hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Interactive routing collision problem - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Motonaut
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 15, 2022, 09:56:18 pm
content: I have this really weird problem where I seem to have disabled interactive routing collision avoidance. When I route my traces my routing neither pushes or hugs other objects and it does not give any live DRC errors for overlapping nets. I have checked my preferences and tried several modes for conflict resolution. I cant figure out what I have enabled/disabled to create this problem.Please help out. Thanks

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2022, 11:08:36 pm
content: Is "Online DRC" enabledhttps://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/design-rule-checking-ad?version=18.1

author: Motonaut
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 16, 2022, 01:17:54 am
content: It wasnt for clearance and short circuits. So now it detects live clearance and short circuits but the interactive routing still wont hug or push.EDIT: Just got a weird interactions where the interactive routing pushed vias in the same net.

author: exmadscientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2022, 08:06:41 am
content: It sounds like perhaps you have the Interactive Routing Conflict Resolution option set to "Ignore Obstacles"? This can be very useful for some work, but is usually not what one wants.

author: Motonaut
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 16, 2022, 03:04:36 pm
content: Here is my Interactive Routing settings:http://prntscr.com/26x0e5l

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2022, 02:26:46 pm
content: I stopped using the regular routing command and switched to quick route, more responsive, more predictable.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2022, 06:36:06 pm
content: Quote from: Motonaut on February 16, 2022, 03:04:36 pmAre you aware that those settings are only for selecting which modes areavailableto be selected? You still have to select the mode you want. Press Shift-R while routing to cycle between modes.
Pull one channel from multi-channel while preserving layout - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: xtofla
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 06, 2022, 11:16:26 pm
content: Hello,I need to make some minor changes to one of the channels of a multi-channel design so I created a new schematic sheet with the same content as the channel (for now, will modify later), re-annotated to update the designators and link the sheet symbol of one of the channels to the new schematic file. At this point, the only change to the design is new designators for that one channel.When I import the changes to the layout, it removes the old parts then adds the new ones instead of executing a "modify". The result is that all the parts from that channel are pulled out of the layout. I'd rather avoid re-placing all the parts manually...Is there any way to pull a channel out of a multi-channel design without affecting the layout beyond the designator change?Thanks!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2022, 01:39:40 am
content: One more housekeeping step: make component links (in PCB: C, K). This should be fairly easy since you've manually(?) updated designators, just match them up.Tim

author: xtofla
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 07, 2022, 04:01:53 pm
content: As you already knew it would, that worked perfectly. Thank you for your help!

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2022, 09:57:02 am
content: I read your post a few times, but it's not clear what you are dong exactly.Is this a hierarchical design where the "channel" is a hierarchical sheet, and you want to modify one of those channels?Are you aware of the "Replicate Layout" action plugin in KiCad?------------------------One thing that may work for you is t first copy some part of the schematic, and then press the right mouse button and select "Paste Special" from the popup menu, instead of a normal paste.This "special paste" has an option to preserve the UUID's that link schematic symbols with footprints on the PCB.------------------------As long as the reference designators are still the same between schematic symbols and PCB footprints, you can aways use these as an alternate method during "Update PCB from Schematic ".------------------------As a third option, you can make a copy of a part of the tracks on the PCB, delete any footprints on that part, and then snap the pads of new footprints to the endpoints of those copied tracks.As soon new footprints are placed over some old tracks, then the tracks automatically become part of the nets for which they have enough overlap with the pads of the footprints.For this last option, you may have to change the settings inPreferences / PCB Editor / Editing Options / Magnetic Points / Snap to tracks: Always
Merge 3d bodies in altium designer  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: margo51613
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 23, 2022, 06:23:13 am
content: Hi, I made 2 3D mode pieces in Altium Designer and I want to merge these two to make a one piece. How do I do this?

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2022, 11:23:16 am
content: Alitum is not really a 3D designer software. The best thing you can do is select both and add it to a union, then they move together.

author: Arseny
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 29, 2022, 03:07:25 pm
content: You could create a small board with these 3d bodies, export it as a step file and place 3d body from step file in your project.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2022, 01:33:07 am
content: I tried that once, hiding the little bit of PCB inside the model. It didn't like that... crashed. That was a long time ago though, haven't needed to do that operation very often. So I don't know if that's still a problem.Tim
Netlabel precedence  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2022, 01:50:54 pm
content: Hi,I have a multi-sheet design and I have connected RS485 chips to some connectors with Netlabels, So the problem is that the connector Netlabels takes over the RS485 net names, How can I control that,see this example some RS485 channels are connected to some connectorsand Here is the PCB net namesI want the PCB to have the RS485 net names instead of connector Netlabels.Is there any way or option to do that?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2022, 03:17:28 pm
content: no. you can have only one netname per net.what on earth are you trying to do ? this is counter to all logic.

