hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Install all libraries within a directory? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 03:45:28 pm
content: I've been on a librarian binge and created >50 libraries.Is there a way for someone to install these in bulk on their computer? Or is it strictly a manual process?Is there a way to script this?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 05:07:26 am
content: I think there is a library group or package. But im not at my pc to check.When altium used to have a large part library, before they went to the vault, there was like a main "national semi vreg library" for a random example. It contained many sublibraries

author: Fire Doger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2017, 08:01:10 am
content: I have installed only libraries that I use on every project (resistor, caps, etc)For the rest I am using search on the folder which contains all my libraries
Generate schematic from PCB file, Altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sparqq
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 03:10:32 am
content: I have a converted a PCB file from Pads into Altium and now want to generate the schematics based on the PCB. I have searched for it, but all the documents online talk about from schematics to pcb or from gerber to pcb. Anyone knows the trick to get the netlist out of the PCB and into the schematics?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 03:59:46 am
content: I know of very few tools which can create schematics from netlists (and when they do, they're terrible, because they don't understand how to place components on a schematic -- a difficult problem akin to PCB placement and routing, after all). If you can't get the schematics into a compatible format, rebuild it yourself. It's probably only a few days work (unless it's huge, I guess).Tim

author: sparqq
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 06:31:14 am
content: I can rebuild the schematic, it is not that hard. I just want to keep it linked to PCB so I can do changes in the future and use it for the BOM management.

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 12:39:31 pm
content: Recreate the schematic and use the "Component Links" to be sure that the relation between each schematic symbol and the corresponding component on the board is correct.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 12:57:40 pm
content: Design procedure is Schematic -> PCB. Not the other way.You need to recreate the schematic by hand, match designators by hand, and link the parts together. Use Project-> component links in the PCB editor. And use the tools the right way next time.
Cyclone 10 LP Library? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Zeigren
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 17, 2017, 10:53:38 am
content: I plan on using a Cyclone 10 LP in an upcoming project so I started looking around to see if there were any AD libraries for it, but I can't seem to find any. I figured I would ask around first before I spend the time cobbling one togetherI'm specifically looking at the 10CL006ZE144I8G if you're curious.UPDATE: Finally found 'em, just didn't go far enough down the rabbit hole >.>https://www.altera.com/support/support-resources/download/board-layout-test/pcb/pcb-cadence.htmlStill weird to get an Altera link but have Intel plastered all over the website. They're for Cadence and it's just the schematic symbol but it works. Took the footprint from a Cyclone IV from Altium's design content and slapped it on there so now I'm good to go
printing "what you see is what you get" - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gogoman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2017, 10:46:09 am
content: new b questions, printing a PDF in layout all the layers appear on the sheet.Is there a quick method to print what you see is what you get.can this process be placed into a job file?thanks

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2017, 03:10:47 pm
content: I don't think so, you have to set up all the sheets, views and layers in the OutJob.Tim
[17] easy component parameter editing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: shebu18
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2017, 09:25:52 am
content: Hello,I created the component i use in my schematics in a schlib file and the footprints in a pcblib file. Everything worked out ok.The problem i have now is that i want to add some parameters to all the components (value, tolerance, manufacturer, PN, etc).Q1: Is there a way to view all the components in a schlib file, in a excel way and add or remove or edit parameters as i want?I know that i can edit each component individually but that would be to much work. (adding every parameter to every component and then add the value for the parameter).I read about dblib and how to implement it with access or a postgresql database. This would mean that i have to recreate all the components, something i would like to avoid.Q2: is there a guide on setting up the database and add components to it?Thanks

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2017, 12:52:10 pm
content: There is the parameter manager. Tools -> parameter manager.

author: shebu18
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2017, 01:21:55 pm
content: Thank you for your answer.Does the Parameter manager allow me to modify the parameters of all components in an schlib at the same time?

