hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Component placement from file... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mngojuce
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 08, 2017, 11:43:32 pm
content: Hello, I have a very large number of components that need to be arranged in a very specific pattern. I'm using Altium 17 and I see that it has an option to perform component placement from a file. I've done some research and it seems I can take the exported pick and place file from an existing project (where I have these components arranged in a grid and employ the same origin), change the center locations of the components I want to the new locations, change the extension to .PIK, and select the file. However, doing this on 5 components, as a test, it seems as if those components get deleted or placed in no man's land. Anyone have experience with using the "Place from file" feature in Altium. What format does this file need to be in, how do I generate it, and what information does it need? Thanks in advance!

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2017, 02:34:56 pm
content: I would just use the PCB list.Press V;W;P;L;

author: mngojuce
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 09, 2017, 06:58:30 pm
content: NANDBlog, just tried it on 10 channels, as a test, and it works great! The fact that I can copy to excel and then paste back in will save a ton of time.
Shorts due to Via Stiching - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: steven4601
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2017, 02:59:25 pm
content: Hi ,In a (nearly) finished 4 layer design, adding via stiching ignores most of the traces & planes.This results in a short-circuit pile of rubbish.The worst part is, the short circuits are not detected by the DRC or online DRC checker tool.AltiumWhat did I do wrong?

author: Just1
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 10:42:07 am
content: Hello,What version of Altium Designer?

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 01:37:21 pm
content: owch!that's a good reason to ring AD support, I think... send them the files if your kind of work permits it, and get them to figure it out.

author: Araho
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2017, 01:38:32 pm
content: Those vias don't look like they're all the way from the bottom of the board to the top? Have you ensured that they are actually all layers and not buried / blind vias?

author: steven4601
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2017, 11:14:43 am
content: Hi,The Vias are from top to the bottom. I managed to fix it , atleast for a while is to close AD, then start it again, first thing add / recreate the via stitching and hit generate gerbersIll talk with my manager if I can send the files to Altium support for investigation. But it looks like a pretty good bug. The DRC being completely happy with it scary as F$CK.//Steven

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2017, 06:57:31 am
content: Altium loves a good restart every now and then... Unfortunately it takes ages to boot, so you aren't so likely to do it on a deadline..Also, never ever release a board without a nice close look at the Gerbers after exporting them. Normally they are fine, but the one time they're not you'll really wish you had...

author: blackfin76
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2017, 09:34:35 am
content: This may sound very obvious but are you sure your design rules are set up properly?
Penalty for a lapsed subscription? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2017, 02:42:18 pm
content: I'm a bit concerned by Altium subscription is going to lapse for a month or two. We're hiring another EE and intend to re-up the subscription, buy a second license, and invest in the vault. But the process is dragging and I'm having an issue getting AP in my company to split the purchase order to buy the subcription now and buy the rest in November.The Altium rep seemed to dodge the question on the phone. I'm assuming he's worried about losing the 14k sale and only having the 1k. Probably already told his boss it was locked in, etc.Am I screwed if the subscription expires for a month? Or will the rep likely work with me? I have six weeks to get this sorted.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2017, 03:38:45 pm
content: They were nagging me to extend the subscription for 1-2 months after it expired. On phone and mail, multiple times...But you know, it could be different from company to company.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2017, 12:03:51 pm
content: From what I've heard, if you want to renew a lapsed subscription, you'll have to pay for whatever the subscription would have cost while it was lapsed plus 'a bit'. No real idea how much "a bit" is, but that could be a good way to light a fire under your AP folks (or get your boss to light a fire under them, whatever works for you). Altium sales reps seem to have a good bit of leeway, so if you're upfront with your rep about how you WANT to renew but that you just can't drag a PO out of your accounting department in time, they might cut you some slack and skip the penalty.
Detect changes in BOM - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hansibull
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2017, 11:12:03 am
content: Hi!I'm working on a project where we need to create a new revision of a board. I've designed the new revision, but the board house wants to know which components are added or removed from the last revision. How can I make Altium output a "BOM changelog"?

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2017, 11:52:07 am
content: You can use your version control software to do this (diff). As far as I know, AD can't analyze spreadsheets.

author: hansibull
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2017, 01:14:43 pm
content: I've not used AD's version control for this project, so I can't automatically find the diff. Does this means my best option is to do find the diff using Excel, by importing the two BOMs?

