Altium stores 3D bodies as STEP embedded in the PCB. Xpedition prefers external .stp files referenced in the Cell Editor.
The Altium to Xpedition Translator is a powerful, albeit literal, tool. It will exactly transfer your copper, vias, and nets. It will not transfer your design intent (high-speed rules, class-to-class rules). That is the engineer's final step.
By following this exclusive user guide—focusing on pre-cleaning, custom layer mapping, and post-translation constraint rehabilitation—you can migrate complex PCBs in under 90 minutes that used to take two weeks of manual re-drawing.
Remember: The best translation is an informed translation. Always run a Design Rule Check in Xpedition and compare it to the original Altium DRC. When the numbers match, you have mastered the art of the switch.
Need further assistance? Siemens EBS documentation covers the generic controls, but this guide has covered the exclusive, field-tested realities of vias, pads, and polygon pours. Save this guide. Your future multi-board, high-speed Xpedition projects will thank you.
The document you are likely looking for is the Altium to Xpedition Translator User Guide
, which details the automated process for migrating PCB designs from Altium Designer to the Siemens Xpedition Enterprise platform.
This guide typically covers the following technical steps and features: Automated Translation Workflow
: Instructions for using the built-in translation utility to convert schematic and layout data. Data Integrity Management
: How to handle the conversion of design rules, stackups, and library components to ensure netlist and physical layout consistency. Design Migration Mapping : Details on how Altium's specific file structures (like
) map to Xpedition's central library and project hierarchies. Advanced Layout Features
: Guidance on utilizing Xpedition-specific features after migration, such as Component Explorer for hierarchical placement and planning groups. Accessing Official Documentation
Since this translator is a proprietary Siemens EDA tool, the full guide and related technical papers are typically found behind the Siemens Support Center
portal. You may need an active Maintenance or Support contract to download the official PDF. of the guide or information on a particular step of the conversion process? Altium-r- To Xpedition-r- Translator User Guide
The "Altium to Xpedition Translator User Guide" is a necessary resource for interoperability between these two distinct EDA ecosystems. While the tools automate the heavy lifting of data conversion, the guide underscores that human verification is mandatory to ensure design integrity is preserved during the migration.
Moving your complex PCB designs from Altium Designer to Siemens Xpedition Enterprise is a major transition that requires more than a simple "save as." While Altium focuses on an integrated, unified environment, Siemens Xpedition is built for enterprise-scale collaboration and deep physical-rule management.
To ensure a smooth migration, follow this guide based on the Siemens SupportNet documentation and industry best practices. 1. Pre-Translation: The "Clean Data" Rule
Translation follows the "garbage in, garbage out" principle. Before starting the Altium migration to Xpedition: altiumr to xpeditionr translator user guide exclusive
Synchronize First: Ensure your schematic and layout are 100% synchronized in Altium. Discrepancies here will cause major complications during import to Xpedition.
Fix Footprints: Verify that all library symbols match their corresponding footprints.
Export as ASCII: Save your Altium PCB file in the PCB ASCII format (File » Save As » PCB ASCII File), as this is often required for third-party translator compatibility. 2. The Conversion Process
Xpedition provides a specialized Project Migration Wizard to handle the heavy lifting.
Step A: Schematic Translation: Use the translator embedded within Xpedition (formerly DxDesigner). Create a new project, select Import, and add your Altium .SchDoc files.
Step B: Layout Translation: In the layout environment, use the translation tool to bring in the Altium ASCII layout. This process typically generates a translation log which you must review for any mapping errors.
Step C: Connect the Databases: Once both are imported, you must manually link the new schematic to the new PCB file to re-establish cross-probing and design integrity. 3. Post-Import Checklist
Don't assume the design is ready for manufacturing immediately. You must verify several critical areas:
Layer Mapping: Confirm that Altium layers (Top, Bottom, Internal) mapped correctly to the Xpedition stackup.
DRC Rules: Design Rule Check (DRC) settings often do not transfer perfectly. Re-verify your clearance and routing rules in the Xpedition Constraint Manager.
3D Models: While 2D footprints transfer, associated 3D STEP models usually need to be re-linked in the Xpedition environment.
Net Integrity: Check that auto-named nets haven't been altered in a way that breaks connectivity. 4. Why Teams Make the Switch
While Altium is praised for its modern user interface, Xpedition is often chosen by large organizations for its superior routing capabilities and advanced multi-user collaboration features.
