Parameters (SCH)

Now reading version 17.0. For the latest, read: Parameters (SCH) for version 17.1
Applies to Altium Designer versions: 15.1, 16.0, 16.1 and 17.0

The Parameters dialog.
The Parameters dialog.

SUMMARY

The Parameter dialog allow designers to edit the properties of Parameters on the schematic. 

ACCESS

The Parameter dialog can be accessed prior to entering placement mode, from the Schematic - Defaults Primitives page of the Preferences dialog (DXP » Preferences). This allows you to change the default properties for the Parameter object, which will be applied when placing subsequent Parameters.

During placement (Place » Directive » Parameter Set), the Parameter dialog can be accessed by pressing the Tab key.

After placement, the Parameter dialog can be accessed in the following ways:

  • Double-clicking on the placed Parameter object.
  • Right-clicking the Parameter object and selecting Properties from the context menu.
  • Selecting the Edit » Change command, then clicking once over the Parameter.

OPTIONS/CONTROLS

Appearance

  • Color - Click the color sample to change the parameter color.
  • Location X - The field shows the current X coordinate of the object. Edit the value in the field to change the position of the object directly
  • Location Y - The field shows the current Y coordinate of the object. Edit the value in the field to change the position of the object directly.
  • Orientation - This field specifies the rotation of the Parameters object relative to the horizontal. Select an orientation from the drop down list. The Parameters object can be rotated in 90 degree increments. The Parameters object can also be rotated graphically. To do this, click-and-hold the mouse over the Parameters object and then press the Spacebar to rotate the object. While holding the mouse button you can also reposition the Parameters object by dragging the mouse.
  • Style - Select the style of the parameter directive, Large or Tiny.

Properties

  • Name - Edit this field to give a name for the Parameters object. A PCB directive (from Place » Directives » PCB Layout Schematic menus) has a PCB Rule by default because it can carry multiple design rule parameters.
  • Locked - If this option is checked, the parameter set is protected from being edited graphically. Lock a parameter set whose position or size is critical. If you try to edit a design object that is locked, you will be informed that this object is locked and asked if you wish to proceed with the action. If this option is unchecked, the design object can be freely edited without confirmation.

Note if the Protect Locked Objects option is enabled in the Schematic - Graphical Editing page of the Preferences dialog (Tools » Schematic Preferences), and the Locked option for this design object is enabled as well then this object cannot be edited.

 Parameters

  • Parameter List - Lists the Parameter Same, Value, and Type. Select whether the Parameter is Visible or not.
  • Add - Click to open the Parameter Properties dialog which allows the designer to specify the properties of a Parameter object and create a new parameter.
  • Remove - Remove a selected parameter(s).
  • Edit - Click to open the Parameter Properties dialog and edit a selected parameter.
  • Add as Rule - Click to open the Parameter Properties dialog and add a new parameter as a rule.

 

Note

The features available depend on your level of Altium Designer Software Subscription.