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2022, 10:13:35 pm
content: QuoteI have around 50 channels of RS485 and a bunch of connectors with 2-3 Different configs, like 5 or 6 RS485 channels should route to specific pins, so this is what I came to, so that the schematic and PCB should be readable!In this picture Connector number 8 has these RS485 channels form 37 to 41, so the schematic is readable in my mind!

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2022, 04:16:20 pm
content: Quote from: ali_asadzadeh on March 19, 2022, 10:13:35 pmwhy don't you put the RS485 netlabels on the connector ? why do you use intermediate net labels ?

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2022, 09:05:57 pm
content: QuoteI was thinking of making rooms for connectors too, So they can be used inside PCB, But I think this way as you describe is the way to go.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2022, 09:25:25 pm
content: Saw a, TI? board with multiple labels. They work as aliases in SCH. Only one is passed to PCB though.To minimize confusion, best to use a consistent label, whether the pin type/number, signal name, etc.Tim

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2022, 11:38:48 pm
content: Quote from: ali_asadzadeh on March 19, 2022, 01:50:54 pmYou could use net ties to bridge two net labels on a same wire. Google for Altium Net Tie.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2022, 12:37:08 pm
content: Use net names to… name the net. Use ports to connect things togetherwithoutnaming the net. (Unless you set the project option to do so, as mentioned already, which of course I would not do in this instance.)(Ports are like segments of wire that have simply been hidden from view.)Indeed, your design may be a candidate for multichannel design, in which case you can adjust the naming pattern to a point.P.S. You can easily convert net labels to ports or vice versa using the Smart Paste feature. Select the net labels, cut them, then Smart Paste > as Ports, with the order set to stay the same.
Filtering Manufacturer Part Search - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 11:17:27 am
content: Can you explain me how do I filter out the list of available parts. E.g. I would like to see resistors between 1 and 2Ω. The filter does not allow me to enter a number smaller than 10Is there a way to make the search faster? Pre-download something? It is frustratingly slow.I am on v22.5.1
Altium15 rule for clearance violation to keepout tracks for castellated slot - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 01:31:02 am
content: I've been trying to find the right syntax to add a clearance rule to allow my free pads (which are castellated slots ) to skip DRC violation since they are supposed to extend out of the PCB.But no matter what I try Altium always seems to ignore the rule.Any ideas?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 01:37:08 am
content: I have tried a clearance rule (either electrical or placement clearance) with lots of stuff, even generic stuff that should work. But no luckIsFree = trueHasPad('Free-BattPad+') = trueIsPadInPadClass('Batt') // I put it into the batt pad class)

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 09:55:39 pm
content: You set the priority to highest right?https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/selectively-waiving-drc-violations-ad?version=17.1https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/defining-scoping-managing-pcb-design-rules

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2022, 04:21:55 am
content: yep, it's the first/top rule, default rule is below it.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2022, 05:15:23 am
content: I believe the Keep-Out Layer is absolute; you can set distance to it, all the way down to zero, but any overlap is absolutely prohibited.This appears to be one downside of using KO for board outlines/cutouts. Consider moving these graphics to a mechanical layer, or drill drawing?As of AD 16.1 at least, the Board Outline Clearance rule class (I forget if it was in AD15 as well?) seems to work, but it's... kinda weird? It doesn't show violations (maybe because the board outline isn't a real object and it needs two objects to point at and say "aha"?), and it works during interactive routing (but the collision outline isn't shown with CTRL+W*) but not when dragging traces for example.*Which I think was added AD16 so don't mind that.Oh, in AD18 or so (or maybe it was 20, I forget?), they revamped the keepout system, I wonder if that affects this particular situation. Didn't think to try it...Tim

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2022, 05:47:17 am
content: Thanks. I think that explains it.Will just use a different layer for my pcb outline/route layer.
NO SOLDER MASK in RIGID-FLEX pcb --> ALTIUM ERROR ?? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LACluc
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 29, 2022, 12:46:54 pm
content: Hello all,I am working in a 3 layer RIGIDFLEX pcb. RIGID pcb = 3 layer, FLEX=1 layerAltium version = 20.2.3I am placing components en the flex pcb (Mid layer) but the solder mask is not shown, someone know how to solve it ?I have tried to add BIKINI COVERLAY in the stack manager but nothing happend.

