hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
AD Files – Backwards Compatible? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Chris56000
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2020, 07:07:57 pm
content: Hi!Just a quickie one!Are Altium/Protel SchDoc and PCBDoc files backwards compatible to orler versions ?I was emailed some relatively simple files for a Curve Tracer project done in AD 18 and wonder if a very old copy of AD 6 would open them ?Chris Williams

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2020, 08:37:20 pm
content: Somewhat. I've opened files that were +/- 2 versions apart.More than 10... maybe. I mean, they've added new functionality.Just try opening it, I guess.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2020, 09:02:06 pm
content: Going back that far, you may need it saved specifically in binary 4.0 or ASCII format. The files are generally compatible between versions of AD, with new or dropped features simply being ignored when unsupported.Tim

author: ajawamnet
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2021, 08:00:54 pm
content: I have opened AD21 files in Ad6.9. If I export to AD pcb ver4, i can get them into Protell99SE...Attached is screenshot of a PCB saved in AD20 or 21 and opened in Ad6.9You lose things like multiline text, tuning elements (depending on what created it or last saved it) - even the new layerstack manager calculated impedances come across as static rules - pretty cool. See our host's comments on that:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/a365/msg3189118/#msg3189118"Yes, Altium Designer is brilliant at forward and backward file compatibility. Even using hundreds of different internal daily build versions (the hardware group were supposed to use the latest internal daily build for real designs) with all sorts of experimental features, not once did the file system ever break.'"There's three things that Altium has going for it.1- backward compatibility as much as possible2 - a simple license scheme that DOES NOT LOCK to a specific machine3 - you can have a zillion independent installs of various versions on the same machine - even different point versions of the same major version (ie AD20.2.5 and AD20.0.7)
help with managing Coppor Pours - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gogoman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2021, 05:20:16 pm
content: Hello,the pcb has many copper pours, a change results in the copper being re-poured. To re-pour, the pour manager is open and several clicks later the re-pour is completed. Opening the manger is time consuming for every change. Is there a quicker method? the re-pour option, (right mouse click) most of the time is grayed out. Why is the option grayed out?a copper pour is on located on top, Is there a method to copy a copper pour to the other layers?thanks

author: ptoth
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 18, 2021, 08:20:45 am
content: Hi,an easy way to repour polygons is to use the key combination t,g,a. You can access it also by the menu Tools/Polygone Pours/Repour.Another useful keystroke is t, g, h to shelve all polygons.If you want to perform an action on a selected polygon or a group of selected polygons, just right-click (after selection) and press y then you can shelve or repour selectively.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2021, 05:19:00 am
content: To copy a pour to another layer, you have a couple of options. You could simply copy and paste the pour on the same layer and then change its layer in its properties, or you can copy the pour, switch to the desired layer, then use "Paste Special" (Ctrl+Alt+V) and select "Paste on current layer". Paste Special also allows you to retain the net name of the pasted objects which is often useful.

author: Elasia
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2021, 10:01:55 pm
content: Quote from: gogoman on January 17, 2021, 05:20:16 pmYou need right click on a pour for right click to engage and give you all the options.. otherwise its usually that repour moddedMost of the time if im dinging pours on other layers because of say vias, i just go to the closest on plane pour and say repour all from there so not having to switch planes or mess with the manager

author: BitsnBytes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 07:13:12 am
content: Hello,There are two ways of copper repouring in Altium1) Batch mode.2) Live mode.In Batch when you modify the copper polygon right click on it, navigate to polygon action and click repour modified or repour all if you want to repour polygons in the board.In live mode when you modify polygons they are automatically repoured no need for manually repouring.To copy the copper polygon from one layer open (activate) that layer, select the polygon, CTRL+C, select any point. Then open (activate) the layer you want to paste in and CTRL+V.Regards
Highlight the same net in a schematic altium 17 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gogoman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2020, 03:52:09 am
content: hello, In the schematic, is it possible to highlight nets of the same name. The net may be on the same page (net name assignation) or span several pages.Alt L-click and Ctrl L-click, has no effectthanks

