PCB Export - Ansoft Neutral File

Ansoft design and develop software tools for engineers for electromagnetics design, and circuit and system simulation.

The Ansoft DesignerSI platform integrates EM analysis with circuit and system simulation in a highly accurate design flow for gigabit communication and memory applications. Engineers using Ansoft DesignerSI can leverage multiple signal integrity simulation methods such as traditional transient, fast convolution, statistical, and IBIS-AMI analyses in a single user interface. These methods utilize optimization algorithms, Design of Experiments (DoE), tuning, and post-processing for key signal-integrity metrics, such as TDR (time-domain reflectometry), BER (bit-error-rate), timing analysis and eye diagrams.

Ansoft HFSS™ is a popular simulation tool for 3D full-wave electromagnetic field simulation. HFSS provides E- and H-fields, currents, S-parameters and near and far radiated field results. Core to the HFSS tool is its automated solution process where users are only required to specify geometry, material properties and the desired output. From here HFSS automatically generates an appropriate, efficient and accurate mesh for solving the problem using the proven finite element method. With HFSS the physics defines the mesh, not the mesh defining the physics. Using HFSS engineers can design high-speed components including on-chip embedded passives, IC packages, PCB interconnects, and high-frequency components such as antennas, RF/microwave components, and biomedical devices.

By exporting the PCB design from Altium Designer's PCB Editor in the Ansoft Neutral File format, designers can open the design in the required Ansoft design tool.

Transferring the Design from Altium To Ansoft

Transferring a design from Altium Designer to one of the Ansoft tools is done by exporting the board from Altium Designer's PCB editor to the Ansoft Neutral File (*.ANF) format. To export the board select File»Save Copy As from the PCB Editor menus. Set the Save as type to Export Ansoft Neutral File (*.anf).

Export the current PCB to the Ansoft Neutral File format using the File»Save Copy As command.

The Ansoft exporter extracts component Value parameters from the components on the project's schematic, open the entire Project rather than just the board for the exporter to access these parameters.

Notes on Supported Layers and Objects

All appropriate Altium Designer PCB layers and objects are exported to a V4.0 format Ansoft file, with the following exceptions:

• All enabled copper, power plane, mechanical and overlay layers are exported.
• Layer-stack details, including copper thickness and dielectric properties (material, thickness and dielectric constant) are exported.
• Text strings are exported as objects rather strings, ensuring that their shapes are accurately represented in the ANF file, regardless of the font used in Altium Designer.