author: LACluc
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 30, 2022, 05:39:51 am
content: It is solved !!!!The problem was that is necesary to uncheck the old overlays.
Transparent Board in 3d mode of PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: willPowell
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2022, 04:47:59 pm
content: I am struggling to find why the board has turned transparent after I Re-defined the board shape in Board Planning Mode.Please see photo attached.I have heard of object visibility` but doesn't look like that applies to boards?Any ideas much appreciated.Thanks,Will

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2022, 06:23:48 pm
content: turned off the core of the board ? go to view options and check what is on and off.i see you have rectangulare holes in the board. that will not work. rectangular holes are punched. that only works in phenolic material. you can do it in fiberglass but it tends to fray and shatter the edges. not recommended

author: willPowell
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2022, 01:57:05 pm
content: Weirdly not the core or any other view options transparency settings.I have chosen to restart as not a complicated board.Thanks for the tip for rectangular holes, I have changed them to oval slots.
Error saving Altium Designer. I'm waiting for your help. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: VITA
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 25, 2022, 05:27:27 pm
content: Hello. I encounter these errors when I want to save the changes I made to my project.How can I solve it? Does anyone have any ideas?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2022, 09:45:10 pm
content: Go to windows defender, protection history, and allow Altium to write to the Documents folder.Would be my guess.You can also save the file somewhere else.

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2022, 10:29:38 pm
content: I know that working from OneDrive/Google Drive gives similar errors as files are locked while they are being synced to online servers. Are you using OneDrive/Google Drive or something similar?

author: VITA
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 28, 2022, 05:54:13 pm
content: i'm saving it in a different place now..

author: VITA
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 28, 2022, 05:55:11 pm
content: no, I'm not using either of them
How to add harness entry to existing port  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: willPowell
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2022, 03:52:39 pm
content: Hi everyone,I am very new to Altium Designer and trying to modify an existing port by adding an additional harness.Currently Altium displays a red squiggly line when I add a new harness entry. How to add harness entry to existing port?Please See photo attachedHow do I avoid this and how do I sync so that it updates the port on the other schematic?Thanks in advance,Will

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2022, 10:53:48 pm
content: Click on the harness body to select it then in the properties panel add the new entry.Or select Place->Harness->Harness entry

author: willPowell
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2022, 04:28:29 pm
content: You're a legendThanks, dunkemhigh
How to create/add or modify a footprint? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 741
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2022, 04:15:49 pm
content: I'm new to Altium... In Altium 21.8, I am trying to create a new footprint. This would then be added to an existing database library (.DbLib).How do I do this?I tried to open the .DbLib file, but nothing happened.The documentation tells me to invoke the "PCB Library panel", but this panel is not in the list of panels I see available (either from a schematic or a PCB context) - see image.I did see that Schematic Editor has a "Footprint Manager" under "Tools", this shows existing symbols in my schematic. It seems to confirm that the footprints are stored in a the .DbLib file.I would have thought this would at least solve the "how to modify" question. However, after selecting a part in the left panel, and choosing 'Edit', then 'OK', nothing happens. I think this might be a dialog just related to updating the 3D model though?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2022, 06:37:52 pm
content: a DBLib does not store symbols or footprints. it stores components : only the text data for the parameters and the link to the file containing the footprints and symbols.file -> new -> schematic libraryfile -> new -> pcb librarythen form the dblib you point to those files and to the actual part within the files.

author: 741
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2022, 07:53:45 pm
content: OK Thanks.Will using "file -> new -> pcb library" create a whole new library?I only want to make a footprint, and I had been assuming that the footprints I've already used in my design were stored somewhere together in one (or just a few) files.I'd like to append the new footprint to wherever the other footprints are kept.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2022, 12:25:02 am
content: yes, those footprints are stored somewhere in a PCBlib file. you need to find out what file(s) you are using. but. it is better to make your OWN pcblib. you do not want an installation update to overwrite the factory libraries and wipe out what you have built

