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  • Author Author: jamesharrimanaltium
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Is there a reference designator feature in CircuitStudio to automate or re-annotate from PCB?

There is no tool to automate a reference designator strategy. However, you can rename the reference designators on the PCB and push those changes back into the schematics (SCH) without the risk of losing the synchronization of the SCH and PCB.

 

Tools | Re-Annotate command can be used to re-annotate the components on the PCB.

 

Note: Re-Annotate command also generates a .WAS file in your project folder, containing the changes that have been made to the PCB. The .WAS file is not used in the Update Schematics step below.

 

After changing the designators, while the PCB document is still focused, use:

Home | Project | Update Schematics in (project).PrjPcb

Execute the ECO process.

 

The designators on the corresponding components on your schematics will now be updated to match the designators on your PCB document.

  • As indicated on the Altium Crcuit Studio documentation site Re-Annotate | Online Documentation for Altium Products :

    As a factor of habit, it is also recommended that you synchronize again to the PCB from the schematic when designators have changed since dynamic net names include the highest alphanumeric Designator and Pin combination found to name the net. Some dynamic net names may have changed and this will ensure the Schematic and PCB are fully synchronized. If you name all nets, this will not be necessary.

    I did this and discovered one net name that did not migrate with the change in designator AND that three components on the PCB had 2 or 3 pads get their names messed with.  "_1" was added to the pad name.  The pad needed to be edited (delete "_1" ) to allow the ECO to resync the PCB to SCH.

    After doing this re-annotation check that your silk/overlay component designators still fit.  It is easy to have C1 change to C24 and no longer fit next to a pad or via.