Documentation

Using the 3D Viewer Functionality - Getting Started

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This page is an overview to the various aspects related to using, previewing and exporting STEP models. It will help you get started and give you the basics to using the Pulsonix 3D environment.

STEP Version Written

For reference, Pulsonix uses STEP version AP214.

Using STEP

An external Component or Part model in STEP format or an enclosure or case in STEP format can be associated with a Component or board in Pulsonix and then different processes performed, such as a preview in various orientations, clash detection of one entity to another, measuring of entities and an export of the whole design and models to a STEP format file for reading into other systems.

STEP models of Components or Parts are readily available on the internet and are supplied by Part content generators/distributors and often supplied by the actual Part manufacturers.

This page is designed to give you a brief overview of the STEP functionality, of what is available and where to find more information. Each section is only an overview and not a detailed description. By clicking on each link, it will direct you to a page that does have a detailed description of the functionality.

A specific 3D Design menu is available where all commonly used 3D options are available.

Summary of using and viewing STEP models

Below is a summary of the processes required to use STEP models and the supporting features for using it in Pulsonix. Each feature has a link next to it to expose further information and with additional detail below in the following section.

Other functionality exists in Pulsonix to facilitate the processing of models and enclosures in the design:

Additional detail of using STEP models

Obtain STEP models from the internet

Most STEP models for manufacturers’ parts are readily available from the internet. This can be from the actual manufacturer or from Part content delivery services. These will be in the form of .stp or .step files and should be downloaded and saved into the location defined by your STEP Model Folders.

Associate the model with the Footprint

STEP models have to be associated with the footprint or Part in order for them to be used. An attribute is used to do this. You can either add this using the graphical tool available (Position STEP Model) from the 3D Design menu, or manually adding the attribute required () to the Footprint, Part or Component Properties, see STEP Models and Attributes for more information.

Preview the design using the 3D Viewer mode

Pressing the Preview button on the Output STEP File dialog allows you to view the STEP file generated for the PCB design in its own 3D Viewer window and editor.

Move components in the Preview to get accurate positioning

Once in the Preview window, components can be moved in 3D and the footprint position automatically back annotated to the PCB. You may wish to do this after performing Clash Detection.

Run Clash Detection in the Preview to check clashes

STEP Clash Detection can be performed in the Preview mode between components and the enclosure and between each other.

Export a STEP file containing all the models

From the Output STEP File option, use the Output button to export a STEP file. Alternatively, while in the 3D Viewer window, from the File menu, use the Write STEP file option to save the STEP file.

Import Board Outlines from STEP files

From the File menu you are able to import STEP files that contain a board outline using the Import Design Data - STEP Model option. From the File of Type: drop down list, select STEP Model(*.stp).

Import Component Positional Changes From STEP Files

From the Utilities menu you are able to import STEP files that contain component positional changes using the STEP Import Positional Changes option.

Measure in the 3D Viewer

Measure can be performed in the Preview mode. This can be useful if wishing to check the distance between two objects for verification.

Aligning and Rotating STEP Models on a Footprint

Alignment, orientation and rotation of the STEP model can be performed using the STEP align and STEP orient tools on the Position STEP Model dialog.

Attach an enclosure or case model to the PCB

Optionally, you may wish to attach an enclosure or casing to your board. This can be added in the same way a model can be added to a Footprint. within the PCB design on the Output STEP File dialog, the 3D Settings Enclosures page enables you attach and position the enclosure. This is also available once in the 3D Viewer on the 3D Design menu.

Adding STEP Model attributes to Components if required

As explained above, the process of attaching STEP models to components or Parts is done using the tools provided. In the event you wish to edit or add the attributes manually, this can be done using the following attributes and values. These can be attached to the Part or Footprint or PCB Doc Symbol in the library or directly to the Component in the design. These system attributes are available on the drop down list for the properties of the item. More details about assigning attributes and their syntax can be found on the STEP Models and Attributes page.

As a brief summary:

  • STEP file name attribute: this attribute is mandatory. It follows the form, Value :model_name.stp This model name will then be searched for in the folders set up in the STEP Models tab of the STEP Model Folders. Special rules apply for suppressing, overriding and omitting the STEP model if required.
  • STEP model Offset attribute: use this to accurately position the model. Often, the STEP model is supplied in a position and / or rotation that is not in line with your Pulsonix footprint. This attribute follows the form, X=1.02;Y=5.3;Z=2.0
  • STEP Rotation attribute: use this to apply a STEP model rotation in any axis. This uses a similar notation as the offset attribute, for example, X=90;Y=180;Z=0

To make the process easier, the STEP Filename, Offsets and Rotation attributes can be added graphically to a Footprint or PCB Doc Symbol by using the Position STEP Model dialog which is available in their respective Symbol Editors.

Set Preview values for exploded layer views

When viewing the design in the 3D Viewer, you can explode the layer views to show the tracking, copper and pads of the inner layer. Values available in the Exploded View settings dialog enable you to set the distance that each layer appears from each other.

Set Preview colours

Colours within the Preview window have their own settings and are independent of the main PCB. These can be set using the Colour settings dialog with the 3D Settings page.

Suppress models if required

Not all models are always needed in the 3D Viewer or export, these can be suppressed using an the attribute with no file name defined. This is described under Suppress models on the attributes Usage page.

Using the STEP Ignore Clash Attribute

This attribute is used to ignore specific clashes of components when using the Fold feature in the 3D Viewer.

If you have situations where you explicitly want items to touch (e.g., where a plug on the moving board fits into a socket on the static board) you can add the attribute STEP Ignore Clash. This should be added to one of the components that will be violated with a value of the component name of the other component (or a valid component name-range including comma separated names). When the Clash Detection option is then run, the component will be ignored.

Generating Heights from STEP Models

Component Heights are used within the Out option. Component Height attributes can be extracted automatically from STEP models used in the design using the Generate Heights From STEP option on the Utilities menu.

If no model is assigned to a component, or the model cannot be found, the Component Height attribute is used. If all else fails a simple extrusion of the body of the footprint is used along with and inbuilt height of 2mm.

STEP Model Folders | STEP Model Library | 3D Settings | Model Placement area | DRC Height Check | STEP Models and Attributes | Position STEP Model | Import STEP Board | STEP Import Positional Changes | Generate Heights From STEP | Output STEP File | 3D Viewer Colour settings | Suppressing STEP models | IDX Collaboration

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