author: 741
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2022, 07:04:42 am
content: I was wondering - how would I append to an existing .PcbLib when adding other parts at a later date?...<Edit>OK, I think it'sOpen the .PcbLib fileOnce this is open, the panel "PCB Library" then appears in the list of panelsI was missing the 1st step.
cant add layers in layer stack manager - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2022, 02:29:14 pm
content: I just started using Altium 20 after being fairly comfortable with Altium 17. The new layer stack manager doesn't seem to have any options to add layers - ?! Looks like I have some options missing but I cant find how to make them appear. Can anyone help?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2022, 09:54:43 pm
content: this doesnt work?
Multipart symbol footprint issues - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: xCite
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 07, 2022, 01:12:14 pm
content: Hello everyone,my name is Dennis and I'm new here. I'm quite new to PCB design. I already did some smaller mixed signal boards for custom multichannel impedance measurements. Now I'm starting to build a new modular design with 256 channels and for that I want to use a big 300 pin connector.I hope I don't repeat an existing question, but I couldn't find something like that in the forum search.I'm also new to Altium Designer (previously I used KiCad) and I have an issue with the 300 pin connector from Samtec:https://www.samtec.com/de/products/bth-150-01-f-d-aIf I download and import the symbol and footprint, the symbol is devided in 6 parts (A to F) with 50 pins each. When I place these and switch to PCB layout there are 6 footprints (for every symbol part one) instead of just one for all symbol parts.Maybe I'm missing some very basic thing? Can someone help me with that?Best regardsDennis

author: ajawamnet
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2022, 02:33:26 pm
content: When you annotate the schematic, each of the connector sub parts should be the same Designator - say J5 - with the subpart suffix. So on one sheet you'd have J5A, then J5B on the next sheet or instance, thru to J5F. That way it uses a single footprint for J5 inthe PCB.Now there is a funky bug that they introduced with multipart annotation but they kinda fixed it in later versions. You need to set "Legacy" in the option "Replace Sub Parts" for multipart annotation in the Annotation dialog box.In this vid:NOTE - you'll need to watch the video in fullscreen to read the text. If you watch it on Youtube itself it will usually go to Hi Res...So in that vid you'll see a sample that I sent to Altium back in the early days of AD20, where it'd F'up on completing multiparts across sheets. Other users came across this and bitched too.At first I use the "Off" option in the multipart "Replace Sub Parts". Note how it screws up. This would lead to me getting 4 footprints in the PCB where all I wanted was 2 footprints - 4 parts per footprint; thus two footprints= K1 and K2. But no I get K1 thru K4 because it screws up not combining the multiple parts into two packages/footprints.So instead I get four footprints in the PCB.I then use 'CNTL - Z" on each sheet to reset the designators BACK to K? to try again.So this time, I use "On(Legacy). Then it correctly completes the subparts across sheets. When I update the PCB, I get just the two footprints - K1 and K2 - as I should.Hope this helps...

author: xCite
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 07, 2022, 06:27:18 pm
content: Hey,thank you so much for your fast response! This was the solution for my problem!Have a nice day,Dennis

author: rpiloverbd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2022, 01:50:23 pm
content: Hi,Good to know that you have found a solution to your problem. Since, you're beginning with Altium, you may find this video helpful:https://www.pcbway.com/blog/PCB_Design_Tutorial/Beginners_guide_to_PCB_design_with_Altium_Designer.html
Example designs download - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2022, 02:23:12 pm
content: Since my retirement is getting close I started playing with my NB3000 Nanoboard again and wanted to download some of the example designs from the Altium website:https://designcontent.live.altium.com/#NanoBoardExamplesWhen not logged in clicking the 'download' in the window that appears when hovering over a design it asks you to fill in some details and then sends you an email with a link, apparently to download the design. Here's an example:https://designcontent.live.altium.com/?cls=res&RequestKind=Download&addr=http%3A%2F%2Fvalhalla.altium.com%2FAD10-Reference-Designs%2FAD10_Reference_Designs_App%2FSoft-Designs%2FAudio%2FNB3000%20MP3%20Decoder%2FNB3000_MP3_Decoder.zipAll the link does for me is displaying the text 'redirecting' on the tab, tried multiple browsers. When logged in a click on the 'download' link does absolutely nothing, again tested with multiple browsers (Chrome, Edge and God forbid IE). When opening the design by clicking on it I can download the PDF but the 'download ZIP' does nothing again.Is it just me? Do I have to open the page from within Altium Designer (How)? Live support told me "It's working for me" but I guess they just opened the page and did not test actually downloading something.So please rub it in, tell me how stupid I am not being able to work it out for myself.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2022, 09:49:20 pm
content: Your link downloads for me.Maybe try another DNS or a VPN. If it still doesn't work just PM me the links.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2022, 10:20:52 pm
content: Try deleting all Altium website cookies from your browser or use a different browser.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2022, 09:28:38 am
content: Thanks for the response, I guess I have to dig in deeper. Already tried different PCs, different browsers, different locations and different DNS servers and always get the same blank page and 'redirecting' as the tab text. Same if I open the link in an incognito window so that rules out cookies I think? Time to get Wireshark out.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2022, 01:51:30 pm
content: It is caused by the HTTPS site redirecting to the HTTP site for the download, Chrome just cancels the download without telling the user but Edge gives you the option to download the file after a few more mouse clicks so I got the files I wanted.
Output Job in Vault - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: robotix3
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2022, 10:21:42 pm
content: According to this (https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/managed-output-job-files-ad) article I should be able to add an Output Job Template to our vault. For some reason it will not come up anywhere as an option. I can add all the other types such as BOM and Schematic Templates. I found the issue in 21 and upgraded to 22 to see if that would fix it but it's the same story.Is there an option I need to enable somewhere? Can someone let me know if they see this option?Thanks

