2009

Table Of Contents
Using the IDF Translator
The Intermediate Data Format (IDF) is an industry-standard specification designed specifically
for the exchange of printed circuit assembly (PCA) data between mechanical design and
printed circuit board (PCB) layout.
In this chapter, you learn about the IDF, what types of IDF data are supported by the translator,
how to import IDF data using the translator, and how the data can be used.
About the IDF Translator
The Autodesk
®
Inventor
IDF Translator uses the IDF format to read files
containing printed circuit assembly data and create an assembly or part file in
Autodesk Inventor containing the PCB and all of its components.
The IDF Translator enables the transfer of PCA data between PCB layout and
mechanical design within Autodesk Inventor.
When you first open an IDF board file using the translator, general information
about the file being opened is displayed. The items on the board are summarized
so you can import all items or a subset that you select. You can import the data
as a new Autodesk Inventor assembly or part file, or place the IDF data as a
component in an existing assembly.
Once the data is imported, the board appears with basic board and component
geometry information, along with design constraint information, such as keep
in and keep out regions. Assigned component colors provide a visually correct
representation of the PCB. The browser and BOM are updated with the IDF data.
NOTE The IDF does not provide a full design representation of a PCA, such as full
functional or electrical descriptions, and should not be used as such.
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