ICD Stackup Planner
IPC-2581 Interface
Introduction
The ICD Stackup Planner – IPC-2581 Interface allows the user to import stackup files
from EDA tools that support the IPC-2581 format, edit the stackup and then export,
together with the original board data back into IPC-2581 A & B format. Alternatively,
you can start with the Stackup Planner and export this directly to IPC-2581 format.
1. Import -> EDA Translators -> IPC-2581 (version A or B)
Select the .cvg for version A or .xml file for version B to import.
This example is a 10 Layer.xml
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2. Edit the dielectric materials and change any variables
to obtain the desired impedance.
In this case, the trace width and clearance were altered and materials from the Isola
370HR 100MHz range were added from the ICD Dielectric Materials Library.
3. Export -> EDA Translators -> IPC-2581 (version A or B)
Once the editing has been completed to your satisfaction, export the stackup back into
the original IPC-2581 format.
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A. If you originally started with an IPC-2581 file, as in this case, then you need to
includethe original file as a template as this will ensure that all the other data, apart
from the stackup, is put back into the file during export. This may be a compete
description of the board to be fabricated, assembled and tested. The Stackup
Planner only allows you to edit the stackup data leaving all other data as before.
Select a Template file (original IPC-2581 file).
B. Alternatively, if you started with the ICD Stackup Planner then the other
board data is not available – just the stackup data.Open the Via Span dialog and
add any PTH vias, Blind or Buried microvias to the stackup.
Do not use a template file.
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