hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
96 pin ethernet magnetic transformer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: alamwte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2021, 12:36:37 pm
content: Hi,I am looking for an 96 pin ethernet magnetic transformer footprint for altium. But I can not find it. would you send me its footprint or datasheet?thanks

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2021, 07:21:47 pm
content: You can either a) draw it yourself; b) ask the component manufacturer if they have one; or c) pay a footprint library like Ultra Librarian or SnapEDA to draw it for you.It also doesn’t help that you don’t provide any information on the part. Even if someone else has done it, without a part number, etc. they can’t know if it’s the right one.What nobody is going to do, however, is draw it for you for free.

author: alamwte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2021, 08:04:13 pm
content: thank you,I have sent Email to the company to send me its datasheet, but unfortunately the they didn't answer me.I think I should use another one that have datasheet at listthank you for your reaponse
Samacsys Down? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: luis garcia
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2021, 10:31:27 am
content: Hi,is Samacsys website down?I want to download EDA Wizard Tools to import some EPW models to Altium. Is there any other place to download this tool ?Regards.L.Edit: Well, it seems that on the EPW files there is nothing except a part reference number. The EDA Wizard Tool downloads the actual footprint from Samacsys. So if the server is down there is no way to get the part footprint anyway. :-(

author: hesam.moshiri
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2021, 09:12:43 pm
content: No, the component-search-engine :https://componentsearchengine.comand the website itself:https://www.samacsys.com/work properlyHowever, you can also use the Altium plugin:https://www.samacsys.com/altium-designer-library-instructions/
Unable to move/dragging pcb component in Altium Designer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Md Mubdiul Hasan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2021, 12:13:24 am
content: Hi,I am using Altium Designer 21.6.4.I have draw schematics, switched to pcb. Previously when I click on the schematic parts it also indicate/ highlights component in pcb. After I made some net classes I cant move parts in pcb.What I did from Altium Designer help link as follows,To have the connection lines move with the component when using Edit ► Move ► Component, as they do when just clicking and dragging the component in the PCB editor, "Comp Drag" must be set to "None". See Preferences ► PCB Editor ► General ► Other (section) ► Comp Drag set to "None". Either way, they will show on the component when things are done." alt="" class="bbc_img" />Nothing happed with this setting.Help me please,Hasan

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2021, 08:27:33 pm
content: Are you saying it used to work using the same version of Altium?Can you select the component and see its properties?If you can select it, can you press ctrl + arrow keys to move it around?Maybe the part is locked or you have some filter active.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2021, 09:48:08 pm
content: I've seen similar. Its a bug. Restart it, and it goes away.

author: Md Mubdiul Hasan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2021, 11:48:59 pm
content: Quote from: tszaboo on October 05, 2021, 09:48:08 pmIn top of the middle pcb design window selection filter "component" was disabled.
Modular Schematic and Layout 'building blocks' in Altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TG91
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 30, 2021, 02:17:50 pm
content: Firstly thanks to everyone who helped on my last thread, very helpful!In Altium is it possible to save a certain schematic and its layout and then reuse that in another project?For example, it's quite common to use the same switching regulator or comms transceiver in multiple projects and the layout of these individual elements would be exactly the same. I know I can copy and paste the circuit from another file but is it possible to drag and drop or insert a pre-saved circuit and its layout into another project?

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2021, 03:02:40 pm
content: Yes. It's called snippets.https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/client-pnl-snippetssnippets-ad
PCB: Make these nets RED:  *DDR3* - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: frogblender
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2021, 09:10:26 pm
content: I have a PCB with thousands of nets. Hundreds of these have "ddr3" embedded somewhere in the netname.How do I assign a color to all nets with "ddr3" somewhere in the name? (PCB only - I need a solution where I don't touch the schematic)Altium's typically-useless solutions pages suggest I manually scroll through thousands of nets in the PCB Panel, and manually click on the hundreds I need. Anyone have a better solution?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2021, 12:36:20 am
content: Go into the object class explorer, create a new net class, enter "*ddr3* in the 'Non-member' filter box, add all of the results to the new class, then select that class to in the PCB panel, select all, and assign the override color to all of them at once?If you pull updates from sch that will wipe out your net class (IIRC), but the override color setting should remain on all of the nets. You can also just delete the class yourself afterward if you don't need it anymore, but seems like it might still be useful?Sure would be nice if it were possible to use a regular PCB filter to affect what shows up in the PCB Panel though.
DBLib column modification (fixed) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2021, 12:57:29 pm
content: I am using Devart ODBC driver to give me a DBLib. Works very well. Now I decide I need to add a new column to my capacitors table, which is pretty easy to do in the sqlite3 database. Trouble is, when I now open Designer I get a message that the database has changed and the capacitor table won't show any fields. Which I guess is fair enough, but how do I get things synced again? I can't find anything that lets me update, reread or whatever.There is quite a lot of setup in the DBLib so vaping it and recreating it isn't my preferred option.Edit: Added the error dialog whenever the DBLib is accessed (or Altium opened)

