eCADSTAR PCB Editor Introduction

Welcome to the eCADSTAR PCB Design training guide. This training guide will help you to understand the basic operations of eCADSTAR PCB Editor. You will be guided through the complete design of a sample PCB, from initial PCB creation to final manufacturing data output. This guide can be completed on its own, or as part of the full suite of eCADSTAR Training guides. A knowledge of the fundamental principles of designing printed circuit boards (PCBs) is required.

Tasks are provided that guide you through the design process. You can complete each task, or simply open the supplied designs at each step to continue at your own convenience.

eCADSTAR Architecture

The diagram below shows the complete Library system and interactions with other eCADSTAR tools.

Figure 1: The Complete eCADSTAR System

eCADSTAR Library Editor can be opened from within the eCADSTAR PCB Editor. The Component tab has a Library Section on the ribbon:

Figure 2: Accessing Library Editor in PCB Editor

Warning: Library content should only be accessed and modified using the eCADSTAR Library Editor application. Do not attempt to modify any of library content that was created using any other applications, to ensure errors do not occur.

Library’s interaction with PCB Editor

When you create a schematic or PCB design, Schematic and PCB Editors reference the same library. You can also edit PCB technologies and design rules in eCADSTAR PCB Editor.

Note: Changes made in the eCADSTAR PCB Editor are local to that design only.

Figure 3: The Library's interaction with eCADSTAR PCB Editor

Note
The localized library in eCADSTAR PCB Editor contains parts, rules, technologies, pads, padstacks and footprints. The localized library in eCADSTAR Schematic Editor contains parts and symbols.

Training Files

Data is provided to enable running this training without completing the other aspects of DIY training.

  • Library  [Default installation folder]: this defines the Technology (PCB Layer Mapping), Design Rules (PCB Spacing Rules), parts, footprints, padstacks and pads.
  • Schematic [Default installation folder]: this contains the components and connectivity for the PCB.

  • PCB files that are provided, and their current state:

  • Design1.pdes: Board Outline.
  • Design2.pdes: Modified board outline. Layout  area added.
  • Design3.pdes: Modified board outline. Layout area and holes added.
  • Design4.pdes: Components placed and aligned. Fiducials added.
  • Design5.pdes: Routed, but not flooded.
  • Design6.pdes: Templates and planes added.
  • Design7.pdes: Silkscreen completed.
  • Design8.pdes: Complete.
  • Design9.pdes: DRC Errors included.

This guide will cover the following topics:

  • eCADSTAR PCB Editor Interface
  • PCB Generation
  • Component Placement
  • PCB Routing
  • Post Design Checking 
  • PCB Cosmetics
  • Manufacturing Outputs

Upon completion of this training, you will have a basic understanding of the capabilities of eCADSTAR PCB.

Launching eCADSTAR PCB Editor

  1. Select eCADSTAR PCB Editor from the Start button.
  2. Select Open > Design from the File menu.
  3. Open the design “C:\Users\Public\eCADSTAR\eCADSTAR [version]\Designs\DIY_Training\PCB\Design8.pdes”
Next topic: The eCADSTAR PCB Editor Interface