How can I create several boards based on one schematic?

MX21 over 14 years ago

I am designing a board that will have 3 variations:

1) full function unit with display, memory, and external interface.

2) same as 1, but without the memory and interface.

3) same as 1, but without the display, memory and interface.

Is there a way to do 3 board layouts based on the same schematic?

This way, common areas of the design that change will be changed for all variations.

Is there a way to mark parts in the schematic as not being installed in some of the board layouts?

For example, the display part footprint only needs to exist on variations 1 and 2.

Thanks,

KennyMillar over 14 years ago

I don't think there is any way to make multiple boards with one schematic - at least, not with forward-back annotation.

It depends on the exact needs of your project, but in the past in this type of situation I have made a single board with the fullest configuration, and then just issued the board house with a 'stuffing table' - ie A document which states which components should be fitted and which should not.

You can also open the board editor and do 'save as' and save the board as a new filename and make changes - but you will only get forward-back annotation with the board whose name matches the schematic name exactly.

-Kenny
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MX21 over 14 years ago in reply to KennyMillar

Each board needs to be a different size and layout, so I can't just do it with stuffing different parts.
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huayuliang over 14 years ago

Don't do that!

they are different variant or branch for your project.

just copy it and give them related name.

if you warry about the synchronous update of three project in EAGLE, you can replace the schematic file from newer.

just a few advice , maybe it is wrong..
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Former Member over 14 years ago in reply to huayuliang

What I did for a similar product is use one board file, but draw 3 different board in there, first starting at (0,0mm) second at (0,100mm), third at (0,200mm). Works great, board house had no problems with this solution.
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huayuliang over 14 years ago in reply to Former Member

yes, if you want put them together in a unrelated brd file, and send to board house, it is right.
because this will not affect their source schematic and board file.

There is a ulp on CADSoft download area to work for this, but I only remembered a part of name, "pan....ulp", sorry.
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Richard_H over 14 years ago in reply to huayuliang
There is a ulp on CADSoft download area to work for this, but I only remembered a part of name, "pan....ulp", sorry.

Its name is panelize.ulp and comes with the EAGLE installation.

Regards,
Richard
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