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2021, 08:57:41 pm
content: So restoring an older version of the dblib file does not fix it?

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2021, 09:52:35 pm
content: No. The only way to fix it is to revert to the database without the new table column.It seems the problem is Altium knows the table is different to the one it was set up for, but doesn't give a way to say that's OK and either ignore the change or allow it to be used.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2021, 11:27:00 pm
content: Fixed.Problem turned out to be library path which has somehow got changed to 'NUMERIC'. Duh!
Altium scary export:   ODB++ and  GerberX2 are different :( - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: frogblender
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2021, 03:47:18 pm
content: I'm running the project releaser on Altium 21.5.1, and it outputs both ODB and GerberX2.But the ODB is missing some via pads (see attached).Any ideas why? This is worrisome.....

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2021, 07:34:40 pm
content: I've had issues with certain gerber viewers displaying ODB++ incorrectly, namely ViewMate.

author: frogblender
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2021, 03:17:53 pm
content: Quote from: Pseudobyte on September 21, 2021, 07:34:40 pmIn my case it is the odb++ at fault; the viewer seems fine (I'm using is the Mentor aka Valor aka Siemens free odb++ view; I am too cheap to spring for the Viewmate version which can view odb++)

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2021, 04:25:03 pm
content: The free version of Pentalogix Viewmate opens ODB++

author: frogblender
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2021, 02:44:54 am
content: Quote from: Gribo on September 23, 2021, 04:25:03 pmAre you sure? This page seems to indicate the odb++ version is $95:https://www.pentalogix.com/t/software-products/viewmate

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2021, 12:08:02 pm
content: My older version imports ODB++, and I didn't pay for it. I just downloaded the latest and greatest to verify, and it can still import ODB++, regardless of their website.

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2021, 11:27:42 pm
content: Just to make sure the export is at fault, do you get the same error in DFM Now?https://www.numericalinnovations.com/pages/dfm-now-free-gerber-viewer

author: JohnG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2021, 01:25:03 pm
content: It's a good idea to check a different viewer. My company also generates ODB++ files, since one of our PCB fabs likes them, and because we import them into COMSOL. Have not had a problem yet, though most of us are on Altium 19 or 20, because upgrading Altium is like rolling dice to see what's "improved".John

author: frogblender
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2021, 01:29:24 pm
content: Quote from: JohnG on September 29, 2021, 01:25:03 pmExactly: ODB export worked on Altium20, and nows fails on Altium21.

author: JohnG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2021, 11:10:43 pm
content: Thanks for posting. That is a serious bug and I will pass this info along.Man, KiCAD is sooo close... But we have a database library, so it's a non-starter for us.John
PCb stackup regions - round Split line for battery contact - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rfleming
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2021, 02:50:05 am
content: Hi All, I am trying to create a basic PCB that has a few different pcb stackup regions. Regardless of the "cost" of how specialised this pcb is, I am more or less hoping that I can create split lines on my board that are not straight lines from the outline layer.As you can see from the images, I am trying to steer away from these straight line region changes. These parts, while they will be "flexible" are not intended to actually flex.FYI, this is a 4 layer board and I am just using the 2nd signal layer with a ground plane since altium wouldn't let me put a prepreg layer below my bottom layerThis is quite a "bespoke" application and I don't have too much wriggle room. My alternative solution is just to go back to using a ground battery terminal. But due to my flex requirements, I am already using prepreg between these layers so I thought I might be able to use it as the battery ground terminal instead of soldering an actual part in production.