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2017, 12:05:34 pm
content: Quote from: shebu18 on November 16, 2017, 01:21:55 pmThe answer is "yes".You can add a parameter to all or selected components. You can select and modify groups of parameters. I use it all the time. It's powerful, easy to use, and makes quick work of multiple parameter changes.You can not delete footprints from components while in it but you can change/modify footprint names.

author: shebu18
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2017, 12:19:07 pm
content: I tested it yesterday evening, exactly what i wanted. Works great!For future proofing i will try to set up a sql library.

author: shebu18
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2017, 10:00:20 am
content: So i managed to set up the sql database and also make it work with Altium.For this i used postgresql installed on an server and created the database and a user for the database. For managing the database i use pgAdmin 4 and for entering data i use DBeaver (also libreoffice base can be used).In altium i set up the conenction with odbc (downloaded from postgre) and i can manage the components and use them in schematics.It would be nice to create a gui for entering all the data from a component and then send it to the database as a query. But this task is dependent on the table column structure in the database. Every one likes to have other columns.
AD17: Not Fitted components not displaying Red-X on schematic? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2017, 08:31:38 pm
content: Does anyone know what could be causing this issue?The Red X is not displaying on Not Fitted components on the schematic but the 3D models are correctly being disabled on the PCB.http://www.altium.com/documentation/16.0/display/ADES/WorkspaceManager_Dlg-VariantOptionForm((Variant+Options))_AD

author: veryevil
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 16, 2017, 09:19:05 pm
content: Hi, you have to have the variant set in the box at the top, you have to have compiled the project and you have to select the litle tab at the bottom of the screen next to where it says "editor"

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2017, 02:55:52 pm
content: That's interesting. Thanks!
Layout - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gogoman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2017, 01:46:30 pm
content: Hi new b question, In layout can the rat nest be made non visible?thanks

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2017, 01:51:01 pm
content: L -> default color for new nets

author: cgroen
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 16, 2017, 02:47:19 pm
content: View -> Connections -> Hide All(or Hide Component, net etc)
Highlight Net with mouse hover - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tecpenguin
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 21, 2013, 02:28:15 am
content: HiI would like to setup the board insight functionality: hover mouse over net to highlight (in PCB editor)Useful and absolutely necessary for me.apparently this can be setup inTools->Preferences->Board Insight Display.But it doesn't work.I can CTRL-Click to highlight a net, but this wont do.I'm looking for the functionality that Diptrace provides as standard...ie the mouse hovers over a net and you can see the whole net light up.'Live-Highlighting' is ticked, but it is not working...Thanks !

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2013, 04:02:12 am
content: Does it work if you hover over a net whilst holding the shift key?

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2013, 08:44:01 am
content: I use AD10 and it worked straight out of the box. Same for the viewer.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2013, 11:55:33 am
content: I have summer 09 and it worked for me out-of-the-box as well.Have you changed the color scheme or something?I cant remember if it works in 3D mode, are you in 3D or 2D?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2013, 03:40:43 pm
content: Go check your layers o-l ( options layers ) and make sure the bottom right hand column ( where it says default net color and grid and all that other stuff ) is turned on. You got an overlay missing.If that's not it. Go to the bottom right hand corner and find the intensity control sliders. You got the highlight slider set to minimum.

author: tbyrne
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 14, 2017, 01:07:15 am
content: Check Preferences > PCB Editor > Board Insight Display.You'll need to be sure "Live Highlighting" is enabled. You may also have "Live Highlighting only when Shift Key Down" inadvertently enabled.
Unified Components - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dmginc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 11:39:27 am
content: I thought this may be useful for the Altium users out there:https://nickdademo.blogspot.com/2017/02/altium-unified-components-catch-em-all.htmlNot having a single download link for all the UC libraries (and that annoying requirement to provide my contact details on every download) frustrated me enough to write a Python script that downloads them all in around 5 minutes (~1GB)Feedback welcome

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 10:43:31 pm
content: Had to do something like this to get it to work:sudo apt-get install python3.5pip3 install -U seleniumsudo npm -g install phantomjs-prebuilt (or install this manually from their website, not sure how)python3.5 download_all_altium_unified_components.pyMaybe a torrent can be setup later

author: dmginc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 11:07:23 pm
content: Those steps look right for LinuxI updated the blog post with the actual steps needed if using Windows.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 11:20:45 pm
content: very helpful! thanks.

