hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
PCB layout help - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: B J
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2019, 07:16:32 pm
content: Please bare with me on this. I know it has been covered many times, but I am still confused and looking. --- Looking for a basic program where I can layout a board and print it out on my printer. Don't want schematic capture, auto routing or anything like that. Just want to layout a simple board and print it off. Several years ago I used a program that was very simple to use. Can't find any simple ones now. Tried to download a couple but no success. My computer is old, slow, and it says that I can't download what I tried. ----- Suggestions of where to get a very basic layout tool? What works with a minimum computer, effort and time on my part? TNX

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2019, 07:50:35 pm
content: MS Paint ?

author: ttelectronic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2019, 07:54:35 pm
content: I'm not 100% sure, I think big clive uses sprint layout may be worth a try, I have never used it, so I cannot comment. But I think he liked that you could quickly make a board with it.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2019, 11:18:53 pm
content: DipTracehas the capability to print a PCB layout to a printer, PDF, BMP, etc.I found it easy to learn and in just a few hours had my first PCB.

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2019, 05:34:34 am
content: Quote from: MarkF on July 16, 2019, 11:18:53 pmFully agree. The OP says he only does simple boards so he can probably use the demo cut down version for free.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2019, 12:14:35 pm
content: Quote from: DerekG on July 24, 2019, 05:34:34 amYou can get the FREE for Non-profit license which enables you to do 2 layer PCBs with 500 pins. Any PCB size.Just ask with a few sentences saying what you are using it for. They emailed my license the next day.I have yet to need more for personal PCBs I've done. My most complex PCB had 18 ICs (5 28-pin, 10 8-pin and 3 16-pin), 20 resistors and 2 30-pin headers.I also heavily rely on the 3D view as my last check of dimensions. I have even created some of my own 3D models with FreeCAD.

author: nigelwright7557
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2019, 10:16:33 pm
content: I sell pcbcad software and still get the odd "pad and track" people who want to make a pcb simply with no schematic etc.This is fine for small pcb's.However, for larger pcb's you really need a schematic which is error checked as a basis for a pcb.Then once the pcb is laid out lots of error checking needs doing for continuity and clearance etc.With the onset of very cheap $2 batches of pcb's from China, there is little excuse to go the home made route any more.In that case a nice solder resist pcb with nice text and neat tracks etc is the way to go.
Differential trace length matching - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Jhuffaker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 10, 2019, 04:19:06 pm
content: So I'm brand new to PCB layout thanks to my first engineering job and need some advice on length matching of differential signal traces. While I have been given some training on using Altium and my education lets me handle the circuit design, but I am still a little lost on length matching for differential signal traces. I have been finding some conflicting information on how to length match a pair. I have found several guides on the subject of routing differential signals and the two that stood out to me were one from Texas Instruments and a second from Toradex. They have one image that conflicts with the other and with what I thought was true of handling a coupled pair. The two images attached show a general guide to a sawtooth pattern used to extend the length of the shorter trace, however the inequality signs are obviously contradicting. Normally I have found TI to be pretty good with guides but theirs seems to be opposite of what I thought. If anyone could clear this up for me it would be very helpful.Aside from that, I've read that sawtooth patterns only add up to about 30% of the length of the portion of trace it is applied to. I have also been told conflicting things about using sawtooth over a single longer trombone pattern to extend the length all at once where the space will allow. What do you guys recommend using? Can anyone provide any further reading on the subject?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2019, 11:03:47 pm
content: Might want to link the note in question:https://www.ti.com/lit/an/slla414/slla414.pdfI can't see why it needs to be greater than here, this onsemi note also agrees with the 'less than' guideline:https://www.onsemi.com/pub/Collateral/AN-6103-D.PDFBut it depends on the design requirements, they may not be strict so you could get away with a really wide length match bump.https://www.altium.com/documentation/18.0/display/ADES/((Length+Tuning))_AD#!LengthTuning-LengthTuningDifferentialPairshttps://www.ti.com/lit/an/spraar7h/spraar7h.pdf
FlexBV BoardViewer + PDF coupling now supports Eagle / KiCAD / Other exports - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Inflex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2019, 04:17:43 pm
content: A new update of FlexBV is being launched.In addition to the base board viewer + PDF coupling to make for faster/easier cross referencing/repairs, there are now additional formats imported;ODB / OrCAD Layout v2 (simplified)FAB / FabmasterHYP / HyperLynxCAD / GenCAD

