PCB_Cmd-DoViaShieldingDoViaShielding_AD

Applied Parameters: Mode=AddShielding

Summary

This command is used to place shielding vias around a nominated net (or selected objects associated with that net) in the active design. A Via Shield is used to create a vertical copper barrier through the PCB to help reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic interference in a route that is carrying an RF signal. A via shield, also known as a via fence or a picket fence, is created by placing one or more rows of vias alongside a signal route.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by choosing the Tools » Via Stitching/Shielding » Add Shielding to Net command from the main menus.

Use

After launching the command, the Add Shielding to Net dialog will open. Use this dialog to configure shielding settings for the design including shielding parameters and via style.

As well as adding shielding vias along each side of the routing, you can also include shielding copper. To do this, enable the Add shielding copper option in the dialog. This copper is created as a polygon, and therefore, it obeys the applicable Clearance and Polygon Connect Style design rules. To give better control of keeping this shielding copper away from the shielded net, the dialog also includes an Add clearance cutout option. When this option is enabled, a polygon cutout is placed around the shielded net with its edge set back from the routing at the same Distance as the shielding vias.

Tips

1. Each set of shielding vias are added to a union. A set can be removed by running the Tools » Via Stitching/Shielding » Remove Via Shielding Group command then clicking on any shielding via in the group.

Applied Parameters: Mode=RemoveShielding

Summary

This command is used to remove an existing set (or group) of shielding vias associated with a particular net in the design. A Via Shield is used to create a vertical copper barrier through the PCB to help reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic interference in a route that is carrying an RF signal. A via shield, also known as a via fence or a picket fence, is created by placing one or more rows of vias alongside a signal route.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by choosing the Tools » Via Stitching/Shielding » Remove Via Shielding Group command from the main menus.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to choose a shielding via. Position the cursor over a via that is part of the set of shielding vias you wish to remove from the board then click or press Enter. The entire set of shielding vias (which is actually a union) will be removed.

Tips

1. To add via shielding for a particular net in the design, run the Tools » Via Stitching/Shielding » Add Shielding to Net command from the main menus, then configure shielding scope and options in the subsequent Add Shielding to Net dialog.