author: ngjohnson
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2017, 11:39:18 pm
content: Thanks! Saves so much time!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 12:56:06 am
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/altium-designer-14-3-13-unified-library/?Tim
Board Outline with Castellated Edges - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SparkFly
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2017, 01:27:54 pm
content: Dear All,I've reached the point where I wish to export Gerbers for a small board with castellated edges. To do this, I've places a number of pads on the edge of the board, expecting them to be cut in half during manufacture. However, when I use the Keep Out layer to draw a line around my board for the outline (and therefore through the pads) Altium complains, then disconnects my gnd pads from the gnd polygon pour.Is there a way to avoid this? Either ignore the violation or should I use a different method to generate board outlines? If so, what would be the recommended way?Many thanks for your time.

author: jmarkwolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2017, 03:12:06 pm
content: I've done what you describe successfully but without the board perimeter on the Keepout layer. Just draw your board perimeters on other layers.I included a quick little 3-d sketch on the drill drawing layer to describe my intention.And yes, the board fab shop will indeed "saw through" the middle of your pads/castellations.
Altium script for schematic - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kmarcine
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 21, 2017, 10:37:12 am
content: Hi,I wonder if there is possibility to write a script that will go through all the components on the schematic/s and for example copy string from one of the parameters (if exists) to a comment field. We have a number of projects done by different engineers in different ways (not always appriopriate) and would like to introduce some common rules and apply them to already existing projects.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2017, 10:56:31 am
content: Yes.http://techdocs.altium.com/display/SCRT/ScriptingProbably easier by hand. Unless you like spending 5x as much time to do an x amount of work.

author: kmarcine
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 21, 2017, 11:22:57 am
content: Do anybody has more practical example of script that will allow to manipulate components parameters, comments etc. on the schematic?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2017, 02:28:31 pm
content: Have you used the Parameter Manager before?Tim

author: kmarcine
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 21, 2017, 03:29:21 pm
content: Great, thank you. I don't know how, but I haven't thought about using this tool...
Alitum 14 CAMtastic errors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SparkFly
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2017, 07:18:53 pm
content: Hi,I'm working on a design (excuse messy areas) and was curious as to what the final gerber outputs would look like. I went through Alitum 14's Gerber generator and viewed the top copper layer (.GTL) in CAMtastic. However I notice that it seems to have duplicated other component layers, such as top silkscreen, on this layer too! I noticed that this only occurred on layers built using the IPC compliant wizard tool. I've attached an example below.Is this a simple rendering bug? I've noticed the viewer isn't terribly great. Or is this a 'real' problem?Many thanks for your time help, I appreciate it very much.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2017, 07:33:23 pm
content: Uh, well, didja check the library if it actually looks like that or what?'Cuz once it's generated, it's just another library.Tim

author: SparkFly
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2017, 07:50:19 pm
content: I've just figured it out... Should've held fire on the forum post... Apologies.Turns out I shouldn't asked it to plot mechanical layers. Everything looks good now.Thanks for the reply all the same T3sl4co1l.
How to add columns in the Supplier Search - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cybero
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 19, 2017, 09:29:29 pm
content: I'm working with Altium Designer 16. In the Supplier Search window, I want to see the Packaging column, but it is not visible by default, so everytime I open Altium Designer, I have to manually set it as visible.Is there any way to set that column visible for ever? It's boring to change it everytime I launch this software.Thanks in advance.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2017, 03:20:05 pm
content: I don't think so.The panel also never seems to save its width correctly (though that may be my fault, for not having saved it in my desktop layout -- not sure), or remember which column to sort by. Would be nice additions.Tim
Workflows used with Altium and git - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: logictom
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 06, 2017, 04:27:54 am
content: I am wanting to move our Altium files into git, currently there is a mixture of methods used for projects but essentially it boils down to a folder including the name and version, inside are the sch/pcb/prj files with the project name and version number, then another folder with the BOM, gerbers, another folder with things like step files that aren't already part of the components, eg case, etc.How are others handling bumping revisions and file naming when using git?I was initially thinking single repo per project then tag when released and bump the project parameter - the only thing I'm not convinced about using this method is file naming - it's ok for things like schematic where there's a version/revision number in the document block but how do you go about including that in the file name for things like gerber files? In the past I've named the project with the version number so you end up with projectName_v01.gerberlayer type of naming, this may be a lack of familiarity with outjob files though.I was playing around with a outjob file to try get a structure like this but didn't have much luck.-project--variant A---files for variant A--variant B---files for variant BIf anyone can share their method for keeping files within git, how they're released (outjob), how variants and new revisions are handled it would be appreciatedI have heard whispers of the mythical one button release and wondered if anyone has managed to achieve this and integrate git into the process.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2017, 05:58:59 am
content: So the issue is that you dont want to ever have files from different revisions that have the same name and no way to tell what version they came from?

