topic Re: Create board first, then add schematic in EAGLE Forum

Create board first, then add schematic

Paul_Stary — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 15:23:02 GMT

I know the standard procedure in Eagle PCB is to create a schematic, then create the board from that schematic.

However, I have complex shaped board that was created in Fusion 360.

I created an Eagle board out by pulling this PC board from Fusion. That all worked great. However, I cannot figure out how to link a schematic to this previously created board.

I get the standard error message suggesting the files are not linked (back annotation not working). I have tried messing with the ERC error dialog to no avail.

With the intimate connection now between Fusion 360 and Eagle PCB, I would think many people would start in fusion, creating a board shape that fits into their product. Then pull that board into Eagle and begin the design.

How do I connect my schematic to the board I created and pulled into Eagle from Fusion?

Thank you.

Re: Create board first, then add schematic

C.Nicks — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 19:53:04 GMT

Hi Paul,

I would suggest first creating a board from schematic to make sure all annotation is in sync. Then on the created board delete everything on the Dimension layer (20).

You can then import the entire complex outline into the in sync board.

Go to File -> Import -> EAGLE drawing...

Select the Fusion 360 created brd file and import.

Re: Create board first, then add schematic

Paul_Stary — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 22:10:05 GMT

Hi Cameron,

Thank you so much! That worked exceptionally well and makes perfect sense. I presume Layer 20 (Dimensions) contains the board outline and importing my Fusion 360 board after deleting Layer 20, replaced the original board outline with my Fusion 360 outline.

I was finally able to get the components to appear on my Fusion PC board model. It took several syncs and had to close and reopen Fusion 360 to get the parts to show on the model.

However, no pads or traces! I thought they were supposed to come in as decals?.

Then I put the parts onto the bottom side of the board using the Mirror command. That worked fine in Eagle. But again, took many Push updates and had to close and reopen Fusion 360 to finally see the parts on the bottom side of the PCB. Still no traces or pads.

Not sure you can help with these problems but thanks again for solving my biggest issue.

Best regards,

Paul Stary

Re: Create board first, then add schematic

C.Nicks — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 00:11:14 GMT

Hi Paul,
Glad that you got it figured out. The import feature has been an important asset in my workflow.
You can import schematics, boards, or entire designs and paste them like design blocks.

And yes, anything drawn on layer 20 is considered part of the outline.
I don't know about the issues you're having with Fusion 360, but if you notice something that seems to behave strangely, or have a suggestion, I would suggest capturing it using Screencast and report it on the forums.