hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Creating a Black PCB at home. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: level42jeff
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2016, 02:37:21 pm
content: Hi there, I'm a bit new to making PCB's (I've made them successfully in the past, but now I'm looking to add a mask)I've heard about 2 methods, one using a Film, and the other using a Paint.First off, I'd like to know opininons on each of these, and which one would be recommended.Secondly, I was wondering if anyone knew of a place that sold these materials in black?I haven't been able to find anything about how to make there, or where to buy materials.Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

author: level42jeff
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2016, 10:01:18 pm
content: Anyone have any ideas?

author: MAS3
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2016, 11:02:54 pm
content: Those aren't home made, they are professionally produced.You'll have a hard time producing anything close to that with tools and material likely to be available to you (and if they would be, then you would know how to use them).You can order PCBs like that from China or at some place more close to you (if applicable).Google for "pcb service".

author: ovnr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2016, 11:41:00 pm
content: While you can do your own solder mask, you should do it for the right reasons. If any of those include "saving money", "getting a good result", "not banging your head against the wall in frustration" (etc): Give up now. It is not easy, nor fun.Having said that,here's some black solder mask. Your biggest problems are going to be getting an even coat of it on your board (spin-coating? dipping?), and getting a sharp image when exposing it - remember, it's going to be wet while exposing it, so placing a transparency on top may yield unfavorable results.

author: Fred27
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 12:11:35 pm
content: I've had good results with Dynamask 5000 dry film. You need a laminator and UV for exposure. Only seen it in green.
Ground planes on DIY PCBs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dan Moos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 01:15:55 am
content: So my design is all thru hole. I'm 80% done routing the PCB, and it appears I've been successful at keeping everything on one side signal-wise, leaving the other side (the top side with the components) free for power traces and the ground plane. Single sided for the signal traces was a main goal, because this is my first attempt at a double sided board. I figure if all my vias have to hit is a ground plane or a fat power trace on the other side, I will have a little grace with alignment (as long as I don't get too cute with the ground plane).Ok, so that's gonna leave me a top side with components, and a lot of copper. Seems kinda begging for a short if something metal fell on it. Is this a common situation with DIY boards?Ok, so to solve the problem, I'm really hoping there is a product that matches what I'm about to describe. I'm envisioning a clear, inkjet and or laser printable, material that comes in sheets and can be stuck to the top of the board. I though about water slide decal paper, but I'm leary of trapping moisture against the copper. I want printable because it would enable me to have a pseudo silk screen layer, which would be sweet.I have no pads other than vias on the top side, so it could basically cover the entire top of the board. I'm confident I could use a paper punch to expose the vias.Does such a product exist? Colored would be a bonus, but not necessary.

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 01:26:10 am
content: HiAssemble the board. Get it working. Spray it with clear Krylon (or any other spray enamel paint). Instant solder mask.Bob

author: Dan Moos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 01:32:51 am
content: I like the idea, except spraying the components sounds kinda cheesy. I realize that's not a firm reason against. I also still like the notion of something printable.I suppose if a guy could some clean the cured enamel of the vias, one could spray it before hand...

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 01:43:26 am
content: Quote from: Dan Moos on May 01, 2016, 01:32:51 amHiThe spray process is exactly what is done when conformal coating boards. It is a very common way to protect a board against crud of all sorts. You can get all sorts of exotic mil-spec coatings to do the job. For what you are trying to do ... Krylon ....Bob
[swep g][FM][HV][VHF][transmiter][amp][Audio]Q: What PCB module is in the box? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Michael_P
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2016, 04:41:03 pm
content: Hallo,Can someone try recognize what PCB is in the box? wobbulator/sweep gen./dds dual chalnel/ with audio imp. ?

author: Raj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2016, 05:51:21 pm
content: Some audio equipment i guess by looking at the mp3
BGA Ground Pins - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: electosleepy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 02:40:44 pm
content: The net highlighted in the picture is ground. As you can see there are clusters of ground pins that could be connected with traces rather than vias to a ground plane. Should I leave the vias on adjacent ground pins or delete them and connect them with traces? I'm leaning towards leaving the vias as it would shorted the return current path. What is best practice?

author: ovnr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 03:47:47 pm
content: Leave the ground vias. But there's nothing wrong with directly routingsignalnets without vias.

author: TiN
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 04:03:07 pm
content: Keep vias AND connect to ground pour where it's possible, IF your assembly process have no problems with keeping correct profile on heavy copper.But you should be fine with just vias to GND. Same apply to power usually.

author: electosleepy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 04:25:16 pm
content: Thanks for confirming this is my first 8 layer board

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 04:33:12 pm
content: Yes, connect all ground pad with separated via, but in case of emergency you can make some common via for two pad (but not recommended).