author: Inflex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2019, 06:23:24 am
content: Latest beta versions are now in public release for those with existing licences -http://pldaniels.com/flexbvA good number of improvements over the existing stable,including the following;* Butterfly view mode (can be turned off too)* Faster rendering, maintain 60fps easily without chewing your CPU to death* PDF search system greatly improved, with in-page or per-page stepping forwards/backwards.* User-customisable keyboard actions* PCB themes (easy to create your own too)* Fabmaster, GenCAD and HyperLynx file formats now readable, great for people with Eagle/KiCAD/Altium/OrCAD
Name of online PCB assembly helper checklist tool? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: pabalo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 11, 2019, 06:42:47 pm
content: Hello!I can't recall a tool that Chris Gammell once talked about in a Amp Hour podcast and seemed very useful for manual PCB assembly (and now I'm needing it with a tedious manual assembly). It was an interactive checklist that let you highlight on the PCB all of any BOM component that you selected. AFAIK it was an online tool to which you uploaded your gerber and BOM files.Does anyone know what tool I'm talking about? I think he talked about it half a year ago, but a lot of googling and history search has failed me...Any help appreciated!Pablo

author: MitjaN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2019, 07:12:48 pm
content: https://github.com/openscopeproject/InteractiveHtmlBomIt supports KiCad and EasyEda

author: pabalo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 11, 2019, 08:24:41 pm
content: That's the one! Thanks a lot!
How do you denote a plugged and plated via? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ocset
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2019, 07:01:47 am
content: Some of the vias on our PCB are thermal vias, and they are to be plated over with copper, and plugged with epoxy.However, other vias on the same PCB are normal vias, and are not to be plated over, and not to be plugged.How do we denote this to the PCB assembler? The information doesn’t appear on the gerbers.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 12, 2019, 08:08:19 am
content: That's a question for your PCB manufacturer, assuming they offer selective plugging.

author: ocset
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2019, 04:39:22 pm
content: QuoteNo reason , other than it (might) cost more.Not all the vias on the pcb need to be "plated and pugged".At the moment, we have just put a "topplate" and "botplate" layer , and "patched" this on the pcb in various places, over the vias that need plugging and plating, and will tell the pcb manufacturer to please plug&plate all vias in those patchs...but this seems a slap-dash way to do it, and we wonder what is the professional way?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2019, 04:10:06 am
content: Epoxy plugged vias wouldn't seem to do much for thermals; don't you want them to fill with solder? Is the plug resin a thermally conductive epoxy?As mentioned, there is no official formatted method to denote this; it goes on the fab drawing. PCB fabs -- the good ones anyway -- do in fact read all the notes and try to comply with as many of them as possible.Tim

author: ocset
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2019, 10:15:06 am
content: Thanks yes we would prefer filled with solder, but i believe the cost is higher than epoxy....however, will check, because just maybe au contraire.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2019, 10:21:01 am
content: When i got some PCBs with plugged vias i only needed 10 or so done, but they said it would cost more than just getting all vias plugged.Since they would have to do an extra step to mask some but not others in the plug stage.
QR codes/Datamatrix on PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2019, 11:55:08 pm
content: I've been asked to implement QR codes on the blank PCBs we make, directly on the PCB, no sticker.I don't even know what scanner they plan on using yet.Is it better to have soldermask openings over exposed copper (enig finish), or over bare PCB material? I'd use silkscreen but I've noticed even when I ask for LPI it often comes back splotchy like an old old old school silkscreen. So I can't rely on that.I have no clue what size I can get away with. The minimum of 15x15mm is already enormous for the kind of PCBs I make.Datamatrix might be better?Has anyone done this?

author: jeremy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2019, 01:55:21 am
content: I have dev boards from Nordic which do this. Nrf52840 usb dongle, about $10-15 iirc, the code is on the underside near the exposed USB pads. They use datamatrix on the soldermask, but the two boards I have from the same batch have different barcodes, so I assume that they add them later with a laser engraver. Based on the sharpness of the edges and fine detail, it’s not a CO2 but likely YAG, fiber or UV laser.You need to be careful that the barcode is not inverted (dark where is should be white, etc) as many off the shelf scanners cannot read the inverted ones.

author: jeremy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2019, 02:09:11 am
content: Also found the same thing on a EFM8UB3 thunderboard dev kit

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2019, 02:18:46 am
content: Yeah those are great but I forgot to mention that I'm tied to green soldermask, for now.Maybe if my boss likes QR codes more than green mask, we'll change the soldermask color...

author: jeremy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2019, 02:25:33 am
content: I'm not sure green is a huge problem, you just need good lighting like any other machine vision project (maybe a colour filter to improve contrast), and the view needs to be off-axis to avoid the specular reflection from the light source on the shiny soldermask.

author: Niklas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2019, 07:18:56 am
content: We have a DMC about 6x6 mm that is laser marked just before the solder paste printing. We have products both with and without copper underneath the green solder mask. As already mentioned, avoid silk screen as the repeatability is poor for larger areas. Instead of the old mesh pattern you can get lines with LPI.Make sure the DMC area + 1 mm frame is free from vias and try not to place any large solder pads close to it. Vias can be interpreted as dots and large pads can have an excess of flux that can distort the DMC.