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2022, 11:15:40 pm
content: yup. i have a folder called "managed content" of the type "generic folder"right click -> add subfolder -> other folder typerunning nexus 5.0 (altium 22)note that you cannot be connected to a 365 workspace !
Another newbie question - Supplier Information window - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Houseman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2022, 06:24:37 pm
content: Hi forum, and happy new year.Another newbie question. I am following Feranec's tutorial (which I recommend) and in the schematic library panel hovering through components at the bottom there is a fixed window showing the supplier info of each component (see attachment). He is using AD18. I am using version 22.. I have found no way to show that info in AD22..please help. Thank YouBest regards

author: RadioAct
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 06:55:28 pm
content: That panel have moved to the bottom of component properties on the right now under "Part Choices"It works a bit differently, you click the Edit Supplier Links and it opens a new window where you can add the part associations
Altium CSV BOMs can now be imported into PartsBox - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jwr
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2017, 12:04:33 pm
content: Just wanted to let people know that BOMs (bill of materials) from Altium Designer can now be imported into PartsBox (https://partsbox.io/). This makes creating projects much easier, as you don't have to create the list of parts from scratch, you can import it from a CSV BOM.PartsBox is an online tool to keep track of electronic parts, projects and production. Think ERP/MRP, but small, fast, easy to use and specialized for electronics design and production. BOM import has been a much-requested feature, especially from people doing commercial work, so I thought I'd post here.After you import a BOM, you can check if it can be built using the parts you have, get up-to-date pricing (PartsBox takes care of all the tedious work usually done in spreadsheets: price breaks, MOQs, multiple currencies and currency conversions, etc). You can also easily compare online offers from distributors with local offers you get from sales reps, as well as add costs of labor, shipping, etc.Importing from KiCad is available for everyone, while importing from commercial CAD systems requires a paid subscription.--JanFounder, PartsBox ·https://partsbox.io/· Twitter: @PartsBoxIO

author: alexwhittemore
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2021, 01:54:44 pm
content: NOW I just want Altium to support the reverse - PartsBox as a data source for ActiveBOM, so I can count "stuff I've already bought" as a solution to make all the go-lights green
Rule for matching all pads on a specific component type - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2022, 01:06:12 pm
content: I'd like my polygons to pour in a special way when connecting to a high current terminals. As I have quite a few of these, I'd like to match the comment field so all of these terminals are treated the same way.I tried (Comment = '74650074R') but that only returns the components, not the pads.> Expression result: 12> Objects applicable to rule: 0I'd like to get all the pads of all these components. How do I do that?
Altium Parts Providers- Enable/Disable Suopliers makes no difference to result - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: snoopy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2021, 09:38:35 am
content: Has anyone noticed that when you disable all suppliers in the Parts Providers it still comes up with search results. In fact it appears to make no difference whether you enable them or not you still get the same result. What is the point of these checkboxes ?