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2017, 05:23:59 pm
content: SVN has a diff tool and some VB scripts that compare spreadsheets.

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2017, 05:01:42 am
content: I guess you could have saved the ECO report when you went from the modified schematic to update the PCB?But really.. they need to just take your new BOM and import it into their system properly if that's what you supplied them.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2017, 08:45:12 am
content: The ECO generates way too generalized changelog. I've used SAP to generate these kind of changes, but then again, you need SAP to do it, and the procedures at the company has to include SAP. Not necessarily a good thing.Probably the best is to get familiar with the VLOOKUP function in excel.
Multiple BOM items are being grouped into a single line...why??? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SVFeingold
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2017, 10:25:26 pm
content: Another new and exciting feature to spend days getting rid of...No idea why this started happening, but after updating a PCB Altium has now started grouping multiple separate BOM items into a single line. I have absolutely no idea why, there is no logical reason for this I can think of. Example below:The line in the middle, starting with C10.There are 3 separate parts here. Totally separate, different part numbers, different values. Everything else on the BOM looks fine but for whatever reason anytime I export a BOM these three items get grouped into a single comma separated line. I can't fathom what the hell kind of option exists for this, e.g. "Please group random parts together for no reason at all."Has anyone else had this problem? Any thoughts? I've tried updating all of the parts from the libraries, checking component links, etc... Nothing works. Altium just loves these 3 so much it decided they should be together. Any help is greatly appreciated.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2017, 10:52:52 pm
content: Quote from: SVFeingold on September 06, 2017, 10:25:26 pmit even looks like c76 and c17 are the same value and part number, which just make it even more puzzling what could they could possibly be grouped by

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2017, 12:59:54 am
content: Had the same problem. Got so frustrated I deleted all BOMs files, i'm not using them anymore.Currently using the CSV exporter and a custom python script with octopart API.

author: expinkolator
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2017, 01:45:28 am
content: By placing only Comment and Footprint columns in the 'Grouped Columns' list you told it to group component with matching comments and footprints and it is likely doing exactly what you told it to.You can drag and drop columns between the All and Grouped lists.

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2017, 11:10:16 am
content: Drag "Supplier Part Number 1" from the list on the left into the Grouped Columns window on the upper left. That should fix your problem.

author: SVFeingold
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2017, 02:56:40 pm
content: It's so obvious in hindsight...Yes, thank you! Removing those things from the grouped column did it. Makes total sense now. I'll blame it on my mind being friend after spending 5 minutes at a time waiting for the BOM to update. Those capacitors had no comment and the same footprint so Altium decided to match them up. That's a separate issue of why most parts populate the comment field with the part number but some don't. Haven't figured out the workflow to make that happen reliably. All library parts just have an asterisk in the comment section.Anyhow thank you all for helping me out, I can get on with it now!
Altium Live event, Munich - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2017, 08:58:22 am
content: Just received this :AltiumLive 2017 is an exciting 2-day event featuring live workshops,Professional Development Courses, and compelling industry keynotes to helpPCB designers and engineers achieve success through every stage of thedesign process, from concept to finished product. The event will also seethe official launch of Altium Designer 18.You can find more Details here:http://www.altium.com/live-conference/munich/

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2017, 11:04:38 am
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/altiumlive-2017-to-be-held-october-in-munich-ad18-official-launch/
Two parts component simulation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: surm92
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 02, 2017, 05:20:55 pm
content: Hi all. I've got some problem related to simulation in Altium. How to simulate two part component? I have spice model in .subckt format..subckt relay 1 2 3 4...What should I write in "Sim kind", "sim subkind" and "sim netlist" to relate 1,2 pins to part 1 and 3,4 pins to part 2.
Origin markers on components in 3D view - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mrvip85
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 26, 2017, 05:23:46 pm
content: Hi,I have weird crosses at the origin (it seems to be) of some components in 3D view. Look at D1. I create my own footprints and use downloaded 3D models. Most of my components don't have these markers. How can I get rid of them?I use Altium 17.Thanks,

author: laseralex
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2017, 06:00:29 am
content: When placing a 3D STEP in the library, there is an option to include an origin marker. I have been able to get rid of these by editing the component in my pcb library, double-clicking the 3D body to open its properties, and deleting the origin marker. I then recompile the library and update the PCB. Perhaps there is an easier method, but this does solve the problem.