author: jeremy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2019, 08:00:32 am
content: Quote from: Niklas on May 02, 2019, 07:18:56 amOut of interest, what kind of laser is it ? (What wavelength?)
Tool for fastening SMA pigtail to PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Martin F
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 06:21:17 am
content: Hi all,We're producing a data logger with WiFi.As part of our production finalization process, we need to fasten an SMA pigtail connector to our PCB.Currently we do this on the PCB before we slide the PCB into our enclosure - but that creates a number of inefficiencies.It would be far more ideal if we could fasten the pigtail connector after the PCB is in the enclosure - but to do so, we need an adequate tool.I've attached a picture. The pigtail connector is ~1 CM inside the enclosure and there's ~1.5/1.0 cm above/below the PCB inside the enclosure.Any suggestions for tools would be much appreciated!Best,Martin

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 06:38:43 am
content: I've not seen tools to do this.3D print or fabricate something from plastic, aluminium or some FR4?Start with a "stick" with some blu-tac on the end and go from there.You may be able to use a small amount of tension on the pigtail to hold the connector part in the tool while you connect it.
CE/FCC certification - Class A vs. Class B - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Martin F
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2019, 02:01:02 pm
content: Hi all,We've recently certified an electronics device for CE and FCC compliance with a certification test house.The device is certified for industrial use (FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A; EN 55032 Class A), which is in line with the intended use case.We're however a bit in doubt on how the regulation is in regards to communicating the CE/FCC marks as we've heard differing views.We aim to include the logos and e.g. the FCC ID on the backside of our product along with the device serial number - as well as on our website/manual.However, should we also be including a note regarding the certificates (and e.g. a comment on this being class A rather than B) somewhere else?Any experiences are very welcome!Best,Martin

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 01:23:46 pm
content: Generally speaking, the list of directives and standards the product is compliant with should be mentioned in the user's manual (or as an additional document), in the declaration of conformity part.As of today, I think in your case this should be listed as "EN 55032:2015 (Class A)" (for the CE part), and an additional warning such as: "Warn­ing: Oper­a­tion of this equip­ment in a res­i­den­tial envi­ron­ment could cause radio interference."(You can refer to:http://rfemcdevelopment.eu/en/emc-emi-standards/en-55032-2015)I don't know a lot about FCC but it's probably similar, so the warning should likely apply in both cases.
Find connector for my board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hoangduong
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 04:30:48 am
content: Hi everybody,The first I create the topic in forum. I want to find the connector like in this board (https://www.mouser.vn/ProductDetail/CUI/PBO-3-S12-B?qs=%2Fha2pyFadugxQUrpDZe0e%2F33pH4oAu6ZnPtcRj9Pfzxs93XP%2Fk9%2Fmw==)My english is not good. Sorry about it. Thanks.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 05:09:55 am
content: Your link does not work, but from the name I assume you are talking about this modulehttps://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/cui-inc/PBO-3-S12-B/102-4073-ND/6362762and you want those board edge pins.I would like to know where to get them too.They look like the ones LCD manufacturers use.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 05:55:27 am
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/best-way-to-put-dil-pins-on-a-small-pcb-to-create-replacement-for-old-parts/Batten & Allen BA3760

author: hoangduong
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 06:10:39 am
content: Thank you.
Migrating to geda pcb - getting started learning guide? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wb0gaz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 08:53:55 pm
content: Hello - I wish to find some basic "getting started" training, documentation, guide or examples to help me migrate to geda pcb (from another software environment that has been obsoleted by its author). I am familiar (enough) with PC layout (I go direct-to-layout, without using auto-routing, because my projects are usually analog/RF in nature), so I am trying to ease the migration to geda pcb.Are there such resources?Thank you

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 09:07:17 pm
content: You're going to get recommendations for everyone elses favourite package. You might as well reveal if you want a free and open source choice or a commercial option.You have doubtless done a search on "getting started with geda" in you favourite search engine. Which is why I'd be tempted to consider Kicad. There's a lot more info available.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 09:25:21 pm
content: Quote from: wb0gaz on March 01, 2019, 08:53:55 pmIIRC there is enough on the Geda pages themselves to get started with a design. Be sure to look at pcb-rnd too because it seems to get a lot of active development lately. Still I wonder why you'd want to move away from a working package. What kind of features are you looking for?