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2016, 10:57:07 pm
content: More vias means less inductance, an important goal for the PDN of a high speed device like most BGAs.Tim
Free DWG Viewer?....... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2016, 06:20:53 pm
content: Anyone have a good free dwg viewer they can recommend? Something with a small footprint is preferred.The Autodesk DWG TrueView is a 1.6Gig install and takes about 30-45 seconds to load each time you open a file. WAY overkill for viewing old 2D DWG files.

author: ChunkyPastaSauce
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 22, 2016, 07:41:39 pm
content: eDrawings is free, under 140mb to install if you dont add the extensions... takes 2-3 seconds to launch.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2016, 03:36:54 am
content: I use this thing called Volo View.

author: Karel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 06:22:53 am
content: There's also Draftsight. You just need to register with an email address.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 06:56:21 am
content: Quote from: Karel on April 24, 2016, 06:22:53 amfor Draftsight. It is a very solid, reliable Autodesk 2D clone.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2016, 07:13:19 am
content: drafsight is ok but I find it slow to open( on a mac) .
Thinking of going to Linux from Windows... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Boscoe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2016, 10:37:31 pm
content: Posting this here because I would like to know what people think of this in terms of CAD packages and software. I'm thinking of doing this because it's fee probably more stable and maybe easier to use. Have you ever done it? I might just give it a try for a while and see what happens. Did you miss any software? How did it impact the software and CAD you had on offer for electronics?

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2016, 10:50:48 pm
content: Why choose, why not use both.I run 4 OSs in virtual machines on win7 works fine, just use what works the best for you, some packages are better under Linux others under Win, some (music and photo editing) better on Mac os.

author: lem_ix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2016, 10:55:03 pm
content: I'm usually in linux, switching to windows when I need to design a board in Altium.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2016, 11:07:27 pm
content: Already extensive discussions, might check this one out:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/worth-it-to-use-linux/

author: Karel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2016, 08:57:32 am
content: We use Eagle so no problems here. All our systems (for development and testing) run Linux.Some of our products use (embedded) Linux, so we don't want engineers who are afraid forLinux (whether on the desktop or not). We do use Virtualbox with windows occasionally fora couple of tools which are impossible to run on Linux & Wine. Fortunately we don't need themtoo often.On a side note, Microchip IDE runs natively on Linux out of the box. The same forthe most important FPGA manufacturers.

author: charlespax
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2016, 06:32:19 am
content: I run OS X and use Eagle. I have a Windows virtual machine for running SolidWorks. For embedded development I have a virtual machine with Eclipse set up with all my STM32 debugging tools including extensions for FreeRTOS. The embedded development setup is a fairly delicate system of software that's a paint to set up. Even though I could set it up ion OS X, I prefer to have a virtual machine, so I can always go back to a known working snapshot.
Gold Phoenix PCB manufacturer (bye BEC) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 15, 2016, 10:28:03 am
content: I had been using BEC Manufacturing for PCBs for 25+yrs, but it seems that have now totally split up, and completely moved out of QLD.Several attempts over the last 6 months have all sorts of odd responses (random gmail addresses, skype only contact etc) with no resolution or answers.I have to accept that they're GONE .. bugger :-)So I researched all the recommendations here and chose Gold Phoenix as the BEST FIT for ME. All good so far.I sent them a gerber file and introduction Wed late pm, and haven't heard a word from them ! To users of their service, is that normal? should I try again?Is there a preferred email addy? They may seem like dumb questions, but I thought I'd better check before deciding on a new PCB supplier.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2016, 11:50:55 am
content: BEC had closed their Brendale factory quite some years ago and moved to China.They had a sales person taking phone orders. Stillprobably do.
PDF to DXF messes up text  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JohnnyP
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2016, 07:11:30 pm
content: I laid out a control panel and annotated it with text, then saved it as a PostScript file.The text changes fonts when I convert it to a DXF file.Tried it again after saving to a PDF, same thing.What converter to use for a Mac?

