Working with a Module Entry Object on a Multi-board Schematic Document in Altium NEXUS

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Applies to NEXUS Client version: 4

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Parent page: Multi-board Schematic Objects

A Module Entry on a placed Module.295059A Module Entry on a placed Module.

Summary

A Module Entry is a graphical object that is automatically or manually placed on Module in a Multi-board Design document to represent a connection point (such as a header or plug/socket) of a child PCB project design. Module Entries are connected to entries on other Modules using virtual connections, such as Wires.

Availability

Module Entries are available for placement in the multi-board schematic editor as follows:

  • Choose the Place » Entry command from the main menu.
  • Click the  button on the Active Bar located at the top of the design space.
  • Right-click in the drawing design space then select Place » Entry from the context menu.
The most common way that an Entry is added to a Module is when its associated child project data is imported (Import From Child Project). The addition is an automated process, where the multi-board editor detects valid system connectors in the Module's child project then adds Entries to the Module that represent those connectors. See Multi-board Schematic design for more information.

Placement

After launching the command, the Module Entry graphic will be attached to the cursor, ready for placement. Then:

  1. Hover the cursor over the target Module to locate a suitable position and click to complete placement.
  2. Continue placing further Entries or right-click or press Esc to exit the placement mode.
The default settings for the Module Entry object are available in the Multi-board Schematic - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog.

Graphical Editing

This method of editing allows a placed Module Entry object to be selected in the design space and graphically edit its location.

Select a Module by clicking on its graphic then drag the Entry around the Module's perimeter to a suitable location. Note that the Entry name can be independently dragged to a different position.

A selected Module Entry A selected Module Entry

Non-Graphical Editing

Properties page: Module Entry Properties

The non-graphical method of editing a Module Entry is available in the Multi-board Properties panel, which provides editable property fields for the item that is currently selected in the design space.

The Properties panel when a Module Entry object is selected.The Properties panel when a Module Entry object is selected.

To open the Properties panel and access the properties of a placed Module Entry:

  • After selecting the Module Entry object, select the Properties panel from the Panels button at the bottom right of the design space or select View » Panels » Properties from the main menus.
  • Double-click on the Module Entry object.
  • Right-click on the Module Entry then select Item Properties from the context menu.

If the Properties panel is already active, click on the Module Entry to access its properties in the panel.

The Module Entry properties can be accessed prior to entering placement mode, from the Multi-board Schematic – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog. This allows the default properties for the Module Entry object to be changed, which will be applied when placing subsequent Module Entries.

Editing Multiple Objects

The Properties panel supports multiple object editing where the property settings that are identical in all currently selected objects may be modified. When multiples of the same object type are selected, a Properties panel field entry can be edited for all selected objects. If values of a property are different for objects in the selection, the appropriate field will be shown as an asterisk (*); a new property value will be applied to all selected objects.

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