The Track And Via Size Limit Rules dialog is used to specify the size limits, which can be checked by the Design Rule Checker. These rules define actual size limits regardless of the track or pad styles used. The rules can be specific to a layer or area.

The general rule matching mechanism is described here.

Shortcuts

Menu: Setup

Default Keys: T

Command: Technology

Locating this option

Available from: Setup menu > Technology option > Rules - DFM/DFT - Track & Via Size Limit page

Using the Track & Via Size Limit Rules dialog

On selection, the Technology dialog opens, select Track & Via Size Limit. The existing Track & Via Size Limit Rules for the Technology being used will be presented.

The appropriate size limit rule is found for each net or pad by working down the list of rules until the first match is found. Hence, the order of the rules is important. A match is when the specified Attribute Name and Match Value match attributes of a net. So the net must have the given attribute, and it’s value must wildcard match the value. In particular, you can match the inbuilt attributes or .

Each track or via must also appear on the specified layer and area.

Add a size limit rule using the New button, which will create a row in the table.

Rules are checked by selecting the appropriate options in the Nets section of the Design Rule Checker. None of these rules are currently applied during the design process, and are only checked when explicitly selected in the Design Rule Checker.

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

On Layers

You must also specify if the rule applies to electrical layers, or just the Top, Bottom, all Inner or both Outer (Top & Bottom) electrical layers. Alternatively, you can specify a specific layer name, or a wildcard matching string. (So ‘ground *’ would match layers ‘ground 1’ and ‘ground 2’).

Within Areas

If you have any Areas defined in the design, a rule can be defined for a specific named area. Rules can be defined for any combination of Layers and Areas, as required. Similarly, a wildcard string can be defined to match areas. The matching areas must be marked as a Styles, Spacings and Rules Override Area.

Allow Tracks

Unchecking the Allow Tracks box means that track will not be allowed at all. So you can effectively dis-allow tracks for this net on a specific layer, or within certain areas.

Track Width

Min & Max Track Width defines the limits of the width of all track used on a net. Any number of different track styles can used, but they must all fall between these limits.

Is Mitred

Is Mitred defines whether track corners on a net should be mitred. This option is used in the Track Mitring check in DRC.

Is Curved

Is Curved defines whether track corners on a net should be curve mitred. This option is used in the Track Mitring check in DRC.

Via Diameter

Min & Max Via Diameter defines the limits of pad styles used on vias on a net. The limits apply to the minimum and maximum dimensions of the pad shape applied on an electrical layer.

The Wildcard Wizard is enabled using the small icon next to the Match Value entry:

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.

Using Schematic Technology Track & Via Size Limit Rules to Create Net Styles in PCB

The Track & Via Size Limit Rules dialog in the Schematic Editor can also be used in a special mode to to define and assign actual Track and via sizes which are then passed into the Net Styles page of your Technology in the PCB Design Editor. Details on how to use this functionality can be fund here.

Technology Overview | Using Dialog Grids | Technology - Track Styles | Technology - Pad Styles | Design Rule Check | Export CSV | Import CSV | Using Track & Via Size Dialog in a Schematic