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2016, 10:16:59 am
content: You might need specific fonts for the DXF converter (.sh or something similar), these are not Type 1 or TrueType fonts AFAIK.

author: JohnnyP
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2016, 06:23:20 pm
content: I gave up that and am just redoing the text in QCAD.Now I need a font that is in my PCB program, but not in my fontbook, or in QCAD.How to put Futura Condensed into the QCAD font list?
Adding a font to QCAD - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JohnnyP
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2016, 06:32:56 pm
content: Mac 10.6.8I laid out a control panel using McCAD PCB-ST. One of the fonts I used is Futura Condensed.I am redoing it in QCAD, but that font is not in the list of available fonts, nor is it in my fontbook.How to add it to QCAD? I asked on the QCAD forum. The designer basically pointed me to google. All I can find there is moving fonts between computers, rather than applications.
How did Gerber files get their name - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: photon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2016, 11:19:35 pm
content: I ran into the following new biography of Joseph Gerber while researching CAD/CAM programs. I had not heard of this guy before nor knew that Gerber files got their name from him and his remarkable company Gerber Scientific. I know many here will enjoy reading this book to find out what this amazing guy did in a career.http://www.amazon.com/The-Inventors-Dilemma-Remarkable-Joseph/dp/0300123507

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2016, 04:48:32 am
content: You mean it wasn't this guy?

author: liquibyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2016, 05:55:24 am
content: Quote from: mtdoc on March 30, 2016, 04:48:32 amThe artist that did that drawing used a girl for the model, FYI.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerber_Babyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Turner_Cook

author: photon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2016, 02:13:48 am
content: Quote from: mtdoc on March 30, 2016, 04:48:32 amNo, I think the baby food was due to one of the trusted camp doctors.

author: photon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2016, 07:15:59 am
content: Thanks for posting Doctor.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2016, 08:03:50 am
content: For those that find the book to thick, a 2 page summary of his career and inventions:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Gerber
orcad 16.6 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ant17
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2016, 03:27:47 am
content: hi guys i was hoping someone might be able to help me i am having trouble with orcad and netlist error one of the components is generating this error (ORCAP-36050): No pins are present in U3 which is a tip2955 transistor with a to247ac.psm footprint can anybody help

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2016, 10:27:07 am
content: Sounds vaguely familiar: did you create pins on the symbol?

author: rfbroadband
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 03, 2016, 04:52:03 am
content: please post screen shot of the schematic, including output log

author: ant17
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2016, 11:39:30 pm
content: sorry people i have fixed the problem i was using the wrong symbol and footprint and thinking it was talking the component that was not the issue thanks for your input
Looking for a male USB B connector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dale6998
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 24, 2016, 09:19:21 pm
content: Hello,I'm trying to get a connector that will connect another product as a sort of 'daughter board'. This thing has the old USB B connector on it and what I'd like to do is back it up to this connector and (since it's male) use it as a point of mechanical contact too.I'd like something like in the attached picture, but PCB solder mounted.....I've looked for about an hour and a half and can't find anything.Has anyone ever seen such a creature?Thanks!
Soldermask colour for visual inspection - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Koen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2016, 08:57:23 pm
content: Hello, do you find one soldermask colour to be easier for human visual inspection ? I still have solder bridges on QFN40-0.4mm and QFP100-0.5mm and I sometime miss them with a top microscope. Thank you.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2016, 11:17:22 pm
content: There is always the option of clear solder mask.

author: BMF
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 07:57:22 pm
content: I like light green. Red, black, or other dark colors are trouble for me.

author: alank2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2016, 11:16:46 pm
content: This site has some comments, comparisons, and pictures:http://andybrown.me.uk/2015/01/05/pcb-colours/

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 08:44:02 am
content: Green is perfect.But I'm sure you have problems with stencil openings and/or pad design.

author: Koen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 04:07:54 pm
content: Yes, everything is amateur. It was "good enough" until now. So I'm now learning about the industry best practices for soldering, stencils, solderpaste, soldermask and so on hoping to reduce the inspection/debridging time.So far, I'm moving from human placement, cheap skillet, cheap paste and cheap stencil to pnp, vapour-phase soldering, industrial paste and indexed stencil. I'll leave the soldermask green.Thank you !

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 04:28:29 pm
content: Likely you have too much paste on the pads. Probably you should use thinner stencil or/and make openings in the stencil a bit smaller.

author: Christe4nM
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2016, 09:33:23 pm
content: I was told by an assembly house that the green color for soldermask was originally chosen as it provided the best results with both man and machine. They also told me that green still is the best to work with in automatic optical inspection. Haven't been able to verify this, but sounds plausible to me.
EasyEDA - new version - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cezar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2016, 06:19:07 pm
content: Not sure if anyone noticed - EasyEDA - a web based EDA tool has a new version (or let's call it a release since it is web based)https://easyeda.com/Doc/Tutorial/new.htmTo be honest - I quite like it. The component library gets bigger every day. Project owner - Dillon is implementing new features as user request those on the forum.I really recommend trying out.
Schematic and PCB Color Scheme - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nathanpc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 01:38:32 am
content: I've moved from Eagle to KiCad a while ago and something that I've always thought about tinkering was the color scheme in the schematic editor and PCB layout to something a little more pleasing than the default, so I would like to ask how does your setup look like to have some inspiration or blatantly copy it.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 02:45:29 am
content: Here is the color scheme I'm using for DipTrace. I've only done two layers at this point but have defined additional colors for other layers as the need arises.

