hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Moving components in schematics editor using keyboard arrows - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bezakb
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 02, 2023, 04:57:41 pm
content: In the older version of Altium (14.x.x) I was able to: select one or more components, click and hold left mouse button, then press arrow keys to move selected components. Using keyboard was convenient as it keeps the components in the same vertical or horizontal position. I now have newer version of Altium (18.x.x) where the keyboard arrows do not seem to work in this way, basically when I hold the mouse button down, the keys do not move components.Any ideas or suggestions? Maybe some super-secret setting?

author: Fgrir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2023, 05:53:41 pm
content: It works fine for me. When I follow your instructions in Altium 22.11.1 the selected schematic elements move around one grid per press of the arrow keys. I also still have Altium 18.1.11 installed, so I checked there and schematic stuff also moves with the arrow keys like you describe.As an alternative, you can hold down the Alt key while you drag to keep things constrained to horizontal/vertical.

author: bezakb
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 02, 2023, 08:55:58 pm
content: @Fgrir, thanks for your feedback - it must be something with my setup. I will try to reset all settings and try again.

author: bezakb
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 02, 2023, 09:42:44 pm
content: This fixed it, and now my keyboard works as expected: Tools > Preferences > System > View > Desktop > Reset

author: ajawamnet
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2023, 03:28:45 pm
content: Another way to move selections with the arrow keys - in al the editors - is to do a Move > Selection and click somewhere, then you can use arrow keys to move by the grid setting.
Output Job File ovewrites my BOM template when generating - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Shorty85
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 08, 2023, 12:12:57 pm
content: Thees seems to be consistent problem in all 22 Versions (not yet upgraded to 23). But is was no problem in 21 versions as I can say.I have my template stored in C:\Altium\Templates\BOM.xlsxMy Project in C:\OneDrive\Projects\1234 - Customer - Project Name\Electronic\*.*Everytime when I generate the Documentation PDF with the output file the template gets overwritten with the actual BOM items.Next time I generate Altium sets the items below the old items and bom is growing and growing and of course not correct because too many items.So I always have to have an empty copy of my template available to restore the empty tempalte after output job is finished.Does anyone have the same problem and does anybody know how to solve it?Best regards

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2023, 10:30:09 pm
content: What happens if you make the template file read-only?Does that throw some error in altium.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2023, 12:28:41 am
content: What if you save the template as an actual template (.xltx)?I've never had the problem you describe, but my templates are all xltx.

author: Shorty85
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 13, 2023, 01:36:07 pm
content: Hey guys,thanks for the ideas!*.xltx is not working for me at all. Wired.But making it read only did the trick. No error in Altium, all working as expected. Also wired but as long as it is working.Thanks!
Anyone tried Altium with the Intel Arc A770 GPU? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Numex106
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 29, 2023, 09:19:32 pm
content: Has anyone tried the latest Intel Arc GPUs (A770 or A750) with Altium Designer?https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/system-requirementsAltium's recommended system requirements only recommends DX10 support or better.I do have some fairly large projects (think 10" x 10" PCB with couple thousand components) and want it to smoothly. But I was more wondering if there were any bugs or quirks when running the arc gpus with Altium.Thanks!

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2023, 09:27:29 pm
content: If you want it to run smoothly, whats the issue with just getting an older nvidia GPU? Its not like you need the latest most powerful GPU.I'm sure a 1070, 2060+ or similar would be fine.The only justification is if you want to have the machine as dual use for gaming and CAD.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2023, 08:50:27 pm
content: Even a 1060 works fine and is already overkill for Altium.Even a much less powerful GPU would work.As to the new Intel Arc GPUs, while interesting, at this point feedback shows that drivers are still very buggy with a lot of limitations, so I'd suggest staying away, at least until this all gets more stable.
Can I copy multiple symbols at once? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stupid Bear
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2023, 07:34:46 pm
content: I there a way to copy a schematic symbol or footprint to multiple parts at once, for example I have 20 different resistors and they all have the same symbol? Do I really have to go one by one of is there some feature of Altium I don't know about?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2023, 08:20:59 pm
content: Use a dblib. Do a search on this forum and you'll find a few threads about them. Basic idea is to have generic footprints and schematic symbols stored separately, and then define each component as a row in a database (can be an Access database or even just an Excel file) that references the correct schematic symbol and pcb footprint and defines whatever other component parameters you need--including references to specific manufacturer part numbers, datasheet links, and whatever else you want. Creating a new component that uses existing symbols is as simple as adding a new row to the database.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2023, 08:32:21 pm
content: Are you asking how to do it when drawing a schematic or when creating a library?On the schematic sheet click on the schematic symbol you want to duplicate and press Ctrl-D as many times you need. This will create copies of the symbol and place them next to the source, then you drag them one by one where you need it to be, and edit its parameters as required.Footprints are attached to schematic symbols in Altium, so this also will duplicate the footprint.If you want to create multiple components in a library, launch the library editor, create or open existing symbol library, make one component/footprint and copy/paste it within the library or between libraries, then rename each copy and edit parameters as required.

