Method and device for exporting DXF format file by using PADS software

Abstract

This invention provides a method and apparatus for exporting DXF format files using PADS software, relating to the field of file export technology. One method for exporting DXF format files using PADS software includes: opening the file using PADS software; modifying the design units to metric and then displaying it in full screen; filtering and displaying the export target; the export target includes at least one of the following: all objects in the top layer, all objects in the bottom layer, and a preset general layer; and exporting the export target as a corresponding DXF format file to a preset storage location according to export control parameters. The embodiments provided by this invention achieve one-click fully automatic output of DXF format files, offering convenience and standardization in output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of file export technology, and more specifically to a method for exporting DXF format files using PADS software, an apparatus for exporting DXF format files using PADS software, an electronic device, and a corresponding storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] PADS software is one of the mainstream electronic design automation (EDA) software programs. PADS Layout, in particular, is used for designing printed circuit boards. The software provides an interface with mechanical design software, facilitating data conversion and transfer between different design environments, and can output DXF format files. However, the DXF output process involves numerous configuration options, making it prone to errors. It also results in a large workload for designers and has drawbacks such as hindering standardization.

[0003] In existing technology, PADS software provides script editing functions, which can record the keyboard and mouse operations when exporting PADS files to DXF files as standard configuration macro commands. These macro commands can then be executed when output is needed to call a standard template. However, this method is not supported by system functionality in some older versions.

[0004] DXF: Graphics Interchange Format.

[0005] The uses of each layer of PADS are as follows:

[0006] TOP, top layer; used for routing and placing components;

[0007] BOTTOM, the bottom layer; used for routing and placing components;

[0008] LAYER-3 to LAYER-20 are general layers that can be used to extend electrical layers. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for exporting DXF format files using PADS software, thereby improving export efficiency through software scripts and at least solving some of the problems in the background art.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides a method for exporting DXF format files using PADS software. The method includes: opening the file using PADS software; modifying the design units to metric and then displaying it in full screen; filtering and displaying the export target; the export target includes at least one of the following: all objects in the top layer, all objects in the bottom layer, and a preset general layer; and exporting the export target as a corresponding DXF format file to a preset storage location according to export control parameters.

[0011] Preferably, the above operation steps are executed automatically using a command script.

[0012] Preferably, the instruction script is generated through the following steps: determining whether the operation step has a corresponding unmodified command in the PADS software; if it exists, converting the operation step into a corresponding unmodified command; if it does not exist, converting the operation step into an execution command; and combining the unmodified command and the execution command to obtain the instruction script.

[0013] Preferably, the filtering export target in the filtering display export target includes: obtaining focus based on the layer name of the general layer to be exported; and selecting the general layer to be exported by adding the layer name abbreviation through the add layer no-model command.

[0014] Preferably, the export targets in the filtering and displaying export targets include: obtaining the configured display parameters of the bottom component outline, the display parameters of the component reference number, and the display parameters of the bottom copper foil; and displaying the filtered export targets according to the obtained parameters.

[0015] Preferably, the export control parameters include at least one of the following: output trace control parameters, output forbidden area control parameters, output attribute control parameters, output copper filling control parameters, and output text control parameters; and if the export target includes all objects in the top layer, the corresponding export control parameters include output bottom layer component control parameters; if the export target includes all objects in the bottom layer, the corresponding export control parameters include output top layer component control parameters.

[0016] Preferably, the method further includes naming the exported DXF format file according to the export target.

[0017] This invention also provides an apparatus for exporting DXF format files using PADS software. The apparatus includes: a file opening module for opening files using PADS software; a preprocessing module for modifying design units to metric and then displaying the files in full screen; a target determination module for filtering and displaying export targets; the export targets include at least one of the following: all objects in the top layer, all objects in the bottom layer, and a preset general layer; and an export execution module for exporting the export targets as corresponding DXF format files to a preset storage location according to export control parameters.