author: m98
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 11:48:10 am
content: This is the scheme I use for four layer layouts, color values can be found in the .txt file(which is actually .col file, in case someone uses Target 3001).

author: exmadscientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2016, 06:03:02 am
content: Here's mine for Altium. I've putwaytoo much time into making a nice scheme, but considering how long I spend staring at it, it's probably been worth the investment. This scheme started out based onthese recommendationsbut has evolved over time. I'd show it in action, but I almost never look at all layers at once. I'm usually viewing a particular layer or layer set, and that leaves way too many combinations to show. For me being able to tell at a glance whatsetI have active is probably the most important thing.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2016, 07:03:18 am
content: This is a very personal thing; wars have been started over less!I always use red for the top layer and blue for the bottom.Layers 2 and 3 are GND and power, and they're green and yellow respectively.On a board with more layers, it gets more difficult. I keep the same colours for the power planes, because they're the same colours that I'd usually use to highlight the power and ground nets anyway. On a 6 layer board, the middle two layers are orange-ish and pink-ish. Beyond that, you're on your own.I have in the past also been known to follow the same colour sequence as snooker balls: red, yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, and dark grey

author: kendalll
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2016, 07:16:31 pm
content: I was sitting next to my girlfriend on the couch one night and she remarked how "ugly" the colors in the layout were. I changed to colors more similar to what m98 and MarkF have shared and I was surprised how much easier on the eyes and pleasant it was to work on!
KiCAD - How to organize libraries? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2016, 09:19:59 am
content: Hello fellow KiCADians!As the title says I'm struggeling to find a good way of organizing my personal KiCAD libraries (symbols and footprints).This is my need:Easy inclusion across computers (I hoped placing a folder in%KiCAD%\share\kicad\would help but relative paths don't work..?)How to link to 'official' footprints. Filters likeC0603does not seem to work (and the 3d models are not loaded)How to link to 'official' 3d models?How to link to custom 3d models?Relative link to datasheet (this seems to work with relative paths, so this is solved)Do I need to split my library in two folders? One for schematic symbols, and one for footprints and 3d?My current library:https://github.com/AlexanderBrevig/ABLibNothing special there now, but I'm in the process of adding a schematic symbol for every part in my storage (yes, one symbol for each value of resistor... It's what I've come down to as the best way to do automatic inventory and I like the hard link between schematic entry and the footprint. Using this approach it's a more conscious choice to change a 0402 to a 0603 as it's both a schematic change and a layout change. This is just my personal preference).Any input very much welcome!If there exists a 'de facto' repository I could mimic that would be great. I've had a look at the official repos, but they divide more than I'd like (understandably...) and I hope there's an easy 'one folder' option for a complete KiCAD library

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2016, 09:28:04 am
content: I should've posted this in the KiCAD subforum. Can a moderator help me? Sorry...

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 30, 2016, 06:35:56 pm
content: I use dropbox to share my libs between different computers, this works fine except I have to edit the fplib-table each time I add/remove a library.I have four folders here; symbols, footprints, 3dmodels and templates.I never use the official libs, I only add what I need when I need it.

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2016, 06:56:39 pm
content: Quote from: Thor-Arne on March 30, 2016, 06:35:56 pmDoes relative paths work for you?

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 30, 2016, 07:06:57 pm
content: Yes, they work fine.Just set the KISYSMOD and KISYS3DMOD variables to where you have the files.
PADS: Plane keeps coming back after a flood - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2016, 08:17:36 pm
content: This is an odd issue. I'm redoing the layout on a board and the necessary ground plane changed. I selected the shape and deleted it but every time I go into the Pour Manager and select "Flood All" it comes back.Any ideas?

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 03:56:39 pm
content: Weird, maybe it was a corrupted file after a PADS 9.2 > 9.5 > 9.2 conversion? Not insurmountable to go back to an older rev and then add in the new changes.

author: AndersJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 04:23:12 pm
content: Maybe you have two or more identical copies of the same shape.You delete one, not realizing there is one more.Then you flood the remaining one.

author: pcbguy1927
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 05:46:23 pm
content: Type "PO" to turn the flood shape into an outline and then delete the outline.John

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 05:59:24 pm
content: Yeah, the pour and its outline is a separate object from the shape which produced it. It's weird like that.Tim

author: dmills
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2016, 06:27:23 pm
content: That distinction makes for some rather trying 'Mentor magic moments' upon occasion, together with the little detail that in spite of setting the appropriate options my copy does not seem willing to save a file with all the pours/floods/hatches actually in place....All cad systems suck in their own special ways.Regards, Dan.