author: wb0gaz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2019, 01:33:17 am
content: Thank you.In a nutshell, I need to place components, lines, rectangles/circles/shapes, cutouts/boundaries, holes, vias, etc., on top/bottom layers, be able to group and move them as needed, then take the resulting layout and generate a Gerber file.I do not want to generate a schematic and have the software route for me, as I focus on RF/analog design where layout is often more detailed than the corresponding schematic.

author: ScribblesOnNapkins
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 02:05:19 am
content: pcb-rnd doesn't require you to use any particular auto routing if you use a schematic or netlist as input. That info is really only used to make sure you don't short between nets or violate the DRC rules you set. Typically this happens when you route things too close for your fabs rules.If you want to have a trace going to a pin that says N.C. on the netlist and run it in a ring around the board for no reason, you can do that.If you want to short two nets on the layout in one fixed point to make a connection between your digital and analog ground you can.etc, etc.It should let you do what you want, not what we as it's creators think you need.
Could someone convert an orcad bin pcb file to orcad ascii pcb format please? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2019, 09:05:06 am
content: I am working on a project and want to base my layout on a reference IDT wireless charging design. They provide Orcad pcb files but its in Orcad bin pcb format. I need to get this to Altium PCB v5 format. To do this I need the orcad pcb format in ASCII format so that I can get it imported into Altium and saved as a PCB V5 format so that I can then load it into Circuit Studio....Is anyone able to help with converting the file to ascii format please?I have attached the Orcad bin file. I had to zip it to get it under the 1MB file upload limit. Maybe someone could convert and post in this thread in case someone else needs the file in future?ThanksTrev

author: LTimko
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 25, 2019, 02:41:09 pm
content: Here you are!

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2019, 02:47:41 pm
content: Thanks, much appreciated.Trev

author: Howtosx
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 27, 2019, 06:48:14 am
content: Is a very surprising thing It makes me excited And seek answers every time they see it
Component Category Folder Structure for Datasheet organizer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: donlydpa
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 26, 2019, 10:59:26 pm
content: Hello everyone, first post here - been following this forum for ages and finally felt the need to do my bit, so here it comes: Its a folder structure for storing datasheets. I know it might sound old fashioned, but I thought some of you out there still like to save each datasheet locally and reuse it, like i do. After years of accumulating datasheets and several failed attempts to properly organizie the raging chaos, i realized i was not going anywhere without a proper folder hierarchy with the right component categories. I started it several times, even searched for something similar but never found what i was looking for and never really went all the way through due to the sheer number of categories and duplications, until i spent a few days in a row doing just the folder structure. It took me a while but I think i got a structure that should at least be a good foundation. It was obtained manually based on the same structure used by electronics distributors. All categories and subcategories are listed in a spreadsheet, and sub categories having multiple parents have a textfile pointing to the alternative nodes, that way you can avoid duplicates. (for example memory IC might be located under embedded systems as well as semiconductor). There is a batchfile to automate the folder generation process, or you can just extract the already generated structure from the attached zip file. You can also modify the structure from the spreadsheet and generate a custom tree using the batchfile. (will be attaching spreadsheet and batchfiles in seperate post as the size limit was reached) Thats it - hope that it can be of good use to someone. Cheers! - David

author: donlydpa
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 26, 2019, 11:23:32 pm
content: batchfiles and spreadsheet - part 1/2 (rename to .z01) - sorry had to rar aswell to go under 2mb.

author: donlydpa
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 26, 2019, 11:24:54 pm
content: batchfiles and spreadsheet - part 2/2 of zip file.
Looking for a Samsung tv t-con board schematic  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wadmancpu
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2019, 01:18:59 am
content: Hello, I'm trying to find a schematic for a Samsung 60" TVs t-con board. T-con board number is BN95-00628A. It can also end in B or C. TV model numbers are: UN60EH6000FXZA UN60EH6003FXZA UN60EH6050FXZA UN60ES6100FXZA UN60FH6003FXZA UN60FH6200FXZA UN60H6203FXZA. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

author: dannypowell
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 29, 2019, 02:14:17 pm
content: I also looking for this t-con board schematic. Can someone help?
PCB factory e7circuits, anyone been using them ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cgroen
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 09, 2019, 03:40:00 pm
content: I have a large board I need to have manufactured (400 x 400 m 4 layer) and my usual "goto place", JLCPCB can not handle 4 layer boards this size (max 390x390 mm). I have now tried to send the design to e7circuits (http://www.e7circuits.com). The price is comparable to JLC (they have an error in their shipping price calculator that they are fixing now).Wonder if there is any here that have some experience with them ?(compared to JLC, e7circuits can also do HDI, more layers, blind/buried etc whereas JLC "only" do up to 6 layers.

