Working with IDF
Best Practices: Working with IDF
October 2019 26 Product Version 17.4-2019
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Figure 1-17 Patterns in Pro/ENGINEER
Conclusion
Importing mechanical design information into Allegro PCB Editor can be a challenging task.
Currently, the most popular method is the use of DXF files. Comparing IDF and DXF
translators, you will find that both have advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the
limitations helps to determine which format works best when importing the data you want.
IDF allows for a quick and accurate import of mechanical data such as components, outlines,
and keepout or keepin areas. To import component placement, the mechanical engineer
should assign reference designators. The coordinate systems of both MCAD parts and the
Allegro PCB Editor footprint must match. Although it appears that there is a lot of work to
complete prior to using the IDF flow, once these requirements are in place, this flow
decreases the amount of time it takes to transfer information between MCAD and ECAD from
weeks to minutes.
