Layer 39&40 (Keepout/ComponentExclude)

[n.smithHJCP5]

I don't think these layers are working correctly in 2.0.17954. 

Standard set of components

Let's say that LED is in an illegal spot. To mark it, throw down ComponentExcludeTop (39) and ComponentExcludeBottom (40). Document > Draw > Rectangle. 

Run DRC

No errors related to that LED. 

Am I missing something? I've even gone into designs I've made previously using this technique that worked in the past and it no longer works.

[constantin.popescuXD3CL]

Hi n.smithHJCP5,

I had a look and the objcts placed on the Keepout layers are handled by the Keepout Clearance Rule that checks any objects on the same keepout layer against eachother if they are not part of the same component. This behaviour hasn't been changed since the Eagle days.

In order to be able to help you better can you please describe what you want to do and I will see if I can figure out a valid solution.

Kind Regards,

[jorge_garcia · Accepted solution]

Hi @n.smithHJCP5,

I hope you're doing well. So the keepout layers are what other tools call Courtyards. They do not define an avoid zone. The way they work is that you draw courtyards on your components (fences). If any fences overlap then an error is raised.

Right now it's working as designed. There's currently no way to define a blocked off area for components in the Electronics environment. It has never worked in the way you describe, you may have used a restrict layer in one of those examples you mention. Could that be possible?

With all that said, the suggestion is valid. I'll put in a request for it.

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

Best Regards,

[n.smithHJCP5]

Thank you both. You're right. I think I was conflating the courtyards around components with the components themselves. If I were to draw courtyards around the components, then draw the rectangle as I did, the DRC would catch the overlap.