author: logictom
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 06, 2017, 07:44:02 am
content: Not so much the mixing of files, there's usually a few back and forth with files with the board stuffer, either early quotes or adding more information where requested and it's nice to have the files named with the version - less likely hood of them mixing files up. Not really worried about that on our side.I guess I'm just trying to work out the best way forward without having to go through iterations and cover all bases if possible and though someone else might have a method to share and possibly cover things I haven't thought about.I could just stick it all in and be done with it but if there's a better way
"Blind pad" in PCB library? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ragorh
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 07, 2017, 05:06:54 pm
content: Hi all!This challenge arose today:We want to define drill length on pads in the PCBlibrary, so that the holes are only drilled down to specific layers when the part is used in the PCB layout.It's not a problem to do this when makingviasdirectly in the PCB. But the challenge steps up when we want to define drill length on pads in the library!How can we do that? If we use vias in the library it's not possible to add the needed designator...Tips & tricks highly appriciated!

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2017, 03:45:26 pm
content: I **think** this might be what you are looking for:http://www.altium.com/documentation/17.0/display/ADES/((Controlled+Depth+Drilling,+or+Back+Drilling))_AD

author: Ragorh
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 08, 2017, 06:54:59 pm
content: Thanks Mikekoz13!Checking it out now

author: Ragorh
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 01:16:47 pm
content: Hi again!This was not what we were looking for.. Any more tips?Thanks!

author: exmadscientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2017, 04:21:16 am
content: In the past I have had some success getting objects that aren't "supposed" to be in a PCB library into one by copying and pasting the desired object from a PCB document. I have no idea how reliable this method is over the long term or how many things it works for, but it may be a useful trick for you.

author: MMGuy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 06, 2017, 06:41:32 pm
content: I had the same issue and I believe there is not a solution currently.I asked the following question to Altium's Tech Support:"I am attempting to create a PCB library document (a footprint) with a via that does not simply extend between the top and bottom layers. While I can modify the Layer Stack Manager (Tools -> Layer Stack Manager) in the PCB Library Doc environment, when I click on the "Drill Pairs" option everything is grayed out. In other words, I can't seem to include a via with my component unless the via goes through all layers. Is this an option? Am I doing anything wrong?"Their response was:"Unfortunately, it is not an option to add Drill Pairs to the library. This is a legacy tool that was intended to be removed. I apologize for the inconvenience. You would need to create the drill pairs on the PCBDoc itself."
All drill symbols as a round symbol - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: palhinhaa
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 12:57:31 pm
content: Hello ppl,after using this forum to solve many questions, now it's my time to rise a question, hope anyone can help.In Altium Designer v17.0.10 i want to export a gerber files where drill symbols are all round, but I'm not getting it.When creating gerber files, I click in 'Drill Drawing" tab and click in 'Configure Drill Symbols...' and then I click in 'Grouping' and then I only select 'Hole Type', others I deselect all, then I choose Graphic Symbol as a Character and I select an 'O' (as is the unique round symbol). Figure bellow shows my configurations,When I export the gerbers and inspect .gd1 gerber, none of my configurations have effect, holes symbols are different when hole size is differentAnyone know how to solve this problem?Thank you

author: mohsen.ghazvini@gmail.com
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 05, 2017, 10:35:08 am
content: Dear palhinhaaYou are right. Altium has bug in this case( in generating gerber drill drowing)but in PCBDOC drill drawing your configuration work. as shown in attached image file.best regards
Export/Import/Copy Net Classes????......... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 05:47:30 pm
content: I have an Altium project which has a fair number of net classes defined. They somehow accidentally got removed but it went unnoticed for a while and work was done on the layout.So my situation is I have an old SVN commit ( a couple commits ago) of the project with all the Classes intact, and I have the current revision which has a lot of PCB changes but no Classes.Anyone know how to Export/Import/Copy Net classes so I don't have to either recreate all of them (not realistic) or revert the PCB changes to go back to the design that still had the Classes intact?

