Moving from Eagle to Fusion

[grahamUTKMN]

So it looks like the time might have come for me to look into moving over from Eagle to Fusion.

Are the migration documents totally up to date? Or are there other things I should know?

I'm currently working on a new design block of an AD processor and DDR3. I think Fusion doesn't use design blocks, is that correct? Can I bring in the work I've already done somehow? Can I just bring this small design in initially and have access to all the parts within it without creating libraries?

Can I ultimately bring all my custom libraries in 'as-is'?

I'm interested in trying to use the autorouter to connect the DDR3 to the processor. Just getting the pins connected is all I need, I'm happy to tweak it afterwards to match the lengths. Is the autorouter actually any good? Are there any tricks I could do to know with it?

Thanks,

G

[jorge_garcia]

Hello @grahamUTKMN,

I hope you're doing well. The documents are up to date. You can consume Designblocks in Fusion, you just can't create them. Your libraries will also transfer as is with not modification. Additionally, you can upload your designs without issue.

The autorouter is a tool like any other, you have to know when it's applicable. For critical routes like what you are dealing with, I would actually recommend you to manually route these. It will be less work than letting the autorouter go to town and then fixing it afterwards. Doing it right the first time usually saves time.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[grahamUTKMN]

Hi @jorge_garcia,

How do I use an existing design block? Do I first need to create an Electronics project with a blank schematic and PCB design?

Re the autorouter, I'm more interested in seeing if it can be useful to just connect up the pins between the two parts, as that in itself is not an easy task. Letting it sit for hours trying to do it allows me to do something else.

I'm having a little play with Fusion today, and have a few specific questions:

I have my own custom libraries stored locally. I'm nervous that I make some mistake moving them into Fusion, so what is the actual right way to do it?
Once I have them in Fusion, are they then 'in the cloud'? If I want to still work in Fusion and Eagle (for legacy reasons), do I need to update both libraries? Or is there a way to update one and sync them?

In Fusion layout, where do I find:
Design Rules
Net Classes

How can I change the colour of my airwires? They default to white and they blend in a bit. The old yellow is much better.

What's happened to Ratsnest? How do I regenerate airwires?

Can I un-pour polygons or just hide them? When hidden I still see the outlines, which is a bit off putting.

Many thanks,

G

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @grahamUTKMN,

I hope you're doing well. You can insert designblocks by just going to the place section of the top menu

Designblocks have to be inserted into a design. They are not a design by themselves.

THe autorouter will definitely make the connections, I'll leave it to you to judge if the result is worthwhile for you. 

So the easiest way to bring in your libraries into Fusion will depend on what type of libs you are using. If you have never used managed libraries then the easiest way to use them in Fusion is to upload them. This will create a cloud copy of your libs that are completely separate for your original libs.  If you want to keep a link between Fusion and EAGLE then you'll have to use managed libs. I cover transitioning EAGLE data into Fusion in this video series.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmA_xUT-8UlL5wTsDLkXtj_nBwojmRf5b

I have to update video 4 since we have a much better method of doing what's show in that video now.

In the 2D PCB you'll find the DRC in the VALIDATE sub menu at the top.

You can find the Netclasses in the VALIDATE sub menu as well. 

You can always type CLASS and DRC in the command line and press enter to access them.

It's interesting that your airwires have a different color by default they a still supposed to be yellow. You can change the layer colors in the display layers panel. Select the Unrouted layer and then in the details at the bottom you can change the layer color.

Ratsnest in Fusion is always active and runs automatically so you don't have run it manually anymore. You can still force it by typing RATSNEST in the CLI and press enter. I don't think this is necessary anymore but the option is there.

In the polygon command of the main menu you'll find the option to hide the polygon pours. The outline always stays behind to let you know how the polygon had filled. If you don't like it, those outlines will disappear as soon as you route or move something.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,