How do I load a netlist into my PCB?

Transferring design data from one design domain to another is done using the design synchronizer, which includes a comparison engine, an ECO generator, and an updater. This is used to transfer differences between the schematics and the PCB, or a netlist and a PCB, see below.

Synchronizing a netlist with a PCB can be done in two ways. The simplest is available if both the PCB and the netlist are added to the same PCB project. Open the PCB and choose Design » Import Changes from Project. This will take you directly to the ECO dialog (see attached screen shot).

The other option is more complicated, but it allows synchronization between documents even if they are not part of the same project, although they must both be visible in the Projects panel.

* Open the PCB document, and select Project » Show Differences
* In the Choose Documents to Compare dialog, click the Advanced Mode button.
* The dialog will change to display two columns, select the PCB in one and the netlist in the other, and click the OK button. Do not forget to add the appropriate PCB footprint libraries into the library list, or alternatively, include them in the project.
* The differences dialog will appear, listing all differences found between the netlist and the PCB.

Note: The comparison options are configured in the Project Options dialog. You may also get an intermediate dialog if there are components or mismatching nets already loaded on the PCB. Follow the prompts accordingly.

* To transfer all the changes from the netlist to the PCB, right click in the dialog and select Update » PCB from the menu. The dialog will update to show what changes will be carried out.
* Click the Create Engineering Change Order button.

In the ECO dialog you have the opportunity to disable any of the proposed changes and validate them before execution. The validation process is linked with the Messages panel, so this may be reviewed in the case of any failures before the changes are carried out.

Note: The design synchronizer supports Protel and Tango netlist formats only.