Using IDF files

[KevinPinks7697]

I don't have any IDF files yet to import, but say I import a PCB assembly in IDF format, am I going to have to constrain all the parts in the PCB assembly? If so, that is going to be a real pain and makes me wonder if the IDF import is worth it?

Thx

Kev

[rdyson]

Until someone who actually knows comes along, I'll tell what I know.

I've imported idf's from a program called Pads (I think)

The boards may or may not be the correct thickness (probably up to the EE to assign)

All part come in as grounded in the iam, so constraining should not be a problem, normally.

All parts from Pads are just place holders, they are not models of the actual components.

I've built a library of components that I have modeled, it doesn't take me long to replace the place holders with my models.

[Curtis_Waguespack]

Hi KevinPinks7697, 

When you import it, you have the option of importing as a part file or an assembly file. For standards boards I typically use part, but occasionally I'll find it useful to import as an Assembly. In those cases the components come in grounded, and I'll just unground the one or two that needs to move and just reconstrain it.

You can find an example IDF file for you version here:

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor 2010\Samples\Models\Translation\IDFTranslator

I'm just curious, what PCB layout program are your IDF files coming from?

I hope this helps.
Best of luck to you in all of your Inventor pursuits,
Curtis
http://inventortrenches.blogspot.com

[mflayler2]

They will translate into an Assembly with the components already in a grounded state.

[KevinPinks7697]

PADS LS