author: mrvip85
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 27, 2017, 08:42:52 am
content: Yep, there was a snap point defined. Deleting it solved the problem. Thank You very much!
Altium Circuit Studio limitations - do free vias count as pads? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2017, 09:21:01 am
content: Hi guys,I wanted to ask about this:QuoteDo free vias (vias that are not needed for a signal connection, but rather for functions such as stitching ground planes, via fences and similar) count as a pad and contribute to this limitation, or do they not contribute to the total number of pads?I can live with the 5k pads limitation, but if vias are included then that's a problem.Thanks,David

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2017, 10:58:31 pm
content: It's probably not pads per se, but the sheer amount of stuff on screen that's badly optimized and hence not usable on large designs.Easy way to tell: paste array (or did they remove that function) a pile of trace segments, then a pile of vias, then components, and so on. See which one slows down the most.Tim

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2017, 09:45:06 am
content: I've tried emailing them, no luck so far...If it's 5k of anything than that's a problem.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2017, 10:02:28 am
content: Well, not 5k of anything. You might have 5k of pads, and 2k of vias, and 50k of traces, and 100s of footprints (each with a dozen or so traces on various layers), in such a design. That's what I was trying to get across...Tim
Shortcuts Panel is useless? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2017, 08:52:14 pm
content: The shortcuts panel shows all available shortcuts and its interactive, it changes the list depending on what your doing...but how do you scroll the list so you can actually see them all WHILE your doing something? For example, placing a track, I can not see the entire list of shortcuts because the screen isn't high enough and I can't scroll the list because its in place track mode.This can't be bug, I must be missing something...maybe I need more coffee

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2017, 02:31:24 am
content: What's your screen height in pixels?

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2017, 08:30:16 am
content: 1200

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 05:41:42 am
content: I just had a go of shortcuts panel too (normally I have inspector up) I can confirm your observation that it's not actually very useful.listing by shortcut seems to give you most of the single key options up the top, that are nice to see and probably not intuitive if you are new to AD. But apart from that it really looks a lot more like a study cheat sheet than interactive help. Might be nice to have printed out next to your monitor rather than in a different pane on the interface to the one you are using.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 02:46:51 pm
content: Yeah, it is.Hit ~ instead. That gets you most of the action-specific options and their shortcuts. There are still others in the menus, which you can check by pressing their shortcut keys, but you won't get a complete list as the panel does.I wonder if the panel text is listed somewhere, in an XML file or something. It could be located, opened, formatted and printed...Tim

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 03:25:12 pm
content: Yeah, the dreaded tilde key. I wonder who was the first genius to use that as a shortcut. Tilde key on different keyboard layouts. Note, that at some point I've used all these layouts:Alt Gr+1Shift+`Shift+#Alt Gr++Sure, that is the perfect key for a hotkeys.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 07:27:56 pm
content: Er, well, it's actually the acute (`) key, just that ~ is the more recognizable character on that key. (In fact, SHIFT+` does nothing.)Just like "+" always works to zoom in, but you don't have to hold shift. Whose dumb idea was that, to make "=" zoom in? Oh, well isn't that nice?Tim

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2017, 12:11:22 am
content: Thanks, perfect.
SCH Template Extraction - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: garboui
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 03:04:41 pm
content: I have some projects that were made by another design house. However the designs still need to be maintained. The schematics have a very nice template associated with them that would only need some minor changes for continued work. Unfortunately the original template file is not available. Is there an easy way to extract the sch sheet template from a project?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 03:14:55 pm
content: delete all symbols. save as schdot

author: garboui
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 03:33:04 pm
content: Well that part was simple.Now besides the parameters, the sheet primitives are not editable. Is there an unlock document or something that I'm missing?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 04:58:19 pm
content: DOUBLE-CLICK on the primitives. and in inspector toggle them to unlocked.

author: garboui
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2017, 10:19:40 pm
content: Clicking had no action. Soon after I just accepted my loss and redrew a new one. Now only if I can figure out how to link parameters between the different sheet size versions.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2017, 07:25:58 am
content: Should be editable once saved as SchDot (remember to open as SchDot, not create a new SCH from template or whatever(?)).I forget what happens when you save a template of a schematic on a template... it could be that the base remains locked because it's a double-template, in effect. As dumb as that sounds. But there should still be some way to save off the original template.Tim
What did I wrong in altium, cause to route over everything! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2017, 06:00:47 am
content: Hi,I do not know why in this design, altium just ignores every net and object and would route on every thing! It's like paint and a pencil

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2017, 06:11:29 am
content: Nope,It got just stupid, and I have a lot of time on this design!

