Using AutoCAD 2010 with

MWO & CST Microwave

This is an alternative CAD package to enable you to manipulate you DXF files from the layout editor in Microwave Office & CST Microwave the package is one of the so called " Industry Standards "

Start " AutoCAD 2010 " then import " yourfile.DXF " , you will have to select the file type , your file will now open , then chose the option to save as " yourfile.DWG ". The wireframe of your PCB artwork is now ready to fill , IF you are going to use uncoated substrates eg Duroid / Taconic photo-negative artwork must be created , you must ensure that you have complete outline around the board for the fill operation to occur, your need to select each individual item in the drawing and change the colour to a pale grey then start to fill in either the gaps around the tracks for photo negative artwork OR if using Precoated FR4 the individual pads. You fill it in using the " Hatch / Fill " menu , selecting " Fill solid " with photo negative boards it may be neccessary to split up the large areas to fill as AutoCAD sometimes fills over your tracks ! alternatively this can be obviated by initially filling pads / tracks to force it to only fill where you intend it to , then deleting the fill in the pads / tracks , then when you have filled in all the relevant areas you need to print it out , you will have to configure the printout page , this normally defaults to " Fit To Page " so you will have to set up the page scaling options before you rintout as ALL PCB's done in the University's PCB facility are done as contact prints ie 1 : 1. You must remember that as contact prints artworks will need to be mirrored in the case of polarity sensitive packages otherwise the light which diffuses around the edge of the print will cause errors in track widths so CHECK your artwork in MWO & do a mirrored version , it's easier than trying to mirror it in AutoCAD !

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This page last updated 26 Nov 2010