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2021, 04:44:09 am
content: Better place to ask would be your PCB fab house of choice, for example Wurth have their rigid/flex combo quite sorted outhttps://www.we-online.com/web/en/leiterplatten/willkommen_/Willkommen.php

author: rfleming
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2021, 07:05:43 am
content: Unfortunately, fundamentally the software doesn't let me. So the best I could do is create a custom layer and try to convey that to the board house of what I am trying to do
help with Fanout setting and setup - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gogoman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2021, 01:41:18 am
content: Hello, previously ground via's were placement manually, I prefer using the automated fanout feature of Altium*assuming a four layer pcb,*the inner two layers are power/ground,*A copper pour (ground) on the top/bottom layer connects the via and pads1. Can via's be placed adjacent to ground pins without connecting the via to the pin?2. How close should the component pad be to the ground via, where is the distance set?thanks
Variants in a multi-board project? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: g00se
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2021, 02:53:04 pm
content: I can't seem to find anything in the docs regarding the use of variants in a multi-board project... I am using Altium 20.I am trying to specify a variant for one of my child projects to be used in the multi-board assembly and in the multi-board ActiveBOM, but I don't see any way to specify a variant.Has anyone done this?THX
Copper fill goes beyond PCB edge - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: xeon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 17, 2021, 11:39:49 am
content: When making a copper fill, the copper goes beyond the edge:It doesn't happen in any other project, and no rule seems to affect it.

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2021, 11:39:43 pm
content: What version of Altium, also have you tried re-pouring the copper fill? (keyboard shortcut T->G->A)

author: pgo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2021, 09:50:46 am
content: Hi,It may not be exactly the problem you have but I find the following the best arrangement.- Place the board outline on the keep out layer.This will mean that the copper pour will be set back from the edge of the board - which is a good idea in any case.- Make sure you have'remove isolated copper'(from memory) on the copper pour.bye

author: Phoenix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2021, 10:29:58 pm
content: Add a design rule for it1. Design -> Rules2. Manufacturing -> BoardOutlineClearance3. Right click -> New rule4. Select the new rule and add a minimum spacing say 0.5mm, 1mm or whatever your requirement is.5. Repour polygons (t -> g -> a)This will also stop you drawing tracks too close to the edge as well.

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 22, 2021, 05:25:38 pm
content: As above, easiest way is to create a design rule. The other way is to create the polygon pour from the board outline.Is your board outline complete? I can't see why it would create a polygon pour in such a way in the first place.
Monthly payment plan for maintenance subscription - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2021, 06:53:33 pm
content: Altium now offers monthly payment option for a maintenance subscription renewal via Altium online store. Just extended mine for another year for 183 CAD/month. I think that's a great option for those who don't want to fork out over 2K$ in one go, and prefer making monthly payments. This option is for maintenance subscription renewal for those who have a perpetual license. And as a bonus, you don't need to talk to anyone over the phone and endure their attempts to upsell you something

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 01:29:57 am
content: One reason to pay the lump sum instead of taking advantage of monthly payments is that you can negotiate that lump and get a discount. Never been successful at doing that in a webshop

author: alexwhittemore
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2021, 04:14:19 pm
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on June 15, 2021, 01:29:57 amThis is a very good point, and is what I ran into recently buying the PDN analyzer plugin. They'd negotiate down cost, but wouldn't offer monthly payment on the negotiated price.OTOH, I negotiated down my subscription renewal, and they DID offer me monthly payment on THAT.

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2021, 08:18:40 pm
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on June 15, 2021, 01:29:57 amI tried that, but the price they offered was the same as it was on their website with monthly payments. once you do the currency conversion. Renewal fee in their online store is lower than in US, so their initial offer with 10% off just barely matched what's offered online.Also, with monthly payments, I've locked in fixed payments in my local currency as opposed to USD, which is what I had in the past, when the actual amount fluctuated month-to-month and it was annoying for accounting.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2021, 12:10:23 am
content: Do you consider it an advantage that you have to haggle in order to get your software for a decent price?And do that all over each year again...

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2021, 12:19:12 am
content: No, us Brits aren't used to it at all. If we went to, say, Egypt to buy a carpet from a market, we'd expect the price to be listed and whatever the first thing the seller asked for is what we'd pay (or pass up). I understand in some places the seller would feel aggrieved if they were deprived of a bit of haggling, but we maintain a stiff upper lip about that kind of thing.
Bottom/Top Solder Layer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: xeon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 14, 2021, 07:45:07 pm
content: I am struggling with making the polygon (pink) go all the way up to the edge, instead of having clearance.I tried changing some rules, but I couldn't figure it out with the regular copper layers, much less so with the keepout layer.Edit: I figured it out right after posting it