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2020, 12:31:47 pm
content: ALT+left click works for me. Are the net labels named and positioned correctly, and has the project been compiled?I forget if it works through ports and harnesses.Tim

author: Batang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2020, 02:22:12 pm
content: In the PCB editor it's Ctrl L-clickGo figure :
Footprint Properties - Description  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TerraByter
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2021, 01:30:06 pm
content: Hi all,i have a PCB Library with 290 footprints, the description are empty.Can i update all components descriptions property?I have a list with Component Names and Descriptions

author: BitsnBytes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 07:36:27 am
content: Brother what do you mean by description. In Altium PCB library you only need to mention footprint name.
How to disable automatic reconnection of traces when you move an object - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: robint91
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2020, 09:42:07 am
content: The title says it allIn 20.2 I have noticed that Altium automatically reconnects the component when you move it in the PCB editor. Which is super annoying.But I didn't find the option to disable it yet. Anyone else have this problem or know how to turn it off?

author: cgroen
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 30, 2020, 12:09:42 pm
content: That one I can help with:
AD19 schematic DXF/DWG output 'line style' - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PeteT
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2020, 03:11:51 pm
content: Hello,I am attempting to export a schematic in DXF for use by a mechanical designer (wiring diagrams etc). Most of the output is fine, but it loses the difference in line styles between the solid/dashed/dotted/dash dotted (as well as line weights, which was less surprising with the way DXFs work). They all just come in as a zero width polyline, all on the same layer.Does anyone know of a menu somewhere which helps define this? It doesnt necessarily need to look right, but would be helpful if the different line types were at least grouped onto different layers and then could be manipulated as a group. Having to redefine which line is which is both time consuming and a source of errors creaping in.Thanks,Pete

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2021, 07:24:38 pm
content: This would be kind of a gross workaround, but maybe you can export the schematic as a PDF and then if your MCAD can't work from a pdf directly, move it through a vector drawing program that can save the pdf contents as a dxf. You might lose some structure in the pdf conversion depending on how altium does that (I've never tried to pick apart a schematic pdf) but might be preferable to what you have now.Although as someone who used to spend a lot of time working in AutoCAD from other people's drawings, often I'd rather xref in a self contained file (PDF or otherwise) than directly work with someone else's file, it tends to just be easier to deal with other people's work that way.
Polygon and track not connecting (both the same Net) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ivan_V
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 18, 2020, 01:58:07 pm
content: Can't figure outhow to connect the polygon and track (both the same Net)seen in the provided screenshot. I've tried my best to configure the Rules but have failed to do so.

author: halexa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2020, 02:22:46 pm
content: Hi,In the polygone properties make sure you have following setting:"Pour Over All Same Net Objects"

author: Ivan_V
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 18, 2020, 02:28:51 pm
content: Thank you! It works like a charm.
Altium Designer 21 - adding text spice model file - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dstraight
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 19, 2020, 02:19:43 am
content: Does anyone know how to ad a *.ckt file to a model in Altium Designer 21? I know how to do this in previous version of AD - but, I'm left scratching my head with the newly released AD21.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 09:03:39 pm
content: OP resolved here:https://old.reddit.com/r/Altium/comments/kfzvmk/new_spice_features_in_altium_21_but_i_cant_figure/
Updating multiple components' schematic symbols in existing sheet? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2020, 08:51:58 pm
content: Hi all,I am trying to make a schematic presentable so that I can show it to a customer we've contracted with. The person who originally drew the schematic used 3 different resistor symbols. I have no idea why. I want to update all of the symbols to the same type, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to just update the symbol...and not symbol plus associated footprint? Seems like a mess to me. I need to update about 50 symbols.Using AD14 by the way.Thanks,Tim
Export of Altium to dxf and circle/arcs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Gibson486
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2020, 02:59:09 pm
content: So, when I export an Altium PCB to DXF, all the circles and arcs that are made via the board outline are exported as as tiny mini arcs connected together. The ME team does not like this at all. Is there a way around this?
Not-fit of a component in all channels in a multi-channel design - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2020, 05:43:56 pm
content: Hi,In a multi-channel design, if you want a specfic component to be NOT fitted on ALL channels, it looks like you have to go into every channel and mark it in every single channle as not fitted.Is there a way to select that part in the "main" sheet schematic and set as not-fitted for ALL channels?Thank you
Altium designer 19 freezing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Lucky-Luka
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 11:48:20 pm
content: Hi allI've just started a course using Altium Designer 19. After designing all the components symbols I've designed the first footprint of a capacitor. After I assigned it to the first component and going to assign it to another capacitor symbol, I've noticed that the program became extremely slow, almost blocked. Swapping between symbols in the left SCH library takes minutes... Altium is totally unusable. I've tried to restart the PC but the problem persist. I've tried to reinstall the program but the problem persist. Any guesses? I attach the project I've done so far.p.s. Win10 64bit, 16GB RAM, geforce gtx 1050 tip.p.s. I've installed the program even on another notebook and the situation is the samep.p.s. I have to admit that the program isn't original