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2017, 06:33:34 am
content: I have Deleted all the rules and create them again, the problem is now solved!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2017, 02:37:36 pm
content: Did you cycle SHIFT+R?Tim

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2017, 05:10:58 am
content: yes...

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2017, 03:19:53 pm
content: shift-r. you were in 'ignore obstacles mode'in the system preferences you can turn that mode off ( you can select the possible modes that are allowed. )
Solidworks PCB or AD17 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Proxy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2017, 06:11:20 pm
content: Hello,I am looking to replace our antiquated version of Eagle with something much more capable and AD17 is looking like the winner. At least it was until yesterday when one of my MEs mentioned Solidworks PCB powered by Altium. We use Solidworks for all of our mechanical designs so the tightly coupled ECAD integration would be a boon.Does anyone have a list of feature differences between AD17 and SWPCB?I think SWPCB lacks circuit simulation, but other than that and the cosmetic differences I'd like to know whether this is something I should pursue.Cheers!

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2017, 06:40:33 pm
content: From my understanding the Solidworks PCB is just re-branded Circuit Studio. If you're not doing very advanced stuff then CS could be your winner.Also it would be worth waiting for AD18 which should be complete re-written in C# and way faster. See the other thread. (I've been just releasing a project with AD17 for more than an hour and it is still in the middle...).

author: Proxy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2017, 06:54:01 pm
content: Awesome, I'll look into AD18

author: BigBoss
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2017, 02:15:56 am
content: I recommendOrCad Standardif you don't use high-speed feature and auto-routing.It costs about 1500 Euro in France and I believe it's much cheaper in the US.I have purchased in last year I love its manual routing capability and pouring feature.Creating PCB symbol is a bit tricky but you learn quickly..

author: FivePoint03
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 09:07:53 am
content: I would avoid SWPCB. Library support is crippled and IIRC it was slightly more expensive than AD17. I was deeply unimpressed when it was demo'ed to us.For how much we use it a step file export to SW works fine.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 12:46:29 pm
content: I have looked in to the SW PCB and the price has kept me away from purchasing it.Once it is stable, I will probably revisit this option.
Problem with deleting polygon pours - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: knapik
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 10:29:00 am
content: I'm a bit stumped having a problem with polygon pours, I can see in the polygon manager that I have polygon pours, however I can't see or select them. How would I go about in deleting them as I currently don't want them?

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 12:36:43 pm
content: Just right click the polygon in the manager and hit delete.

author: mrjiffy6
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 12:59:06 pm
content: Make sure you have the right layer selected in order to be able to select/delete them (in the PCB editing view).EDIT: if you are strictly talking about the Polygon Manager, if you can't see them it is likely that there are no vertices in the polygon pour!. I don't know your altium version, but in v16 the delete key does not seem to work. However, if you select the polygon pour in the upper list (make sure you click anywhere but the first column because it will edit the pour name), right click -> delete works.

author: kiran_shrestha
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 04:51:01 am
content: Hey, may be you have disabled the polygon layers, try hitting L and then make the polygons radio to FINAL.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2017, 01:30:54 am
content: If they are shelved, they won't show up in the workspace.You can also select polygons with the PCB Filter Panel and the query: IsPolyTim

author: knapik
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2017, 09:51:26 am
content: Yeah, I must not have tried right clicking and instead mashed the delete key, but that solved that problem. Thank you.However, I'm unfortunately still having some issues. I've noticed that now, the interactive routing net lines aren't displaying for nets other than ground, and that if I were to actually create another ground plane polygon pour, I can't actually see it in the 2d view.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2017, 10:02:34 am
content: Ratsnesting is a net property. You can find this under Design / Edit Nets, or by inspecting net objects. Nets aren't physical objects on the PCB, but you can still query, select and edit them with the Filter, List and Inspector panels. There's also the N shortcut (show/hide nets) which may be most helpful.Tim

author: knapik
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2017, 10:17:08 am
content: Ah, yep, hiding and showing all connections seemed to do the trick for the rats nesting, thank you.
Interactive length tuning - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Plecto
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2017, 07:04:13 am
content: Hi. Neither interactive length tuning or interactive differential length tuning seems to be working. I've watched several guides and tutorials and they all say that I'm simply supposed to click 'interactive length tuning', click on a trace and move the cursor. I've set it to manual, set a target length that is longer than the current track length and I've messed around with all kinds of pattern values, but nothing happens. Differential length tuning does nothing as well, even though I've specified a differential pair class and rules (I'm getting unmatched net length warnings). What's going on?

