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What is the actual usage of “Component Outlines”?

davecole
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This tutorial requires:

DesignSpark PCB V11.0.0

DesignSpark PCB uses the component outline to check the component spacing requirements in the Design Rules Check.

If the component does not have an outline it uses the silk screen to generate a bounding box shape as an alternative “component outline”.

The method discussed above when there is not an outline defined for the DRC results in a ‘good’ approximation in most cases.

Situations where a component outline should be used are if you are planning to position any components at an angle, i.e., not aligned with the X, Y axis. The reason is that the substitute rectangular bounding box will still be generated aligned with the X, Y axis so will be a greater area than required.

Another type of component requiring a component outline is any that are circular such as radial capacitors. When placed the autogenerated bounding box will be a large square and cause false errors to be reported for any other components encroaching into the square at the corner regions.

So, the uses of the Component Outline are;

  • 1. Provide a precise boundary for the component.
  • 2. Remove false errors where components are placed at an angle
  • 3. Remove false errors where the component is not essentially rectangular.
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davecole
I'm a Mechanical Engineer by qualification though I worked for a long time specialising in Motion Control systems and integration with various PLC systems. I've wide experience of many types of applications from packaging machines to military and some applications that I can't mention. At home, I like to tinker and make things with wood, metal, plastics, electronics and mechanical system. I'm never happier than with a hammer and a screwdriver in my hands....
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