Anchored Dimension Parameters

An anchored parameter defines a dimension using an anchor point, a reference point and an adjustable point set. The nominal value of the parameter is defined by the distance between the anchor point and the reference point. When the dimension is varied, each point moves relative to the anchor point. When defining your dimension parameter, you perform the following steps:

•    You select the anchor first. This is the fixed starting point for the parameter.
•    You select the reference point. The reference is the first point in the adjustable point set, which is the set of points moved relative to the anchor point when the value of the dimension parameter is changed. The distance from the anchor point to the reference point is the value of the dimension parameter. When the value of the dimension parameter is changed, the anchor retains the same position, but the reference point, moves to a new position.
•    Third, you select any additional points in your circuit you wish to move when the reference point moves; this is the adjustable point set. As the value of the dimension parameter varies and the reference point is moved, the positions of the points in the adjustable point set also move. There is a setting associated with each dimension parameter that determines how the adjustable point set is moved. With the default, and simplest, option each point in the adjustable point set retains its relative distance from the reference point. For a discussion of all the options controlling moving the adjustable point set, see Moving Adjustable Point Sets.

Note that the anchored parameter is always defined as the distance between the anchor and the reference point in either the X direction or the Y direction, never as a diagonal distance between them.

Two examples of anchored parameters, each at two different nominal values, are illustrated below. This example uses the default setting for how the adjustable point set moves.

Once you have finished adding a dimension parameter, double-clicking on the variable name and entering a new nominal value allows you to check whether the dimension parameter was defined correctly.