The Area Attribute Rules dialog is used in a Schematic design as a fast and dynamic way to add attributes to items when they are translated to PCB or Synchronised with the PCB design. The rule will either match schematic Blocks or Areas within the Schematic design. All design items of the given type (Component, Pin or Net) which are within the block or area will be given the attribute and value (unless they already have that attribute assigned).
Many of the design rules can be assigned by matching attributes, so this is a convenient way to assign design rules in the schematic which will take effect in the PCB design.
Shortcuts
Menu: Setup
Default Keys: T
Command: Technology
Locating this option
Available from: Setup menu > Technology option > Rules - DFM/DFT - Area Attribute page
Using the dialog
On selection, existing Area Attribute Rules for the Technology being used will be presented.
Enable
The Enable column allows you to enable and disable individual rules by selecting the check box.
Navigation
The buttons to the right side of the dialog are used to navigate the grid, the general common buttons are detailed on the Technology Navigation page.
Using the editing pane
Match Items
A rule will define how the design Item will be selected by matching Areas, Blocks or Block Instances by name.
The Match Value can be a wildcarded name. Each rule is applied, and like all rules, applied moving from the top rule down. So the order of these rules is only important if two rules would add the same attribute, in which case, the first rule takes precedence.
Add Attribute
The Add to: is the rule that defines what type of items the attribute will be added to. Choose Component, Pin or Net from the drop down list. Any Component, Pin or Net which has a pin completely enclosed within the block or area will receive the attribute.
Attribute and Value
Finally, the rule defines which Attribute and Value will be added. The attribute will only be added if the item does not have that attribute assigned (either directly, inherited from a part, or from an area attribute rule define further up the list).
Export and Import CSV
Use the Export CSV button to export the data in your PCB design into a CSV format file. Using the Export CSV option will provide you with a formatted template ready for you to edit in your own data.
Use the Import CSV button to import data back into the PCB design using a CSV format file.
The data in the file represents a spreadsheet of dialog contents with the data headings along the top row.
Units
The Units button allows you to locally switch between Metric and Imperial units whilst in this dialog. Once the dialog is closed, the units revert back to the original design units. If switching to different units to the design units, the value typed will be converted when you next enter this page.
Related Topics
Technology Overview | Using Dialog Grids | Areas | Translate to PCB | Synchronise Designs | Technology Rules | Wildcard Matches | Export CSV | Import CSV