Importing a From-To List

With a From-To List, you can import both the connection data and the component data into a new or existing route subassembly. Alternatively, you can import only the connection data (no component data) or only component data (no connection data).

You can import net lists from several 3rd-party electrical schematic packages. Supported packages include AUCOTEC, AutoCAD Electrical, E3, IGE+XAO, Mentor (VeSys), and QC Pro.

To import From-To data:

  1. Click Tools > Routing > Electrical > Start By From/To .
  2. Specify options in the Import Electrical Data PropertyManager.
  3. Click .
    A route subassembly is created. A dialog box appears and asks if you want to place components into the assembly now or later.
  4. Do one of the following:
    • To place components now, click Yes.
    • To place components later, click No. Then later, when you want to insert the components, click Insert Components (Assembly toolbar) or Insert > Component > Existing Part/Assembly.

    The Insert Component PropertyManager appears. The components defined in the From-To List appear under Insert route connectors, with the first component selected and ready to be placed.

    If you already placed connectors in the top-level assembly, the software detects them and does not insert duplicate connectors into the route subassembly. See Placing Electrical Connectors.
  5. Click in the graphics area to place the first component.
    The next component is automatically selected, and so on, until all the components have been placed. After the last component is placed, the Route Properties PropertyManager appears.
  6. Specify options in the Route Properties PropertyManager.
  7. Click .
The following happens:
  • A 3D sketch opens in a new route subassembly.
  • The new route subassembly is created, and appears in the FeatureManager design tree.
  • For each connector, a short line is added to the sketch (from the connector's connection point (CPoint) outward) and a length of cable is generated along the line.
  • The Auto Route PropertyManager appears.