How to export from JITX into Altium Designer¶

We can export a JITX design to an Altium project that includes a .pcbdoc, a .schdoc, as well as a .pcblib and .schlib.

NOTE: Our extension is verified to work for Altium versions 18 through the latest version 22.8.

If you have not installed the Altium extension, follow the instructions for Installing the JITX Altium Extension. JITX and Altium should be installed on the same computer and able to launch at the same time.

Set up export-cad¶

We configure an export to Altium in our program by first creating a new design in JITX. Then, add the following code to the end of your main.stanza file.

set-main-module(my-design)

val board-shape = Rectangle(10.0, 10.0)

pcb-board my-circuit-board :
  stackup: my-stackup
  boundary: board-shape
  signal-boundary: board-shape

  layer(Silkscreen("F-silk", Top)) =
    Text("Board v1.2.3", 2.54, C, loc(0.0, 0.0))

set-board(my-circuit-board)
set-current-design("jitx-design")
set-export-backend(`altium)
set-use-layout-groups()
export-cad()

set-current-design("jitx-design") This sets the directory where our Altium project will be created

set-export-backend(`altium) This specifies that Altium should be used for export.

set-use-layout-groups() This defines that components should be grouped in the generated layout by layout-group.

export-cad() Run the exporter.

Open Altium and run the design¶

Launch Altium, activate a license, and close all documents.

In JITX, run a generator that includes the export functions defined above.

The extension will read in your file and build an Altium project for you. Do not touch anything in Altium while the files are being generated. A large design may take a couple of minutes, and you'll see messages appear in the status bar in the lower left corner of the screen.

altium

After the Altium project is created, synchronize the schematic and layout to finalize the new project.

Running DRC¶

Altium DRC errors may occur after exporting from JITX. 1. Ensure you're on the latest JITX VSCode extension version, then retry. 2. Some errors related to disconnected vias and board edge clearance may still be thrown. These can be safely ignored. We're currently working to solve these errors.