To import a netlist into Altium, you'll typically use the dedicated netlist import functionality, which will add the netlist information to your existing PCB design. Here's how:
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Open your PCB document in Altium Designer. Make sure you have the PCB project open into which you want to import the netlist.
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Launch the Netlist Import command. The precise method for launching this command can vary slightly depending on your Altium Designer version. However, a common way is through the menu: Go to File > Import > Netlist. Alternatively, look for an "Import Netlist" option within the PCB editor's menus, possibly under "Project" or "Design".
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The "File Import - Netlist" dialog box will appear. This dialog allows you to specify the netlist file you wish to import.
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Locate and select your netlist file. Use the dialog to browse to the directory containing your netlist file and select the appropriate file. Netlists usually have extensions like
.NET,.CMP,.IPCor.TXT, but this can vary. -
Configure Import Settings (If Necessary). Some netlist import dialogs may offer options to configure how the netlist data is interpreted, like the units of measurement or the layer assignments. Review the options in the dialog box and adjust them according to the format of your netlist.
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Click "OK" to import. Altium will process the netlist.
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Review Imported Netlist Information. After clicking OK, the file will be imported and relevant netlist layers (*.ipc) will be added to the layers list in the CAMtastic panel. Check for any error or warning messages in the Messages panel. Verify connectivity in your PCB design to ensure the netlist has been correctly applied. This might involve using Altium's netlist comparison tools to check that the connectivity defined in the netlist matches the connectivity on your PCB.