author: Plecto
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 06:36:26 am
content: Anyone?

author: defter
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 14, 2017, 08:52:28 am
content: hi,hit TAB key during interactive length tuning and try to modifie the parameters. Gap values and amplitude. You can also change these by shourtcut (1,2,3,4 dot, and comma). If nothing happens usually just these parameters are incorrect, or there isn't enough space. Try to set target length to manual and set the value by hand and not from the rules.
Cutting and pasting components to a new sheet loses component links - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: snoopy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2017, 08:13:11 am
content: Still to this day I have problems with this stupid logical and physical designators and making changes to the schematic once you use multi-channel design featureSo now I need I need to create more space on a schematic sheet by moving some components in one schematic sheet to a new sheet but guess what happens ? The unique id changes as soon as you past the components on the new sheet and the pcb designators in faint small text disappear as soon as you recompile the project so the links between the schematic and pcb are broken and no longer exist !! How brain dead is thisIt appears that all of the connections between logical and physical designators are stored in the .annotation file but this is not updated when you do simple cut and paste components from one sheet to another. Also another issue I have always had with this is that when you add new components to the design the re-annotation will not work properly and create duplicate designators !!Does anyone know the secret of how to do this or is it a case of don't do multi-channel design if you later need to modify the designRegardsDavid

author: Fgrir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2017, 02:45:06 pm
content: Edit|Refactor|Move Selected Subcircuit to Different Sheet

author: snoopy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2017, 02:13:22 am
content: Wow! I can't believe there is an individual command specifically to do this but it seems to workThanksDavid
Polygon plane connections - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: chikenlover89
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 02, 2017, 12:28:34 pm
content: Hello!I have stumbled upon a problem with altium designer, polygon plane connections to corresponding net are completely random as you can see in the image attached . The highlighted net is GND. Some pads and vias are connected to polygon plane, some are not. And it does not even show unrouted net as if it was normal. I deleted all the design rules - didnt help. Any ideas?

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2017, 08:27:04 pm
content: You don't want to delete all rules. Altium requires a rule to dictate the behavior of the planes. When you go and re-pour a plane, it defines the plane from the rules. You will want to make sure that Your Plane>>Polygon Connect Style rule is properly defined. You will also want to make sure you have your electrical clearances properly defined. Interesting issue though, I am curious what the actual problem is. If the design isn't proprietary or confidential, you should share the pcbdoc so i can play with it.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2017, 09:11:22 pm
content: Are there any traces hiding under that polygon? (I like transparent view for this reason, among others.) The "don't pour over same net objects" property of the polygon can do weird things.Tim

author: ^_^
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2017, 09:12:54 pm
content: You also seem to have unconnected tracks.I would pour the GND at the end of the design, first connect everything and run first DRC for overview.

author: chikenlover89
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 03, 2017, 06:19:28 am
content: Update, it works completely fine if I make a direct connection.
Board shape to outline tool - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: KristjanL
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 21, 2017, 08:12:59 am
content: Hello,I have imported a STEP model with quite complex shapes and set it as board shape. Is there an easy way to create board outline from that shape? Would not like to create all contours by hand again.Cheers,Kristjan

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2017, 08:59:16 am
content: is it just a single slice that you need to fill, if so you should be able to subtract one solid from another in your 3d modelling program of choice, so create a plane, place the step model inline with what you want, then subtract and export the new contour as your outline layer as something like a dxf.

