Is it possible to replicate groups in different designs?

[petros_stav]

I am trying to create a circuit layout template for a set of components which needs to be replicated across a lot of designs. This could be considered similar to the functionality of the 'Group replica place' and 'Copy route' functions but applied across different designs. I have tried manually copying layouts to a new project but as soon as they are copied they do not get recognized because they are not included in the netlist. Additionally if I try to back annotate from a copied design to Multisim in order to force a netlist creation I get: 'The layout part XX has no corresponding schematic component. Select a component from the database.' and if I try to assign a component from the schematic database I get: 'There are no possible partner objects to select.' Is there any simple way I can preserve a layout of a subcircuit and inserting it into to a different layout?

[stressed_user]

Hi,

I think the best way is to copy the schematic part that you need towards your new schematic.

But you should do this first before adding other parts to the new schematic.

this way you'll be able to keep all the refdes the same.

before taking that schematic to Ultiboard, copy the desired layout and components (and vi'as, copper areas etc) to your new layout,

then import your new netlist.

I think that should work (I've done this before on small designs.)

The only thing to check are the copper area's that are linked to specific nets, they might need to be reassigned...

Good luck!

[petros_stav]

I see what you're saying, but keeping a master file for the schematic and layout and just and adding to it when required is a long winded approach, also what happens when I have two standard circuits I would like to combine in the same design? It would be more convenient if NI would make the component groups of all currently open files available in the groups menu, this way one would be able to apply 'Group replica place' and 'Copy route' for identical sets of components across different designs and files when required.

[stressed_user]

Hi,

To do so, a good way would be to have that set of parts/refdes to be copied as R1A-R9A, R1B-R9B,  R1C-R9C, in case a design would onlmy have 9 resistors.

so there cannot be any interference with other refdes in the existing (or base) design.

Johan