How to Use a Tango to Eagle Netlist Converter

Step-by-Step Tango to Eagle Netlist Conversion Guide Migrating legacy PCB designs from Tango to Autodesk EAGLE requires converting the netlist file. Tango netlists and EAGLE netlists use completely different formatting structures. This step-by-step guide explains how to successfully translate your connectivity data without losing critical network information. Step 1: Understand the Format Differences

Before converting, you must understand how both software tools structure their netlist data.

Tango Format: Uses a bracketed, line-by-line structure. It explicitly lists a net name, followed by the specific component designators and pin numbers attached to that net on subsequent lines.

EAGLE Format: Uses an export format (typically .net or .scr) that lists components and their connections using specific command syntax like EXPORT or script-based net assignments. Step 2: Export the Original Tango Netlist

You must generate a clean text-based netlist directly from your legacy Tango software. Open your schematic design in Tango. Navigate to the Output or File menu. Select Generate Netlist. Choose the standard Tango format output.

Save the file with a .net extension (e.g., designtango.net). Step 3: Prepare and Clean the Text File

Check for special characters (such as spaces, slashes, or hyphens) in net names. Replace illegal characters with underscores ().

Ensure all component names match your intended EAGLE library names. Save a backup copy of this cleaned file. Step 4: Use a Conversion Utility or Script

EAGLE cannot natively read a raw Tango netlist file. You must parse the text into an EAGLE-readable format using a script or an intermediate converter tool. Option A: Using a User Language Program (ULP)

Search the Autodesk EAGLE ULP directory for third-party netlist parsers (e.g., netlist_import.ulp). Copy the ULP file into your EAGLE ulp directory. Option B: Python Custom Script Translation

If a pre-made ULP is unavailable, write a short Python script to parse the Tango syntax: Identify lines starting with a net name. Group the subsequent component-pin pairs.

Output them as EAGLE script commands: SIGNAL ‘NET_NAME’ ‘PART’ ‘PIN’. Step 5: Import the Netlist into EAGLE

Once your file is converted into an EAGLE Script (.scr) or compatible netlist format, import it into your target project. Open Autodesk EAGLE. Create a New Schematic or open your destination project. Click on the File menu and select Execute Script. Browse to your converted .scr file. Click Open to run the connectivity mapping. Step 6: Verify Connections and Fix Errors

Automated conversions often leave minor discrepancies that require manual optimization. Open the Electrical Rule Check (ERC) tool in EAGLE. Review the error log for unconnected pins or missing nodes.

Inspect critical nets like VCC, GND, and high-speed data lines manually.

Update the schematic layout to ensure all visual airwires resolve correctly. To help you get the best conversion results, tell me:

What version of EAGLE (or Fusion 360 Electronics) are you importing into?

How large or complex is the netlist (approximate component count)?

Do you have any custom python tools or prefer a ready-made software solution?

I can provide a custom script or specific ULP recommendations based on your setup.