author: KristjanL
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 21, 2017, 10:06:22 am
content: Already managed to find the solution.The project is a flex PCB and as it was modelled in Solidworks as sheet metal, I was able to convert the model to DXF (sheet metal option) and all the original lines and curves were included. Then imported to Altium with the add-on and matched the board shape.Case closed
Altium, Problem panelising Rigid-Flex PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2017, 07:14:29 am
content: So i'm working on a rigid flex design in Altium and trying to panelise it.The issue i'm having is that the panel does not show the flex areas like the single PCB does.I'm using the normal "Embedded board array / panelise" option.And the layer stack from the single board has been imported into the panel file.Any ideas?(Oh, and before we get someone posting "OMG stop what you're doing! The flex material must be aligned correctly for the direction it was rolled in"This doesn't matter in my case. This is a static flex design (only flexed once during production then fixed in place)

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 11:29:57 pm
content: I take it this is so you can line up the flex areas? or are you worried the embedded board array has lost design information?If it's for lining up purposes, try putting down markers on whatever unused mech layer you want...

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2017, 02:22:03 pm
content: I personally hate the embedded board array feature. It isn't quite what I want it to be yet. It would be amazing if Altium had another "Mode" such as 3D and Board Layout to do panelization. The workflow just feels wrong when you have to create a new document to generate panelized data, not to mention the fact that I could never decide where to put the fabrication drawing. Do you put it on the single up board, or the panelized board array. This is why I will continue to have mechanical layers for format/routing and panelization. Currently it is just easier for me to set the grid to the panel step and copy the board outline a few times. Draw your panel/scoring/routing, and you're done!

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 09:19:08 pm
content: I think this is a limitation of Altium.I dont think an altium panel can ever show your flex areas due to how Altium handles flex split lines, which have to be from one edge of the PCB to another.On a panel this edge is the panel itself, the routed sections of your PCB are not considered board edges. So they cannot have a split line on them.I don't think it really matters though you still get the flex gerber layers generated so the fab of the flex panel should still be ok even though it doesnt show up in Altium except in your source PCB.
version - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zeinab
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 08, 2017, 07:14:05 am
content: Hii want to add a version code on my pcb automatically like insert picture, how can i do ?i work with altium 17,and vault3(i recently worked with this software)

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2017, 05:01:43 pm
content: I normally add a parameter. Set the text label to ".Revision". Under Project Options, Parameters tab, create a "Revision" parameter, with value "1" (or whatever your current revision is).Use the same parameter on schematics with "=Revision".I'm not sure if parameters can be referenced from database or anything. (If you want to write a script, anything is possible?)Tim

author: zeinab
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 10, 2017, 12:11:27 pm
content: thanks for tips,i have done this for my schematic sheet ,who can i add this version for pcb sheet without use (place, string and change manually string )i work with altium vault, i hope to insert version to pcb sheet automatic with altium vault
[Solved] Device sheet not connecting at all - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Auciele
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2017, 09:10:46 am
content: Hello everyone,I'm facing a quite strange behaviour in one of my project (tested on AD10 and AD16):I have several sheet (not device sheet), connected togetheir on a top level sheet. In some of those subsheet i have put some device sheet (reused design). my issue is that after compiling, none of these device sheet signals or harness connect through the Ports. I use "insigh" to check if there is a connexion.i've tried replacing one of the device sheet by a regular sheet, same "no-connexion" issue.Have you any idea on why it isn't connecting the net as expected? that would be a great help. thanks,

author: Auciele
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2017, 02:41:38 pm
content: little follow up, i have found the culprit: The initial project is based on a open source design which feature buses interconnecting sheets through ports. Or at least it is what i though but after some digging it appears that theses buses do not interconnect, they're purely here for aesthetic reasons. instead the connections are made through Global level net (you know, in the project parameters).And that's why my device sheet couldn't work, i was not in a hierarchical projet. it was very tricky and obvious at the same timei had to reddo all the hierarchical stuff via harnesses but now everything is connected. Problem solved
How to get rid of xsignals highlighting? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Amazing
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2017, 09:54:25 pm
content: Hi,Do any of you know how to turn off the highlighting that shows which xsignals trace you are looking at?Once I've clicked on an xsignal, the only way I can find to get rid of the highlight is to close the file.I'm still on 16.Thanks!

author: kiran_shrestha
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 07:35:04 am
content: I think clear filter will work ( shift + C ) otherwise go to x signals list from the drop down and try highlighting some other signal.

author: Amazing
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 01:19:55 am
content: Clear filter doesn't clear it. Highlighting some other signal works but then I've just got thatsignal highlighted.

