ECAD Naming convention - icub-tech-iit/cad-libraries GitHub Wiki

When starting a study of a new board, the first task is to understand the maximum (or minimum) dimension required to receive all the components needed. In this way we can define a shape which fits with the mechanical parts and contains all the components the PCB needs to run.

The following table explains the naming convention to be used for the ECAD environment:

Description Tipo Naming convention in Creo Example Notes
Full Assembly PCA ELTR PCA name_MPCA.asm FTX_MPCA.asm
Board Shape ELTR PCB name_MPCB.prt FTX_MPCB.prt
Simplified Representation Envelop ELTR PCA name_MPCA.prt FTX_MPCA.prt
Baseline (first IDX from mech) - PCA name_rev._000_baseline_M.idx FTX_A_000_baseline_M.idx see notes 1, 2, 3
Proposal (proposal of modification) - PCA name_rev._iter. n°_proposal_'E'/'M'.idx FTX_A_002_proposal_E.idx see notes 1, 2, 3
Response (modification acceptance) - PCA name_rev._iter. n°_response_'E'/'M'.idx FTX_a_003_response_M.idx see notes 1, 2, 3

Notes:

  1. The first step of the collaboration, starts from Creo with a baseline. Every time there is an iteration between the CAD and the electronics software, the iteration number (iter. n°) has to be increased.
  2. You can identify if the file comes from the electronic team or the mechanical team by the final letter ('E' or 'M').
  3. Check the revision to add after the PCA name in Wingst or ask the electronic team.

Example of a typical situation:

  • FTX_A_000_baseline_M.idx (mech starts with first example to the electrical guys.)
  • FTX_A_001_baseline_M.idx (after discussion or meeting, there could be a new version with additional modification from MCAD team.)
  • FTX_A_002_response_E.idx (here is where the real collaboration starts, the ECAD team accepts the baseline.)
  • FTX_A_003_proposal_E.idx (ECAD proposes a modification and sends it to the MCAD team.)
  • FTX_A_004_response_M.idx (MCAD accepts the modification from ECAD team and replies with an acceptance.)
  • FTX_A_005_proposal_E.idx (ECAD sends the final modification with all components fixed.)

Mandatory parameters for the parts

Each model must have the following parameters:

Parameter name Parameter description Example Full Assembly (MPCA.asm) Board Shape (MPCB) envelope (MPCA.prt)
Mandatory? Mandatory? Mandatory?
DESCRIPTION Same as Wingst YES YES YES
TIPO Object type ELTR YES YES YES (very important!)
REV Same as Wingst YES (see note 5) YES (see note 5) YES (see note 5)

Notes:

  1. The IDX files have no parameters.
  2. All Creo files must be saved in cad-mechanics\projects\electronics\electronic_boards:
  • BoardName_MPCA.asm
  • BoardName_MPCB.prt
  • BoardName_MPCA.prt The IDX are stored in SharePoint at \Fondazione Istituto Italiano Tecnologia\iCub Tech - Documenti\Mechatronics\ECAD-Collaboration\[PCB name folder].
  1. Before starting, the mechanical team needs to know the alias code generated by the electronic team with the Board request issue.
  2. It is very important to compile the REV parameter into Creo.
  3. The mechanical and the electronic revisions must match.