author: cgroen
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 25, 2019, 08:41:32 am
content: Guess I'm the only one (yet) using e7circuitsJust took delivery of the biggest PCB's I ever have designedMy job for the last 32+ years have always been to design stuff that are getting smaller and smaller, it was very nice to do a design where you have to search on the PCB to find a specific componentI can say that the quality of the PCB from e7circuits is absolutely perfect! I have done lots of designs thru the years, used many different factories, but I would not hesitate to use these guys again (and no, I'm not sponsored or anything like that, just a happy customer !!)A couple of pictures of the gigantic board....

author: harnon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2019, 12:26:18 pm
content: Looks like an interesting PCB! Their website seems to have the same price calculator as most other Chinese PCB shops.

author: cgroen
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 26, 2019, 12:48:39 pm
content: Thanks,yes, and they also have HDI and blind via as an option, although I have not tried that yet from themThe PCB is a large "wordclock", with a NXP LPC1549, WiFi (WINC1500), BLE (Cypress Cyble 212019), a GPS (L96 from Quectel), Lightsensor (MAX44009), 3 cap. touchfields (AT42QT1010) and a IR remote receiver (TSOP34838).Yes, I know, I went a "little" overboard in this, just wanted to make a nice (and a little "smart" clock)The GPS is just to get the time, if that fails the device can get it via wireless lan. The BLE is for configuring the whole thing from a mobile. The IR receiver is just as a backup, lightsensor so it can adapt to surrounding light. The 156 LEDs are WS2812B.

author: OwO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2019, 12:51:53 pm
content: The board doesn't look very dense, maybe it can be done with one big 2 layer board plus a small 4 layer "controller" module soldered on?

author: cgroen
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 26, 2019, 01:22:24 pm
content: Quote from: OwO on March 26, 2019, 12:51:53 pmOh yes, probably. But the increase in price for 4 layer are not that bad, and I get to have a very large +5V and GND plane that drives the LEDs (which can pull a lot of current). Plus, if doing a separate controllerboard would mean a lot of extra hazzle...The cap sensors at the bottom has their own small 5 to 3.3V regulator, just so I did not need to send the 3.3V 40 cm away
How to optimize screw holes for CNC cutting - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Martin F
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 12:25:51 pm
content: Hi all,We're designing an enclosure, for which we use an extruded aluminium body and two end plates.One of the end plates looks like this:https://viewer.autodesk.com/id/dXJuOmFkc2sub2JqZWN0czpvcy5vYmplY3Q6YTM2MHZpZXdlci90MTU1Mzg1NDQwNDE3MF8wNDk3MjUxODg1NDAxOTEwMzRfMTU1Mzg1NDQwNDE3My5zdGVw?sheetId=NGNlYTEzZDQtNjI4OS00OTdhLTk4ZjAtZDhkOWYzNmEyYWQ4&designtype=stepIn the end plates, we have screw holes for M3 screws as e.g. below:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/50-pcs-lot-M2-M2-5-M3-M4-L-4-50mm-black-oxide-grade-10-9/32845491736.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.2a864c4dpSnYUEOur challenge is that the manufacturer of the end plates are unable to do the current screw holes via CNC cutting, leading to manual processing of each end plate. Do you know how to best design the end plate screw holes to facilitate pure CNC cutting for the end plates? E.g. by not using the cone shape.Thank you,Martin

author: stevelup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 12:49:29 pm
content: A countersunk hole is a trivial and completely standard operation. Are they plasma cutting them or something?Your choice is:-a) they continue to manually finish themb) you have them manufactured using a different processc) you don't use countersunk screws

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 02:25:31 pm
content: use a different screw, like button or socket head

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 11:54:45 pm
content: Quote from: stevelup on April 01, 2019, 12:49:29 pmd) find another vendor.Its also possible they don't want to do a 2-op process. Note the lip on the back, to do that and the countersink would usually require manually flipping the part. But most places will simply charge you a bit more and get the job done.I'm assuming here they are making the entire cover piece. If the piece comes pre-made and only the holes are cut, then there would be no excuse.
TDK C3216X5R1V226M160AC - any suggestions where to source? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Martin F
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2019, 12:59:09 pm
content: Hi all,We're trying to find a place where we can source the following component:TDK C3216X5R1V226M160AChttps://www.mouser.dk/ProductDetail/TDK/C3216X5R1V226M160AC?qs=NRhsANhppD8TwN31eZ1xGQ==The component is basically out of stock any place we can find. We were wondering if some of you have suggestions for trust-worthy, but less known places where we might be able to find these? If we could find a good place, we'd hope to purchase a couple of thousands.Thank you,Martin