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2021, 09:32:40 pm
content: Keep in mind that board manufacturers will likely have issues manufacturing a board with copper at the edge of the board. They will either ask you to modify it yourself, or charge a lot more money.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2021, 03:45:45 pm
content: QuoteThanks for letting us know your solution.

author: xeon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 15, 2021, 07:01:13 pm
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on July 15, 2021, 03:45:45 pmSorry.Solution was editing this rule in Design Rules:Quote from: ataradov on July 14, 2021, 09:32:40 pmYeah, I'm awareI'm putting a copper keepout there too.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2021, 12:00:07 am
content: Thanks
Altium DRC doesn't seem to catch via-to-metal spacing issues - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2021, 06:40:54 am
content: So, I have a pcb with only blind microvias. The metals on different layers have different thicknesses and as a result each of my micro-vias and metals has different pitch/diameter/spacing.I 'fixed' this by having a separate clearance rule for each layer. The rule would be something like 'Where first object matches InLayer('M1') and second object matches InLayer('M1')' . This seems to work fine for 99% of my design - but it doest seem to catch a lot of via annular ring clearance issues. Even though my DRC is clean in altium, the manufacturer says there are a lot of DRC errors still remaining. EG the via below, which is too close to the metals on the left and right, clearly violates the DRC rules, yet the DRC results are clean for that metal layer.

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 09, 2021, 08:03:34 am
content: Rule might not trigger because the via and the second object are on the same net? Is there a 'same net' constraint you could use or formulate a manufacturing constraint and not an electrical rule?

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2021, 10:11:25 am
content: The via and surrounding copper is not the same net here, so that is not the issue

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 09, 2021, 11:16:18 am
content: This is the age old game where the OP provides a bare minimum of information and then everyone else submits their guesses as to the problem.How about providing a minimal PCBdoc that shows the problem?

author: JohnG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2021, 06:30:28 pm
content: Quote from: evb149 on July 09, 2021, 05:38:02 pmI bet it's this. I got bitten by this, and it took a lot to figure this out, even with support from Altium.Cheers,John
Difference between PnP Files and actual centers of components - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: lmagalhaes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2021, 11:45:05 am
content: Hi there,I had an issue with the manufacturing of my latest PCB where the centers of the components on the pick and place files generated using Altium were different than the actual centers of the components. Since the components are really small and the pads are very close to each other, it lead to shorts. Here's a screenshot for reference:As you can see, D1 is placed in position X = 0 and Y = 15. But, on the PnP file, it appears as X = 0 and Y = 15.225. Does anyone know how to correct this ?Best regards,Luís Magalhães

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2021, 07:56:09 pm
content: use REF and not center. and make sure your origin is set correctly in your library !

author: lmagalhaes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2021, 02:19:47 pm
content: The middle of the component is correctly set on the lib. Here's a screenshot:So you're saying that because of the indication of the cathode, the center of the component (led + cathode indication) is different than the center of the LED ?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2021, 04:21:27 pm
content: REF is the reference you have set. Center is the center of the smallest rectangle that contains all pad centers. since your pads are different in size that 'center' will be offset.so when generating the pick and place file select to use REF and not center coordinates.
Make instance of a sheet to use in multiple projects? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hal9001
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2021, 11:17:30 am
content: I have a schematic with a circuit that will be used in multiple projects.Instead of copying the circuit from this sheet every time for every project that uses it, is there a way to use an instance of the sheet and have the annotation from one project not break the annotation from another project?Cheers!
Altium DRC: Hole-to-hole between microvias on different layers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2021, 11:20:58 am
content: Altium keeps flaggin my RF footprints. Why? It has a M2->M3 via that is semi-overlapping with an M3->M4 via. The manufacturer has confirmed that this is fine for them, there is no rule with regards to vias on different layers.How do I make Altium drop this without removing my hole-to-hole clearance rule, and replacing it with a separate rule for each substrate layer?

