Is there a way to import a complex multi layer RF structure via dxf?
For example - I have an RF transition that goes from the top layer to an inner layer that has been modeled and impedance matched in Ansys HFSS, and now I want to use that structure in my PCB layout. I see that a dxf graphic can be imported and made into copper, but that looks like its for a single layer. I need to import multiple pads in a via stack and have the dimensions and vertical registration of each pad be maintained…
I would also be useful to go the other way… I.e., select tracks and pads and export them as a dxf for import into an RF/microwave electromagnetic modeling tool…
DXF is not designed for PCB work, it is a quite archaic and limited format. As far as I know most dialects do not even know much about 3D.
I guess your best option is to split your DXF into separate files for each layer.
The KiCad developers are doing an amazing job together, but it’s still a relatively small team of volunteers donating their own resources (time, knowledge, etc) to the project. Better integration with field solvers is probably a few years in the future, and even then (Considering KiCad’s nature) cooperation with one of the FOSS projects seems more likely.
Unfortunately, dxf (archaic as it is) is the standard format of exchange with HFSS, which is the predominant emag modeling tool at the physical structure level. What I’ve described is the normal way of doing things in either Altium or Expedition when modeling RF in HFSS.
Currently the dxf importer has no knowledge about layers, so all items in the dxf file go into the same (selectable) kicad layer.
Splitting the dxf file into different files (one file per layer) as suggested by paul should work, albeit with much manual work.
If you are really interested in this feature you may upvote this already existing gitlab feature request: Implement layer mapping for DXFs that contain multiple layers (#9148) · Issues · KiCad / KiCad Source Code / kicad · GitLab
If you have altium, you can import to there and then import that project into Kicad
With great apprehension I took a look at the autodesk website a few hours ago. I could not find the specification of the DXF format (let alone sourcecode for a C / C++ library to parse the format), and the process was made more unpleasant by constant misdirections toward “free trials” and advertisements for all the other programs of that company.
I did find some links to specifications, but those links all gave me a 404.
For as far as I know how autodesk works, they probably made some proprietary and non standard extensions to the DXF format for their paying customers. Or maybe Ansys had some meetings directly with altium and they added custom extensions without autodesk even being involved.
Posting samples of these multi layer dxfs would be helpful. In general the developers won’t have tools like HFSS