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2016, 10:56:55 pm
content: Quote from: pcbguy1927 on February 17, 2016, 05:46:23 pmWell, I'll be... That did it. That's definitely going to be a command I'll remember. I've been hopping in and out of Layout after a fill to be able to see the traces again.

author: pcbguy1927
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 05:46:03 pm
content: If you can't remember the command. The hatch/flood setting are available under TOOLS|OPTIONS|DRAFTING|HATCH AND FLOOD.John W

author: batteksystem
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2016, 02:06:20 pm
content: Quote from: Pack34 on February 16, 2016, 08:17:36 pmYou need to find the outline but not the copper pour shape created by the outline.

author: Fixup
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2016, 09:15:23 pm
content: Try to type PO or SPO this should show only the outlines for the copper and floods. Then right button and select shapes or select all. Then you can select the outline and delete it.
QFN land pattern standard? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheComet
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 05:07:56 pm
content: Is there a standard for QFN package land patterns? I've noticed some ICs have a pitch of 0.65mm, others have a pitch of 0.5mm and both claim to be a QFN package. This is super confusing because so far my library of land patterns hasn't been making any distinctions between pitches.0.65mm (Page 15)http://www.yamar.com/datasheet/DS-SIG60.pdf0.50mm (Page 21)http://cds.linear.com/docs/en/datasheet/37411ff.pdf0.50mm (Page 38)http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/ICs/DS_FT232R.pdf

author: DeepOrange
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 05:47:13 pm
content: Perhaps this JEDEC PUBLICATION 95, DESIGN REGISTRATION 4.24 will answer your question:www.jedec.org/sites/default/files/docs/DRegistration4-24A.pdf(see attached)

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 06:34:26 pm
content: Whatever it is, doesn't matter all that much -- as long as you follow the drawing, and recommendations, preferably from a PCB assembler that knows what solders best. IPC-7351B is freely available and a good start for how to dimension most footprints.Tim

author: m98
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 06:14:52 pm
content: I just always use the recommended footprint from the component datasheet. Too many come in non-standardized, vendor specific packages, who sometimes only differ to the standard in one small but important detail.
Never had to use software to produce PCBs  - done for me !! in the past - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Kesha24
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2016, 07:51:54 pm
content: done plenty of prof circuit design and breadboard builds now retiredJust looking for someone in the Cardiff area that would like to put heads together on what software and how top use.I have no problem with circuit design theory / practicalLets see what comesthought I might find or hope to join forces if necessary could go as far as Bristol etc.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2016, 08:27:56 pm
content: https://entertaininghacks.wordpress.com/category/homebrew-pcbs/
any interest in a OrCAD/PSpice category  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rfbroadband
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 19, 2016, 08:14:09 pm
content: unless there is absolutely no interest in OrCAD/PSpice I would suggest that a OrCAD/PSpice category should be added to the EDA/CAD discussion...?thanks

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2016, 08:16:32 pm
content: I'd be interested.FWIW, I think it's odd to have an Altium section, but no sections for Cadence, Mentor or Zuken. Maybe just calling it the "professional grade CAD" forum would make more sense?

author: Lukas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2016, 08:57:30 pm
content: Honestly, I've never seen anyone using PSpice. In both professional and educational environments everyone used LTSpice.It's free, easy to use, not bloated, and generally good enough for 90% of the people's need for circuit simulation. It's not too far fetched to say that LTSpice inadvertently killed the 'bread-and-butter spice' market.

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2016, 05:44:25 am
content: Me please!I need to do homework with it and I very frequently struggle with it.The point that I tried to adapt to Windows with OrCAD 9 and got insane, but then installing 16/17 under Linux would make me the classroom freak even more!Please move the gEDA posts in the respective forumWhat about adding simulator sections?(I'll need to use PSPice. But there's other options: QUCS, NGSpice, TINA, LTSpice, etc.)