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 10:48:10 pm
content: Nevermind... This was a stupid question actually.The issue was that the classes were defined in the layout and not in the schematic. So when the layout got updated from the schematic, they got removed. Learned my lesson and I'm defining the classes in the schematic now. All is well.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2017, 04:03:05 am
content: FWIW, I don't think there's a proper way to do it -- which is a shame, as some classes (I'm fond of Pad Classes for one-offs like heatsink pads on some parts) are PCB exclusive, and it would be nice to have some way of passing that around.As for improper ways, perhaps you can write a custom ECO, and use that to import changes?Tim
Back Annotate From BOM - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: garboui
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 11:19:29 am
content: Is there a way (AD 17.x) to back annotate from a BOM? I have SCH and PCB that have all correct and matching refdes to a BOM but all the component attributes are missing or incorrect and a BOM with correct component attributes. Is there an automated way to back annotate all the component attributes from the BOM? I have about half dozen projects like this with hundreds of components each; i would really like to not have to do this manually (or stick someone with this manual task).

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 11:40:01 am
content: Use the Parameter Manager. Sort by Designator, match up all the BOM items one to one, then copy and paste. Boom, done.Matching up items can be tedious if you have to enter formulas on the spreadsheet, but doing a bunch at a time shouldn't be too bad.This is the manual way, akin to opening up each component and pasting in the parameters. Just, doing it in parallel. Alternately, you might be able to set the BOM as a database source (using a DbLink file) and get the parameters to import.Tim
Altium designer Error Code:126 while i create draftsman document - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: catalyst
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2017, 11:52:33 am
content: Hi everyone,I can not cope with this problem. While I create a draftsman document from my project, I am faced with this error.Screenshot is in attachment.Thank you

author: catalyst
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2017, 07:03:35 am
content: It is crucial for me. Please help me

author: catalyst
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2017, 01:11:40 pm
content: I have not contacted altium support. I think that there may somebody who is faced with this problem.

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2017, 01:15:39 am
content: so... the error stops you from doing *anything* with any draftsman file at all? or it just pops up an error when you create a new file?I'd say you need to call up your altium support.Or possibly try reinstalling altium as it looks like a dll has gone missing.

author: catalyst
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 10:24:22 am
content: This occurs only when I work on same project. Other projects have not same problem. And it occurs when i work draftsman document. By the way, I can't process the isometric view that belong to my pcb because of this problem.
Same net track clearance during an interactive routing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Vogelek23
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 30, 2017, 12:52:05 am
content: Hello dear colleagues.I have a serious problem with design rules in Altium Designer 10. I can't set up a fixed clearance between two or more tracks which belong to the same net. I want to draw an octagonal RFID PCB antennae (70x50mm outer and 30x10mm inner diameter). I have set a track width (0.35mm - critical) and a fixed clearance (0.20mm - critical) but when I'm starting an interactive routing, Altium does NOT keep that fixed clearance between the turns (I can easily make a short across all the drawn turns during coil drawing). I have switched a clearance rule to "Same Net Only" (under Design -> Rules) but it still did not avoid shorts during routing, so I have changed this option to "Any Net" - it now does not allow me to make a shorts between turns and seems to keep the clearance, but it also does not allow me to draw the rest of the turns!Does anybody know how to keep a fixed clearance between tracks with the same net during an interactive routing?

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2017, 08:53:58 am
content: Net tie perhaps?https://www.smtnet.com/library/files/upload/NetTies-and-How-to-Use-Them.pdf

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 30, 2017, 07:01:44 pm
content: Yeh, clearance rules operate between different nets, your working on the same net.Maybe easier just to setup an appropriate grid or place snap points (point guides) before routing.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2017, 11:55:24 pm
content: Its best done with scripting, some primer material here:http://blog.mbedded.ninja/electronics/general/altium/altium-scripting-and-using-the-api/pcb-related-api
Altium Designer Vs Solid Works PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: khuranarahul85
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 30, 2017, 09:20:28 am
content: I've decided to purchase Altium designer , but I got to know altium is also sold as a package with solid works, they call it solid works PCB. Now my question is will SW PCB going to be a good choice, will it have same compatibility etc?