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2019, 01:09:27 pm
content: I can't vouch for them personally, but there are a couple of companies listed on Findchips that are showing stock. Might be worth contacting them for a lead time?www.findchips.com

author: Martin F
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2019, 01:42:21 pm
content: Thanks, I'll try that out!
Trilogy to PCB-RE - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Singapura
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 02:14:50 am
content: Hi Everyone!Just one year after the sequel book PCB-RE: Tools & Techniques, I'm happy to announce that the trilogy PCB-RE: Real-World Examples, is released.This more or less sums up my works on the PCB-RE subject for those interested in this niche skillset.For more information:https://visio-for-engineers.blogspot.com/2019/03/trilogy-available-now.htmlWarmest regardsSingapura (KT)

author: Chris56000
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2019, 03:04:42 pm
content: Hi!Just ordered my copy!Chris WilliamsPS!Could you PM me on obtaining the Visio Templates & Circuit Symbols used in your first book please?

author: Singapura
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 12:09:00 am
content: Thanks for your support, Chris!Just PMed you.

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 03:20:23 am
content: Your web server is infected with trojans, be carefully

author: Singapura
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 04:05:51 am
content: Hi ebclrYou mean the blogger.com platform is infected?Please be more specific so I can reflect to Google and resolve the issue.Thanks!
JSD PCB - Spammers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DeanA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2019, 08:43:13 am
content: Begin Rant:Shenzhen JSD PCB, deliberately spamming with multiple emails per day.They use Subject headers like:"Please Quote""re: Tracking Number""Please Check""RFQ"I can't believe anyone believes they can get business this way. I have replied to the emails and asked them to stop spamming me but get no response. Of course I can block them but I am just amazed at this behavior. What kind of ethical company behaves this way?NEVER use JSD PCB.emails come from multiple email addresses:****@jsdpcb.com***@163.comWhat's even more crazy is they use anti spamming techniques in their own emails such as "sales11(at)jsd-pcb.cn".Spread the word not to use these nutters, I hope they lose more business than they ever gain from this disgusting behavior.End rant.

author: TheNewLab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2019, 08:49:48 am
content: Wait, haven't I seen another electronics enthusiast youtube channel advertise the outfit?

author: HalFET
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2019, 11:14:14 am
content: Don't know these guys, but I did actually end up ordering stuff a few times from those spammers at work (hey, wasn't my own money!). They do usually ship something, that's the funny bit. But I would never dare to do that with my own money or credit cards, for obvious reasons. What you get is sometimes *uhm* interesting... I've been pleasantly surprised on a few occasions, this is how I actually found the company where I order most of my small machined parts these days. But I also once got PCBs that I'm fairly certain were made with left-over stock from the seventies.But yeah, I wouldn't trust these guys, especially if they use subject headers like that.

author: johnwa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 07:41:20 am
content: <AOL>Me too!</AOL>I have been suffering spam from these fools for a while now. It appears that they scraped my address from an image on my website. I threatened to name and shame them here, but hadn't actually got around to it. Thanks for saving me the trouble, DeanA!

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2019, 07:41:47 pm
content: They do send such spam , but before this time they made my boards and the quality was the best out of the usual chinese suppliers.

author: DeanA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2019, 09:01:56 am
content: Wow, now I'm really shocked.....JSD PCB actually phoned me today....I politely let the nice sounding girl know that I would NEVER use JSD PCB because of their relentless email spamming.I want to unblock the email addresses now because I'm curious to see if they actually take any notice
Rectangular PCB cutout not showing in Gerber's - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FotatoPotato
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 04:52:46 am
content: Hi all,So I'm working on a front panel for a project and I want to make it using a PCB. I finished making it in Altium and in both the 3D viewer and the built-in Gerber viewer the rectangular cutout at the top left comes out fine. (Note, you can't see the text in Altium because the layer colors are the same for some reason). But when I upload my Gerber's to JLCPCB everything except the rectangular cutout shows as you can see in the pictures that I linked. I have tried a bunch of things to solve this but nothing seems to work, even adding milling guides and cutouts don't work. Do you guys know how I can fix this?I'll link my Gerber's and all of the pictures.ThanksEDIT: Just noticed that there is an Altium specific section, my bad for not posting this there

author: JackJones
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 05:04:39 am
content: I recently ordered a PCB with a cutout from JLCPCB. Mine didn't show up either in their Gerber viewer but the PCB I received was correct.I also put a comment inside the cutout saying "CUTOUT", I think I read somewhere that it would be wise to do that just in case.I did use kicad though, and I did the cutout using edge cut layers. I expect it should still work with Altium all the same.