[0018] The present invention also provides an electronic device, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, and the at least one processor implements the steps of the aforementioned method for exporting DXF format files using PADS software by executing the instructions stored in the memory.

[0019] The present invention also provides a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, configure the processor to perform the steps of the aforementioned method for exporting DXF format files using PADS software.

[0020] This invention also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the aforementioned method for exporting DXF format files using PADS software.

[0021] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] (1) This application utilizes the script editing and shortcut keys provided by PADS Layout software to achieve one-click fully automatic output of DXF format files, which has the advantages of convenient and standardized output.

[0023] (2) It avoids the excessive or redundant invalid instructions generated by the existing recording method for macro commands.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate embodiments of the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the embodiments of the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This illustration schematically shows the steps of a method for exporting a DXF format file using PADS software according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the structure of an apparatus for exporting DXF format files using PADS software according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1 The illustration schematically depicts the steps of a method for exporting a DXF format file using PADS software according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, a method for exporting DXF format files using PADS software includes:

[0030] S01. Open the file using PADS software;

[0031] S02. After changing the design units to metric, display in full screen.

[0032] S03. Filter and display export targets; the export targets include at least one of the following: all objects in the top layer, all objects in the bottom layer, and a preset general layer;

[0033] S04. Export the target file as a corresponding DXF format file to the preset storage location according to the export control parameters.

[0034] By following the steps described above, PADS files can be easily output to DXF files.

[0035] In some alternative implementations, the above steps are executed automatically using a command script. In PADS software, the built-in script editing function allows these steps to be converted into standard macro commands. Then, when output is needed, the macro commands in the command script are executed, calling the standard template. This significantly reduces the workload of designers, greatly improves work efficiency, ensures output consistency, and facilitates standardized operations.

[0036] In some optional implementations, the instruction script is generated through the following steps: determining whether the operation step has a corresponding modeless command in the PADS software; if it exists, converting the operation step into a corresponding modeless command; if it does not exist, converting the operation step into an execution command; and combining the modeless command and the execution command to obtain the instruction script. Modeless commands are a set of instructions that PADS executes by inputting "commands" via keyboard shortcuts, offering the advantages of simplicity and speed. For example, modifying the design unit to metric in step S02 can be achieved using the following commands: Application.ModelessCommand("U"); DlgModelessCmd.Command = "UM"; DlgModelessCmd.Command = "UMM". In the absence of a corresponding modeless command, the corresponding step needs to be designed as an execution command. For example, "turn off component reference designator display" can be achieved using the following command: DisplayColorsSetupDlg.ColorGrid.Cell("Visible Only","Ref.Des.") = "0". Through the above implementation methods, the aforementioned steps S01 to S04 can be designed as corresponding instruction scripts to achieve the beneficial effect of improving work efficiency.

[0037] In some optional implementations, the filtering export target in the display export target includes: obtaining focus based on the layer name of the general layer to be exported; and selecting the general layer to be exported by adding the layer name abbreviation using the add layer modeless command. Specifically, the bottom silkscreen is selected using the following command: MainFrame.StandardToolbarCurrentLayer = "Silkscreen Bottom", and then the bottom stencil layer is added on top of it using the following command: Application.ModelessCommand("Z");

[0038] DlgModelessCmd.Command="Z"; DlgModelessCmd.Command="Z+";

[0039] DlgModelessCmd.Command = "Z+S"; DlgModelessCmd.Command = "Z+PM"; DlgModelessCmd.Command = "Z+PMB". The above implementation achieves the filtering of export targets. In another example, an implementation of how to select the display of the perforated layer is shown. MainFrame.StandardToolbarCurrentLayer = "Paste Mask Top", selecting "Paste Mask Top" as the current layer; Application.ModelessCommand("Z");

[0040] DlgModelessCmd.Command="Z"; DlgModelessCmd.Command="Z+";

[0041] The commands DlgModelessCmd.Command = "Z+1"; DlgModelessCmd.Command = "Z+12"; DlgModelessCmd.Command = "Z+124" will add 124 layers of hole-based displays.

