
Are schematic symbols mapped to correct PCB footprints?. Local net names placed at wire intersection must be placed at correct locations (away from intersection point). Remove hidden pins or implicit connections. Ambiguous connectivity for reuse blocks must be broken apart in KiCad. Connectors should be represented as one-gate-per-pin with over 256 “gates.”. Alternatively, you can replace pin connectors in Altium Designer post-migration. Individual pin connectors (example: Block connectors) in KiCad must be modified at the KiCad tool level before migration. Below is a checklist of data cleanup best practices to help you as you prepare your data: It is prudent to clean up your design before attempting to export. There are four phases of legacy data migration. How much redundancy, duplication, and error is present in your library?Īfter reviewing these considerations, read on to learn how to import your legacy data into Altium Designer. Do you need to add Altium-specific features (like 3D models) for every part?. Are there any exotic parts that you may have trouble representing within Altium?. “We have a library of trusted parts which we’d like to bring into Altium.” Is this a reliable way to pass designs between our companies?” “Our service bureau doesn’t’ use Altium, but they can import Altium data.
Do you need to take advantage of additional Altium Designer features once the data is imported?.How much re-work is going to be needed after importing?.How do you plan to verify the imported data?.
“We have some ‘golden’ designs that we need to bring into Altium Designer to up-issue them.” Is it easier to start new designs rather than re-work the imported data to make it usable?.Does the legacy data include critical information for creating robust designs within Altium?.“We have 20 years of data, and I don’t want to leave it behind.” Before importing all of your legacy data, it’s important to ask yourself, “why do I need to import my legacy data?” Below are some of the most common considerations to consider when deciding whether to import legacy data into Altium Designer. This guide will show you how to import data from your legacy system into Altium Designer. Please refer to specific guides if you need to migrate other files. In this guide, we’ll focus on importing KiCad Layout PCB designs.
Making a Smooth Transition to Altium Designer from KiCad Layout