author: Stupid Bear
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2023, 06:39:01 pm
content: So I create components from market search and copy all the fields from digikey or mouser. So now I have dozens of components in my library but no schematic symbol or footprint. Many are gonna be the same like resistors or caps all having 0805 size and there are about 20-30 different ones. I've been going one by one adding these to each part. Is there any way to add the same symbol and footprint to all 20 at once with out too much pain. It feel like there should be a way since I can't be the first to find this unnecessarily laborious.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2023, 07:26:35 pm
content: Maybe do it in reverse instead. Copy and paste a few dozen symbols, then go into Tools/Parameter Manager to set the fields. Also a good place to set the names, probably compose them first in a spreadsheet then paste in.DbLib is the better way.Tim
Layer Pairs - When to use? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stupid Bear
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2023, 08:04:43 pm
content: I am confused when is it necessary to use layer pairs.For example.... in a courtyard/keepout layer is it needed? Probably not for smd but what about thruhole or components that come out the other side? Do you typically create paired drawings or does Altium figure that out itself?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2023, 10:31:03 pm
content: It's needed anywhere you want objects to change layers when you change which side of the board a component is mounted on. For example, if you set your courtyard to a layer pair and then swap a component from the top of the board to the bottom the component's courtyard objects will automatically switch from the Top Courtyard layer to the Bottom Courtyard layer, just like the pads automatically swap from the top layer to the bottom layer. Otherwise the parts will just be stuck on the one courtyard layer. So yes, you DO actually want for on SMD parts!Actually this applies to free primitives as well. Just like when you have an object on the top silkscreen and hit 'L' to flip it to the bottom, you can do the same thing with any object on a paired layer.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2023, 11:10:47 pm
content: https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/working-with-mechanical-layershttps://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/pcb-dlg-altium-pcb-common-documentviews-boardconfiguration-views-addlayerpairdialogadd-component-layer-pair-ad?version=18.1Previous courtyard thread may be relevant:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/manufacture/overlapping-sot-23-3-courtyards/

author: Stupid Bear
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2023, 01:12:55 am
content: So in the sections Mechanical and Other Layers what kind of things typically go there. I see some people have dozens of layers. Also, for example the drill layer - I thought Altium generated that when it creates an output file or do you go there yourself and put those in?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2023, 04:52:22 am
content: You can put all kinds of things on the additional layers. You might have layer pairs for top and bottom designator and value, or some other component parameter, or component assembly information, 2D/3D body information, . You might have mechanical keepout areas, paired or not, fabrication notes, scratch layers for reference geometry, layers specific to single/panelized forms of the board, documentation....For "drill layer" - depends what you mean? The "multi-layer" 'layer' is kind of a special layer for holes and vias, which gets special handling, and yes you get an NC drill file automatically from the information it contains via fabrication output. The other drill layers have other documentation purposes.
Strange triangular cutouts appearing on polygon pour - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: worldwideglide
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 11, 2023, 07:51:43 pm
content: I recently inherited an 8-layer PCB that is supposedly "ready for manufacturing". However when taking a look at the copper layers I notice something strange... On every layer there are these triangular cutouts on the polygon pour in seemingly random places. Each layer has them in different places and I don't see any correlation between them and other objects. This is one of the internal signal layers:Re-pouring the existing polygon or changing the polygon properties or rules does not fix it. The only way I can get rid of these triangles is to delete the polygon pour and place a new (identical) polygon pour.Any ideas on what would cause this?*Edit: I'm having trouble uploading the image

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2023, 08:51:12 pm
content: This is the gerber viewer right?Does it show up like this inside Altium as well?

