Altiumr To Xpeditionr Translator User Guide Exclusive !new! May 2026
It seems you're looking for a user guide on translating designs from Altium to Xpedition, which appears to be a specific and technical requirement. The task involves converting PCB (Printed Circuit Board) designs from Altium Designer to a format compatible with Xpedition, likely Mentor Graphics Xpedition, a tool used for PCB design and layout.
While I don't have a specific user guide or document titled "Altium to Xpedition Translator User Guide" or similar, I can provide you with a general approach on how to achieve this translation. This process might require some manual adjustments and understanding of both software systems. altiumr to xpeditionr translator user guide exclusive
3.2 Phase 1 – Library Translation (Critical First Step)
Do not translate the design before libraries exist in Xpedition format. It seems you're looking for a user guide
- Select Altium Library Source – Point to
.SchLib/.PcbLibfolder. - Mapping Table – Create a CSV mapping for:
- Altium Footprint → Xpedition Part Number
- Altium Symbol → Xpedition Gate
- Run Library Translation – Output =
.lkp(Xpedition Component Library) +.pdb(Part DB). - Validate – Open Xpedition Library Manager. Check for:
- Pins that flipped orientation (common with multi-gate parts).
- Missing solder mask swell (Altium’s
SolderMaskExpansionoften drops).
9. Automated translator scripts & utilities
- Use or build a footprint/name-mapping CSV and an automated replace script in Xpedition (Skill or Tcl) for bulk part remapping.
- For repeated conversions, create a scripted pipeline: Altium export (IPC-2581) → versioned archive → Xpedition import → automated DRC run → report export.
4.2 Rules and constraints
- Recreate or map critical rules not translated:
- Length-tuning and matched-length constraints — verify differential pair settings.
- Impedance profiles — import or recreate using layer stack impedances.
- Custom DRC rules — re-implement in Xpedition rule manager.
- Reassign net classes to their correct rule sets.
Task 2: Fix Component Outlines
Xpedition uses a different outline (Assembly vs Silkscreen). Run:
Tools » Library Services » Update Parts from Library → Select "All components" → Check "Update Assembly Outlines only." Select Altium Library Source – Point to
3. Translation Methods
- Direct Import if Supported: Check if Xpedition directly supports Altium Designer files (.PcbDoc, .SchDoc). If so, use that.
- Neutral File Conversion: Use neutral formats like ODB++ or IPC-2581 for translation.
- ODB++: A comprehensive format that includes all design data. Altium can export ODB++, and Xpedition can likely import it.
- IPC-2581: Another standard format for exchanging PCB design data.
2. Prerequisites & Setup
Before running the translator, the environment must be configured to prevent "netlist explosion" or library corruption.
2. Export from Altium
There are two recommended approaches: neutral-format export (ODB++, IPC-2581) or direct Altium→Cadence transfer via intermediate formats (Exported Allegro ASCII or EDIF for schematic). Choose based on target Xpedition version and available import capabilities.
5. Troubleshooting Common Translator Errors (Exclusive Table)
| Altium Artifact | Translation Result | Solution |
|---------------------|------------------------|---------------|
| Parameter sets (e.g., DIFFPAIR) | Ignored | Post-translate, assign in Xpedition CSE |
| Embedded padstacks (vary by layer) | Converted to Xpedition’s default padstack | Edit each padstack in Library Manager |
| Board cutouts (Polygon cutout region) | Lost; board remains solid | Recreate with Place > Board Cutout |
| Net labels with leading underscore (e.g., _GND) | Dropped (Xpedition reserves underscore) | Rename in Altium before export |
| Multi-channel designs (Repeat, Room) | Flattened but component designators scrambled | Use Tools > Rename Components in Xpedition |