author: E-Design
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2020, 02:34:30 pm
content: no problems here. Be sure to use one of the final releases of v19. For example, v19.1.9 is what I use and I experience no slow behavior ever.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2020, 08:59:13 pm
content: Is the problem only with that project or also present in a blank project?
How to fix corrupt schematic library? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Jester
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2020, 12:19:15 pm
content: I have been using Altium forever, and have a lot of libraries. From time to time one of the schematic libraries will start acting up with the following symptoms:After creating a new component (I almost always start by copying an existing similar component), when trying to save the new component the green progress bar, stops before reaching the end. Then some time later the new component simply gets deleted from the list or just can't be saved. So you have to close Altium, restart and then start again.To fix the library it seems you need to find the bad component and delete it, however you don't know which of the countless components is the bad one. I have resorted to making a copy of the library and then deleting 1/2 the components and then doing a save to see if the remainder of the library is okay. Sort of binary search, this is time consuming, there must be a better way.One other observation. For whatever reason if I'm trying to save one of these newly created components and having problems if I place the yet to be saved component into a schematic and then save the schematic, it seems that I can then save the library successfully without the progress bar stopping part way.Am I the only one?Is there a easier way to fix the library?

author: TSR
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 20, 2020, 05:37:27 pm
content: For the past week I've spent more time fixing Altium bugs than actually doing layout. This package is just crap. The only reason I use it is because it's free - and it's worth EXACTLY how much I paid for it.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2020, 09:36:23 pm
content: What version of altium.Have you tried opening the lib with an earlier version of AD.Is the lib on a network drive.Does compiling the library work? Are there any errors with the "bad" component? Or anything unique about it.
placing recently edited part from database (edited value not appearing on schem) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ckhalleran
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 18, 2020, 09:39:20 pm
content: I have a database library (MS-Access) and when I start Altium, an AutoHotkey script is copying the database to my local drive (in addition, it's an SVN DBLib, so symbols and footprints are copied from my SVN server repository to my local cache). The SVNDbLib is pointing to the database that's on my local drive. But all changes get made to the master database that's on the network.If I make a change to a part in the master database on the network, and then start Altium (and the database gets copied to my local drive)... then when I go to place that part, in the Components panel (preview) I see my edited parameter. But after placing the part onto the schematic... double clicking it, I see the original unchanged parameter value.After placing this part (seeing that edits to parameter did not appear on my placed symbol)... if I run Update Selected From Libraries (not a full replace)... then look to see which parameters will be changed... Altium doesn't have a little blue triangle on my parameter (it's not going to update it). But if I use Update Parameters From Database... then it does bring on the new value.I also noticed, after editing that part in the database, I start Altium, then close it, then start it again... THEN when I place that part, it has the updated parameter value.So it makes me wonder, why does this part get placed with the old value, when I saw the new value in Components panel's visible columns? Is Altium using some temporary files somewhere on my local drive? (I can't find them)...Regards,Chris

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2020, 11:27:27 pm
content: Sounds similar to the issue I questioned here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/model-updating/
Circular array - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 03:28:27 pm
content: AD20Just doing a board, on it there will be a circular array of 72 parts, is there an easy(!) way of using a spreadsheet or similar to drive the locations X, Y, Theta for each of the parts?

author: radar_macgyver
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 03:38:11 pm
content: You can make a spreadsheet with 72 rows, and compute the X,Y and rotation of each part using a formula. Select all 72 of the X coordinates, then use the PCB list view, and paste in the 'X' column and it will paste all 72. Repeat for Y and rotation.You can also make a polar local grid and do the same, this will simplify the formulas somewhat but is otherwise equivalent.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 03:41:30 pm
content: Just make a polar grid.

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2020, 03:52:13 pm
content: Brill thanks for both suggestions. Not used polar grids before.