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2023, 08:51:34 pm
content: Probably version (in)compatibility. Try generating Gerbers and see if the issue gets transposed on Gerbers. If it does then i guess you need to regenerate the polys.

author: worldwideglide
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 12, 2023, 12:09:44 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on April 11, 2023, 08:51:12 pmYes this is the gerber viewer. The issue shows up on both gerber and inside Altium.

author: worldwideglide
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 12, 2023, 12:11:04 pm
content: Quote from: Bud on April 11, 2023, 08:51:34 pmIt does get transposed unfortunately. I'll just assume a compatibility issue and that this was not an intended design decision!

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2023, 04:05:30 pm
content: Are the existing polygons members of any classes? You can check this in the object class explorer, Design > Classes. Or does the behavior change if you rename one of the polygons? Polygon classes and names may be referenced in non-polygon rules that could affect polygon generation.What does the outline of the polygon look like? If you change it does the behavior change?

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2023, 05:39:46 am
content: Try saving as a different Gerber format.Or a different Gerber viewer. For RS-274X Gerbers, I use as free Gerber viewer called GerbV as well as Altium. GerbV does an extra sanity check and can be easier to see stuff than Altium's Gerber viewer. It is pretty simple to use, but works fine.There are other free Gerber viewers around, like ViewPlot, GerberLogix etc.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2023, 09:32:48 pm
content: Quote from: VK3DRB on April 26, 2023, 05:39:46 amOP already said the issue is also in altium.
Why are there 2 sets of designators for every part? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stupid Bear
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2023, 02:16:30 am
content: Why are there 2 sets of designators for every part? The components don't look this way inthe pcblib file.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2023, 03:39:27 pm
content: it looks like you have the designator enabled in the component properties as well as embedded in the footprint file. Either delete the ".Designator" string from the footprint, or select the component in the PCB and look at the properties panel, just like in schematic there's a little eye icon to turn the designator and comment on and off.
Multi Board Assembly importing 3D models as black - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mrburnzie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2023, 11:18:03 am
content: Just as the title says.I'm using 22.1.2 version and I couldn't find any option to turn this off.Tried to import it directly and attach it to a pcb document, same result.On the PCB viewer it works, but on the MBA document it doesn't.Anyone?
Anyone else trying the new Wire Harness feature in AD23? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ajawamnet
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2023, 12:35:55 am
content: Curious as to what others thought...

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2023, 10:09:31 pm
content: Can you do pin numbers and individual wires?Or does it just group all together as a bus.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2023, 09:44:04 pm
content: I didn't think that was available yet! I'm interested in trying it, but won't likely have time for a bit. How much setup work is required for all of the components and materials? Is it half broken like Draftsman was at first release?We've been using schematics for harness drawings, which works okay as far as being able to generate BOMs and prep lists from, but kinda sucks on the drawing side of things.
Text on Inverted Layer??? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: frogblender
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2022, 11:12:00 pm
content: Shown below on my four-layer pcb:- rectangle keepouts on all four layers (such that I can see daylight through the PCB), and then:- each of the four layers numbered (so I can see clearly when the boardshop screws up my stackup).L2 and L3 areinvertedGND plane layers. L1 and L4 are regular top and bot.The no-copper rectangles are acheived by:- rectangle on keepout layer affects L1 and L4, and...- etch polygon on L2 and L3 cuts out the inverted layers OK.But I can't get text on L2 and L3. What am I dpoing wrong?

author: frogblender
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2022, 02:54:49 am
content: Solved. The dorks at Altium decided to hide the "Invert" button, depending on what type of font you use.
EMIstreamer for Altium  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: implor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2022, 07:04:47 pm
content: Anyone used it?Looked at one of Altium demo on YouTube and it looked very neat. Sure you would find most things they showed by looking on your own but can’t say I would as fast.If anyone know the ruff cost I would love to know. Afraid it’s an “if you have to ask you can’t afford it” thing.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2022, 09:43:49 pm
content: Looks interesting. But would be some extra work adding the details that don't exist on the schematic (maybe major frequency for each net, currents? etc.).Youtube comments say $4k for EMI + $4k plane resonance thing.The site does offer 30 day free trial:https://www.nec.com/en/global/prod/emistream/altium.htmlAltium should get off their ass and provide decent features like these.
Using "power ports" for global signals - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bluenote
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 12, 2022, 08:09:51 pm
content: Hi one and all,I have a query about using "power ports" for ordinary signals.Other than drawing "etiquette", is there any reason why one shouldn't do this.I've tried this out and all works out perfectly.In my head, I can't see how AD knows a power rail from a banana.But does AD treat "power ports" in some special way.I ask because I am working on a huge design - and now have to add 64 monitoring circuits to an already complicated hierarchal design.Doing this, as a special case, simplifies drawing effort.But I'm am conscious that corner cutting often works out bad in the end.Any comments, insights, wisdom?

