Documentation

Multiple PCBs within one project

Related subject: Setting up a board as a Panel.


Within one project it is possible to divide a layout into several PCBs, or copy parts of it to have multiple PCBs in ine project, see the following example: pic.t3001. It is possible to maintain as much different layouts within one project as the size of the board allows. The maximum board size is 78.74 in² (=2.0 m²) over all. See these two layouts within one project which you'd like to treat separately in Gerber data creation as well as in the creation of a Bill of Material:

Multiplepcb1 e.jpg
Image: Detail of two layouts within one project


First you need to use the icon Layers.jpg to create a new layer having the function "Separation into single PCBs". Select an appropriate color and eventually a line pattern to get a somewhat translucent view.

Define a layer

Image: Define a layer. Double click on a free layer line to open the "Edit layer" dialog. From the drop down menu select the layer function "Separation into single PCBs".


The individual PCBs now need to be covered by filled rectangles being drawn on layer: "Separation into single PCBs". In our case it's layer #29. To do so, select the "Draw filled rectangles" tool in the drawing functions and click M2 on the number of the new layer in the layer stack in the sidebar on the right. This activates a layer to draw on. This is how you always do it in TARGET: Select the drawing tool and right-click on the layer number or on the color field of the layer in the layer stack on the right to activate it. Then draw.

Draw filled rectangles on layer 29

Image: Lay a filled rectangle upon layer 29 upon each separate layout.

Filled rectangles on layer 29

Image: That's what it might look like.

The next step is the important thing. Double click one rectangle and press the [Properties] button in the dialog. In the column "Property" type "PCB_AREA" to a free line. Right beside in the column "Value" enter an appropriate name, e.g. PCB1.

New property

Image: Enter property and value.

Do this for all rectangles (= single PCBs). In our case you might have value PCB1 for the first and PCB2 for the second rectangle. Please note: The rectangle must be "free", i.e. it must not have a signal and must not be a component or a part of it.


The Gerber export allows choosing one of the PCBs

Gerber export

Image: XGerber and Excellon


Also the generation of the Bill of Material allows choosing one of the PCBs:

BoM

Image: Select data set for the Bill of material (BoM)]]