Configuring Schematic Port Object Properties in Altium Designer

 

Parent page: Port

Schematic Editor object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in two different ways:

  • Pre-placement settings – most Port object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the Schematic - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (accessed from the  button at the top-right of the workspace). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.
  • Post-placement settings – all Port object properties are available for editing in the Properties panel when a placed Port is selected in the workspace.

The Port default settings in the Preferences dialog and the Port mode of the Properties panel                 The Port default settings in the Preferences dialog and the Port mode of the Properties panel

In the below properties listing, options that are not available as default settings in the Preferences dialog are noted as "Properties panel only".

General Tab

Location (Properties panel only)

  • (X/Y) 
    • X (first field) - the current X (horizontal) coordinate of the reference point of the object, relative to the current workspace origin. Edit to change the X position of the object. The value can be entered in either metric or imperial; include the units when entering a value whose units are not the current default. 
    • Y (second field) - The current Y (vertical) coordinate of the reference point of the object, relative to the current origin. Edit to change the Y position of the object. The value can be entered in either metric or imperial; include the units when entering a value whose units are not the current default. 

Properties

  • Name - the name of the port.
  • I/O Type - defines the electrical properties of the port. Select an option from the drop-down list. Available options are: UnspecifiedOutputInput, and Bidirectional.
This setting does not influence the connectivity of the circuit, however, it is considered during the running of an electrical rules check, which can be set to detect incompatible port directions.
  • Harness Type - use the drop-down to select the type of harness.
  • Width - the width of the object.
  • Height - the height of the object.
  • Font - use the controls to select the desired font, font size, color, and attributes to bold, italicize, etc., if desired.
  • Alignment - click the desired alignment setting.
  • Border - use the drop-down to select the default from the available choices: SmallestSmallMedium, and Large. Click on the colored box to access a drop-down from which you can select the default color.
  • Fill - click on the color box to access a drop-down from which you can select the default color.

Parameters Tab

Parameters

Use this region to manage parameters attached to the currently selected port object. 

  • Grid - lists the Name and Value of the parameters currently defined for the port. You can edit the fields directly if desired. Use  and  to show/hide the parameter. Use the lock icon to lock/unlock the selected parameter.
  • Font Settings - click to open a menu to define the font. 
  • Other - click to open a drop-down to change additional options:
    • Show Parameter Name - enable to show the name of the parameter.
    • Allow Synchronization with Database - enable to synchronize with the database.
    • X/Y - enter the X and Y coordinates.
    • Rotation - use the drop-down to select the rotation. Choices are: 90°180°, and 270°.
    • Autoposition - check to enable auto-positioning.
  • Add - click to add a parameter. Use  to delete a selected entry from the table.
If you find an issue, select the text/image and pressCtrl + Enterto send us your feedback.
Note

The features available depend on your Altium product access level. Compare features included in the various levels of Altium Designer Software Subscription and functionality delivered through applications provided by the Altium 365 platform.

If you don’t see a discussed feature in your software, contact Altium Sales to find out more.

Content