[0042] In some optional implementations, the export target in the filtered display export target includes: obtaining the configured display parameters of the underlying component outline, component reference number display parameters, and underlying copper foil display parameters; and displaying the filtered export target according to the obtained parameters. These parameters are set using the following command: DisplayColorsSetupDlg.ColorGrid.Cell("Visible Only","Bottom")="1", which enables the display of the underlying component outline; a value of 0 indicates that it is disabled.

[0043] DisplayColorsSetupDlg.ColorGrid.Cell("Visible Only","Ref.Des.") = "0" is used to disable the display of component reference numbers. DisplayColorsSetupDlg.ColorGrid.Cell("Bottom","Copper") = "0" is used to disable the display of the underlying copper layer.

[0044] In some optional implementations, the export control parameters include at least one of the following: output routing control parameters, output keepout control parameters, output attribute control parameters, output copper pouring control parameters, and output text control parameters. The corresponding names of these parameters in PADS software are: DXFExportDlg.Routes, DXFExportDlg.Keepouts, DXFExportDlg.Attributes, DXFExportDlg.CopperPour, and DXFExportDlg.Text, respectively, and the corresponding control values ​​are Boolean values, such as "True" or "False". Furthermore, if the export target includes all objects in the top layer, the corresponding export control parameters include output bottom-layer component control parameters; the name of the output bottom-layer component control parameters in PADS software is DXFExportDlg.PartsBottom, and the parameter can be a Boolean value. If the export target includes all objects in the bottom layer, the corresponding export control parameters include output top-layer component control parameters. The corresponding parameter name is DXFExportDlg.PartsTop, and the parameter can be a Boolean value. The above implementation methods enable users to control the exported content as needed within the script file, facilitating personalized export for customers.

[0045] In some optional implementations, the method further includes naming the exported DXF format file according to the export target. The aforementioned preset storage location refers to the storage location within the file system. To facilitate differentiation of the exported DXF files, they need to be named according to the export target. For example, when the export target includes all top-level objects, the corresponding DXF file is named TOP.dxf; when the export target includes all bottom-level objects, the corresponding DXF file is named BOTTOM.dxf.

[0046] The above implementation method enables the rapid export of PADS files to DXF files, and allows control over the exported content through parameters within the command script.

[0047] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus for exporting DXF format files using PADS software. Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an apparatus for exporting DXF format files using PADS software according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the device includes: a file opening module for opening files using PADS software; a preprocessing module for modifying the design units to metric and then displaying them in full screen; a target determination module for filtering and displaying export targets; the export targets include at least one of the following: all objects in the top layer, all objects in the bottom layer, and a preset general layer; and an export execution module for exporting the export targets as corresponding DXF format files to a preset storage location according to export control parameters.

[0048] In some alternative implementations, the above operation steps are executed automatically using a command script.

[0049] In some optional implementations, the instruction script is generated through the following steps: determining whether the operation step has a corresponding unmodified command in the PADS software; if it exists, converting the operation step into a corresponding unmodified command; if it does not exist, converting the operation step into an execution command; and combining the unmodified command and the execution command to obtain the instruction script.

[0050] In some optional implementations, the filtering of export targets in the filter display includes: obtaining focus based on the layer name of the general layer to be exported; and selecting the general layer to be exported by adding the layer name abbreviation using the add layer no-model command.

[0051] In some optional implementations, the export targets in the filtering and displaying export targets include: obtaining the configured display parameters of the underlying component outline, component reference number, and underlying copper foil; and displaying the filtered export targets according to the obtained parameters.

[0052] In some optional implementations, the export control parameters include at least one of the following: output trace control parameters, output forbidden area control parameters, output attribute control parameters, output copper pouring control parameters, and output text control parameters; and if the export target includes all objects in the top layer, the corresponding export control parameters include output bottom layer component control parameters; if the export target includes all objects in the bottom layer, the corresponding export control parameters include output top layer component control parameters.