author: FotatoPotato
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 05:11:42 am
content: Ok, thanks, worst case scenario is that I just need to make the cutout myself so I guess I'll give it a shot

author: JackJones
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 05:13:16 am
content: Also here's a little tip since your board seems to be a front panel: you can specify the location of the customer id number they include on the pcb.https://support.jlcpcb.com/article/28-how-to-remove-the-customer-id-on-the-pcbI'm not sure if you can put it on the back side, but still handy in cases like this where you want it out of the way somewhere less obvious.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 06:07:31 am
content: Looking at the artwork it seems You defined all other cutouts with a keepout or mechanical layer outline. It looks like the large rectangluar opening needs same treatment... keepout.
Using a Laser to CREATE (not etch) PCB traces on plastic - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 04, 2019, 03:41:10 am
content: Intriguing. Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?

author: MagicSmoker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 11:24:29 am
content: Applied Science is a great channel and I watched that video recently. None of it seemed quite practical enough for making pcbs at home, but it was very interesting nonetheless.I watched that video because of another one on Marco Rep's channel* where he used a cheap laser engraver to do "isolation milling" on pcbs first painted black. The premise looked reasonable and these engravers are only $200 from the usual sources (Banggood, Gearbest, Amazon, etc.) so I bought one to try out and while I intend on writing a more comprehensive post about my experience soon, for now I will just say that after much tweaking and hair-pulling I got surprisingly good results out of it. It can't compete on accuracy and trace/space fineness with the traditional home photolithography process (exposing boards pre-sensitized with positive photoresist through artwork laser printed on a transparency), but the per-board cost is much, much lower (like, $1 for a 100mm x 150mm board, vs. $6.5 to $10).Marco Rep video on laser engraving a pcb:

author: MagicSmoker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 11:55:11 am
content: Quote from: 3roomlab on April 09, 2019, 11:28:23 amYeah, I'll post a couple here. I used the latest version of LaserGRBL to control the engraver and to do raster-to-gcode conversion. Raster mode produces terrible quality output, though (much as Marco Rep found out) so I finally tried FlatCAM and got excellent results on the 2nd attempt with its vectorized gcode output. Oh, and the rasterized board took >8 hours to burn while the vectorized one took 15 minutes. I still need to figure out how to get FlatCAM to remove all the leftover copper "islands" that are a consequence of vector mode operation. EDIT - and also how to merge the excellon drill file so it matches up with the board, a problem acknowledged by the FlatCAM documentation, but without a clear explanation of what steps should be done in the software, specifically, to fix it.
JLCPCB stencil quality - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gaminn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 09:40:53 am
content: Hi,I'm planning to order stencil for my prototype PCBs onhttps://jlcpcb.com/.1) Any experience with chinese stencils and this company?2) What data format and file name conventions do they use for stencils? I tried to upload my top solder paste layer (zipped) and the website tells me that they don't recognize the data. When I upload data for PCB they recognize it (there is nice visualization of my PCB on their website visible).

author: xzswq21
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 02:02:55 pm
content: https://www.oshstencils.com/I have ordered many stencils from OSHstencil. when u order some stencils they apply some discount. USPS posting service is only $7.

author: MWP
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2019, 05:09:08 am
content: Ive had a few done by Elcrow with PCB orders.They have always turned out well.

author: bugrobotics
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2019, 03:08:25 pm
content: I've had a number of stencils completed through JLCPCB and they all have been great quality.

author: forrestc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 08:40:09 am
content: Quote from: bugrobotics on February 25, 2019, 03:08:25 pmSame here, we've actually standardized on one of their frame sizes which match our manual stencil printer rather nicely.No complaints other than self-inflicted ones which aren't their fault. Hint: if you send them a stencil gerber with apertures you don't want, they'll send you a stencil with apertures you don't want. Fortunately, that particular self-inflicted screwup was fixable with some foil tape.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 06, 2019, 10:47:41 am
content: NOTE: This message has been deleted by the forum moderator Simon for being against the forum rules and/or at the discretion of the moderator as being in the best interests of the forum community and the nature of the thread.If you believe this to be in error, please contact the moderator involved.An optional additional explanation is:
About THT and SMD Components in a PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dhumx
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 25, 2019, 05:40:46 pm
content: Is it possible to both have THT and SMD components in one PCB design? if it is possible, is there any side effects? I'm trying to build a modified FM transmitter and I'm looking at some THT and SMD components to use in my design

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2019, 06:13:22 pm
content: Quote from: dhumx on March 25, 2019, 05:40:46 pmyes, it is done all the time, many connectors are THTit can be a bit of a hassle for mass production because you need two different soldering processes

