Copy and paste, repeat the block layout between different PCBs?

Making PCB Layouts, Manual routing, Auto-routing, Copper pouring, Updating from Schematic, Manufacturing Output
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bird
Posts: 79
Joined: 02 Feb 2016, 01:26
Location: TN, USA

Copy and paste, repeat the block layout between different PCBs?

#1 Post by bird » 15 Oct 2024, 17:32

Hello, I found from the new DT tutorial that it is possible now to copy the layout of a block ( only hierarchical block? ) and paste/repeat it into multiple same blocks within a single PCB.
How about this same "save and repeat" feature to apply between two PCBs ? In other words to save/copy a block layout in one PCB and paste it / repeat in another PCB which has the same schematic block?
This is about using the same (hierarchical ?) block schematic in multiple PCB designs. Is this possible in version 5 ?
Closely related to this question is this significant consequence: can the available PCB (both schematic and a finished layout) be used as a hierarchical block for another PCB ?
This V.5 seems to be almost "there" in terms of this powerful feature but I am not sure if it is completely finished.
Please let me know.

Alex
Technical Support
Posts: 3989
Joined: 14 Jun 2010, 10:43

Re: Copy and paste, repeat the block layout between different PCBs?

#2 Post by Alex » 04 Nov 2024, 11:13

It is possible to copy component placement and routing between multiple instances of the same hierarchical block within one PCB design.
If you want to reuse existing block(s) in new design you can try the following. Open existing schematic, delete all unnecessary components and nets but keep block(s) you want to reuse, then open related board and update it from the modified schematic.

bird
Posts: 79
Joined: 02 Feb 2016, 01:26
Location: TN, USA

Re: Copy and paste, repeat the block layout between different PCBs?

#3 Post by bird » 04 Nov 2024, 15:31

Thank you Alex. Indeed this will allow to make a separate PCB module out of available hierarchical block. Often needed feature in our workflow.
As for a more complex PCB importing the same hierarchical block it would involve more work - this new PCB should be first created as individual module having only this imported hierarchical block from another PCB, and later to add other schematic components and blocks to finalize this new PCB ... more work but still doable. Though limitation is only one ready-made hierarchical block can be imported this way.
Thanks again.

laurennjames10
Posts: 1
Joined: 06 Nov 2024, 10:35

Re: Copy and paste, repeat the block layout between different PCBs?

#4 Post by laurennjames10 » 06 Nov 2024, 10:37

bird wrote: 15 Oct 2024, 17:32 Hello, I found from the new DT tutorial that it is possible now to copy the layout of a block ( only hierarchical block? ) and paste/repeat it into multiple same blocks within a single PCB.
How about this same "save and repeat" feature to apply between two PCBs ? In other words to save/copy a block layout in one PCB and paste it / repeat in another PCB which has the same schematic block?
This is about using the same (hierarchical ?) block schematic in multiple PCB designs. Is this possible in version 5 ?
Closely related to this question is this significant consequence: can the available PCB (both schematic and a finished layout) be used as a hierarchical block for another PCB ?
This V.5 seems to be almost "there" in terms of this powerful feature but I am not sure if it is completely finished. duck life
Please let me know.
It sounds like you're exploring DipTrace's new features for hierarchical blocks and wondering if the "copy and paste" block layout function can work across multiple PCBs, rather than just within a single one. As of version 5, copying a block layout directly between different PCBs may not yet be fully supported, though DipTrace does allow for hierarchical blocks within a single PCB. This feature seems to be progressing, so future updates could expand on cross-PCB functionality, allowing for more streamlined designs when working with repeated layouts across projects.

bird
Posts: 79
Joined: 02 Feb 2016, 01:26
Location: TN, USA

Re: Copy and paste, repeat the block layout between different PCBs?

#5 Post by bird » 06 Nov 2024, 16:19

This is why I included in my original post this statement:
This V.5 seems to be almost "there" in terms of this powerful feature
It is logical to assume that this feature will be complete in a subsequent release...

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