author: krokodyl1220
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2022, 08:27:42 pm
content: If you use a power port connected to some component pin types (such as output) you can get erc errors.You can obviously disable them, but then you might miss some other true error. Apart from that I don't know.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2022, 10:05:11 pm
content: How does this simplify drawing effort over using a normal port or net label?Its mostly a style choice, other than the ERC classification krokodyl mentioned.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2022, 08:52:53 pm
content: I guess if you really do have an enormous hierarchical design and you need to get a lot of signals from various points within that hierarchy it might be easier to use power ports than to have to link a whole bunch of ports and sheet entriesAs long as the usage is clear to future users of the schematic, and the naming doesn't collide with any actual power connections I guess it wouldn't necessarily be a problem.Another option you might consider is using a bus or harness, which would allow you to pass an arbitrary number of signals in and out of a sheet with only one sheet entry. Using a bus requires some sort of sequentially named nets (like 'monitor_1, monitor_2, ... monitor_64), so you'd have to deal with reconciling those to more meaningful names at some point, but you can pick off whatever bus entries you need at each individual point. Harnesses would allow you to have meaningful labels for the constituent signals, but you have to break all of the entries out in every harness connector, so that might get cumbersome.Or maybe you could use offsheet connectors? Maybe other options depending on the overall project structure and where the signals need to pass to/from within it.

author: bluenote
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 17, 2022, 01:59:48 pm
content: Thank you everyone for your replies and wisdom.Potential ERC errors is a good point.And others who may work on the design may get tripped up by this - assuming a signal on a power port is actually a power port, when it's not.I think that to move forwards, I'll use a harness. I can then map "Monitor[1..64]" to the signal "name" being monitored in software. Thanks AJB.Sometimes in life, there are no corners there to be cutThanks,bluenote
Sharing sub-parts between pages of a hierarchical design - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2022, 03:05:17 pm
content: I have a hierarchical design with a *very* tight board layout. I want to share an op-amp (use the parts A and B) between two circuits that happen to be near each other, which would solve all my design issues.To do this I have to add the sub parts A and B on different sheets. If I simply label the designators the same thing Altium creates two duplicate parts. Is there any way to do this?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2022, 08:47:33 pm
content: Screenshot?One should be labeled U1A, the other U1B, there is a dropdown to select A or B.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2022, 04:23:20 pm
content: Tools > Annotation > Annotate Schematics, under Matching Options set "Complete Existing Packages" to "Whole Project" ?You'd need to make sure the existing symbols are reset before that, and even so Altium might fight you a bit if it's previously annotated that part and linked it to a PCB component, so might be easier to delete and re-add one of the schematic symbols if it doesn't work the first time.

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2022, 07:17:14 pm
content: great, sounds promising but i don't followQuote from: ajb on September 20, 2022, 04:23:20 pmYou mean reset the designators? How can I expect Altium to match them both together if I reset them? Normally I would manually set them as U1A, U1B

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2022, 04:50:10 pm
content: Quote from: vixo on September 27, 2022, 07:17:14 pmYes, if the designators are already set then Altium won't annotate them and won't assign them to the same package. If you reset just those two designators, and then annotate the schematic with "Complete Existing Packages" set to "Whole Project" it should see that those parts can be fit into one physical package and annotate them that way (as long as one is A and one is B). If you had a bunch of the same part all with reset designators then it might pick two other instances to make a complete package, but should still try to make complete packages across schematic sheets.If the parts are already linked to separate PCB components then even resetting them and re-annotating them might not get what you want, which is why I suggested it might be easier to delete and re-add one of them.If you're manually annotating your schematics, then I'm not sure how effective the "Complete Existing Packages" option is. This is an area where Altium can be mercurial and fussy, and sometimes you just have to try things until one of them works

author: zanzeoo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2022, 09:44:13 pm
content: Hello Same probleme here ,trying to fit one 4 channel Amp into 2 sheet in a hierachical projetit refuses to attribute Part U1AA and U1AB on sheet 1 and U1AC U1AD on sheet 2Somone can helpthx
How to compile .SchLib and .PcbLib to the .IntLib? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dzinzlahve
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 12, 2022, 07:06:56 am
content: Hi, when i trying to turn (compile) my .SchLib and .PcbLib files from componentsearchengine.com to ONE .IntLib file, i getting this error:https://ibb.co/3mvkFtsAnd ideals?Thanks...