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2020, 10:24:01 pm
content: Didn't use polar grids in the end. Used the "PCB List" feature and inserted data from a spreadsheet - worked perfectly thank you.
Silkscreen keepout - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hitech95
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2020, 01:30:39 am
content: Hi I have a fancy silkscreen that I have imported, it is covering some pads.Is there a way to create a keepout area for the silkscreen?Or subtract is some way the imported silkscreen with a primitive(line) so I can free the pads?For reference:I'm experimenting with more advanced PCB iterconnection using slots on the main pcb and fingers on secondary pcbs.I'm creating a christmas tree without any header/jumper.This is the second experiment, the first one (a car remote steering adapter) was quite successful.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2020, 01:45:43 am
content: in gerbers generation there is usually some option like "subtract mask from silk" that'll removing silk covering pads, some pcb manufacturers do it automatically

author: hitech95
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2020, 07:48:27 am
content: I would love to create a bit more space around the slot, so that is why I've asked if a keepout area for silkscreen was available.
Drill files with decimal points and CAMtastic - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Poe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2020, 05:33:58 pm
content: Not sure how, but my older stand-alone 1999 version of CAMtastic is better than Altium Designer 19's built-in.Neither can apparently deal with drill files which use decimal points though.They both translate "X39.847Y124.355" into "X398Y124" or "X39Y84", regardless of the zero suppression or precision settings.Does anyone know of a way around this or do I need to purchase a real CAM viewer and finally give up on Craptastic?

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2020, 10:37:40 pm
content: I don't even know when was the last time Altium updated their built-in CAMtastic. I suggest switching to FAB 3000 (or the free DFM Now if you only want to view files), as these are updated fairly regularlyI have kinda given up on CAMtastic as it always seemed to screw up files with fine features

author: Poe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2020, 05:07:56 am
content: Thanks for the heads-up. Altium has actually been quietly removing parts of CAMtastic for years. Just last month I realized you can no longer export to dxf.How much is FAB 3000?

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2020, 05:33:56 am
content: All goodNot sure about price as company paid for it. I do know company that makes FAB 3000 prefers monthly (?) licenses, but we managed to get a lifetime oneAlso if you want to just view then DFM Now is the free alternative, basically a cut down version of FAB 3000
routed length bug? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tonyh88
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2020, 06:55:17 pm
content: Hey there, I'm looking for a kind soul which would be willing to verify my sanity. Either i'm facing a bug or I don't understand something. Using Altium latest version 20.2.6I'm trying to length match differential pairs. Traces are mostly routed on layer 3 and switch to layer 1.I first start by length matching everything on Layer 3. No issue so far everything is matched correctly around 3725mil (this includes the via lenght) as can be seen on image1.The problem happens when I switch on layer 1. Just for a test here I route a short track. I would now expect the routed length to be 3725+ new track length. However, the routed length is now 3716 which is shorter than previously!!! (image 2)To make the matter even more complicated. If I manually add up the track length of the primitives for this new short track asdisplayed in the PCB panel just below the nets it doesn't add up to the routed length Altium displays. (image 3)Any ideas? I tried deleting everything and starting again but exact same behavior.Is Altium routed length calculation broken somehow?Thanks!

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2020, 10:19:19 pm
content: I think i might know what is going on.I did a bit of a test seeing that your board was many layers.I created a trace on the top layer it's length is 26.889 milI added just a via the length is now 28.433 milNow i add a trace to the bottom layer the length is now 29.703Now i removed the bottom trace and repeated with different layers using the same size traceVia Only: 28.433L2: 28.266 (LESS than just via !!)L3: 29.597Bottom: 29.703It would appear that Altium calculates distance when you have a via stub to the center of the via (in the z axis)Neat, I am always learning something new with this tool.Whether this is a bug or not is up to you. Should not be an issue as long as you do not have any via stubs.~Bryan

author: tonyh88
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2020, 12:37:12 am
content: ah! Thanks Bryan for that! That is definitely a part of the mystery!I'll play with that a bit to test further. Something that remains strange is that the + and - line on the same diff pair don't behave the same so there is another factor in there that I still need to figure out.It would be nice if Altium's documentation was less cryptic about how this is all calculated.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2020, 12:53:47 am
content: You may have better luck with xsignals which is how i usually do diff pairs.

author: tonyh88
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2020, 01:32:48 am
content: thanks again! I never used xsignals for diff pair but i'll give it a try next time
annotation in multisheet designs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2020, 04:48:05 pm
content: When I make designs using multisheet designs the part annotation gets changed to things like R99_nameofsheet. Can i make it so it just annotates parts only with numbers as if it were a single sheet design?