author: Randy_Clemmons
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 03, 2017, 08:30:30 pm
content: Go back to the PCB Panel and Select Nets (Not xSignals) then select clear.I agree with you, clear should un-highlight the selected xSignals

author: Amazing
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2017, 08:35:47 pm
content: Thanks! That did the trick.

author: kiran_shrestha
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2017, 05:34:44 am
content: Ha hathat's what I said too in the second option ...
Routing a component on one side of board only - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: brownt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2017, 09:06:03 pm
content: Hi, I am trying to route a component on one side of the board only. I have changed the pads from 'simple' to 'Top-Middle-Bottom' and put in a size for the bottom only. But when the board is routed, it still routes on both sides. why would that be?

author: Fire Doger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2017, 05:35:55 pm
content: Routing in 1 layer is very difficult on auto-router because component placement makes all the difference. The only reason to use it is for an early image of how final result will look like (if you are inexperienced) and make a ton of adjustments for the best result.If you have AD17 you can use active route on some tracks which in my opinion is very nice for simple routing.If you have a very complicated board consider using 2 layers. Why you want 1 side? Because you will produce thousands of them or you will make it yourself?With photosensitive pcb its possible to make double sided. I did it with the first try.
How to safe multiple components (schematic + layout) as "building blocks"? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ysjoelfir
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2017, 11:26:16 pm
content: Hi everyone,since I am progressing in my learning of altium designer I noticed that I often use the same circuit multiple times in different projects, for example the standard "Connector + rectifier + cap + 7805" thing. Now I remember that I heard somewhere of the possibility to group multiple objects and safe those as a seperate building block which can be used over and over again in any new design without the need to place every component and rout them at the PCB again. Sadly, even with some time googling and searching on altiums tech docs I couldn't find what I was looking for.Am I a mistaken and this feature doesn't exist, or am I just not finding the information I need? And if so, could you point me to it?Thanks in advice!

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2017, 03:25:28 am
content: Altium calls these "snippets". The schematic and PCB snippets are handled separately, so component links aren't made automatically. This video shows how to use them:http://www.altium.com/video-how-employ-snippets-design-reuse

author: Ysjoelfir
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2017, 06:39:49 am
content: Thanks! Some things are so easy when you just know their names...
Pad and vía problem when generate PCB in PCB BOARD WIZARD - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FullRock66
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 06:43:43 pm
content: HI folks!!! I have a strange problem, i was trying to create a custom PCB, so i use the PCB BOARD WIZARD, but when the board was generated, when i put a PAD, is not posible to see hole designator or modify Hole size

author: FullRock66
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 09:45:47 pm
content: Problem solved, error is between the PC and the chair.

author: Auciele
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 11:45:08 am
content: And what was it? i'm curious

author: FullRock66
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2017, 08:21:46 pm
content: The problem was that in the Board Layer & Colors editor, they were not selecting the PAD an Holes, that's why they could not see, it was very simple, but it annoyed me a couple of hours. Thanks for the reply.
Solidworks PCB, powered by Altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Gibson486
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 06:03:35 pm
content: Anyone try this? Is this just an extension and you still need to download Altium anyways? Or is it a stand alone product?

author: GreggD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 06:09:43 pm
content: They have 2 packages. One inside a solidworks package and one that ports Altium to and from SW.There is a 50min youtube and I did not like it at all. But I am a Mentor(Seimens now) Pads-Pcb user for ~25 years.

author: FivePoint03
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 10:51:26 pm
content: We had a rep come in and talk about this.The libraries are crippled in the SW edition and the price is no less than AD!I'd bet updates / bugfixes would lag the main branch as well!You'd be mad...

author: Gazza9
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 15, 2017, 09:33:19 pm
content: Does the PCB Connector work with other MCAD systems, besides Solidworks?If not, how do I interface say with PTC/CREO. Would I just use STEP models or is there a IDX/ecad-mcad collaboration interface?TIA...
Autorouter problem - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: meerweten
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2017, 07:13:36 pm
content: Hi all,i'm having problems with the autorouter.well actualy it isn't working at all.when i start the autorouter it put out the lines in the picture but thats it.any one here knows a solution?ps.: yes i don't like autorouting, but sometimes its needed when there is no real time to rout a board for test (eg a pcb for production testing)ps2.: i actualy never got the autorouter to work if that helps