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2017, 09:45:53 am
content: That looks to me like Circuit Studio, rather than Altium Designer. Which is a crippleware.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 30, 2017, 06:52:08 pm
content: Crippleware is a bit harsh

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2017, 07:27:50 pm
content: Quote from: khuranarahul85 on October 30, 2017, 09:20:28 amThe fact it will be bundled with Solidworks should mean it'll have some decent support.
What is DXP.exe doing? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: robotix3
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2017, 09:02:46 pm
content: If you've used Altium for any appreciable amount of time you have probably noticed DXP.exe hanging around after you close Altium, sucking up CPU and memory usage, and confusing you when trying to update.Does anyone know what it's doing?

author: Gerhard_dk4xp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2017, 09:35:49 pm
content: I killed the Altium designer, just to see it die, andthere is no leftover dxp.exe process.(Version 16.something, I did not keep the subscriptionbecause I had to find solutions for all weirdnessesmyself anyway.)What happens if you kill the dxp.exe process by force?

author: robotix3
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2017, 09:38:13 pm
content: I'm running 17.1 right now, but I also saw it on 16

author: dave_k
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2017, 02:10:25 am
content: Lucky me .. I don't see that behavior on V6

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2017, 06:42:25 am
content: Quote from: robotix3 on October 26, 2017, 09:02:46 pmdxp is altium, altium is dxp, meaning when you see dxp is still running, altium is still running, its just visually closed down so you think altium is closed. this usually happened when an application has not cleared up any resources it created hence it will refuse to abort and do its housekeeping stuff. long story short... its a bug.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2017, 04:31:07 pm
content: DXP is the server application for Altium Designer. It is basically the GUI that access all the DLL's in altium.When shutting down Altium DXP is the last thing to unload. It may linger for a few seconds after the last altium window closes, but it is not normal to hang around for more than 5 seconds.I've never seen that behavior

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2017, 07:00:00 pm
content: Think I've seen that before (version 15/16?). Also such shenanigans as crashing during exit (after file save, fortunately).I wouldn't be surprised if most of the spooky crashy issues are down to memory leaks / hanging pointers, cache coherency, and stuff like that.Tim
Altrium vias and poligon clerance - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: milionario
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 25, 2017, 01:53:27 pm
content: Hi, I've a problem with vias, through hole pads and poligon in altium; in particular in some instances (as you can see in the first figure) there is almost no clearance between the anular ring and th poligon's copper, in the second screenshot you can see my clearance layout rulesIs there someone that can shed some light on this issue?thanks

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2017, 03:42:18 pm
content: Remember to always repour polygons.Polygon-to-via connections are governed by the PolygonConnect design rule.Tim

author: milionario
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 25, 2017, 06:43:43 pm
content: i'have repour without succes, but I'have solved the problemI created a new rule between poligon and vias with a differente clerance
AltiumLive 2017 to be held October in Munich, AD18 Official Launch - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 25, 2017, 10:59:46 am
content: http://www.altium.com/live-conference/munich/

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2017, 02:54:11 pm
content: They charge money to essentially an ad? What the hell?

author: Berni
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2017, 05:58:30 am
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on August 25, 2017, 02:54:11 pmExactly. Who is gonna pay almost 300 euro to go watch an advertisement for there new software that will probably be buggy as hell for the first half a year like most of there other major releases.Trade shows mail you free tickets instead. But to be honest i wouldn't go even if i was given a free ticket. Trade shows are actually useful, this not so much.

author: markus.dnd
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2017, 12:26:04 pm
content: being one of the people here, in altium live, i would say it is not just a commercial. Mostly it is a good conference which is feeding people well, doing good time for engineers and nice place to communicate with other company engineers.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 25, 2017, 12:38:19 pm
content: If you are in the PCB design business then $300 is nothing, big companies have training budgets where that money is chump change.It's a Junket thing

author: M4trix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2017, 01:26:27 pm
content: Quote from: voltsandjolts on August 25, 2017, 10:59:46 am8:00 AM - 8:45 AM Breakfast12:15 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch and Expo6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Cocktails and Dinner
Export PCB properties - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hansibull
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 02:00:09 pm
content: Hi!I'm designing a board that's soon to be manufactured. In the past i've used to send the Gerber and assembly files together, and then specify PCB color, board thickness and surface finish in a hand written document.Is there any way I can make Altium:A)Add PCB color and surface finish to the layer stack manager (using an Output job file)B)Export a dedicated file where PCB color, thickness, surface finish, physical size and the rest of "important" properties are located?Thanks!