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2016, 08:50:33 pm
content: IMHO a Cadence (=Orcad / Allegro) section would be nice. I usually find a lot of Orcad tips & tricks on Edaboard so there are definitely people with questions & answers out there.

author: bernie
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 10:34:20 am
content: Yep, I think it's a good idea too

author: bernie
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 10:40:15 am
content: It would be useful to discuss exports/plugins from other CAD programs like KiCad
Need 0805 transient suppression diodes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: AndersJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 29, 2016, 04:25:09 pm
content: Are 33-39 Volt transient suppression diodes available in size 0805?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 29, 2016, 05:26:03 pm
content: Yes...They won't handle much power or energy. What do you need them to protect against?Tim

author: AndersJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 29, 2016, 06:06:05 pm
content: 1 KV surge, IEC 61000-4-5.Hoping to be able to replace 0805 1 nF caps for better surge immunity on already made pcb's.Currently all I have is 1nF/50V to gnd, ferrite bead, 1nF, 10K series, and then diode clamps to Vcc/gnd.Perhaps this is good enough, I don't know yet, just looking for options in case this fails.The above components divert surges to signal gnd, which floats vs chassis gnd.I would like to divert to chassis, but I also have a Hi-Pot requirement of < 0.5 mA leakageto chassis gnd at 710 Vdc between signal gnd and everything else tied together.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2016, 05:13:44 am
content: 1kV surge, for a signal line, is going to be in the 50A range!I doubt you'll find any TVS diodes rated for that. MOVs seem plausible:http://www.digikey.com/short/33fq3vIt'll definitely be better than the capacitor, but you'll be lucky if it survives one shot of full power, I think. The peak voltage won't be very friendly... you'll want to keep the series resistor.You could add a GDT to GND (this is suitable practice for a TNV circuit), but because the breakdown voltage has to be high enough to meet your hi-pot requirement, it probably won't do much (a 700V GDT might fire at >1.5kV, missing the 1kV surge).Good luck,Tim
Seiki Pro 40" Review - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ehughes
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2016, 03:13:48 am
content: I got my a 40" Seiki Pro at work.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA8RW34J5238&cm_re=seiki_pro-_-2W2-000P-00001-_-ProductI am driving the monitor from an AMD/ATI Radeon HD 6450 based card via a display port 1.2 connection. The PC has a 6th generation i5 with 32GB of RAM.1.) I chose a "light" font scaling of 125%. It really isn't needed by it added a very "smooth" character to text. 100% scaling is fine as well.2.) After using this monitor, 40" is the smallest desktop monitor I would every want to get the proper amount of workspace.3.) I am about 24" to 30" away and I get get the full desktop area will requiring little head movement.4.) Altium looks great. Spreading a PCB across the entire screen is awesome. I plan on using a 24" monitor to the left in portrait mode for docking the project tabs.5.) Given the ample workspace, having another 40" monitor would be too much for me. Another screen in portrait mode is fine.6.) I think a 50 to 55" would actually work well for 4k as well if you could get 6 more inches away.7.) I use eclipse based tools for programming. Having 4 code windows side by side is very nice!8.) 3d rendering in Altium works well. It pushes the low end video card in the machine (which is primary due to the half-height form factor of the Dell). Rotating, etc is smooth except for very complicated models. A modern gaming card would be a good idea. (Workstation cards are a 100% ripoff)9.) Solidworks and Autodesk Fusion 360 are a dream. The large workspace make working on models easy. AutoDesk Fusion 360 was a bit slow as I had all the effects turn on and the card I have in the machine is a bit underpowered.Bottom Line:If you have the means, go with a 40" 4k. Anything smaller (lots of 28" monitors out there" would yield little benefits as you woudl have to scale the display to see text. You then lose the workspace Given that the monitor is your primary interface to to the design space, spare no expense!I plan on getting an identical setup at home with a new GTX970 based card.

author: PChi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2016, 02:27:21 pm
content: Looks good.Typically in the UK the PCB designers have the best monitors. Then the electronics engineers, who are responsible for the design, have to check the PCBs on much smaller lower resolution monitors Grrrr (rant over).

author: Kilrah
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 27, 2016, 02:46:43 pm
content: Yep, 40" curved TV is a great choice, that's what I have for one of my setups.The other, with a 65" model is maybe a little too big, you use the edges mostly for "standby" things (IM conversations etc). Maybe 55" would indeed be the sweet spot.
PCB preview for Eagle, Kicad and gEDA - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: apla
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 16, 2016, 01:04:53 pm
content: I've just finished milestone for my PCB viewerhttp://cuwire.io/viewee/. It allows you to browse Github for PCB designs in Eagle, Kicad and gEDA formats online. Also, if you're on Mac, you can download and install QuickLook plugin to browse local PCB files with previews.Here is the page for visual search for PCB designs on Github:http://cuwire.io/viewee/preview/You'll definitely face some problems, rendering is not ideal at this time.I hope you'll find this useful.
RF board layout guidence - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dTest
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 25, 2016, 03:06:15 pm
content: Hi all!I'm going to build a tiny transmitter from an web page project. (in the commercial FM broadcast band)Plan on all surface mount.I've never done any RF stuff before, and I know its a bit picky (and full 'how to do right' is out of scope here)But asking mainly pitfalls/mistakes to avoid and maybe some tips.Since its all (99%) SMT, would making the backside of the board a ground plane be good? Bad? Indifferent?Should I (and how to) separate the preamp/oscillator section from the output end?Obviously I'm no EE, just a hacker/hobbyist.Using EagleCAD if that matters at all.TIA