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2022, 04:39:14 pm
content: Can't read what that dialog box says. Perhaps clip just the error box, or save as PNG. Or type it out so we don't have to look at external images (and search engines can find it).

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2022, 05:09:56 pm
content: why are you compilng to your program files ?that folder may not be writeable
The pads are rotated after importing to Ansys Q3D from altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: R_ZH
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2022, 08:45:11 am
content: Hello everyone,I'm currently working on a PCB design in altium. After finishing it as in picture 1, I want to import the PCB model to Ansys Q3D to extract the parasitic parameters. I used Ansys EDB to export the PCB from altium, then opened Ansys Electronics Desktop and added Ansys HFSS 3D layout, and import the EDB file. Next added solution step as auto, right clicked the solution setup and export to Ansys Q3D. The model in Ansys is shown in picture 2. As you see, the pads in S1, KS1, C1 and J1 rotated by some angles comparing to altium. I don't know why it happened but I have correct them. Does anybody know the reason and how to fix the problem. Any help would be appreciated.Best regards and thanks in advance!Runze
How to eliminate the space between via and copper layer? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: R_ZH
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2022, 08:54:09 am
content: Hello everyone,I'm now designing an adapter PCB using altium designer. I added some vias on the board. I want to reach the effect in 3D model like in picture 1 but I can only get the pattern in picture 2. And in 2D model, when I double click the via, it shows the pattern in picture 3 and 4. Obviously I prefer the pattern in picture 3. I'm new to altium designer and want to know why there is always a crossover shape around the via. I have tried to use 'add stitching to net' to reach picture 1 and I made it, but if go back to the 2D model, there is still a crossover pattern like in picture 4. Does anybody have ideas how to fix this problem?Any help would be appreciated..Best regards and thanks in advance!Runze

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2022, 08:57:14 am
content: I don't use altium but the key word is; "Thermal relief"

author: R_ZH
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2022, 10:52:11 am
content: Thanks a lot! Yes, you are absolutely correct. I found the answer at Design>Rules>Plane>Polygon Connect Style>PolygonConnect. I set the Connect Style to Direct Connect and I got the results I want. And there maybe some distortion to the via connection to Polygon in some layers after resetting, just redraw the polygon and the problem is gone. Hope this maybe useful for someone who has the same question.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2022, 11:15:34 am
content: Yes, create a new rule, enter the queryIsVia(or nowadays, select object type from the drop list, etc.), and set to direct.If you have a habit of using vias as test points, you may want to add thermals back, in which case sort further based on hole size orTestpointAssyor whatever. Or use free pads instead of vias, or do both (use free pads AND set rules on them), etc..(Free pads can be found by(IsPad AND (Name LIKE 'Free-*')), yes, the name is automatically prepended like that and they don't really tell you this anywhere.)Or similarly for planes, but I would recommend against planes, they've been kind of deprecated for a long time now. You sometimes still need to use them, but for the most part polygons are better. (Maybe they've been optimized more in recent versions, I haven't checked, I just never use planes.)And yeah, polygons need to be repoured. You can set automatic repour on modify in options. That can be a bad idea on larger designs though, so YMMV.Tim

author: R_ZH
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2022, 01:37:11 pm
content: Yes, it also works. I just simply changed the default rule and didn't create any new rules, but it's really a better choice to make a new one and leave the original unchanged. Thanks for your better idea!
How to get x and y pick-and-place coordinates from Altium Free Viewer? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Faringdon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2022, 11:58:16 am
content: HiHow to get x and y pick-and-place coordinates from Altium Free Viewer?Is it actually possible?I have the schem and PCB file from Altium.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2022, 09:29:51 pm
content: Its not possible.Please stop creating threads, you can have all of these free viewer questions in one thread.
Testpoint locked automatically  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dodonny
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 15, 2022, 11:40:31 am
content: Hello,Is it normal that Altium is enabling lock on any pad or component that is marked as test point ? As soon as you close and open PCB file this behaviours is occurring.This is very annoying... for each PCB board with test point enabled I have to select all test points and disable lock. I can't use room copy/past option cause test point is blocking any movement.For the moment I created a component test point but not activated the test point option. And can't profit of the test point manager.Any clue ?Thanks
How to find component, eg C20, in Altium free viewer? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Faringdon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2022, 05:38:43 pm
content: Hi,Do you know how to find eg C20, in Altium free viewer in PCB or scm?I can do it in PCB by clicking the "C20" in the "PCB" panel.But how to do it in scm?