[0053] In some alternative implementations, the method further includes naming the exported DXF format file according to the export target.

[0054] The specific limitations of each functional module in the aforementioned device for exporting DXF format files using PADS software can be found in the above description of the methods for exporting DXF format files using PADS software, and will not be repeated here. Each module in the aforementioned device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in the computer device in hardware form, or stored in the memory of the computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module. It also possesses the advantages of convenience and standardization in exporting DXF format files.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device is also provided, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, which executes the steps of the aforementioned method for exporting DXF format files using PADS software. The control module or processor here has numerical calculation and logical operation functions, and at least has a central processing unit (CPU) with data processing capabilities, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), multiple I / O ports, and an interrupt system. The processor contains a kernel that retrieves corresponding program units from the memory. One or more kernels can be configured, and the aforementioned method can be implemented by adjusting kernel parameters. The memory may include non-permanent memory in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM, and includes at least one memory chip.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, a machine-readable storage medium is provided, on which instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to be configured to perform the steps of the aforementioned method for exporting a DXF format file using PADS software.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the aforementioned method for exporting DXF format files using PADS software.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0059] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0060] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0061] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0062] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0063] Memory may include non-persistent memory in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0064] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0065] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0066] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A method for exporting DXF format files using PADS software, characterized in that, The method includes: Open the file using PADS software; After changing the design units to metric, the screen will be displayed in full screen. The export target is filtered and displayed; the export target includes at least one of the following: all objects in the top layer, all objects in the bottom layer, and a preset general layer; According to the export control parameters, the export target is exported as a corresponding DXF format file to a preset storage location; The above operation steps are executed automatically using a command script; The instruction script is generated through the following steps: Determine whether the operation steps have a corresponding modelless command in the PADS software; If it exists, the operation steps are converted into corresponding modeless commands; If it does not exist, the operation steps will be converted into execution commands; The instruction script is obtained by combining the modelless command and the execution command.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filtered export targets in the export target display include: Get focus based on the name of the general layer to be exported; The general layer to be exported is selected by adding the layer name abbreviation using the no-model command to add the layer.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The export targets displayed in the filter display export targets include: Obtain the configured underlying component outline display parameters, component reference number display parameters, and underlying copper layer display parameters; The exported targets obtained through filtering are displayed based on the acquired parameters.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exported control parameters include: At least one of the following: output trace control parameters, output forbidden zone control parameters, output attribute control parameters, output copper filling control parameters, and output text control parameters; If the export target includes all objects in the top layer, then the corresponding export control parameters include the output bottom layer component control parameters; If the export target includes all objects in the underlying layer, then the corresponding export control parameters include the output top-level component control parameters.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes naming the exported DXF format file according to the export target.

6. An apparatus for exporting DXF format files using PADS software, characterized in that, The device includes: The file opening module is used to open files using PADS software; The preprocessing module is used to modify the design units to metric before displaying the design in full screen. The target determination module is used to filter and display export targets; the export targets include at least one of the following: all objects in the top layer, all objects in the bottom layer, and a preset general layer; and The export execution module is used to export the export target as a corresponding DXF format file to a preset storage location according to the export control parameters. The above operation steps are executed automatically using a command script; The instruction script is generated through the following steps: Determine whether the operation steps have a corresponding modelless command in the PADS software; If it exists, the operation steps are converted into corresponding modeless commands; If it does not exist, the operation steps will be converted into execution commands; The instruction script is obtained by combining the modelless command and the execution command.

7. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor; A memory connected to the at least one processor; The memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, which executes the instructions stored in the memory to implement the steps of the method for exporting DXF format files using PADS software as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A machine-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The machine-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to be configured to implement the method of exporting a DXF format file using PADS software as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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