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2021, 04:36:19 pm
content: Yeah, it didn't seem to use the one's I'd ticked and still used one I'd unticked. But since I don't use parts providers I just ignored all that stuff instead of figuring if it was a bug or me

author: snoopy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2021, 11:23:38 pm
content: It's just that it seems to do this no matter which version you use. Makes you wonder if Altium actually test their software

author: Fgrir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2021, 05:00:33 pm
content: I don't use this feature either so I can't confirm whether it matters or not, but you appear to have Parts Providers being managed by the server you are logged into. On your screenshot there is a message about Altium Parts Options being read-only, whereas on mine where I am not connected to any server that notice is missing.

author: snoopy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2021, 01:13:27 am
content: Actually mine is really like yours. The one I showed is from the internet as an example.
castellated slots in altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2022, 04:09:53 am
content: Is there a better way to do a castellated slot in Altium15 than this?(just a normal plated slot that overhands pcb route edge)

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2022, 10:00:32 pm
content: Can't see how else you would do it.Is that a real image of the board or just a demo? The right side might be a bit weak.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2022, 12:01:07 am
content: I think you can designate a mechanical layer as route, then it will use that as a milling. Of course don't forget to tell this to the board house. Maybe that renders better, but I doubt it, probably the 3d will always look wrong.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2022, 12:09:29 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on March 04, 2022, 10:00:32 pmIt's a real PCB, but the slot is 1mm wide, so its a bit bigger than it looks.There is 2.8mm of PCB on the right side.

author: Feynman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2022, 09:28:40 am
content: I don't know if there is a better way in Altium. But it is industry standard to just have castellated holes hanging over the pcb outline in your production data. You'll sure have to point this out to your fabricator in some way, e. g. in the fabrication drawing.However, a 1 mm wide slot could be less than some fabricators are willing to do, since you need a very small router for this. A 2 mm diameter router is standard in most pcb shops. Anything that requires are smaller router will probably cost more (depends on the shop). Maybe you should consider to use a hole instead of a slot, if that's possible in your application, of course (if that is the only plated slot on the pcb). Drilling a 1 mm hole is certainly cheaper than routing a 1 mm slot.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2022, 11:26:46 am
content: I think 1mm slot are supported most places now, with no extra cost.I've never had anyone say they couldn't do a 1mm slot or charge more for it over a 2mm slot.PCBway can do 1mm slots just fine.It's panel route paths where some places tend to charge you more for 1mm, because it burns through 1mm router bits really fast and requires operators to stop the machine to change them often.
Testpoint Manager:  Highlight nets with testpoints=INCOMPLETE    How??? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: frogblender
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2021, 09:12:19 pm
content: Howdy.... Altium PCB -> Tools -> Testpoint Manager: this shows me nets with assembly_status = INCOMPLETE (ie. nets which don't have a testpoint.). So for these incomplete nets, how can I highlight, or make a query, or select these?Goal is to look at my pcb, see which nets are INCOMPLETE, and add a testpoint to each.

author: jmarkwolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2021, 06:16:33 pm
content: I'm not familiar with the Testpoint Manager facility, but I can tell you what I've done to solve the problem you cite.I wrote a simple program in a visual Basic "clone", that reads a Protel formatted net list of your schematic, line by line, captures any net that does not contain a part with a "T" or "TP" prefix, and generates a simple report of such nets. The report calls out all the other parts on the offending net so it is easy to find the missing TP.This of course requires that each and every net in your schematic have discrete test point parts attached, but the program runs literally in seconds.
problem in selecting a component net - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: alamwte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2021, 05:21:54 am
content: Hello,I have a problem with problem in Altium. when I hold ctrl + left click in many times it doesn't work. But sometimes it works. I don't know what's the problem. How should i do to select it easily?
Arranging windows - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2021, 02:26:10 pm
content: Could someone with a version of Altium prior to 21.8.1 just check something for me, please. On the Windows menu, if you select "Arrangle all windows vertically" (or horizontally), what happens? Here on 21.8 it maximises the Altium window whereas I would expect it to tile the document windows within the parent, not affecting the parent size.The right click on a document tab and "Split vertical", or horizontal, do what they say, but obviously only affects that window.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2021, 10:08:30 pm
content: Yes maximizes parent, summer 09.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2021, 10:13:52 pm
content: Thanks.Have to say that's not my expectation, but seems to be an intentional feature

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2021, 03:54:47 pm
content: Given Altium's history, it could also just be a twelve year old bug. Those are sadly not unheard of in Altium.
Multiple Repeated Sheets - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sixtimesseven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2021, 02:20:39 pm
content: I have a design in which a bunch of repeated sheets would be nice. However, the design is such as that one side is the mirror of the other, so I would like to use the same sheet schematic (and layout) for both sides. However, then I have the problem that the nets are short circuited, in particular the "IN" nets.Is there a way to not connect nets by name on the same sheet? Or map the net from the sheet to a different bus name?Eg. INP1[1..10] <-> INP1 <=> Repeat(IN)

author: sixtimesseven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2021, 10:51:33 pm
content: Well, if someone happens to have the same problem, this worked for me.:1. Choose a different sheet designator name for the two sets of repeated sheets (eg: Test1 and Test2, same schematic sheet name)2. Project -> Options: Enable: Higher Level Names take priority, Disable: Allow Sheet entries to name nets3. Give the net between the sheet and the bus different names (eg. INP1 and INP2), name the buses accordingly

