How to set PCB123 net width and spacing

[Sal Hernandez]

If you’re working directly from the layout, then set the net width, spacing and default via size for each net as you create them. For example, if you created the net by drawing a trace between two pins, or by using the add connection tool, the next thing to do is right-click on the resulting trace (or ratsnest line) and select properties. Then, on the nets tab you can set the default net width, spacing, via and hole size. If you do this net-by-net as you go, you’re less likely to miss one out.

An alternate way to create nets is by using pins on the physical layout. To do so, right-click on a pin and select properties. Type in a new net name in the Net field and select ok. Now that you’ve got a net name attached to the pin, you can set the net properties for this object. You will need to locate the net name using the Project Tab. Look to the left of your screen for the Edit Panel. At the bottom of the Edit Panel select the Project Tab. Expand the PCB Node fields until you see the list under Children. In this list locate the PcbNet for the net name you just created. Right-click on the net name and select properties. On the nets tab set the default net width, spacing, via and hole size.

If you are looking at a layout with only parts and ratsnest lines you may not see any changes yet. The default net width and spacing are set to .006”. In the image below I have created two nets and 8 pins in a filled polygon assigned to net1. The image shows the default net values.

polyAssigned to Net1_1.png (571.39 KiB) Viewed 4812 times

In this next image I have increased the Net1 width and spacing to .02”.

polyAssigned to Net1_2.png (505.48 KiB) Viewed 4812 times

Now, if you are working from schematic, you have the schematic completed, and are now ready to move over to layout, you can use either of the two methods described above to set net width and spacing for individual nets. If setting the same net width and spacing for all nets then just drag a box around the entire layout, right-click and select properties. On the nets tab set the default net width, spacing, via and hole size.