problem with automatic placement in protelDXP

Most PC layout programs do have an Auto-place function, because the marketing department insists on it, but I don't think I've ever heard anyone say they actually use it.

I've tried it occasionally with older versions of Protel, but never got any useful results. You will have to place some parts manually to give the auto-placer some guidance, but the results will rarely be useful.

PCB has auto-place, but most people use "disperse all elements" which just spreads things out so you can grab individual parts.

I would have to agree with that. Auto place is useless and essentially impossible really.

If you have connectors they are likely going to need to be in a certain location, auto place isn't going to help there.

Other components may also need to be in certain areas due to clearances or whatever other potential technical reasons.

The time it would take to just define the rules for an auto place to have any hopes of succeding may as well just place the stuff by hand.

I am all for features in any type of software package to make the users life easier but it has to make sense from more than just a marketing standpoint.

-- Stephan

kimi no koto omoidasu hi nante nai no wa kimi no koto wasureta toki ga nai kara