PCB_Cmd-PlaceRoomPlaceRoom_AD

Applied Parameters: None

Summary

This command is used to place a rectangular room onto the current document. A room is a primitive design object. It is a region that assists in the placement of components. The room can either be placed empty and components associated at a later stage, or it can be placed around components in the design, automatically associating them to the room.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

• Choosing the Design » Rooms » Place Rectangular Room command from the main menus.
• Clicking the  button on the Place Room drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will enter room placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Click or press Enter to anchor the first corner of the room.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the size of the room, then click or press Enter to anchor the diagonally-opposite corner and complete placement of the room.
3. Continue placing further rooms or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Auto-Component Association

By placing a rectangular room around one or more components so that they fall completely within its boundaries, the components will automatically be associated to the room. The scope or query created for the room's definition rule depends on whether all components are part of an existing component class or not. If they are, this component class will be used. If not, a new component class is created with these components as its members. It is therefore possible to have multiple rooms each with a scope that targets a particular component class, and that have one or more mutual component members between those classes.

Manual Component Association

When an empty rectangular room is placed in the design, components required to be placed in the room should be grouped together by the use of a specific component class. A Room Definition rule will automatically be created and assigned to the room, with an initial scope (Full Query) of All. Edit this query to target the specific component class previously defined. The components can then be moved to the room by the use of the Arrange Within Room command.

Tips

1. A Room Definition design rule is created for each room that is placed. Double-click on a placed room to open the Edit Room Definition dialog in order to edit its rule properties. Alternatively, use the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog to gain access to a particular room definition.
2. Once components have been assigned to a room, they move when the room is moved. To move a room without moving the components, temporarily disable the associated Room Definition rule in the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog.
3. A room can also be locked to prevent accidentally moving it. To lock a room, double-click on it and enable the Room Locked option in the Edit Room Definition dialog.
4. As well as being a design rule in its own right (Room Definition), a room can also be used as an object when defining the scope of another rule, such as Clearance or Height. Since the room is to be used as an object rather than a rule, you can disable the rule. The following two queries can be used when using a room object in another rules' scope definition:
   1. TouchesRoom(RoomName) - use to find objects that are completely or partially within the room.
   2. WithinRoom(RoomName) - use to find objects that are completely within the room.

Applied Parameters: Mode=Polygonal_Room

Summary

This command is used to place a polygonal room onto the current document. A room is a primitive design object. It is a region that assists in the placement of components. The room can either be placed empty and components associated at a later stage or it can be placed around components in the design, automatically associating them to the room.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

• Choosing the Design » Rooms » Place Polygonal Room command from the main menus.
• Clicking the  button on the Place Room drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will enter room placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Position the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the starting vertex for the room.
2. Move the cursor ready to place the second vertex. The default behavior is to place two edges with each click, with a user-defined corner shape between them. Refer to the Placement Modes section below for more details on changing corner modes.
3. Continue to move the mouse then click or press Enter to place further vertices.
4. After placing the final vertex, right-click or press Esc to close and complete placement of the room. There is no need to manually close the polygon since the software will automatically complete the shape by connecting the start point to the final point placed
5. Continue placing further polygonal rooms or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Placement Modes

• While placing a polygon there are five available corner modes, four of which also have corner direction sub-modes. During placement:
  • Press Shift+Spacebar to cycle through the five available corner modes: 45 degree, 45 degree with arc, 90 degree, 90 degree with arc, and Any Angle.
  • Press Spacebar to toggle between the two corner direction sub-modes.
• When in either of the arc corner modes, hold the  or  keys to shrink or grow the arc. Hold the Shift key as you press to accelerate arc resizing.
• Press the 1 shortcut key to toggle between placing two edges per click, or one edge per click. In this second mode the dashed edge is referred to as the look-ahead segment (as shown in the last image in the set below).
• Press the Backspace key to remove the last vertex.

Press Shift+Spacebar to cycle through the five available corner modes, press the 1 shortcut to toggle placement between
two edges or one edge.

Auto-Component Association

By placing a polygonal room around one or more components so that they fall completely within its boundaries, the components will automatically be associated to the room. The scope or query created for the room's definition rule depends on whether all components are part of an existing component class or not. If they are, this component class will be used. If not, a new component class is created with these components as its members. It is therefore possible to have multiple rooms, each with a scope that targets a particular component class and have one or more mutual component members between those classes.

Manual Component Association

When an empty polygonal room is placed in the design, components required to be placed in the room should be grouped together by the use of a specific component class. A Room Definition rule will automatically be created and assigned to the room, with an initial scope (Full Query) of All. Edit this query to target the specific component class previously defined. The components can then be moved to the room by the use of the Arrange Within Room command.