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2016, 03:19:15 pm
content: It is good that you realise you don't know what you are doing, and that you ask for help.Be aware that in most jurisdictions, transmitting without a licence is a criminal offence. Unless you know what you are doing, you will probably cause interference to users on similar radio frequenciesand on completely different radio frequencies. That is frowned upon, to the extent there are significantcriminalpenalities.Your best course of action is either to use ready-made modules, or to learn how to transmit legally by asking your local ham radio society and by passing the exams necessary to get a licence.You will also benefit from understanding the information in this forum's "RF, Microwave, HAM Radio" sectionhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/rf-microwave/

author: dTest
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 25, 2016, 03:32:54 pm
content: I am a licensed HAM. *Low power* xmit on the FM band is legal (ever use a MP3 player to car radio device?)

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2016, 04:55:19 pm
content: Quote from: dTest on February 25, 2016, 03:32:54 pmOK. Given that you wrote "I've never done any RF stuff before" and ask basic questions about RF construction, I didn't think that would be the case.Over here you canbuy specificequipment that is licenced for use in the FM band, but that doesn't mean there is blanket permission tocreate arbitraryequipment in the FM band. Local laws apply, of course.
Trace width for a 15A mains line.. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ram_86
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 03:41:05 am
content: Hi,I'm a beginner in PCB designing and am designing a circuit for automation system. I would like to know what is the optimum trace width for a 15A (240V) mains line.Also, I'm using Eagle CAD to design the boards... can I continue with this or should I learn a new tool?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 03:46:46 am
content: Depends on allowed temperature rise, copper thickness, ground planes, layer count...http://www.saturnpcb.com/pcb_toolkit.htm

author: ram_86
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 04:09:11 am
content: Thank you...Also does the outer coating on the traces make any difference?coz there is some kind of strange behavior in two main lines...When one line is switched on and the other is off, the off line starts to flicker.... btw I'm using Triacs to switch mains...is this the problem of Triac or the Trace width and clearing...(current trace width is 50mils and clearing between each line is around 50mils).

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 11:29:08 am
content: That's nearly sufficient tofuse15A, and definitely not enough to handle it for any length of time...Flickering is not something a strip of thin copper will exhibit.Tim

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2016, 07:47:12 pm
content: Triac problem is that you need either better triacs that do not need snubbers across them or you need the snubbers and preferably the series choke and class X capacitors to reduce line noise. That is straight from most application notes, and is typically 10-100n 250VAC class X in series with a 2R2 to 10R 1W fusible resistor across the triac, preferably with a MOV across both input to neutral and output to neutral to clamp spikes.

author: ram_86
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 08, 2016, 05:46:33 pm
content: The circuit already consists of a snubber... but I have used common HOT line for all the Triacs and I think that is the cause of the false trigger of Triac when one of the triac is switched...does adding MOVs and seperating the HOT lines solves the problem?
DaveCAD - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ondrejko0102
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 01, 2016, 04:12:51 pm
content: Hi, I created a couple of DaveCAD papers that you can easily print. They are free to use & opensource - no credit requiredDownload image from here:https://www.dropbox.com/s/id33ii5sdjtr5mv/davecad.png?dl=0Download SVG from here:https://www.dropbox.com/s/awdmqve2rj69qls/davecad.svg?dl=0Who wants white or just pure logo, go here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/eda/davecad-60695/msg833516/#msg833516I hope you will be having great time using DaveCAD :-)Many greetings from Slovakia, Ondrej.

author: olegk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2016, 06:56:12 pm
content: Perfect!

author: ondrejko0102
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 01, 2016, 07:31:59 pm
content: Thank you :-)

author: Yansi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2016, 07:47:59 pm
content: Yellow background? I have to pint a whole page YELLOW?! Quatch...Give us ideally only transparent DaveCAD logo, so we can use it on whatever format of paper, of yellow paper (you can buy colored papers, you know...) So we don't have to puke half our ink cartridge on single paper.