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2020, 02:07:06 pm
content: Under project options you can modify the physical component names by going to the Multi-Channel Tab.Typically in large multichannel projects you append numbers to signify the channel offset and then the actual logical designator.For example:You have 2 sheets that you use 2 and 3 times respectively. Lets call the first Circuit 1 and the second Circuit 2.When you go to annotate your design you assign the starting designator of each sheetfor circuit 1 you set it to 100 and for circuit 2 you set it to 200On Circuit 1 you have a designator like R101, and C110On Circuit 2 you have a designator like R205, and C202Now when you go to compile to physical designators you tell it to do the following$ComponentPrefix$ChannelIndex$ComponentIndexAnd the physical designators for the above components turn into:RX101 and CX110 Where x is the channel index of circuit 1RY205 and CY202 Where y is the channel index of circuit 2Since circuit 1 is used 2 times the designators you getR1101, R2101, C1110, C2110If you would rather not deal with annotating like this, you can do a board level annotation to make the designators all flat no matter how they were compiled.**Update**Another thing to note is that when you go to generate a pdf of your schematic, make sure you are referencing the physical documents if you want to see the whole schematic.
Reset Altium to Open in Current Window - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2013, 12:17:29 pm
content: I was recently comparing a new design to a former design and had two Altium windows up on two monitors. I did this by dragging a tab off of my main Altium. Now, whenever I double click a file under Projects, it opens in a new window. Then I have to drag the tab back to the main window and close the new Altium window and select only close that window. This is getting annoying.Just typing up this, I did one last check of all Preferences and figured out that "Remember Window for each Document Kind" was the culprit. This is the forum equivalent of figuring out the answer just after you ask someone. Anyhow, if it happens to someone else...

author: idg
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 26, 2020, 03:02:35 pm
content: Thank you Sacherjj, I had the same problem and your self-answering post solved the issue.
Altium Nexus adds copper islands where holes are supposed to be? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Memductor
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 14, 2020, 05:56:01 am
content: Hello everyoneI am designing a board with some through-hole components. I noticed in my Gerber files that Altium seems to add small circular copper islands at positions that will be drilled during manufacturing. I'm not quite sure why it does that and if it could be a problem?Weirdly, these islands do not show up when I look at the polygon in the polygon manager, they do however show up in the Gerber files?I tried using the polygon option "remove islands less than" but to no avail.Not sure if I'm doing something wrong in the Gerber export options.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2020, 09:41:34 pm
content: https://www.reddit.com/r/Altium/comments/jalxhu/altium_puts_copper_where_polygon_should_have_a/

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2020, 09:47:19 pm
content: It doesnt matter, the drill removes this.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2020, 03:43:33 pm
content: i the gerber output there is an option to have open holes ( through the outjob files )
Global Net Settings in Altium ??? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: IamSynthetiC
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2020, 09:26:31 am
content: Greetings,I am new to Altium Designer and i am still trying to learn it. I am trying to change the track widts and lenghts of the some nets coming out of an IC. I am not sure, but i believe i saw a feature on OrCAD where there is a list of all the nets and you can make such changes there. Is there a similar feature in Altium ?Thanks

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2020, 09:42:42 am
content: Better, I'd dare say. Probably OrCAD has this too, I don't recall?Anyway, best way is to apply a net class to the nets in question. This is done on the schematic. On the PCB, create a rule for objects in that class. Can even specify some rules from the SCH.Next option is to call out the nets individually (with a query like "InNet('MyNet1') OR InNet('MyNet2') OR ..."), but this sucks as net names can change more often, or accidentally. Especially if referencing auto-named nets.There are also associations with components, pads, or rooms, which may be helpful.Tim

