This module describes how to load a board template, load a netlist, open a board, and save a board, in order to start and store a PCB CAD project.

Opening a design

You can open a new design or an existing design. When you open a new board design, Layout prompts you to choose a template and a schematic netlist. A board template provides the framework within which you can create a board design. A netlist describes the parts and interconnections of a schematic design. A board template (file_name.TPL) contains a board outline and design rules from Layout’s default technology template, DEFAULT.TCH. DEFAULT.TCH, described in Appendix A, Understanding the files used with Layout, contains the following parameters, among others:

· 62-mil pads

· 12-mil tracks

· 12-mil spacing

The board templates, located in the LAYOUT/DATA directory, offer numerous, unique board outlines, which are listed and illustrated in the OrCAD Layout Footprint Libraries manual. The board outline titles correspond to the filenames of the board templates that contain them.