Can I create a layout in Creo Parametric based on the diagram in Creo Schematic?

[fgong]

Currently we are drawing the block diagram in Visio and then manually adding the parts to Creo Parametric to create the layout. Because of the complexity of our product, sometimes we made mistakes in the layout. For example, according to block diagram, port 1 of part 1 should connect to port 1 of part 2, but in our layout, port 1 of part 1 erroneously connect to port 2 of part 2.

We heard that there is linkage between Creo Schematic and Creo Parametric, which may help solve our problem. That is, we will be able to verify the layout in Creo Parametric against the block diagram in Creo Schematic automatically. But we would like to know how it works in detail. For example, is it a direct linkage such as when I change a part in Creo Schematic, the layout in Creo Parametric will get updated? Or is it a indirect linkage, for instance through import/export files?

[Kevin · Accepted solution]

‌The linkage between Schematics and Creo uses reference designators. The schematic design is exported to an xml file which is imported into Creo Cabling and you can verify the CAD model has the components that are on the schematic. Schematics uses what it labels artifacts to represent components, connectors, ports, wires, etc. At a minimum the artifacts for a component or connector will need a CAD model and reference designator assigned to it which is accomplished using parameters. When you export the schematic to an xml file these parameters and other schematic information is included. When imported into Creo Cabling you perform a comparison of the schematic xml data and the CAD model. For a connector Cabling searches the CAD model for the model name you assigned to the artifact parameter. If you you have one instance of the connector in your schematic and you have placed the component in the CAD model Cabling will match the CAD model with the xml data and apply the reference designator you specified. The comparison can also match if you have multiple instances of the same CAD model by using the reference designator. The comparison will show you what has been matched, what is missing, and wires and/or cables that have been created or need to be created. If you change something on the schematic export the design to an xml file again and update the xml data in Cabling. Run the comparison again to determine the changes. The comparison will show you when everything is matched or created.

[fgong]

Thanks for the detailed response, Kevin. Two more questions:

1. is "Creo Cabling" just another name for "Creo Parametric"?

2. Does the xml file include the connection information? For example, port 1 of component 1 connects to port 1 of wire 1. If yes, will the comparison be made for the connection information in Creo Cabling too?

Most importantly, is there an online training course for this?

Thanks again.

[Kevin]

1) Cabling is a license option for Creo Parametric and Schematics is a standalone program.

2) Yes. the xml includes the connection information. Once you have created the wires in Cabling by referencing data from the xml you can generate a connection report that shows the from and to info for the wires. Most of your time will probably be spent setting up the Schematics design template and Catalog if you decide to go with Schematics.

PTC does have 2 or 3 class on Precision LMS, 1 or 2 for Schematics and 1 for Creo Cabling. The Schematics classes will concentrate on the setup of Schematics, the designs sheets, artifacts, and diagrams with some discussion of exporting the diagram data to xml and importing into Creo Cabling. The Cabling course will go through the process of non-schematics controlled design and schematics controlled design so there is some cross over between the two.

[fgong]

Thanks, Kevin.

[Kevin]

Here are some pics of the information windows. After you import the xml file and you designate components, create spools, wires, etc. you run a comparison of the CAD to the xml. If the CAD matches the xml YES will appear in the column for MATCHED and the DESIGN DATA values and REFERENCE DATA values will be the same. If it doesn't NO appears and the DESIGN DATA values and REFERENCE DATA values will be different. Wires will show the wire name when matched and the connections if not.