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2021, 02:35:04 pm
content: Do you have this box checked?
Generate separate drill file for via filling in Altium 16 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SamPirate
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 25, 2021, 08:47:35 am
content: HelloFor a current PCB design I have "Via In Pad." I want to manufacture the PCB with Eurocircuit.Eurocircuit recommends to use "Via filling" for this.https://www.eurocircuits.com/pcb-design-guidelines-via-filling/The guideline says to define these vias in a separate drill file.Is there a way to generate a separate drill file with the selected via for filling?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2021, 08:52:31 pm
content: I don't see any obvious way. Can you use the CAM editor to delete the non-filled holes and then save that as a separate file?Otherwise have to manually text edit the nc file.https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/workspacemanager-dlg-drillsetup-formnc-drill-setup-adhttps://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/cam-editor-imports-exports-ad

author: SamPirate
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 28, 2021, 08:29:31 am
content: Hello,I will check if I can do like this.Thank you very much

author: enz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2021, 10:00:02 am
content: Another thing you could do, is making the hole size of the filled vias an odd number, for example 0.31mm or 0.305mm instead of 0.3mm and communicate this to the manufacturer.Than they know that those sizes should be the same, but they can identify the filled ones.But I think that plugging vias is billed by the manufacturing step, regardless of how many vias are involved?
Copying multipart component to another - merge from different - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Houseman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 02:21:11 pm
content: Well. Have enough wasted time trying to copy-cut understand with no effort. (also searched for in the forum but noone get close to my question)Trying to create my own schematic library for a project.I have in my schematic a component (name it ONE) that is a dual NPN transistor.Have searched in MPN and found it but no it has no schematic nor footprint.So found another equivalent complete dual NPN (TWO) and downloaded the whole package.It has a neat Part A for first BJT and Part B for 2nd BJT schematic symbol but an incorrect footprint (it is SOT-363 and I need a SOT 457).So found a SOT 457 component (THREE) and downloaded the model.So apart from using Footprint Wizard I want a general way to EXTRACT model from component TWO and place it in component ONE (there is no cut'n'past feature for both subparts) and Footprint from component THREE to fit in ONE.Sound messy but is there a way to extract the best from both and paste it in another component?By the way I am using AD22Thanks

author: Houseman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 02:45:37 pm
content: Quote from: Houseman on January 11, 2022, 02:21:11 pmVery often components that itself have complete model and footprint when you search them through MPN and click on ...Import to your xxxxx.SchLib are imported without their model...Why is that?Any way to enable disable this by default without loosing so much time?Regards

author: Houseman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 03:57:05 pm
content: Quote from: Houseman on January 11, 2022, 02:45:37 pmOk found half the way. in PcbLib there is a COPY COMPONENT command in the Edit menu, so I can copy foreign footprint into my own right component.But the other part remains.Thanks

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 08:37:47 pm
content: QuoteI think this is because you copy from an online library, and the result still retains a link to that library - some parts remain in the cloud and are pulled in on demand rather than being in the local library. The way to resolve this is to create a blank project and place the part in the schematic and then update the PCB (you don't need to wire up anything). That pulls in all the parts of the component, then you just right click and copy to your library.Here's a video of the process for CircuitStudio. Note that it's nearly 6 years old and the Vault is now replaced with Altium 360, but I think it's still applicable.

author: Houseman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2022, 08:19:17 am
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on January 11, 2022, 08:37:47 pmThank you for the link.Is there a way to copy or import the single component DUALPNP.LibPkg into a multiple-components.schLib?Thanks

author: Houseman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2022, 11:36:49 am
content: Ok. Found it.Under Tools -> Copy component or even ADD PARTsThank
How to delete an empty union (Altium 17.1) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: aandrew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2019, 04:20:41 am
content: I am creating PCB unions to make board revisions to a multi-channel design. I'd originally done the initial layout with rooms, but once the identical sections were copied over I deleted the rooms since there were some components that had to encroach on rooms to make the design fit. Now I've got the 2nd rev in progress and found that I can group what was originally in the rooms into PCB unions to help with positioning of the changes.I've somehow managed to create an empty union. I can click on it (nothing is highlighted/masked since there's nothing in it) but I cannot delete it. Normally you right click the union and break (all) the components out of it, but that option isn't available since there's nothing in the union.Has anyone managed to do this and figured out how to get out of it?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2019, 05:10:11 am
content: How do you know the union still exists? Since you cant normally click on a union, only on objects in one.Few ideas- Can you draw box around it to highlight it and hit DEL key?- Try going to Board Planning Mode (press 1) and see if you cant select/delete it any better when in that mode.