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2020, 03:38:16 pm
content: in shcematic : place - pcb directive .
Need help extracting a BOM - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: grantb5
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2020, 06:47:05 pm
content: Hi. I am not an Altium user, but I am hoping to build this project :https://hackaday.io/project/169330-macro-keypad-4x4The gerber and other project files are all available here:https://gitlab.com/thmjpr/macropad_altium_stm32f103But there is no BOM. I need to figure out the package sizes for ordering the parts. Is it possible for someone to extract this for me from the files that are available?These are the Hardware files at the GitLab link. The schematic says Altium on it, so I'm guessing the other files here are Altium as well.Code:Project Outputs(Gerbers)Key_Matrix_Buttons_macropad.SchDocUSB_C_and_Micro_macropad.SchDockeypad_macropad.PcbDockeypad_macropad.PrjPCBkeypad_macropad.PrjPCBStructurekeypad_macropad.RULkeypad_macropad.pdf(Schematic)

author: grantb5
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2020, 09:25:57 pm
content: MODS: please delete. I was helped off-forum. Thanks,
Renamed Database Library - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: David
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2020, 10:18:32 am
content: Hi all,I have a large database library which I have moved and renamed. Is there anyway to easily get schematics to point to the new database library without changing each component individually? I'm sure I remember an option to do this? I thought it was in update from libraries but nothing obvious there?Cheers,Dave

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2020, 05:09:40 pm
content: I think it is Tools > Item Manager, but i have never had to do this.

author: David
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2020, 05:44:02 pm
content: I tried that but didn't find anything useful. I can't believe this is so hard. Surely this must be a common occurrence!

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2020, 08:18:26 pm
content: I think you should be able to change that property using the parameter manager. Filter on only parts and then change the Library column for all parts. I think that should work. Recompile after doing that and see if anything breaks.

author: David
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2020, 06:59:00 am
content: You sir are a legend! Thank you so much. I had the "Exclude system parameters" box checked so I couldn't see the library column!Thanks again!
Altium: Blind/Burried vias in footprints? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 08:32:18 am
content: I'm making a HDI project with lots (well actually only) blind and buried vias. In some of the footprints I need to make (RF structures) I need to have blind/buried vias. I cannot for the life of my find how to do this. In the PCB library stackup editor (not the PCB stackup editor itself), it seems like you cannot add any non-through vias.Is this something Altium simply cannot do, and I have to use another tool, or am i just not seeing the button to do it?

author: SerieZ
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 01:57:11 pm
content: As far as I am aware you cannot define Via Types in your Footprint in Altium.However if I had the same problem you are facing I would give those affected vias a "special" size, impossible for manufacturers (i.e 0.201) and later filter those out (Find Similar) in the Layout and change them all in few clicks to the desired via type previously defined in the Layer Stackup in the Layout itself.To Clarify:Select all those Components in the Layout and unlock primitives -> then filter by Find Similar function

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2020, 09:01:02 am
content: That is a very nifty work-around. I have currently decided to give Keysight ADS a try for this specific board, since it is just a series of RF structures, but might use this in a next iteration when we add active circuitry to the PCB.Thanks!

author: dstraight
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 06, 2020, 05:26:43 pm
content: My workaround: I created my footprint using blind/burried vias in the PCB project document - then I copied the structure into the PCB footprint library.I'm not sure if this is the best approach - but this seems to work.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2020, 04:45:04 pm
content: The library can store anything that can be created on the pcb. the Library EDITOR is limited in functionality though. for this kind of work : make the structure using the PCB editor first , then copy past into library.i have been pushing altium to drop the pcb library editor altogether and use the pcb editor instead. instead of saving as a pcbdoc you save as pcblib or pcbpart.

author: Gibson486
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2020, 02:40:25 pm
content: I tried doing this the way dstraight did. Did not work. The issue is that you need to define your vias by layers ahead of time. So, if you have a part that was on a 4 layer pcb, then the buried via would get messed up on the 6 layer pcb. The work around is that you can manually make it right by adjusting it after you import the part in, but that kind of beats the whole point.
Using Multiboard with non pcb components - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ahbushnell
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2020, 04:51:21 pm
content: Hi,I started working with the multiboard tool in Altium. It looks handy. I would like to be able to connect external components that are not PCB's. Is there a way to do that? For instance a commercial power supply.ThanksAndy

author: ahbushnell
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2020, 03:32:24 am
content: I'll answer my own question. It looks like you can only connect boards together. To bad. Maybe that will be in release 21.

author: Berni
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2020, 05:17:26 am
content: If you want to use the multiboard workflow to put a power supply into your design then just make a tiny board that is hidden inside a 3D step model of the power supply, then import that.

author: vikebo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 02, 2020, 07:58:11 am
content: Not sure if it has been added later, but I'm using 20.1.14 and have "Insert STEP Part..." available when assembling the boards in .MbaDoc.
Altium: Create bending line on flex only pcb (no rigid sections) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2020, 02:40:38 am
content: I'm trying to get my flex pcb design to fold in Altium V20, but am not having much luck.I have done this before only with a rigid-flex design, never with a flex only design.From memory, to get folding to work you have to 3D lock one section, but Altium will only let you 3D-lock a rigid section. Since this is a flex only pcb it only has 1 section and it is flex?Any ideas?

