Importing a Design from Xpedition into Altium Designer

Altium Designer can import binary format PCB and PCB Libraries designed in Mentor Expedition®.

Run the Importer via Altium Designer's Import Wizard (File » Import Wizard).

The Expedition file importer is available through Altium Designer's Import Wizard (File » Import Wizard) by selecting the Mentor Expedition Designs and Libraries option on the Wizard's Select Type of Files to Import page.

Select Mentor Expedition Designs and Libraries in the Import Wizard to import Expedition files.

Notes on Using the Importer

The following notes summarize the functionality of the importer:

• In Expedition, a PCB design or library does not exist as a single file, but rather, as a structure of interdependent folders and files. Altium Designer's importer requires the entire folder/file structure to be intact to successfully import a PCB or library.
• To import a PCB design file, select the *.pcb file in the design structure's top-level folder; to import a library file, select the *.lmc file in the library's top-level folder.
• The strategy for application of design rules is completely different between Altium Designer and Mentor Expedition. Because of this Altium Designer's PCB design import process does not translate Expedition PCB design rules. Instead, all of the Expedition rule definitions are clearly enumerated in a section of the *.log file. The designer can then examine this list and create appropriate rules in Altium Designer.
• Problems during import are detailed in the *.log file report.