author: aandrew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2019, 03:44:44 am
content: I see the empty union in the PCB list window, under "Unions". It has zero primitives in it.There's nothing to select in the PCB window itself, it only seems to exist in the PCB window.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2019, 02:56:11 pm
content: Yep, I've seen that too. Don't know of any way to delete them. Unions seem to be lower-class objects, in that they can't be selected or edited or queried (aside from InUnion(number) only).Possibly there are more hooks via scripting interface. If not, I guess the only solution would be to edit the PcbDoc directly -- reverse-engineer the format, find where unions are enumerated, delete the empty ones, then repack the file so all headers and offsets are still valid.Possibly we can convince Altium to address it as a bug, if we find a way to crash it. Can we produce enough empty unions to cause faulty behavior (maybe corrupting other unions, or making a ridiculously oversized file, or outright crashing the program)?Tim

author: Just1
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 18, 2021, 03:03:37 pm
content: Hello guys,I was looking for the exact same feature and finally found that there is now a dedicated context menu entry "Delete selected Unions" in the PCB panel. Screen capture attached.Hope this could help others.Justin
Automatically Assign Unused Component Part In Repeat Sheet? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: petersanch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2021, 10:12:08 am
content: I want torepeata sheet twice. The sheet uses 1 transistor from a package that contains 2 transistors (schematic component has 2 parts which are the same but with different pin numbers).Is there a way to annotate the schematics so that the unused transistor is automatically assigned and used for the second instance of the sheet?Cheers

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2021, 08:15:21 pm
content: no. that doesn't work.

author: petersanch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2021, 02:40:57 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on June 17, 2021, 08:15:21 pmThanks. Whats the best way to do this for repeated sheets?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2021, 03:38:15 am
content: build the circuit as a 2 channel that you repeat
Altium emails bouncing back - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2021, 08:15:39 pm
content: I emailed Altium regarding my renewal( in the UK ) and the person I have been emailing with up until last Friday is now no contactable via email. They bounce back. So I emailed the contact who originally sold me the package last year. That email bounced back. I tried the website tech support. All their staff are away right now but they will get back to me. I shall try to call someone tomorrow but its very strange. Is anyone else getting this?Trev

author: jayatIBM
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 01:49:02 am
content: Trywww.orcad.comThey are fully staffed and would love to work with you

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 08:43:32 am
content: I emailed my account bloke on Sunday evening (hey, they gotta work for their money) and had no reply yet. But it's been only a day and, perhaps more importantly, I've not had a bounce.

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 08:52:05 am
content: I managed to get through to the office today with a phone call but waiting on a call back.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 04:31:54 pm
content: OK, just had a reply to my email, so they are definitely there awaiting deposit of funds

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 05:42:35 pm
content: I finally got an email back from them and then all the emails worked again. They have informed their IT department.
How make a common BOM for old company projects? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zare.zz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 11, 2021, 04:33:33 am
content: I am starting a job at a company. They have a lot old project and ask to make BOM for all of them. How can I do it in a short way and together?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2021, 07:21:45 pm
content: Are they altium projects already? If so, start by creating an outjob file that exports a BOM in a suitable format, and see if there's enough data in a consistent enough format in the projects to get a BOM out of each. You can add a single outjob file and add it to all of the projects so you don't have to manage a bunch of copies, or you can copy the file into each project folder if it needs to be adjusted for each project. You might be able to write a user script that takes a bunch of projects and runs an outjob against each one, but that's probably only worthwhile if you have a LOT of projects.If there isn't enough data in the project to create a useful BOM, then you will have to add it. This will probably be a lot of manual work no matter what. If the parts all target the same libraries maybe you can add the necessary information to the library component, but you will need to be very careful to not accidentally lose information in the process, like if someone manually edited part parameters after adding a part to the schematic. You will probably need to do a lot of manual verification.Do you really need to do all of the projects at once, or can you go back and do them one at a time as needed?

author: zare.zz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 15, 2021, 03:54:07 am
content: Thank you. Yeah I should do that for all projects.Could you explain how to make a user script for that purpose?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2021, 08:44:12 pm
content: No, I have no idea how to write such a user script. I don't even know if it's possible, just something you could look into if you have a LOT of projects. But I doubt it would be worth the effort.
"Duplicate Net Names" error, despite nets on different children in heirarchical - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: frogblender
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2021, 02:26:06 pm
content: I have a heirarcal schematic: top.schDoc, and her two children, red and yellow.SchDoc.The "Net Identifier Scope" is, I swear (see pic) set to Hierarchical.Yet upon compile, I get "Duplicate Net Names Wire" errors.I'm missing something fundamental here... despite nets on red and yellow having the same name... the fact that red and yellow are children and the project is heirarchical, shouldn't those nets be isolated?Any help would be greatly appreciated.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2021, 03:32:09 pm
content: zip up and attach your project

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2021, 06:53:07 pm
content: Shouldn't the net end in a port if it's connected elsewhere on the sheet?