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2020, 07:07:17 pm
content: I've done it, but can't remember how. Worse, I can't get it to work again if I break it now!However, there are a couple of things to ensure are there to give it a chance. Essentially, you need a region that's going to be flat, even though it's a flex. So break your 1 region into two or more: one flat that will be locked, and t'others are the bendy bits. Next, ensure the flat region has no bends in it. Sounds obvious, but easily overlooked.As to how you mark the flat region as 3D locked... wish I could rediscover that.I am wondering if there was a bug which has since been fixed.
Altium: Missing "Plated" via tickbox on flex pcb - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2020, 03:21:13 am
content: Hi,In Altium v20 the plated tickbox is missing for flex pcb vias, i.e. all vias are plated and there's no way to set unplated.Is this maybe because flex pcb material is cutout with a die.So any un-plated hole would be done as part of the board shape stamping process, hence they should be done in altium as board cutouts?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2020, 01:28:13 pm
content: Vias wouldn't be very via-y if they didn't connect layers together...You can always place free pads, or board cutouts, yes.Also, I'm not sure if there's a way to place blind or buried pads, if that's relevant. Though I think something was added in the last couple versions?Tim
Best Altium setup for creepage and clearance - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2020, 06:40:39 pm
content: Hi,in Altium, what are the best practices to setup a project/schematic so that when you get to the PCB you have rules (or can set them up quickly) for creepage and clearance?I am thinking perhaps setting up rules or classes or parameter sets in the schematic so they appear in the PCB?Maybe attaching maximum voltages labels/classes/parameters to various nets and then define rules in the pcb between each of them (i.e. all combinations)? Or maybe there is a simpler way?Are there any guidelines or examples?Thank you

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 10:55:12 pm
content: It would be unusual to require more than one or two sets of creepage/clearance rules on a single project, so I wouldn't stress too much about doing anything complicated. Just define a net class to contain the nets that need special handling, use directives (with or without blankets) in the schematic to assign the class to the nets that need to be in it, and create PCB rules against that class.Make sure to set your rule priorities appropriately so that the most strict requirements are the highest priority.For example, if you have a mains-powered device, then you could simply set up a "Mains" net class and assign it to the required nets. Then in PCB you might need to have a set of rules for creepage/clearance between nets that are both in Mains, and maybe more strict rules for when only one of the two nets is in Mains. Simple as that.You can also assign net classes in PCB, but it's generally better to do it in the schematic so that it's visible, and is less prone to getting lost when pushing changes back and forth between Sch and Pcb.

author: ricko_uk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2020, 07:47:08 pm
content: Thank you Ajb
Altium rooms broken?? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: axemaster
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2020, 12:46:47 am
content: I have encountered a bizarre situation in a multi-channel design. Whenever I drag a room around, none of the components move with it. It's as if they didn't belong to the room at all. However, if I tell the room to do "orthogonal fit" around the components, it correctly wraps around the components.I have also discovered that trying to copy room formats is failing, again it seems not to recognize the components inside the room.Has anyone encountered something like this?

author: axemaster
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2020, 12:53:40 am
content: OK I think I just figured it out. Apparently all of the rooms were disabled in the design rules.I have no idea how this happened, I certainly didn't do it. Grrrrrr...

author: anovickis
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2020, 06:39:37 pm
content: theres quite a few bugs with rooms like this - usually if you are dragging the room outside the PCB area especially if it contains only components it seems to work better . Once any routes are in all bets are off even on room format copy working correctly

