EDWinXP supports all SPECCTRA compatible file formats. The Specctra translator can export current data base to SPECCTRA format design files(.dsn). You can either use the pre set design rule settings or use new design rules while exporting the data base. It also has the capability to import the SPECCTRA Autorouters files (with extension .ses, .rte, .plc,) to EDWinXP.
Starting of SPECCTRA Translator
From the Layout Editor, select the menu Auto | Autorouter | SPECCTRA.
The SPECCTRA Translator window is as shown below.
- Translate project to SPECCTRA design file
Using this option the currently loaded project (database) can be converted to SPECCTRA design file format. Before translating the project (database), the parameters for trace widths, vias and grids, the clearances and the trace type to be routed on the layers etc. can be set or you can use preset project design rules.
Operation- Select this option, and use the button to select a path for the SPECCTRA Design File.
- A dialog box pops up which prompts for the SPECCTRA Design File Name. Select the directory and file name from this box.
- Click Execute. The status bar shows translation is complete.
- Import results from SPECCTRA Autorouter
Using this option Import results from SPECCTRA Autorouter, the SPECCTRA Autorouters files (with extension .ses, .rte, .plc,) may be imported to the current project (database).
After selecting this option, Use the 
button to browse and select the SPECCTRA Session,
Routes or placement file.
Click Execute., a confirmation box pops up warning that all the currently routed traces will be deleted. The status bar shows that the operation is completed.
Settings
- Clearances
Opens the Clearances dialog box that allows to set clearance values between any two objects (between two vias, a via and a pad etc.) before exporting the project (database) to SPECCTRA.
On selecting this option, a dialog box Clearances pops up which allows to set the clearance values between any two objects
b. Layer type & direction
- Opens the Layer types&directions dialog box that allows to make the following settings:
- Trace width selection for ground/ power and signal traces.
- Options for including prerouted traces of different types in SPECCTRA design file format.
- Placement grid values for traces and vias.
- Via padstack selection.
- Copper pour area creation.
On selecting this option, a dialog box Layer type & direction pops up that allows setting parameters
c. Layers
Opens the Routing Layers dialog box that allows to set the trace types for each layer, their routing directions etc.
On selecting this option, a dialog box Routing Layers pops up that allows to set parameters. Each row of the column layer type selects the trace type to be routed on that layer or whether it is to be disabled. To select the layer type click on the row corresponding to the required layer under the column Layer Type. On frequent clicking, the trace type toggles among signal, power mixed (both signal and power) and disabled. The direction of the traces on each layer can be set to vertical or horizontal using the column direction. Ground/ power nets can be assigned to layers whose types are declared to be mixed or power. This may be done by clicking on the column net on the row corresponding to the required layer. The Reference nets dialog box opens where the nets to be considered by SPECCTRA as GND/ Power nets can selected. Select the net from the combo box and click ADD. A net can be deleted from the list using the DELETE button.