Скачать или смотреть Set Presence of Parts in Layout and Part List Using Configuration Variables

One of our customers recently asked how to include a component in the schematic that is not present in the layout but still appears in the part list. This is a common scenario, especially when dealing with off-board or optional components.

Examples include:

• A temperature sensor mounted remotely and wired to the PCB
• 2-pin jumpers used for PCBA configuration
• Stickers or labels for identification or branding
• External switches or LEDs mounted on an enclosure
• Cable assemblies or wire harnesses
• Mounting hardware such as screws, standoffs, or brackets
• Test points or debug headers used only during development
• Fuses or circuit breakers located off-board
• And many more depending on your design requirements

Since this question comes up frequently, we decided to create a short video explaining the solution.
In both PADS Pro and the Xpedition environment, this can be achieved by setting two configuration variables in the schematic:

• Part List Exclude
• Forward to PCB

Each variable can be set to True or False, depending on the desired outcome.

In this specific case, we set Part List Exclude to False and Forward to PCB to False. This ensures the part appears in the schematic and part list, but not in the layout, exactly as intended. It’s important both variables are set in schematic.

Other configurations are possible as well. For a full configuration matrix, check the video.