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Model Composer - PCB with Parts on both Sides

Question asked by WDOERR on Jan 4, 2004
Latest reply on Jan 13, 2004 by WDOERR

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My project contains multilayer boards with about 20 parts on the top and bottom side.

As first step I run the layout in Momentum and add afterwards discrete parts in the schematic.

The Model Composer is a good help as the 2x20 parts give 40 ports and a meaningfull model symbol is helpfull.

The situation is:
=> the layout has several layers (:))
=> the ports are attached to several layers and adopt in the layout tool the colour of the associated layer (:) very helpfull)
=> the Model Composer maps the layout layers to layers in the schematic with the same colour (:) very helpfull)
=> the Model Composer maps all ports to the same schematic layer which causes confusion :o
=> all schematic components are on the same layer and therefore it is not possible to give them different colours or to turn their visibility separately on/off :o

Who has a solution on this?
Help would be very appreciated.

Wolfgang

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ALEPEREZ

Jan 12, 2004 12:16 AM

1. Model Composer doesn't map the layout ports to a layer in schematic. It creates pins for each port in the symbol page of the schematic. This is a part of the base architecture of ADS. Once you have a subcircuit, you must define Pins on the Symbol page. These pins carry no layer information. When you insert that symbol in a higher level schematic, you will notice that the pins are displayed in the Highlight color (red by default) until you connect them in which case they take on the "Connecte Pin" color. These colors can be defined using Options>Preferences but they are global colors for all pins.

2. Regarding symbols, you can remap any built-in part symbol artwork by creating a subcircuit of the desired parts. You then create a symbol that is identical to the part you inserted (for example insert an MLIN and use the MLIN symbol as default artwork). Then you can double-click the artwork elements and put them on any schematic layer you want. They will appear that way in a higher level schematic. However, if you create custom layers, you will need to manage the schematic.lay files (which is done using a Design Kit structure).

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WDOERR Jan 13, 2004 12:58 AM

Thanks to "aleperez" for background information.

However the issue stays the same.

A)
The Model Composer put all ports in the layout on various layers to one single layer of pins in the schematic. You can easly mix up (by accident) the pins for top and bottom side.

B) all schematic components are on the same layer and therefore it is not possible to give them different colours or to turn their visibility separately on/off.
For clarification: There is no difference in appearance between a capacitor that is placed on the top side or on the bottom side of the PCB.
While looking on the symbol with the layout like shape one sees at the same time the parts on the top and bottom side.

Further comments and help is appreciated.

Yours,
Wolfgang

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janvh Jan 13, 2004 1:17 AM

One way to do this is to manually change the symbol view of the Model Composer component after it is generated and move the pins that are on top of each other to a slightly different location.

To do this:
1. first create the Model Composer component
2. Insert it in a schematic window and push into it
3. Hit View>Create/Edit schematic Symbol

Now you can change the symbol, e.g. change position of pins.

To know the pin number, select a pin and do
Tools>Identify

You can even add text to in the symbol view.

After changing the schematic symbol, Save and go back with

4. View>Create/Edit Schematic
5. Push out the component.

You may have to re-insert the component in schematic to see the effect of your changes.

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WDOERR Jan 13, 2004 1:43 AM

Thanks to "janvh",

your comments are very helpfull and show what is currently possible. I tested your suggestion and it works also in my project.

However the basic problem remains and I suggest that you include a solution in a future release.

For now I close this issue as I learned that there is no current solution.
I will somehow workaround this problem.

Yours,
Wolfgang

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4 Replies

ALEPEREZ Jan 12, 2004 12:16 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
1. Model Composer doesn't map the layout ports to a layer in schematic. It creates pins for each port in the symbol page of the schematic. This is a part of the base architecture of ADS. Once you have a subcircuit, you must define Pins on the Symbol page. These pins carry no layer information. When you insert that symbol in a higher level schematic, you will notice that the pins are displayed in the Highlight color (red by default) until you connect them in which case they take on the "Connecte Pin" color. These colors can be defined using Options>Preferences but they are global colors for all pins.

2. Regarding symbols, you can remap any built-in part symbol artwork by creating a subcircuit of the desired parts. You then create a symbol that is identical to the part you inserted (for example insert an MLIN and use the MLIN symbol as default artwork). Then you can double-click the artwork elements and put them on any schematic layer you want. They will appear that way in a higher level schematic. However, if you create custom layers, you will need to manage the schematic.lay files (which is done using a Design Kit structure).
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WDOERR Jan 13, 2004 12:58 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
Thanks to "aleperez" for background information.

However the issue stays the same.

A)
The Model Composer put all ports in the layout on various layers to one single layer of pins in the schematic. You can easly mix up (by accident) the pins for top and bottom side.

B) all schematic components are on the same layer and therefore it is not possible to give them different colours or to turn their visibility separately on/off.
For clarification: There is no difference in appearance between a capacitor that is placed on the top side or on the bottom side of the PCB.
While looking on the symbol with the layout like shape one sees at the same time the parts on the top and bottom side.

Further comments and help is appreciated.

Yours,
Wolfgang
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janvh Jan 13, 2004 1:17 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
One way to do this is to manually change the symbol view of the Model Composer component after it is generated and move the pins that are on top of each other to a slightly different location.

To do this:
1. first create the Model Composer component
2. Insert it in a schematic window and push into it
3. Hit View>Create/Edit schematic Symbol

Now you can change the symbol, e.g. change position of pins.

To know the pin number, select a pin and do
Tools>Identify

You can even add text to in the symbol view.

After changing the schematic symbol, Save and go back with

4. View>Create/Edit Schematic
5. Push out the component.

You may have to re-insert the component in schematic to see the effect of your changes.
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WDOERR Jan 13, 2004 1:43 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
Thanks to "janvh",

your comments are very helpfull and show what is currently possible. I tested your suggestion and it works also in my project.

However the basic problem remains and I suggest that you include a solution in a future release.

For now I close this issue as I learned that there is no current solution.
I will somehow workaround this problem.

Yours,
Wolfgang
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions

Model Composer - PCB with Parts on both Sides

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