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 03:20:55 pm
content: did you configure the router ?you need to set it up ... make sure there are rules for it to follow and that it knows what to do. just clicking 'run' produces nothing.

author: meerweten
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2017, 06:32:45 pm
content: well that might just be it thanksbetter find a tutorial for it
Altium designer component links - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: geot51
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 07, 2017, 09:17:44 pm
content: I drew a simple design with few capacitors just to learn how component links work in altium desginer. (Image 2, pic a)I checked manualy one by one all capacitors and I saw that UIDs are matched with pcb document. (Image 1, pic a) In Project -> component links -> Perform Update, a message popup "component links are up to date" appeared.I tried to change the designators of my schematic between two components. (Image 2 pic b) After I executed the changes on pcb document I checked again their UIDs manually. I saw again that the UIDs are still matched correctly. (Image 1 pic b)However, when I hit again, Project -> Component Links... -> Perform Update, a message inform me that "Component links modified in... 2 Links modified" Which are those two links and how were they modified? The UIDs seemed to be matched even before I perform update.Can someone explain that to me?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2017, 11:09:41 pm
content: I regularly see links go "stale" for no obvious reason (i.e., editing parameters and moving components on SCH/PCB, without deleting/pasting/recreating any).There may be UIDs associated with those kinds of objects (i.e., labels and parameters). Who knows.There's a lot of object and structure data that's hidden from view, yet vital to operation. That's kind of true of any large software program, I guess, as fortunate and unfortunate as it is.Tim
Generating batch of THT footprints for large library - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Icchan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2017, 05:13:16 pm
content: Hi.I need to generate a full library for through hole headers (female, male, singe and double rows etc.) and there doesn't seem to be any real way to automate this process.I haven't even found a script to point me in right direction.Basically I need to generate N-components for a library that have particular pad style that comes from IPC-standard in all the configurations they come in from the manufacturer.The sheer amount of parts is daunting: 1x1, 1x2, 1x3... 1xN both male and female and then add to that dual row headers 2x2, 2x3... etc. that's hundreds of parts and footprints.I've searched the net for few days but found no solution.Could this be scripted in some way? Or is there free or very affordable third party tool for doing this?Altiums IPC-footprint wizard only knows hot to create surface mount parts.Thank you for any help you can give me

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2017, 02:19:28 pm
content: script it.varpincount : integer;Procedure plonk_down_header(pincount:integer, pitch:integer);BeginPCBServer.PreProcess;CurrentPCB := PCBServer.GetCurrentPCBBoard;If CurrentPCB = Nil Then BeginShowMessage('This is not a PCB document');Exit;End;for x := 1 to pincount dobeginnewpad:= PCBServer.PCBObjectFactory(ePadObject, eNoDimension, eCreate_Default);newpad.name :=x;newpad.x :=milstocoord(0);newpad.x :=milstocoord(x*pitch);currentpcb.AddPCBObject(TextObj);PCBServer.SendMessageToRobots(ePadObject.I_ObjectAddress,c_Broadcast,PCBM_BoardRegisteration ,ePadObject.I_ObjectAddress);end;end;procedure doit(dummy:integer);beginplonk_down_header(20,100); // 20 pin header, 100 mil pitchend;something along those lines. you'll have to tweak the code. haven't tried it.
how to enable all layers in Altium  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 08:27:14 am
content: HiI have get design files from TI and when I open the files in altium every single layer is only active, the TIDA-00707 design from TI, how could I enable all layers at once, it's on my never!Here is a picture for your reference.

author: electricar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 08:28:11 am
content: Shift+s

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 02:07:53 pm
content: Quote from: electricar on May 30, 2017, 08:28:11 amgreat! but i tried to find in where menu this shortcut exist, none found. so i have to ask, where i can find such mystical shortcuts help guide?

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 02:23:50 pm
content: View > Workspace Panels > Help > Shortcuts

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 04:32:32 pm
content: Also, hit the "LS" in the lower left corner (layer sets), All Layers.If you've saved a view configuration (on the Layers dialog, L) with some layers disabled (most often, copper and mechanical layers you weren't using at the time you saved it), you want to click All Layers to make everything visible again.Tim

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2017, 05:21:40 am
content: QuoteThanks