[PCB_FORUM] Re: Reverse engineering using CAM 350 tool
- From: "J Wages" <jwages@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <icu-pcb-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 10:51:36 -0500
Kevin,
I appreciate the input and I agree that what I described in my original
email is pretty daunting. I guess I'm just trying to see what I can
actually create with the data that is available. I'm sure I will be
limited by the amount, or more accurately, the lack of input data.
*chuckle* Most of these designs are pretty simple. Interface connectors
with a couple of resistors. I've downloaded the CAM 350 reverse
engineering tool and have a 30 day full capability license to try it out
on a few designs. At first glance it appears to be exactly what I need
for the designs that I have gerbers files, aperture lists, BOM, and NC
drill data. I think you are correct in the difficulties in creating a
schematic, but I think I can do it with some extra effort. I doubt,
however, that the customer really needs that and once I describe the
effort and cost of such effort. In the end I imagine that the customer
will probably be content with a reproducible set of fabrication and
assembly deliverable file packages.
I plan on documenting this "Reverse Engineering" process, so if anyone
else is interested let me know and I'll create a email distribution list
describing my process and the issues I encounter during my endeavor.
Jim S. Wages / Independent SR. PCB Layout Designer:
(919) 484-2963
-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin McCowan [mailto:kmccowan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 10:32 AM
To: icu-pcb-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [PCB_FORUM] Re: Reverse engineering using CAM 350 tool
So, let me see if I have this right.
You have gerbers and want to go to an allegro .brd file
AND create schematics? I think that if you can accomplish this
you will be considered a master.
If you already had the schematic and wanted to create a brd file
from gerbers you might have some hope of getting there with a lot
of invested hours. I believe the task you have undertaken,
if I understand correctly, is for all practical purposes,
impossible.
You don't have any footprints in the data. You don't have any
netnames in the data, in the case of the pdfs you really don't
have anything useful.
Once in the distant past I lost the .brd file but still had the
gerbers and all of the component symbols and schematic. I imported the
gerbers placed all of the components and extracted the nets to
recreate the board. It was a major effort even having most of the
pieces in place.
I wish you the best of luck on an extremely difficult task.
Sorry I couldn't be more help,
Kevin McCowan
Sr. PCB Designer
TSI Telsys
J Wages wrote:
> Hey folks,
> I reviewing a large opportunity to reverse engineer a few hundred
> obsolete PCB layout designs. Each design has different available data
> files. Some only have a pdf drawing of the etch and board dimensions.
> Others have unkown originated gerber files and apertures lists. I have
> downloaded the CAM350 tool and am currently undergoing learning that
> tools processes and capabilities. I was wondering if any of you out
> there have much experience with reverse engineering, the CAM 350 tool
or
> could recommend alternative tools. The idea output would be to reverse
> engineer to create a Cadence Concept HDL schematic, BOM, full netlist,
> and layout the board for availability for fabrication and assembly.
> Any input would be appreciated.
> Thanx in advance.
>
> Jim S. Wages / SR. PCB Layout Designer
> (919) 484-2963
>
>
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