Applied Parameters: Action=Net
Summary
This command is used to fanout all SMT component pads connected to a chosen net in accordance with specified fanout options and applicable design rules.
Access
This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by choosing the Route » Fanout » Net command from the main menus.
Use
After launching the command, the Fanout Options dialog will open. Use this dialog to specify fanout and escape routing options. Typical fanout behavior is for used inner pads to first be fanned out using the traditional dog-bone (a short route with a via on the end) to access another layer, then from the via, they are escape routed out just beyond the edge of the device, working through the available routing layers until all pads have been escape routed. Ultimately, this makes routing connections to them much easier.
With options configured as required, click OK - the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to choose an electrical object or connection. Position the cursor over the net (or a pad connected to the net) whose associated SMT component pads you wish to fanout then click or press Enter. All SMT component pads connected to the chosen net will be fanned out, if possible. Fanout and escape routing is done in accordance with the options specified in the Fanout Options dialog, as well as the applicable design rules, including the Fanout Control rule, Width rule (for additional track laid down), Routing Via Style rule (for dropped fanout vias), Routing Layers rule, and the Clearance rule.
If you do not know the location of a pad on the net, or one of its connection lines, click in free space and the
Net Name dialog will pop up, prompting for the net name. If you are unsure of the net name, type ? then click
OK to launch the
Nets Loaded dialog, which lists all loaded nets for the design. The SMT component pads for the net you choose in the dialog will be fanned out (where possible) when you click
OK.
Continue to fanout SMT component pads associated with other nets in the design or right-click or press Esc to exit.
Notes
- Running this command is equivalent to running either the Fan out Signal or Fan out to Plane pass in a strategy defined for the Autorouter depending on whether you have chosen a signal or power plane net.
- If you use any of the fanout commands before autorouting the board, there is no need to lock the preroutes unless you have additional manual routing or have modified the fanout routing in some way.
- To fanout the pads of a component, make sure that there is no polygon pours under this component on any layer. Polygons can be shelved before creating fanouts and restored afterward.