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 06:59:50 pm
content: You could change the name of the mask/overlay layers to include the color, that should show up in a layer stack report.More generally, you'd probably do what you've done in the past: include either a document describing fabrication/assembly requirements or a drawing with those sorts of requirements listed as notes. If you wanted to keep everything within your Altium project, you could create your requirements document as an extra schematic sheet, and have that exported as part of your fabrication/assembly package outjob.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2017, 09:17:27 pm
content: I put that information on the Drill Drawing layer. The "enterprise" way is to use a sheet enumerating all the options: laminate Tg, Td; overall thickness, number of layers, layer thicknesses, soldermask and silkscreen type and color; and fab instructions: tolerances, IPC references, assembly notes, etc.Tim

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 10:26:53 pm
content: Not a fan of fab info in a design file... I can see how it helps save work and ties the information together, but, well, it's just not right...I just have a fab document that I make for a PCB design when it goes out... Gets zipped up with the Gerbers. A bit of a hassle to do, but I basically have a template that I go through and fill out and define the basic info for. Once it's made for a given design it rarely need to change much even if the board had revisions (just need to update release file versions, normally...)I was hoping draftsman would make generating this file easier, but I haven't had the chance to push that as hard as I should yet to work out 100% if it's possible or not, and so am still doing it manually....

author: hansibull
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2017, 10:19:15 am
content: Thanks! I ended up exporting the layer stack while providing the rest of the PCB properties in a separate file
Gerbers different from PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 09:03:10 am
content: Oy!So, the Gerber files are just a little bit too different from the actual PCB (small 5x5mm thingie). I can easily solve the not-solid planes (it are tracks next to each other, adding another one to bridge the gap works) but I'd like to know why there's such a big difference..But my bigger problem is that the arcs aren't exaclty arcs anymore. Any idea how to improve? Already tacked "software arcs", improved a bit but not enough...

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 09:11:38 am
content: Quote from: Ice-Tea on September 29, 2017, 09:03:10 amWhat makes you think there will be any difference on actual PCB? On such scale it's very unlikely that etching process will be so precise that there would be any sharp edges.

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 09:15:54 am
content: Mh, good point. But why are the solid surfaces not solid anymore?Annoys me...

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2017, 11:50:28 am
content: I've never noticed holes in polygons before. Bug report?Tim

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2017, 01:58:04 pm
content: Not polygons, though. Tracks side by side. Still should not happen.

author: dfnr2
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2017, 08:16:46 pm
content: 1) What gerber viewer are you using? It may not be rendered 100% accurately. For example, gerbv has 3 modes: "fast", "normal", "high-quality". If you choose "fast" or sometimes "normal", you can see artifacts like this that disappear in "high quality" modes.2) If you created the regions by juxtaposing tracks, try overlapping them a bit more. It will make no difference in the PCB, but will cut down on the artifacts due to inaccurate rendering.3) From the triangular void in your picture, it looks like the tracks are not all entirely parallel. Perhaps some are 1 or 2 pixels off from top to bottom. You can edit each track and check the X and Y coordinates of the endpoints, and fix. Again, no real impact on the PCB, but may contribute to this artifact.4) Why not just draw the outline of the region using primitives, then convert to a polygon. Then you can control the resolution of the arcs as well. Also, it will result in a smaller, quicker rendering Gerber.

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2017, 09:06:48 am
content: Quote from: dfnr2 on October 12, 2017, 08:16:46 pmThe Altium viewer.QuoteWhich is what I did in the end. Still sucks thoughQuoteThis is the part that baffles. They *were* parallel.QuoteBecause using tracks immediatly gave the curves I needed. Otherwise, I'd have to lay a square *and* arcs. This was just a *lot* faster. I like fast.
Schematic net list, off page connectors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gogoman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2017, 12:44:18 pm
content: Hi several problems and need some help.in the schematic can nets be listed for each page and Is there a quick method to find where the net are used?The tool reports unconnected nets which are off page even if the net name are identical.thanks

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2017, 12:56:01 pm
content: Altium is using hierarchical design by default, which means you need to explicitly tell it, that you want two off sheet nets are connected. Its with the port, not with the netlabel. And multiple nets can have the same name, but not connected. It allows greater flexibility.Please read this to understand.http://www.altium.com/documentation/17.1/display/ADES/((Creating+Connectivity))_ADIt is a steep learning curve.Also, the navigator panel's "interactive navigation" button helps.