Tips

1. A Room Definition design rule is created for each room that is placed. Double-click on a placed room to open the Edit Room Definition dialog in order to edit its rule properties. Alternatively, use the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog to gain access to a particular room definition.
2. Once component(s) have been assigned to a room they move when the room is moved. To move a room without moving the components, temporarily disable the associated Room Definition rule in the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog.
3. A room can also be locked to prevent accidentally moving it. To lock a room, double-click on it and enable the Room Locked option in the Edit Room Definition dialog.
4. As well as being a design rule in its own right (Room Definition), a room can also be used as an object when defining the scope of another rule, such as Clearance or Height. As the room is to be used as an object rather than a rule, you can disable the rule. The following two queries can be used when using a room object in another rules' scope definition:
   1. TouchesRoom(RoomName) - use to find objects that are completely or partially within the room.
   2. WithinRoom(RoomName) - use to find objects that are completely within the room.

Applied Parameters: Mode=Create_NonOrtho

Summary

This command is used to create a non-orthogonal room from selected components. A room is a primitive design object. It is a region that assists in the placement of components.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

• Choosing the Design » Rooms » Create Non-Orthogonal Room from selected components command from the main menus.
• Clicking the  button on the Place Room drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

Use

First, ensure that all components for which you want to create the room are selected in the main design window.

After launching the command, a component class is automatically defined to include the selection. A polygonal (non-orthogonal) room is then created, the definition of which is defined to associate the created component class. The room will be sized accordingly, in order to fit all components in the selection.

Tips

1. The room is sized in order to fit the components as defined by the limits of their bounding rectangles.
2. Once component(s) have been assigned to a room they move when the room is moved. To move a room without moving the components, temporarily disable the associated Room Definition Rule in the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog.
3. A room can also be locked to prevent accidentally moving it. To lock a room, double-click on it and enable the Room Locked option in the Edit Room Definition dialog.

Applied Parameters: Mode=Create_Ortho

Summary

This command is used to create an orthogonal (or 'L' shaped) room from selected components. A room is a primitive design object. It is a region that assists in the placement of components.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

• Choosing the Design » Rooms » Create Orthogonal Room from selected components command from the main menus.
• Clicking the  button on the Place Room drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

Use

First, ensure that all components for which you want to create the room are selected in the main design window.

After launching the command, a component class is automatically defined to include the selection. A polygonal (orthogonal) room is then created, the definition of which is defined to associate the created component class. The room will be sized accordingly, in order to fit all components in the selection.

Tips

1. The room is sized in order to fit the components as defined by the limits of their bounding rectangles.
2. Once component(s) have been assigned to a room they move when the room is moved. To move a room without moving the components, temporarily disable the associated Room Definition Rule in the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog.
3. A room can also be locked to prevent accidentally moving it. To lock a room, double-click on it and enable the Room Locked option in the Edit Room Definition dialog.

Applied Parameters: Mode=Create_Rectangle

Summary

This command is used to create a rectangular room from selected components. A room is a primitive design object. It is a region that assists in the placement of components.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

• Choosing the Design » Rooms » Create Rectangle Room from selected components command from the main menus.
• Clicking the  button on the Place Room drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

Use

First, ensure that all components for which you want to create the room are selected in the main design window.

After launching the command, a component class is automatically defined to include the selection. A rectangular room is then created, the definition of which is defined to associate the created component class. The room will be sized accordingly, in order to fit all components in the selection.

Tips

1. The room is sized in order to fit the components as defined by the limits of their bounding rectangles.
2. Once component(s) have been assigned to a room they move when the room is moved. To move a room without moving the components, temporarily disable the associated Room Definition Rule in the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog.
3. A room can also be locked to prevent accidentally moving it. To lock a room, double-click on it and enable the Room Locked option in the Edit Room Definition dialog.

Applied Parameters: Mode=Fit_NonOrtho

Summary

This command is used to modify room objects in the current document. Each room you modify will have its shape changed to be non-orthogonal (if not already) and will be resized to fit around its member components. A room is a primitive design object. It is a region that assists in the placement of components.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by choosing the Design » Rooms » Wrap Non-Orthogonal Room Around Components command from the main menus.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to select a room to modify. Position the cursor over the required room then click or press Enter. The room will become non-orthogonal in shape (if not already) and will resize in order to fit its member components as defined by the limits of their bounding rectangles.

Continue modifying further rooms or right-click or press Esc to exit.

Tips

1. If the current room is already non-orthogonal in shape and was created based on its member components, it will already be optimally sized (wrapped) around the components, therefore, using this command will have no effect.
2. Once component(s) have been assigned to a room they move when the room is moved. To move a room without moving the components, temporarily disable the associated Room Definition Rule in the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog.
3. A room can also be locked to prevent accidentally moving it. To lock a room, double-click on it and enable the Room Locked option in the Edit Room Definition dialog.

Applied Parameters: ContextObject=Room|Mode=Fit_NonOrtho

Summary

This command is used to modify room objects in the current document. Each room you modify will have its shape changed to be non-orthogonal (if not already) and will be resized to fit around its member components. A room is a primitive design object. It is a region that assists in the placement of components.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by right-clicking over a placed room object and choosing the Room Actions » Wrap Non-Orthogonal Room Around Components command from the context menu.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to select a room to modify. Position the cursor over the required room then click or press Enter. The room will become non-orthogonal in shape (if not already) and will resize in order to fit its member components as defined by the limits of their bounding rectangles.

