PADS Logic Exporter Extension

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Modified by Annika Krilov on Nov 2, 2015

Altium Designer now includes an extension that allows users to export projects to PADS Logic 5.0. The PADS Logic Exporter extension makes outputs compatible with PADS Logic 5.0 using a text file format which should also be supported by future versions of PADS.

Altium Designer already includes a PADS Logic Importer. The Importer is included with Altium Designer by default, but may not be enabled. To enable the PADS Logic Importer, go to DXP » My Account » Extensions & Updates and click Configure in the top right corner. Under Importers\Exporters select PADS and click Apply.

Access

The PADS Logic Export extension is included in the new Altium Designer release, and can be found under the Extensions & Update section of your account page. Though the extension is included with the release, you will still need to install the extension. DXP » My Account » Extensions & Updates » Purchased. Under the Software Extensions section, use the Search bar to find the PADS Logic Exporter extension or scroll through the alphabetical listing of extensions. Click the icon on the top right corner of the extension's box to install the PADS Logic Exporter. For the exporter to become accessible, Altium Designer must be restarted after installing the extension.

Make a schematic the active document to access the extension. You can then find the exporter under File » Export » PADS Logic 5.0. A file browser will open and allow you to choose the save location for your exported PADS file. After selecting a location and clicking Save, you will be prompted to choose whether to export the whole project or only the selected (active) sheet.

The Export settings dialog.

Another dialog will open to confirm that your export has been successful. You can then find your exported file in the selected save location.

Restrictions

Does not support harness export since PADS does not have a compatible entity.
Multi-level hierarchies are not supported since PADS only allows one level.
All exported pins will have the same length regardless of source data. In Altium Designer pins have a parameterized length while PADS pins are standalone objects whose lengths are defined as graphics coordinates.
As PADS does not support junction points over buses, you cannot make a T connection for two buses. Only single nets are supported.
Repeat modifiers in sheet symbols are not supported since PADS does not have a compatible entity.
Ports can not be set to Buses directly and should only be set to corresponding nets.