author: TSR
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 17, 2020, 08:27:31 pm
content: Sorry to post here, it's not exactly 'on thread' ... but it's close.Altium has some really annoying bugs, but I just figured out how to fix one of them related to rooms in multi-channel designs.The BUG:Your source room is the picture of perfection. And you do a 'Copy Room Format'. The destination room looks fine until you check on the parts and find that they are off-grid. Not by a lot, not anything you can see, but instead of being on (458, 256) the part is on (457.998, 255.978) for example. If you select the part and move it by hand it will snap to grid, but that's a pain if you have a lot of parts. If you do a Align->Align to Grid Altium will truncate the number (rather than round it to the nearest integer) and so the part will end up at (457, 255) - 1 mill off in both directions. Do not do Align->Align to Grid!The FIX: The problem is with the 3D bodies of the parts. It seems like Altium is aligning parts based on their 3D bodies rather than their pads. So, find the parts that are slightly misaligned, go into the Footprint editor and show their 3D bodies (in 2D mode). Turn on the electrical grid (Shift+E) and hover over the corners of your 3D model. Mark down their locations to 3 digits and you will find that the 3D body is ever so slightly off center. Get out your calculator, find the difference (to the thousandth of a mil - who knew those sweethearts at Altium cared about micro-inches), and move your 3D body (using 'Mover Selection by X,Y...') so that it's dead nuts on center. Save the part in the library. Then, taking your life in your hands, do a Tools->Update from PCB Libraries... and update only the 3D bodies you changed. Now do the Copy Room Format again and ... BINGO! the problem parts are now aligned on gird!One down ... and only 3,654,564,324 Altium bugs to go!
I don't change "altium schematic and pcb default values" permanently - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: eemkutay
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 01:11:24 pm
content: Hello, I don't change altium shematic and pcb default values permanently. (.dft files)For example I change wire color, pin length etc and I checked permenent checkbox(or uncheck) and apply/OK but If i restart Altium, all settings are gone.I also save my settings, it doesn't work. (I started altium as admin). I didn't find the problemI use 20.1.11. (x64). I think the problem is caused by encoding(because I see "?" characters in dft file), I can change altium encoding?Or how can I find the problem? please can you help me?

author: eemkutay
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 06:22:10 pm
content: Anybody having similar problems?

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 02:33:40 am
content: Sounds like an issue you should be contacting Altium about

author: eemkutay
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 08:31:02 pm
content: I found the problem. if your location in windows isn't any English talking country. Altium don't read/write schematic and pcb default config documents exactly.Shortly altium wants western european(windows 1252) encoding.

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2020, 11:03:23 pm
content: Quote from: eemkutay on September 21, 2020, 08:31:02 pmOh well done on figuring it out, and thanks for sharing the solution
How To Use Sheet Symbol With Varying Values - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: petersanch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2020, 10:33:44 am
content: I have a schematic that has an adjustable voltage regulator inside. I want to make a sheet symbol out of this to use in other project schematics.The question is I want to use the same sheet but with different resistor values inside to have regulators with different voltage outputs, so that the circuit is the same but the values of resistors are different.What is the best way to do this without duplicating the circuit eachtime for every voltage? Can we use variants?Cheers!

author: conelec
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2020, 12:56:41 pm
content: Variants would probably be the best way to go however I have not tried them with sheet symbols. It should work but nothing is guaranteed as far as Altium goes. I would imagine the base sheet that makes up the symbol would be the target of the variation.

author: SerieZ
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2020, 01:56:01 pm
content: If the Duplication is for the very same PCB use Variants, if it is for different PCB use Snippets.

author: petersanch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2020, 05:57:17 pm
content: The duplication is for the same PCB but I want to have 2.5 V and 3.3 V versions of this sheetat the same time. The upper level schematic needs both power supplies to operate. Is it possible to use 2 variants at the same time?

author: Fgrir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2020, 07:25:39 pm
content: Maybe take a look at this:https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/multi-sheet-and-multi-channel-design-ad#!parametric-multi-channel-hierarchical-designEDIT: Fix broken URL

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2020, 08:29:08 pm
content: If the difference is a divider resistor, can always stick the FB pin out on a sheet connector and put the reference resistor there.Annotation works for component values, but won't generate varied net names for power ports unless you use strict hierarchical project settings. Strict hierarchical is usually more annoying than useful because no power ports connect between sheets, you have to connect all of them through sheet ports. If you like to use descriptive net names for power supply sections, for example, this may not be an effective method.Tim

author: petersanch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2020, 08:00:57 am
content: Quote from: Fgrir on September 10, 2020, 07:25:39 pmThink this shall do it. Cheers!
MOVED: Survey of tools used: PCB Design and Simulation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mike2020
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 30, 2020, 07:00:13 pm
content: This topic has been moved toGeneral PCB/EDA/CAD Discussions.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=252240.0