Continue modifying further rooms or right-click or press Esc to exit.

Tips

1. If the current room is already non-orthogonal in shape and was created based on its member components, it will already be optimally sized (wrapped) around the components, and therefore, using this command will have no effect.
2. Once component(s) have been assigned to a room they move when the room is moved. To move a room without moving the components, temporarily disable the associated Room Definition Rule in the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog.
3. A room can also be locked to prevent accidentally moving it. To lock a room, double-click on it and enable the Room Locked option in the Edit Room Definition dialog.

Applied Parameters: Mode=Fit_Ortho

Summary

This command is used to modify room objects in the current document. Each room you modify will have its shape changed to be orthogonal (if not already) and will be resized to fit around its member components. A room is a primitive design object. It is a region that assists in the placement of components.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by choosing the Design » Rooms » Wrap Orthogonal Room Around Components command from the main menus.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to select a room to modify. Position the cursor over the required room then click or press Enter. The room will become orthogonal in shape (if not already) and will resize in order to fit its member components as defined by the limits of their bounding rectangles.

Continue modifying further rooms or right-click or press Esc to exit.

Tips

1. If the current room is already orthogonal in shape and was created based on its member components, it will already be optimally sized (wrapped) around the components, and therefore, using this command will have no effect.
2. Once component(s) have been assigned to a room they move when the room is moved. To move a room without moving the components, temporarily disable the associated Room Definition Rule in the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog.
3. A room can also be locked to prevent accidentally moving it. To lock a room, double-click on it and enable the Room Locked option in the Edit Room Definition dialog.

Applied Parameters: ContextObject=Room|Mode=Fit_Ortho

Summary

This command is used to modify room objects in the current document. Each room you modify will have its shape changed to be orthogonal (if not already) and will be resized to fit around its member components. A room is a primitive design object. It is a region that assists in the placement of components.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by right-clicking over a placed room object then choosing the Room Actions » Wrap Orthogonal Room Around Components command from the context menu.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to select a room to modify. Position the cursor over the required room then click or press Enter. The room will become orthogonal in shape (if not already) and will resize in order to fit its member components as defined by the limits of their bounding rectangles.

Continue modifying further rooms or right-click or press Esc to exit.

Tips

1. If the current room is already orthogonal in shape and was created based on its member components, it will already be optimally sized (wrapped) around the components, and therefore, using this command will have no effect.
2. Once component(s) have been assigned to a room they move when the room is moved. To move a room without moving the components, temporarily disable the associated Room Definition Rule in the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog.
3. A room can also be locked to prevent accidentally moving it. To lock a room, double-click on it and enable the Room Locked option in the Edit Room Definition dialog.

Applied Parameters: Mode=Fit_Rectangle

Summary

This command is used to modify room objects in the current document. Each room you modify will have its shape changed to be rectangular (if not already) and will be resized to fit around its member components. A room is a primitive design object. It is a region that assists in the placement of components.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by choosing the Design » Rooms » Wrap Rectangular Room Around Components command from the main menus.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to select a room to modify. Position the cursor over the required room then click or press Enter. The room will become rectangular in shape (if not already) and will resize in order to fit its member components as defined by the limits of their bounding rectangles.

Continue modifying further rooms or right-click or press Esc to exit.

Tips

1. If the current room is already rectangular in shape and was created based on its member components, it will already be optimally sized (wrapped) around the components, and therefore, using this command will have no effect.
2. Once component(s) have been assigned to a room they move when the room is moved. To move a room without moving the components, temporarily disable the associated Room Definition Rule in the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog.
3. A room can also be locked to prevent accidentally moving it. To lock a room, double-click on it and enable the Room Locked option in the Edit Room Definition dialog.

Applied Parameters: ContextObject=Room|Mode=Fit_Rectangle

Summary

This command is used to modify room objects in the current document. Each room you modify will have its shape changed to be rectangular (if not already) and will be resized to fit around its member components. A room is a primitive design object. It is a region that assists in the placement of components.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by right-clicking over a placed room object then choosing the Room Actions » Wrap Rectangular Room Around Components command from the context menu.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to select a room to modify. Position the cursor over the required room then click or press Enter. The room will become rectangular in shape (if not already) and will resize in order to fit its member components as defined by the limits of their bounding rectangles.

Continue modifying further rooms or right-click or press Esc to exit.

Tips

1. If the current room is already rectangular in shape and was created based on its member components, it will already be optimally sized (wrapped) around the components, and therefore, using this command will have no effect.
2. Once component(s) have been assigned to a room they move when the room is moved. To move a room without moving the components, temporarily disable the associated Room Definition Rule in the PCB Rules and Constraints Editor dialog.
3. A room can also be locked to prevent accidentally moving it. To lock a room, double-click on it and enable the Room Locked option in the Edit Room Definition dialog.