Streamlined Organization of Recurring Electronic Component Arrangements in PCB Designs
In the realm of modern PCB design, automation plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and reducing time spent on routine tasks. One such feature that has gained significant attention is the auto grouping of repetitive design blocks. This article compares the approaches of two popular PCB design tools, Altium Designer and Cadence Allegro, in handling repetitive design blocks.
Altium Designer, with its latest releases, has introduced an enhanced feature called Reuse Blocks. This functionality allows designers to identify and define repetitive blocks of circuitry within a flat PCB design automatically. Once captured as a block or sheet symbol, these repetitive blocks can be placed multiple times in a design, with Altium handling the grouping and replication behind the scenes. The feature also includes the ability to define multiple alternate PCB layouts for use with a single reuse block, making it easy to switch layouts based on physical or performance needs when placing the block.
On the other hand, Cadence Allegro does not explicitly mention automated grouping of repetitive blocks in its search results. However, typical Allegro flow for repetitive block handling includes using multi-channel design features, defining blocks as saved cell definitions that are reused across the PCB layout, and using scripting or specific design reuse tools to automatically identify and group repetitive circuitry.
A summary table has been provided below for a clear comparison of the two tools:
| Feature | Altium Designer (Latest) | Cadence Allegro | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Auto group repetitive blocks | Yes, via enhanced **Reuse Blocks** feature | Typically via multi-channel design or scripting | | Manage multiple layouts | Yes, alternate PCB layouts per reuse block | Not specified in results | | Placement of repetitive blocks | Place as sheet symbols/blocks, auto child sheets | Place defined saved cells or channel blocks | | Automation level | High, no manual routine required | Moderate, may require scripting & setup |
In conclusion, Altium Designer offers a built-in automated approach to grouping repetitive blocks with its enhanced Reuse Blocks feature, while Allegro relies more on multi-channel design practices or custom scripting for similar automation. It's essential to consider these differences when choosing a PCB design tool that best suits your needs.
Remember, after grouping repetitive design blocks, it's crucial to ensure that the schematic and the layout are in sync, and to avoid using circuits from old designs with obsolete components. Additionally, completing the stack-up before laying out the board and organizing the randomly placed components can help optimise the design process.
[1] High-Speed PCB Design Guide, a comprehensive resource, offers explanations of signal integrity issues, understanding transmission lines and controlled impedance, the selection process of high-speed PCB materials, and high-speed layout guidelines.
The stackup designer might benefit from understanding the capabilities of controlled impedance in high-speed PCB design, as this technology is essential for maintaining signal integrity in modern PCB layouts. When using Altium Designer, designers can leverage the auto grouping of repetitive blocks provided by the Reuse Blocks feature, contributing to an efficient and automated design process.