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2021, 04:37:13 pm
content: I think the issue here is you are not actually doing any hierarchical design. If you look at Altium's documentation this may be treated as a flat design if your top sheet does not have any circuitry or vertical connectivity. Your compiling strict hierarchical which makes me unsure if this is actually the issue. Make some fake ports and connect them between the sheets.The other thing that confuses me is that you have two sheets with the same circuit. In a hierarchical/multi-channel design you would have one sheet with the circuit and make two sheet symbols on your top sheet one with designator red and the other yellow. When you compile, the original design (logical) spawns two physical circuits. You can change the behavior of how the compiled sheets are annotated from the logical schematic.
Altium ver. 22 Freezing for like 1 to 3 minutes in windows 10 machine - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: atochimani
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2021, 08:16:01 pm
content: Hi,I have a new windows 10 machine with the latest altium ver. 22, and sometimes altium freezes for like 1 to 3 minutes.My computer has 24 gig of memory, and it is an HP Z600, with a new video card with 6 gig of memory.Any body else having this type of issue with windows 10?.Thanks,

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2021, 08:22:19 pm
content: A recent thread brought up several suspects,https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/altium-snail-pace-and-freezing-when-saving-and-other-operations/Tim

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2021, 03:24:45 pm
content: QuoteReally? Or is that a typo? I thought AD was on 21.3 at the moment.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 10, 2021, 04:29:49 pm
content: AFAIK its not the year 2022 until next year

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2021, 05:33:09 pm
content: Perhaps it's frozen waiting for the calendar to catch up.
DBLib table browser memo - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2021, 08:15:01 pm
content: I am using sqlite3 for a component database, via the ODBC driver from:http://www.ch-werner.de/sqliteodbc/sqliteodbc.exeWorks very well, except that it doesn't quite fix the issue of Altium holding the database open in exclusive mode. If I add a component via an external DB browser (actually DB Browser) with Altium open, a database refresh will see the new component, but placing it doesn't include the right data. Typically it will end up as whatever the schematic symbol is setup for (i.e. the default footprint for that, the comment, etc. Close Altium, flush the database, restart Altium and all is fine. But it's a dent in the old workflow.So, I am testing the Devart sqlite ODBC driver. This costs actual money (or will if I buy it) but seems to work well. I can add a component and use it straight away in Altium after hitting refresh, and it's the proper component with all fields as they should be.But... one snag: in the DBLib editor, in the table browser view, every field is either "(MEMO)" or "(Memo)". If I right click a part, the context menu offers to open symbol or footprint whatever, and that whatever is the right name for that part. But the table browser shows (Memo).Anyone got a clue what might be causing this? I don't tend to use the table browser, but sometime I might find I need to, and generally things being not as expected indicate some fault or failure which may not be readily apparent.FWIW the connection string (most of which I don't think I need because it's just replicating what the driver is set to) is:DRIVER=Devart ODBC Driver for SQLite;ODBC Behavior=3;Journal Mode=WAL;Locking Mode=Normal;Synchronous=Normal;String Types=Ansi;Database=<path to db>

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2021, 02:17:07 pm
content: If you can get around in sqlite you should just run a local postgresql or mysql server, you won't run into the issue of exclusive access. SQLite isn't designed to be accessed by more than one thing at a time.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2021, 04:02:12 pm
content: I have an aversion to 'server' anything locally, partly because they are running all the time and partly because they are shared resources. A big factor is also backups - you can't just take an image of the drive but have to either shut down the server or tell it to dump its data.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2021, 03:33:45 pm
content: That makes sense I suppose. When posgresql is idling on my pc it uses <30MB of memory and an intangible amount of my CPU, I do have 16 cores though. Dumping the database to a file is simple to do and easy to automate.
gerbv to altium PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: alamwte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2021, 09:10:11 am
content: Hi,I have a file that it will open in gerbv software. I want change it to PCBI don't know how to build its drill file?Would you help me?Modify message