author: Deku Tree
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2022, 05:51:41 pm
content: "J" -> "C" -> "C20"
Cant measure stuff in Altium free viewer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Faringdon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2022, 07:14:17 am
content: Hi,The measure options are greyed out.....cant we measure dimensions of components/PCBs etc in Altium free viewer?At the moment, im trying to do it by counting grid squares.

author: pointhi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2022, 08:45:03 am
content: Just import your board into KiCad and you can view it with the measurement tool.
Nets and net names all greyed out in Altium viewer schem. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Faringdon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2022, 07:22:33 pm
content: Hi,Do you know how to get rid of the greying out?The components are all kind of "well highlighted", but nets and net names are all greyed out...barely visible.(The only way i am able to un-grey it is by closing the schem then re-opening it.)

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2022, 08:52:47 pm
content: You might have filtered certain components, then not cleared the filter?https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/working-with-selection-filterhttps://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/sch-filter-panel?version=18.1
White outlined area show even after all stiching vias deleted - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: policeman0077
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 01, 2022, 09:52:59 pm
content: I am new to Altium. So might be very noob questions but I could not figure out what's the problem. |OI tried to use the auto stiching function and found out it could not stiching areas where has other polygons carry different signal.So I deleted all the auto stiching vias and redo them manually. But after I do it, altium seems leaves white outlines for the restrained areas I defined for stiching vias. And I can not select those outlines or delete them.I tried highlight stiching via union there is nothing.Some ghost via shows 13 count and not highlighted?I know this might not afect anything in the design but it's just anoying

author: policeman0077
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 01, 2022, 09:57:01 pm
content: Oh I forgot to mention I am on altium 22 and my machine is on windows 10 if that's helpful.I also tried open the project on altium 19 and it shows the same thing.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2022, 07:04:01 am
content: So to delete the vias, you are supposed to click Tools -> via stitching -> remove via stitching group. And click on a via.I tried manually deleting the vias as you described, and the white box disappeared after. AD19.Maybe you missed one?
Three phase inverter REVIEW - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: AMANORA
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 30, 2022, 09:00:57 am
content: Hi, thanks for your time. I finished the analysis and simulation of this inverter including the controller and the only left thing is to design the pcb. This is where I am very weak. This is my second pcb and I got told this will blow up. I am willing to learn/study if pointed at any good resources , please be gentle i am an undergrad, thanks.https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XiE-PjxaxEarau-kjMCQxXVD2Kk527gd?usp=share_link

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2022, 01:03:39 pm
content: A quick observation...It's poor form to use net labels to connect things on the same sheet. In these schematics you have leg_n and Down_source labels connecting two devices, and it would be much better if the lines just joined together - it is quickly obvious, then, that there is a connection, and you don't need to read (and perhaps mis-read) labels to determine that.But, and perhaps this is why you chose to connect via labels, those signals also connect off-sheet. The potential problem here is that the off-sheet label will be followed on-sheet, see the one connection and assume that's it, thus missing the other connection. You can't expect someone to read every label just in case they've missed something.So, join the on-sheet connections with lines and have a single labelled spur to denote an off-sheet connection.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2022, 09:03:11 pm
content: Not a fan of Gnd labels facing up.Whats up with Opto1 and Opto2 you have mulitple numbers on the inside and outside of the pins that don't match up?Capacitor symbol is a bit big, you can copy the built in stuff.As for the PCB looks OK just larger than it needs to be.
PCB Shape Modification - removing PCB area - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MarKatS
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 08, 2022, 05:46:15 pm
content: Hey all - I have an already placed and routed PCB that has a couple unused spurs - they were in the original shape stepfile from the ME - that are unneeded, no etch/components. I would like to truncate them but am having difficulty removing that part (or any part, tbh) of the shape. Can somebody point me toward a tutorial or give me a clue on how to do this? I've been poking at this for hours, and it's not the first time.Thanks

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2022, 07:49:33 pm
content: convert board edge to primitives , edit , convert primitives to board edge

author: L0R3NZ0_L30Z
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 28, 2022, 11:23:40 pm
content: You need to delimit the area you want to use with some traces x, and then select the traces that soround the board--> go to Desing-->Board Shape-->Define from selected objects.
Can't download Altium free viewer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Faringdon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2022, 09:56:25 pm
content: Hi,I just tried to download the Altium free viewer. It says it will send a link for it to your email.But i didnt receive an email.Is this because i have already used the free viewer in the past? (over a year ago)Or is it because my email is not a company email?EDIT...Thanks to all below, i now have it