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2021, 03:03:41 pm
content: You can also use different number ranges for the Repeat statements, for example one sheet symbol can have `Repeat(Test,1,10)` and the other can have `Repeat(Test,11,20)`.I don't think that it's necessary to disable 'allow sheet entries to name nets' because of the bus connection, and within each sheet the net names should get resolved with suffixes by default to avoid duplicates, but it depends on the overall set of options you have selected. There are a lot of different ways to set up net naming, and several of them will probably work.In some cases it's easier to throw in an intermediate sheet that wraps a subsheet and marshals all of the nets out in a way that works better in the top level schematic. Or you can just place individual sheet symbols in an intermediate sheet and then optionally repeat that intermediate sheet. Lots of options depending on how many channels and what the project is like. As long as the source sheet is the same across all instances you should still be able to use all of the normal multi-channel PCB features across all of the lowest-level sheet instances (although sometimes the channel classes get screwed up and you have to fix them manually in the Project Options window).
problem with altium library - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: alamwte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2021, 07:16:28 am
content: Hi,I have installed Altium 21. when I add a library, ( it show it' installed and activete), but I can not see that library in library lists, and it just show miscellaneous libraries.How can I do?
Pin comment with dynamic change using parameter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Blackgar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2021, 08:50:33 am
content: During component creation, sometimes we are not yet sure which functionalies we will use on each pin (usually on MCUs).So, is there a way to create a 'drop-down' list for the Pin's comment and avoid a huge pin comment like on the attached picture?I tried to do it using parameters but seems is not working as expected.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2021, 04:07:38 pm
content: Seems a bit of a roundabout way, but perhaps I'm missing something. It looks to me like you want to change the pin name to 'func1' after you've placed it, which would then select whatever the parameter 'func1' is set to. Of course, you can just change the name to "SDI" and be done with it.Alternatively, are you suggesting that 'func1' would be set in the schematic symbol, you place the part and then change the parameter list so 'func1' equates to 'SDI'? That seems a worse way, so I am sure I'm missed some nuance of your request.If I were wanting to do this, I would use a reasonable list of functions (that is, make the symbol almost as messy like you don't want) and then on placing (or later, after a bit more designing) just edit the name to be whatever useful description is appropriate.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2021, 09:13:06 pm
content: Some sort of feature to do this properly would actually be really nice. Sort of like the graphic modes for schematic symbols, but you could tie the pin mode or function selection to electrical connectivity tools.I think dunkemhigh's suggestion of including the complete function list to start with is a good idea, if you put that in as a separate parameter you can choose to hide/unhide it on the schematic as you're doing your pin planning. Then once you have it all figured out, you can hide it and place a suitable label in its place. (In general I'm not a fan of editing symbols in place since that gets lost when you update from libraries.) This has an advantage over putting the function list in the label in that you can show/hide the information per pin, so if you know that these two pins HAVE to be USB or whatever then you can get those out of the way and concentrate on the ones that need figuring out. The corresponding downside is that you have to show/hide the parameters on each pin instead of having a convenient global setting like graphical mode (which would actually be a reasonable alternative: have two versions of the symbol that are identical except for that one has the functions listed and one doesn't, and switch between them as needed).
Find IC footprint - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: alamwte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2021, 11:16:04 am
content: Hello,I have a question.What is the true way of finding a PCB footprint of ICs?For example I can not find the IC's footprint by its part number. But I know it is a QFN 56 7x7 .How can I find the standard dimension of these packages to build its footprint by my own?I have found many dimension for this package!!I even found different footprint in Snapeda.complease guide me,Thanks ,

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2021, 02:17:49 pm
content: If the manufacturer doesn't include the footprint information in the datasheet, they usually include at least the internal package name/drawing number. When you go to the manufacturer's website or do a careful web search you should be able to find the drawing of the footprint.As you have discovered there are many QFN56 7x7 packages. If there is a drawing of the geometry of the physical part, QFN's are easy to make footprints for from scratch.