author: gogoman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2017, 04:58:26 am
content: good read.anther question, when printing the schematic several unrelated sheets are combined together on a single page.Is a what you see is what you get option available when using smart PDFthanks
Part clearance with part shape - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2017, 09:42:10 pm
content: Hi, I have been using Altium for just a couple of weeks, and I have created a heatsink footprint, but I have a problem with it. The keepout of the component is a rectangle instead of the heatsink shape, how can I have the keepout set as the shape ?Currently I cannot put the TO-220 transistor on the correct place for the heatsink to be fixed to it.Attached is the image of the heatsink I have created in AltiumAttached is an image of the heatsink.Please help me with this issue.David DLC

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2017, 01:57:25 pm
content: I take it the heatsink has a STEP model?Does the TO-220 also have a model?Tim

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2017, 04:54:39 pm
content: The purple hatched area around the heatsink looks like its step model envelope, not its keepout. That's just how Altium renders step models in 2D (you can change the display mode in the view configuration, but your only options are a hatched rectangle, an outline rectangle, or no rectangle at all).Generally, if you've got step models defined for all of your components, you'd use clearance rules based on these, but if you don't have step models, then you have to define your clearance controls some other way, which probably involves drawing your keepouts in all of your component libraries if you want to do anything non-rectangular.Note that even with step files for both the heatsink and the transistor you won't be allowed to have them touch on the board by default. You'll probably want to create a specific clearance rule that allows those two specific parts to touch (you can set component clearances to negative distances to allow components to overlap slightly, if you can't get the alignment completely perfect).
Altium FPC bending  / bending line contains strange graphical artifacts - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: smoothVTer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2017, 02:42:54 pm
content: I have a FPC wiring harness I've designed in AD16:I define a bending line, and when I hit the '5' key the FPC bends but contains strange artifacts, as if bubble gum is being stretched between the edges of the FPC:Anyone have an idea as to how to fix this and remove these artifacts? Could it be some misaligned layer in my stack?

author: DutchGert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 12:52:57 pm
content: You also need to set the bending radius
Component Body and Board Edge rule - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RudolfE
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 05:21:58 pm
content: Morning everyone,I'd like to make a simple rule that makes sure I don't put a component body within 0.5mm of the board edge for v-scoring.I tried:- Board outline clearance with IsComponentBody.- Clearance with IsComponentBody and (Layer = 'PCB Outline'), Any netI'm guessing it's because the component body and outline layer I'm using just can't be used to define a collision? But they are both mechanical layers.Any help would be appreciated.Rudolf

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 06:42:26 pm
content: I don't think you can do it with just any layers, because some aren't "applicable" to the rule.So, you can't do Board Outline Clearance to 3DComponentBody, or Component Clearance to IsBoardOutline or IsKeepOut.This seems like an ideal application for Rooms. Set placement for within rooms only, and set the room outline to the desired shape.Or, place 3D bodies around the outline, representing the v-score tool keepout areas. Hacky, but it will do full 3D component clearance that way.Tim

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2017, 08:04:08 pm
content: Do your footprints include courtyard outlines? That would probably work well here.
Updating component in sch doesnt change description on pcb - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 05:39:21 am
content: So i have a project and i need to change some resistor values.Each resistor value is a different library part but has the same footprint, so i just need to swap their value on SCH and PCB but keep the same position on the PCB and same silkscreen (it was edited because it was too close to other things).I can right click on them in the schematic, go into the options and click the "choose" button.In there i can change them to the new component. This works fine for the schematicIf i then push the changes to the PCB it updates some of their properties but not the important ones. Like value.So now I have a part that says 220R on SCH but 330R on PCB. If i update the PCB from schematic it says they are identical.If i check the properties of the component on the PCB under 'schematic reference information' it's showing their 'library ref' as the old value rather than the new one.Any easy way to fix this and push the changes.Note that i don't want to update the copper/mask/silk from library to PCB. The PCB is in production. I'm just changing values.Thanks

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 09:24:02 am
content: Try resetting the Unique ID and re-match them by designator.

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 09:56:36 am
content: Or Project -> Component Links

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 02:20:07 pm
content: Will give that a go Monday morning,Thanks