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2019, 09:46:18 pm
content: Quote from: dhumx on March 25, 2019, 05:40:46 pmYes, this is done all the time. Two soldering processes (infrared/vapour phase oven for SMD & wave/manual soldering for through hole) are required.Just try & get all the components (SMD & through hole) on the same side of the PCB as this saves quite a bit in production costs.
Submitting Multi-PCB designs to China? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Chris56000
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 11:58:22 am
content: Hi!Just a quickie one!Attached are the Gerber Files for Liv's PSL-3604 project, and I'd like to get a set made!Can anyone have a quick look @ these please, & recommend a PCB House in China, etc., that will make a set of these as one order without treating 'em as five different (and separately chargeable!!) designs?If not, can anyone suggest the procedure to submit 'em separately and the most economical PCB House please?Chris Williams

author: Yansi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2019, 11:52:34 pm
content: There are already few threads about this. Try search.Separating the designs by vCut should not impose any fees, full pcb separation by milling definitely will add fees.Sorry, could not open the gerbers, uploading a rendered image would be more practical I guess for quick evaluation.

author: OwO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2019, 04:03:57 am
content: You can't put multiple gerber designs into a zip like that. If you send this kind of gerber to a fabhouse either they will refuse to deal with it or charge extra $$ for the hassle. You need to pre-panelize it yourself by copying and pasting the layout for the 3 boards onto one big board, and drawing the v-cut lines (on the outline layer). Also be careful that v-cut lines must go all the way through the entire length of the board.Last time I checked most fabhouses charge for v-cut lines, but some allow multiple designs separated by routed tabs (e.g. elecrow). If you've done the panelization correctly your outline layer should look like the attached image.Also always preview your gerbers before sending them in; I use bothhttps://gerber-viewer.easyeda.comandhttps://oshpark.com/If either of these two viewers give you any errors you should fix it or else no fabhouse will want to deal with it.

author: Chris56000
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2019, 05:29:13 am
content: Hi!Thanks for – I still have an ancient copy of P–CAD 2006 that will read Liv's native design files he supplied!Chris Williams

author: srce
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 09:47:14 am
content: Panelizer here:http://blog.thisisnotrocketscience.nl/projects/pcb-panelizer/DirtyPCBs for cheap panellised (2-layer) PCBs -https://dirtypcbs.com/store/pcbs
Smoke Chamber - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: barok
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 07:24:34 am
content: Hi,I'm in the process of designing an optical smoke alarm. I've been looking at the RE46C191 from Microchip which seems to be well suited. My concern is where to source the optical smoke chamber from.Does anyone have any experience with this or know how it's usually made?I have found some on Ali but nothing on any EU/US sites.Any info on building a optical smoke detector is appreciated!Thanks

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 03:46:32 pm
content: buy a 11 $ one from home depot .. works for 10 years.
Cheap PCB fab available now (During chinese new year) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 01:30:44 am
content: Can anyone recommend a cheap PCB fab that is still operating at the moment?All the china ones are shutdown for Chinese new year and open again around 15th FebI really want to get a PCB design produced within a week or two.Nothing super special. 6/6, Small board, ENIG, 2 layer, black mask.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 01:33:29 am
content: Quote from: Psi on January 31, 2019, 01:30:44 amYou probably stand a better chance locally.

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 01:37:20 am
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on January 31, 2019, 01:33:29 amIn New Zealand... Cheap... Not a chance.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 02:03:26 am
content: Na, i don't expect it to be localBut there must be other countries offering cheap PCB services?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 02:07:04 am
content: Looking at oshpark.com atm.They look good

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 07:42:37 am
content: The PCBs are ok, but a week or two most likely won't happen. Takes that long for me paying double for a rush order.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 08:25:29 am
content: JLCPCB and Allpcb are both onlky closed for a couple of days..

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 08:35:02 am
content: cool. Thanks

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 12:48:22 pm
content: Why don't you just leave them Chinese enjoy the single holiday they have each year?

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 09:36:15 am
content: If you find money more important than a life that's up to you, but please try to respect other people / cultures.

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 05:19:38 pm
content: I have an order with JLCPCB not going anywhere fast, apparently it got stuck in their CNY shutdown. When asked about it I was told they only run one line over the holidays and orders are backed up. (It has been 8 days now for something that should take 4 or less.) I had hoped that by placing my order on 1/25 I'd beat the shutdown, but no such luck.So I'm giving up on them. OSHPark has a 12 day delivery which is pretty worthless (no expedited option for 4 layer), even if they're open during CNY, so their normal is no faster than just waiting it out. And I hate their dark purple soldermask.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 03:52:19 am
content: Quoting engine online is horrific. Get that fixed and i'd have a further look.Quote from: 3roomlab on March 08, 2019, 03:41:41 am
WRCad tools recently released to open source (IC layout and simulation) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JohnG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2019, 06:56:25 pm
content: For what it is worth, the Xic IC development toolkit has been released to open source. I am not an IC designer, but it also looks like it includes some other very nice tools for circuit simulation, including a what looks like a powerful version of Spice. You can find them here:http://www.wrcad.com/and here:https://github.com/wrcad/xictools.Hope this proves to be useful to someone.Cheers,John