author: ondrejko0102
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 01, 2016, 08:37:02 pm
content: OK, not a problem- good idea. Printing whole page yellow is abullshitIf you open the SVG file in Inkscape you can change dimensions of logo, size, color and other stuff....so with white bg:https://www.dropbox.com/s/6nsi1x9sfs1tdl7/davecad_w.png?dl=0https://www.dropbox.com/s/sa4vo1bk9mj423z/davecad_w.svg?dl=0...and pure logo on transparent BGhttps://www.dropbox.com/s/wxiwzmqwlvfz7um/logo-dc.png?dl=0

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2016, 05:54:49 am
content: No leave it yellow, it will mask the forensic yellow dots watermark.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-825-your-printer-is-spying-on-you!/

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2016, 08:32:54 am
content: Very nice!

author: edfarrington93
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2016, 06:02:57 am
content: I have a cracked full functioning copy of Dave CAD 2016, just mail payment in cash for $40 and I'll ship it right away!

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2016, 08:56:40 am
content: Quote from: edfarrington93 on February 15, 2016, 06:02:57 amWow, I bet it has more features than my copy of DaveCAD 2015!

author: Len
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2016, 03:10:04 pm
content: Dave, you should sell DaveCAD post-it pads in the EEVBlog Shop.

author: vinicius.jlantunes
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2016, 04:02:04 pm
content: Quote from: Len on February 15, 2016, 03:10:04 pmGood idea!
Edge Connectors and OrCAD - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: garboui
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2016, 12:28:47 pm
content: Working on a project right now that requires the design of some male edge FPC connectors on a flex circuit. Can someone nudge me in the right direction on how to achieve this? How should I handle the board outline, Pads, etc?In the past with Ultiboard and Eagle I was simply able top create a footprint for the edge connector with a partial board outline, this does not seem the case with OrCAD.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2016, 03:43:24 pm
content: Are you using Orcad layout? If yes then the way to do this is to create a template layout which has the connector and the board outline (fabrication layer). I never found out how to incorporate a board outline (fabrication) in a footprint; my work around is to have the fabrication drawing on a different layer and change it to the fabrication layer once the component has been placed.
Mutual Inductance and Capacitance  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ksangani
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 03:26:33 pm
content: Kindly let me know how to calculate mutual inductance and capacitance between PCB tracks.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 03:49:18 pm
content: Even better, characteristic impedances:http://www.eeweb.com/toolbox/edge-coupled-microstrip-impedanceTim
What proprietary EDA companies think about Open Source EDA tools? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2016, 01:43:01 am
content: HelloI wonder if there's public information about what proprietary companies think about FOSS EDA.Cadence wrote this not so much time ago. I wonder if there's articles or opinions from company members.Cadence Community -> Cadence Blogs -> Breakfast Bytes -> The Paradox of Open SourceKind regards

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2016, 04:16:55 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on February 08, 2016, 03:34:16 amYes, I know it. Please read the topic better before reply
pcb touch key - simple realization - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ulix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2016, 10:21:09 am
content: Hello,I want to create a simple pcb with a sensor and a mcu to read and display the measured value.For this I need one button, I would like to make this on the pcb with a touch surface. Are there any design rules or tips?Would be very thankful for any advice...Cheers

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2016, 01:29:12 pm
content: TI, Microchip and Atmel have reference designs for capacitive touch buttons and sliders. Check their websites for app notes and schematics.
Dex Auto trax forum access? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Neganur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2016, 09:31:01 pm
content: Ah, any idea how to register to that forum? It seems to require an 'invitation code'.Or is it a closed forum....?

author: ozwolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2016, 10:38:33 am
content: https://kov.com/Support/Send-Us-An-EmailOzwolf
Merging BOMs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: robotix3
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2016, 04:31:07 pm
content: Is there an easy and automatic way to merge multiple BOMs with overlapping part numbers so I can order multiple designs from Digi-Key or Mouser at one time? The best way I have right now is to upload my BOMs to Octopart, then send to DigiKey, but I have to then manually delete and combine the duplicates.I want to do this so I don't have to pay shipping 5 times and the pricing brackets obviously, volume helps.I'm sure someone has figured this out?

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2016, 08:22:13 pm
content: You couldimport the boms into a spreadsheet.Sort it by part valu and then manually reduce the number of entries.If you are au fait with database manipulation... get a copy of filemaker package and Bob's Your uncle.

author: robotix3
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2016, 10:20:36 pm
content: I figured out a pretty good way, still pretty manual.Just put all your part numbers and quantities in two columns in Excel and use the "Consolidate" command, which finds duplicates and adds them together, giving you a new list.

author: IanJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 21, 2016, 11:48:14 am
content: Hi,I just use Excel also......that way if I have stock, or partial stock of any particular part then it's easily deducted from the final "to order" list.Ian.