author: alamwte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2021, 04:54:24 pm
content: In its manufacture's site is just written its package is QFN56 7x7.Now I want to find out where can I find its dimension ?Is there any site that I can find the QFN packages standards?I have found some different dimension of this package in every site. for example in nxp.com and ti.com or FTDI.com it has different dimension.Thanks,

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2021, 08:29:27 pm
content: Quote from: alamwte on October 22, 2021, 04:54:24 pmYeah but is it close enough that it would work, thats all that matters.

author: alamwte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2021, 08:49:51 pm
content: OK, thanks
Force an update from PCB libraries - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2011, 05:49:46 am
content: Hi all,I've modified component footprints in my PCB library and saved it, but "Update from PCB Libraries" doesn't reliably detect any changes between the PCB and the library. The only way I've found to force an update is to delete the components and import changes from the schematic, which is annoying because I have to manually reposition everything exactly where they were (and generally they've lost their grid alignment for some unknown reason).Is there a way to force a re-import or convince Altium that a part has changed?

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2011, 06:56:36 am
content: Ah, I've discovered a better way to do it - from the "PCB Library" pane, right-click on the component you want to update and "Update PCB with xxxx".It's vaguely unsettling that it does this without an ECO or any confirmation aboutwhichPCBs it's updating, but at least it works.

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2011, 08:36:55 pm
content: Quote from: joelby on October 10, 2011, 05:49:46 amThis was the only way I knew how to force a footprint update, which was painfully annoying especially if I had to change the footprints on a crap ton of bypass caps, or something update a 3D body.Thanks for the tip.

author: Eonir
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2013, 10:45:34 am
content: Quote from: joelby on October 10, 2011, 06:56:36 amThank you for finding this. It saved me quite some frustration! I don't know why, but I couldn't find this information in the AD help.

author: dodonny
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 12, 2021, 02:19:29 pm
content: So f***ing thanks to you !

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2021, 02:29:52 pm
content: Note that, as with ECO updates, the footprint will be changed only if pads match. I had one recently with a duplicated pad for some reason, had to delete the extra first (which was done by selecting the footprints, unlocking primitives, querying their pads, manually selecting every other pad in PCB List, deleting them, and re-locking primitives).Another option is deleting the components, but saving their positions first by selecting them, and copying X1, Y1, Rotation columns in PCB List. Delete, import, select the new parts, and paste it in. If you want to save designator specs as well, make a copy of those data and paste it into a notepad or spreadsheet for temporary holding, then copy and paste it back in.Tim
Net colors not overriding - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2021, 12:03:51 am
content: Is this just my problem or has it popped up for everyone?I set a net color and that works fine. Do a few more (typically power nets), seems to be fine. Hit F5, nothing. Try via the view menu - enabling and disabling net color override has no effect. Open a different schematic page and that shows, or doesn't show, the net colors according to the setting, but once it's open no amount of toggling the setting changes things. To see any change, I have to close the document and then open it again.I am pretty sure it used to work dynamically as intended, but closing and restarting Altium doesn't fix it.

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2021, 05:57:32 am
content: Altium 21? If so there seems to be a bug with setting/displaying net colours

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2021, 10:39:31 am
content: Thanks. Yes, it's the latest 21. Didn't see anything on bugcrunch, but maybe if it's a new problem everyone is waiting for someone else to kick up a fuss

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2021, 08:13:59 pm
content: Working just fine over here. Altium 21.6.1.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2021, 09:26:56 pm
content: Ah, I think I haven't spelt out the problem clearly. Some screenies:First, Override enabled. You can see the coloured wires and the tickbox for enabling is ticked.Press F5 and the tickbox is now unticked, but the wires remain coloured.Close and reopen the document and the wires are now uncoloured, as they should be. The problem is that changing the setting does nothing, but closing a reopening the document shows the change. Thus it seems that the setting is only applied when the document is opened.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2021, 01:05:06 pm
content: Word from Altium is that it's a bug and will be fixed soon.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2021, 12:59:38 pm
content: I wonder if this is related to a color issue I’ve had, namely, of the rat line color selection not applying. In many view configurations, the rat lines are nearly impossible to see while placing a component.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2021, 01:11:39 pm
content: I have no actual idea, but I suspect not. The issue here is that the colours couldn't be switched on but once it was managed they were fine (the non-fix fix is apparently to select a component, which will cause an update to occur). Your problem sounds like it's a permanent visibility thing.