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2022, 09:06:36 pm
content: https://altium-designer-viewer-edition.software.informer.com/8.4/https://altium-designer-summer-viewer.software.informer.com/9.3/https://www.altium.com/viewer/

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2022, 11:01:53 am
content: As an alternative:KiCad can import altium projects.
Altium has not calculate delay for spesific inner layers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: maddoxbey
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 28, 2022, 10:21:39 am
content: Hello,I am using version 20.0.10 and have an issue with delay calculations. For spesific layers in my design delay calculation does not work and stuck at zero ps, not incrementing. I have attached the screenshots. First ss shows the lane, delay shown as 0 for that layer but it works fine for top layer. The other ss shows delays in ps for whole line. Top layer has delays (can check it segment by segment) but this spesific inner layer adds zero delay. (By the way i have other inner layers and they are just work fine.)I thought this is all about stack up and changed it lots of times but nothing changed. I attached the stack up also.Can someone please help me about this? I am clueless right now. Is it because some option or ruıle or something? At the moment i have no idea and need enlightment.Thanks

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2022, 06:16:08 pm
content: Not got a clue, sorry, but I notice that all the ones showing 0ps have 'sign' preceding the length. Do the internal traces have the same impedance (they might be striplines as opposed to microstrips)?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2022, 09:49:09 pm
content: Does using xsignal make any difference?Or loading the design in an earlier version of Altium.https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/pcb-panel-xsignals-mode?version=18.1In case someone solves it elsewhere:https://www.edaboard.com/threads/altium-has-not-calculate-delay-for-specific-inner-layers.404604/https://designhelp.fedevel.com/forum/main-forum/altium/20687-altium-has-not-calculate-delay-for-spesific-inner-layers
Repeat directive not working as expected - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: samihawasli
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 27, 2022, 03:54:32 am
content: Hello all,I have a sheet I need to copy multiple times and then take advantage of the copy room feature to easily create many copies. However, despite the procedure being simple I can't seem to get it to work. To illustrate my problem I created a very simply schematic,I then created a parent sheet and added the Repeat directive. The directive did something because the sheet then showed the stacked graphic.However, the child sheet only shows 1 tab in the bottom of the schematic when all the tutorial say you should see multiple tabs.Also, when I try and import changes to a PCB only one instance of the child sheet shows up. When I compile/validate the project I get no errors. However, the only clue I have gathered as to why it isn't working is an error message I get from the item manager.I couldn't find much on this error online and I am at a loss. Repeating a sheet seems so simple in all the tutorials yet I am failing so hard. Any advice or clues on how to fix this issue would be much appreciated! Thanks,Sami

author: samihawasli
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 27, 2022, 01:58:33 pm
content: I found out why it wasn't working, and I just wanted to post the answer in case someone runs into this problem in the future and I dont want them wasting a few hours as I did. Turns out a repeated sheet requires there to be a sheet entry to work properly. I simply added a dummy entry connected to nothing, placed a No ERC to avoid an error, and re-validated / compiled the project and it worked as expected.
'Revision' parameter in Draftsman - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2022, 09:00:13 pm
content: I'm running AD22.0.2 here, and trying to give Draftsman another chance. I see that Draftsman documents have a "Revision" system parameter, just like schdocs do, except it doesn't seem to be editable in the parameter list like it is in sch. Is it possible to edit this somewhere else in the project? Or is it tied into project metadata in vaults or workspaces or whatever Altium's calling that stuff these days, which I'm not using?I can add a "Rev" user parameter and use that in my title block template as a workaround, but I'm curious if there's something I'm missing somewhere, if this is something else that's broken when you aren't using Altium's cloud services, or if it's just one of the many half-assed/broken things in Draftsman itself.

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2022, 10:34:33 pm
content: Have a look inside your project parameters

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2022, 10:55:05 pm
content: ahh, I did that before and did not see a revision parameter, only the ones I already have in my template project. I didn't think to try manually adding a "Revision" parameter, but hey, that does actually work. I've been using the 'Revision' sch parameter for sheet-level revisions since it *can* be edited locally, and I record overall project versioning differently, but it clearly won't work for that in Draftsman. Heaven forbid Altium be consistent about anything
Altium Designer 22 does not even feature "via in pad". Are you kidding me? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dastructhm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 07:59:14 am
content: kindda backwater, hey?fortunately, my fabricator just told me that "don't worry, we'll manufacture your design as if they were vias in pad.", even though I simply placed vias over pads...

author: Jester
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 08:34:42 am
content: Well you could certainly do it with older versions, I was using it on dense BGA footprints about 10 years back with version 13

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 08:40:26 am
content: It seems to be fashionable these days to start nonsense threads without first taking a moment to check the facts, educate yourself and save any embarrassment. Oh well. Is that you, treez?

