requestable features box | Lists the features that you can request from your license environment, in a read-only format. Available features are selected, and unavailable features are not selected. |