Mentor Graphics PCB Design Tutorial

Viewing PCB Viewpoint

After you have packaged the design, it is very useful to go back into Design Architect to view the PCB Design Viewpoint of the circuit. This viewpoint shows the schematic with all the reference designators and other properties filled in. The reference designators are important for placing the correct parts in the correct locations on the circuit board.

Double-click on the design_arch icon in the Design Manager tool window. Instead of clicking on the "Open Sheet" icon, click on "Set Design Viewpoint". Enter or navigate to your circuit (osc1 in this example), and click OK. The Open Design Sheet dialog will come up next; just click OK. Your schematic will appear, with the reference designators filled in. I would advise printing out this schematic to keep handy while you place your parts on the PCB and route traces. Printing is done from File->Print Sheet menu pick (mgcsunlab is normal printer to use).