The latest update of OrCAD PCB Designer 17.4 includes significant improvements to 3D Mapping. Now accessed through the 3D canvas, there are multiple options for accurate and efficient mapping of STEP Models, mechanical parts, and mechanical housing. Learn how to automatically and manually complete the mapping of 3D Models to footprints and mechanical parts.
Part 1: Automatically Mapping a 3D Model to a PCB Footprint
1. Open a PCB Footprint (.dra) in OrCAD PCB Designer.
2. Select Display > 3D Canvas from the menu or the 3D Canvas button on the toolbar.
3. In the 3D Canvas, select the 3D Mapper tab.
Note: If the 3D Mapper window is not visible, select View > Windows > 3D Mapper. If you are receiving an error in the 3D Mapper window, select Setup > Preferences > Symbol Representation. Make sure one of the following options is selected:
- Only the STEP Model
- Both the Boundary Shape and the STEP Model
- The STEP Model, if available, else the Boundary Shape
4. Under Model File, select the ellipses and browse for the appropriate STEP Model. Click Open.
Note: Other formats are now compatible for 3D Mapping, including SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor, Creo, ACIS, and more.
5. Select AUTO.
Note: By Selecting Auto, OrCAD PCB Designer automatically maps the 3D Model to the PCB footprint.
6. In the Z-axis, click Rotate twice to align pin 1 of the 3D Model with pin 1 of the PCB footprint.
7. Close the 3D Canvas. Select File > Save or the Save button on the toolbar to save the PCB Footprint.
Note: When 3D Models are mapped to the PCB footprint file, any design utilizing that PCB footprint will have the 3D Model already attached.
Part 2: Other 3D Mapping Options
1. Open a PCB Footprint (.dra) in OrCAD PCB Designer.
2. Select Display > 3D Canvas from the menu or the 3D Canvas button on the toolbar.
3. In the 3D Canvas, select the 3D Mapper tab.
4. Under Model File, select the ellipses and browse for the appropriate STEP Model. Click Open.
5. Select AUTO.
6. In the Z-axis, click Rotate twice to align the 3D Model to the PCB footprint.
7. Select MAN.
Note: Selecting Manual will activate a drag handle allowing you to drag and adjust the model’s location in the 3D Canvas.
8. Select TOP.
Note: Selecting Top will activate mapping for the top face of the 3D Model to the PCB footprint. Selecting Bottom (BTM) will activate mapping the bottom face of the 3D Model to the PCB footprint.
9. Select the top face of the 3D Model.
10. Select XY.
Note: This option will map a pin to a hole in the PCB and requires at least 2 pins to complete the mapping.
11. Select the pin surface on the 3D Model.
12. Select the corresponding hole surface on the PCB footprint.
Note: Make sure to select the pins and holes in the same order for footprints and 3D Models to be mapped properly.
13. Select XY.
14. Close the 3D Canvas. Select File > Save or the Save button on the toolbar to save the PCB Footprint.
Part 3: Mapping a Mechanical Model to a Board
1. Open a Board File (.brd) in OrCAD PCB Designer.
2. Select Display > 3D Canvas from the menu or the 3D Canvas button on the toolbar.
3. In the 3D Canvas, select the 3D Mapper tab.
4. Under MAP TO, select Footprint. Click on a desired component from the list.
Note: The corresponding symbol is highlighted in the 3D Canvas for review. To review only the selected component and the 3D Model, select Preview Type > Device Only.
5. Under MAP TO, select Mechanical.
Note: This tab is used to map mechanical models such as covers, shields, and housing. To create a new mechanical aspect in the design, select Create Mechanical Model.
6. Select STEP3D_MECH_TOPCOVER.
7. Under Model File, select the ellipses and browse for the appropriate STEP Model. Click Open.
8. Select TOP.
9. Select the top of the cover.
10. Select MAN and drag the cover away from the PCB.
11. Select XY.
12. On the 3D Model of the cover, select the inside surface of two holes.
13. On the PCB, select the corresponding holes to map to in the same selection order.
14. Select XY.
15. Close the 3D Canvas. Select File > Save or the Save button on the toolbar to save the design.
For more information on the latest OrCAD updates, be sure to visit our release page.
