Protel PCB

Overview

CAMCAD reads a Protel file format called a .PCB file. This is an ASCII file that is very easy to create. For directions on creating this file in Protel PCB, please see the original system file generation section.

Versions Supported

CAMCAD supports Protel for Windows PCB V. 2.7, V. 2.8, 3, 4, Protel 99, 99SE.

The ASCII PCB files produced by Protel DXP (VERSION=5.00) are currently not supported. Protel DXP does offer an export to Protel PCB 2.8 ASCII that is supported by the CAMCAD Protel importer.

Specific Import Procedures

The Protel PCB import procedure does not vary from the generic file import procedure. Simply select the File | Import command and choose the Protel PCB V2.8/V3/V4 Text Read option from the Import File Format menu. Next, navigate to the .PCB file and select it. CAMCAD will then import the file according to the settings in the default rules file.

The default rules file is Protel.in and is found in the CAMCAD directory. See Protel.in File for more information regarding the use of this file.

Tips, Notes and Importing Questions

What are DRC errors?

When importing a Protel file into CAMCAD you may get a "DRC ERROR:" reported in the log file. These log file messages are documented in the Protel Log File page.