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 03:59:17 pm
content: How are you expecting it to behave? If you want a via in the pad, you put a via in the pad...

author: KaneTW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 04:03:55 pm
content: What are you talking about? I manufactured several VIPPO boards using Altium. Just put a via in the pad and set it to type 7 filled/capped, done.

author: dastructhm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2022, 10:09:13 pm
content: Quote from: KaneTW on October 10, 2022, 04:03:55 pmooops, sorry, I didn't know. embarrassed indeed.

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2022, 06:32:58 am
content: I've done vippo and blind vias in outdated circuit studio and had no problems with fabricator.
Help needed about Altium Gerber drill files conversion - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Reminx123
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2022, 04:01:25 pm
content: Hi all,I would like to assemble a reference design from TI:https://www.ti.com/lit/zip/tidcdm3but I cannot find a solution for converting Altium Gerber drill file format to ExcellionThe Chinese PCB manufacturer (JLCPCB) cannot deal with .GD1 and GG1 drill files.Anyone can do this for me? Sorry for bothering with such request, I have no Altium SW, I am using KiCAD.RegardsR.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 03, 2022, 05:34:55 pm
content: GD/GG are gerber drill dwgs so not useful really.The Altium files are in the TIDRRQ3.ZIP on theproject page.I ran the output job for the gerbers and drill and the attached seems to work with JLCPCB.

author: Reminx123
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2022, 08:42:59 pm
content: Thanks! Let's wait their response
Multiple schematic sheets for one channel possible? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: qat
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2022, 09:23:37 pm
content: Hello,In my design:Each channel has multiple sheets connected together with Off-Sheet Connectors, and some sheets have Ports.The sheets are then referenced to by a repeated Sheet Symbol in a top level schematic, which references several sheets by typing "sheet_one;sheet_two;sheet_three" in the File Name.Later on in the PCB editor, three Rooms are generated, defined by component class, but all three rooms only include components of one sheet. The rest of the components, that are part of the same channel, are excluded from these rooms. Components of different sheets but within the same channels can also have the same Channel Offsets.Does anyone know if its possible to realise a multi-channel design by the aforementioned method, but have it compile to the PCB editor as if all the components of one channel only had one sheet?Thanks in advance!

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2022, 11:54:37 pm
content: As it happens, there's another recent thread here covering this exact scenario, although that's not terribly clear from the title:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/controlling-room-size-wrt-multiple-sheets-at-one-level-(multi-channel-design)/

author: qat
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 12:29:12 pm
content: Quote from: ajb on September 06, 2022, 11:54:37 pmWow, I missed that thread, thanks!

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2022, 05:21:58 pm
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/altium-offsheet-connector-poorly-docummented/msg3013970/#msg3013970
Altium export to 3D STEP only shows component  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kian0079
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2022, 07:23:22 am
content: Hi all,I am now having a strange problem. When I try to export my PCBdoc as a STEP and view it on Solidworks, the actual pcb board disappears and only 3D models of the components appears. Anyone knows how to fix this or what could be the issue?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2022, 08:32:53 pm
content: https://www.reddit.com/r/PrintedCircuitBoard/comments/xj2bia/altium_export_to_step_3d_but_actual_pcb_board_is/

author: twospoons
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2022, 09:09:13 pm
content: Do you have any holes tangent to the edge of the PCB? Like mouse bites for breakaway tabs? That will cause the step import to fail, as Solidworks will see geometry with zero thickness - and it can't deal with that.

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2022, 12:13:17 am
content: Exporting as STEP has always been finicky for me, but I find "Export As Single Part" greatly helps with errors. Otherwise suggest exporting as Parasolid, especially if you are working with something like SOLIDWORKS

author: twospoons
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2022, 03:00:09 am
content: +1 to using parasolid. I spent some time delving into the step and parasolid exports, and the step export has some poor internal object naming - which can confuse solidworks if you are importing several PCBs as step files. The parasolid files dont seem to have this issue.

author: Jester
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2022, 09:51:08 pm
content: My fuzzy memory tells me make sure you are viewing in 3D mode when you do the export.