4.1 - Linking
the Schematic to the Printed Circuit
The schematic is linked to PCBNEW by means of
the Netlist file, which is normally generated by the schematic
program used.
Note: PCBNEW accepts Netlist files with the
EESchema or ORCAD PCB 2 formats.
The Netlist file initially generated is usually
incomplete as there has been no assignment of the modules that
correspond to the various components used in the schematic.
Consequently an intermediate stage is necessary, the generation of
the file of association components/modules.
CVPCB is used to create this file which is named
* .CMP.
CVPCB also updates the Netlist file using this
information.
PCBNEW reads the modified Netlist file * .NET
and, if it exists, the file * .CMP.
In the event of a module being changed directly
in PCBNEW the * .CMP file is automatically updated so avoiding the
requirement to run CVPCB again.
4.2 - Procedure
for Creating the Printed Circuit
After having created the required schematic:
Generate the
netlist using Eeschema.
Assign each components in the Netlist produced by
Eeschema to the corresponding module used on the printed circuit
using CVPCB.
Launch PCBNEW and read the modified Netlist (this
will also read the file with the module selections).
PCBNEW will then load automatically all the
modules.
The modules can now be placed manually or
automatically on the board and and the tracks routed.
4.3 - Procedure
for Updating the Printed Circuit
If the schematic is modified, the following
steps must be repeated:
Generate a new
netlist using Eeschema.
If the changes to the schematic involve new
components, the corresponding modules must be assigned using CVPCB.
Launch PCBNEW and re-read the modified Netlist
(this will also re-read the file with the module selections).
PCBNEW will then load automatically any new
modules, add the new connections and remove redundant connections.