author: Gerhard_dk4xp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2021, 10:56:53 am
content: That you have Gerber files that open nicely in Gerbv does not mean thatAD21 can import that. :-( I had such a case last week and opened a discussionabout that.<https://forum.live.altium.com/#posts/246496>Gerber files usually have no drill information, although my example shows atleast some bounding box. Relevant key words are drill file, Excellon etc.In AD the generation of drill files is a work item at the same level like"Generate Gerber" under "file/fabrication outputs".The file extension is .txt, wich is not exactly a great help.It seems that importing DXF creates less errors than Gerber.I worked for me with some manual post processing.regards, Gerhard
Altium ver. 21 and 22 Draftsman tool to PDF with Output job won't Print in Adobe - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: atochimani
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2021, 08:05:26 pm
content: I have issues printing pdf files generated in altium 21 or 22 Draftsman tool with the output jobs using Adobe Acrobat pdf viewer. The files won't print with this application. But if I use Foxit reader for viewing those pdf files they print fine.Any ideas how to fix this issue?, or how to change the default Adobe pdf enginee with some thing else like another virtual pdf writer?.This happened in my windows 7 machine with altium 21, and Now it is doing againg in my windows 10 with altium 22. I thought that upgrading my machine with new windows 10 installed and the latest altium would have Fixed the problem.Thanks,

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2021, 02:14:12 pm
content: Are you actually printing them or sending them to a pdf container in your output job? Can we see a screenshot of the outjob?
Multi channel design - net classes - isolation between channels - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2021, 11:12:41 am
content: Guys, I've been working on an HV inverter power stage (3-phase H-bridge). There are 6 isolated drivers in total.Each driver circuitry is identical. For this reason, I used the multichannel option in altium. This gives me just one schematic page for all 6 drivers.The problem I face now is related to net classes. I need to set the clearance (isolation) between channels as well as between the low-and high-voltage domain.Since I have just one schematic page in altium I am not able to define a different class for each channel (like HV1, HV2, HV3...).I tried the blanket with a parameter set something likeNet Class Name - HV$RoomNamebut it does not work. The compilation does not substitute the parameter.Does anyone have a clue how to create a Net class with indexes that match the channel?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2021, 01:29:03 pm
content: Use the other class, schematic or channel whatever it is.Check Project Options/Classes to make sure it's enabled.Tim

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2021, 04:36:54 pm
content: Project > Project Options > Class Generation Tab, set the Net Classes dropdown for the sheet to "Local Nets Only" or "All Nets", and you'll get an automatic net class for each sheet instance. "Local Nets Only" will only add the nets that are fully contained in the sheet, "All Nets" will include the ones that connect off-sheet. FYI the latter option is not very sophisticated and can end up including power nets in all of the instance classes which may cause issues with rules.If you only need to target nets that connect off-sheet (like just the output lines of each driver) then you may be able to do that with a directive or blanket applied at the next sheet level up. Or just target the compiled net name if it's not too many nets. You may need to use one of these methods alongside the "Local Nets Only" setting above to get the results you need, depending.

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2021, 07:37:45 pm
content: Fantastic answers guys. This was it!
Altium 21 Polygon Pours in polar grid - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: lmagalhaes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2021, 10:52:07 am
content: Hi there,I design LED PCBs but I've come across a "problem". We often connect all of our LED strings in parallel so if one LED dies, the whole luminaire doesn't die. That makes me do this interlocking pattern on PCBs:Now, I need to design a round PCB. I used the polar grids to place the LEDs, but now have to connect them all ... I've been trying with the polygon pours, but I haven't been able to fiddle with them as easily as I did when it wasn't round... so maybe I'm missing something really basic or easy. Or maybe, it's just that hard lol. Here's an example of what I'm trying to achieve:So I want the same interlocking pattern, but now on this polar distribution. Anyone knows how to do this?Thanks !

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2021, 01:27:49 pm
content: Just rotate everything 90° and use concentric circles? Idunno, what are you after?Same applies on the linear board, really -- why stagger when they can be straight line?You can draw polygons with arcs, CTRL+SPACE to cycle line style. Or start with primitives (track and arc), convert to region, copy-paste the list of vertices into a polygon.Tim

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2021, 04:44:49 pm
content: It may be easier to draw a small section of the staggered polygon around just one of the LEDs that's aligned to the rectangular grid and then copy, paste, and rotate it around to each additional LED. Optionally combine all of them into one polygon at the end.Altium's handling of arc is pretty annoying, especially in polygon outlines, so you may get better results by using the arc and line primitives to draw the outline you want and then convert to a polygon from there. I would probably be tempted to export the LED layout to DWG, draw the polygons in AutoCAD or inkscape or whatever, and then import the DWG back into the PCB as primitives and then convert to a polygon.