If you're moving in the opposite direction, you can also migrate to Altium using its built-in Import Wizard.
To help me give you more specific advice, are you converting a single board or a large multi-board system? Also, do you have access to the Siemens SupportNet portal for the latest translator patches?
The document you are looking for is the Altium® to Xpedition® Translator User Guide, which is an official Siemens EDA document. This specific guide is not publicly hosted for open download because it is considered proprietary; however, it is accessible to licensed users through the Siemens Support Center (formerly SupportNet). How to Access the Official Guide
To obtain the primary "exclusive" user guide, you should follow these steps: Altium stores 3D bodies as STEP embedded in the PCB
Visit Siemens Support: Log in to the Siemens Support Center.
Search the Documentation: Search for the "Altium to Xpedition Translator User Guide" within the Xpedition product documentation section.
Check Community Attachments: Some configuration files and simplified translation guides are occasionally shared in the Siemens Community for specific uses, such as translating semiconductor reference designs. Key Technical Insights from the Translation Process
While the full manual is behind a login, the following critical steps and considerations are standard for the Altium-to-Xpedition workflow:
Project Migration Wizard: Xpedition uses a built-in Project Migration Wizard to handle the translation of Altium-created designs.
Mandatory Files: For a successful translation with correct design hierarchy, you must provide the *.PrjPcbStructure file along with the main *.PrjPcb file.
Pre-Translation Synchronization: It is strongly recommended to ensure your schematic and layout are fully synchronized within Altium before starting the export to avoid data discrepancies.
Mapping Files: A mapping file is typically required to reconcile differences in pin naming between Altium schematics and Xpedition footprints.
Library Translation: Components, padstacks, and cell definitions are usually handled through Library Services in Xpedition to ensure they integrate correctly into the Central Library.
The Altium to Xpedition Translator User Guide is a specialized document provided by Siemens EDA (formerly Mentor Graphics) to assist engineers in migrating design data from Altium Designer to the Xpedition Enterprise environment. Core Functionality
The translator is primarily used to convert Altium schematic and layout files into formats compatible with Xpedition.
Schematic Translation: Converts Altium schematic files (.SchDoc) into Xpedition-compatible schematics (often via xDX Designer).
Layout Translation: Handles the migration of PCB layout data, including footprints and board geometry.
Library Conversion: Supports the translation of Altium component libraries into Xpedition's Central Library (.lmc) format. Key Workflow Steps
According to documentation from Siemens SupportNet and technical guides, the process generally includes:
Preparation: Synchronize the schematic and layout within Altium before starting to ensure data integrity.
Configuration: Use the Project Migration Wizard in Xpedition to select the Altium source files. The Altium to Xpedition Translator is a powerful,
Mapping: Define how Altium layers, padstacks, and net properties should map to Xpedition standards.
Translation & Logging: Run the translation process. A log file is typically generated to highlight any warnings or manual clean-up required, such as missing graphical logos or complex design rule conflicts. Exclusive Access
The full, "exclusive" version of the user guide and the necessary configuration files are typically restricted to registered users.
SupportNet: Official detailed manuals and the translator itself are hosted on the Siemens SupportNet portal.
Reference Designs: Siemens sometimes provides specific translation guides for semiconductor reference designs originally created in Altium. How convert Altium to Mentor Xpedition? - SIEMENS Community
Altium to Xpedition Translator User Guide: A Comprehensive Resource
Are you looking to transition from Altium Designer to Mentor Graphics Xpedition? Look no further! This user guide is designed to help you navigate the process of translating your Altium designs to Xpedition, ensuring a seamless migration.
Introduction
Altium Designer and Mentor Graphics Xpedition are two popular PCB design tools used in the industry. While both tools offer robust design capabilities, there may be reasons to switch from one to the other. Perhaps your company has acquired new equipment or software, or you're looking for a more streamlined design flow. Whatever the reason, translating your designs from Altium to Xpedition can seem daunting. This guide aims to simplify the process, providing a step-by-step approach to ensure a smooth transition.
Understanding the Translation Process
Before we dive into the details, it's essential to understand the translation process. The goal is to convert your Altium design files into a format compatible with Xpedition. This involves:
Altium to Xpedition Translator Tool
Mentor Graphics offers a dedicated translator tool to facilitate the migration process. The tool supports various Altium design file formats, including:
The translator tool can be accessed through the Xpedition software or as a standalone application.
Step-by-Step Translation Guide
Here's a step-by-step guide to translating your Altium design to Xpedition: