hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Need help building a PCI board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ultrathom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2014, 03:56:09 am
content: Hi all,I have a schematic for a ISA interface board I need to either convert to PCI or replace the functionality using a FPGA board.I have some experience in Altium now, and I'm loving it ! But I have never designed a PCI board. Is there a template design I can use that converts a design like this so I can just connect up the inputs ? Or perhaps since its such a simple design with only a few through hole ICs perhaps I can even solder up a prototype board like this ? But I know connecting to the PCI bus is complex.http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTOTYPE-PCB-FR4-PTH-6-9-x-4-5-PCI-SLOT-Double-Side-Universal-Board-10-/271275986731For some background this configuration interface board configures a switch matrix. It is used with a separate ADC board, and a separate digital i/o card to perform a experiment. I have a board with a spartan LX150 and a full breakout so I'm thinking perhaps I could replace all 3 boards with 1 multifunction board ? The ADC needs to be able to do differential mode.Please give me your advise and suggestions.1. how difficult would it be to duplicate the functionality of the schematic in a FPGA ?2. can a FPGA replace a digital i/o pci board with little effort ?3. what is the best value ADC I can connect up to a spartan 6 lx150 easily ?4. are there designs for a pci board I can download for Altium so I can just create a PCB from this schematic and plug the ISA inputs into existing tracks ?Thanks !!

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2014, 05:28:11 am
content: PCI is a copmplete different beast.you will need a PCI slave controller like those made by AMCC or 3Cube or PLX.you can;t make a pci interface with discrete logic.altera has a CPLD example to do PCI interfacing but it requires a beefy CPLd (MAX-II series)

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2014, 08:18:35 am
content: PCI -> ISA bridge chip, then your ISA logic

author: Strada916
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2014, 01:08:55 pm
content: what exactly are you trying to do with that interface board. Might be easier to just buy an older Mainboard/CPU/Memory and build the board as is. If you are trying to do lab type experiments with it you'll be better off buying something off the shelf that is compatible.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2014, 04:04:55 pm
content: Altium has templates for PCI. At least it used to have in previous releases. That might help to solve 1% of the project.\Users\Public\Documents\Altium\AD 10\TemplatesSomewhere here.
Help with making a isolated ground planes. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 0utsider89
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 01, 2014, 10:35:55 am
content: How do you make isolated ground planes on the same layer. I played around, and got something that kinda works. See attached:I have two polygon pours. One pour is for the MCU, and the other is for the RF stuff, which I'll call the main pour. I have the main pour going over the MCU GND pour, and it does kinda work. But there's one down side, since I have components with pours as well, its not pouring over them which, makes sense. I have "Don't Pour Over Same Net Objects" selected on the main pour.So there must be a rule that I'm missing, or I'm just not doing it right.Thanks for the helpKJ6ICA

author: graynomad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2014, 01:39:45 pm
content: I'm not following, are you saying that you want the MCU pour to connect to the component in the red circle but you have "Don't Pour Over Same Net Objects" so it won't, but you want that option so the two pours don't combine?Why not change the shape of both pours so they don't overlap

author: 0utsider89
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 01, 2014, 08:07:07 pm
content: I would like to have the components with internal pours connect too the main pour, and also have isolated ground plane pour.Circled in blue, is the component I'm trying to have connected too the main pour, And in green is the what I would like the isolated ground plane to do.Also I will need to connect the isolated ground plane at one point to the main pour, and I'm not sure how do that.

author: graynomad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 01:55:49 pm
content: I still don't get why you can't just make two pour areas that don't overlap, you can draw them any shape you like, then link them together with a trace and turn off the "Don't Pour Over Same Net Objects" option.
Embedded 3D Models not generating properly on board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: slowaudio
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2014, 07:49:08 pm
content: I've attached two screen shots of a part in the part editor and on a board. The part displays correctly in the editor however when I add it to a board it just displays a box in roughly the same size of the part. I've had this happen before, however it sort of cleared itself up after awhile. I'd like to try to find a fix to it though because on this design it's causing false errors. Thanks.

author: logictom
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 03, 2014, 10:27:22 pm
content: Is Show STEP Models enabled in preferences?

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2014, 10:35:28 pm
content: There's an option that causes altium to auto generate an extruded simple 3d body based on the footprint and the height property of the footprint.On the status bar, click PCB and ensure PCB is selecteced. This brings up the PCB panel. In the drop down box at the top select 3D Models. At the bottom of the panel you should now see3D Bodies Display Options. DeselectShow Simple 3D Bodies
Importing an outline from gerbers? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 01, 2014, 04:33:34 am
content: Is there a way in Altium to take a shape from a Gerber file and make it into a region or the like so that it could become a footprint?I have to import a very complicated antenna shape, and so far have not figured a way. I tried opening it in Camtastic, exporting as a dxf and pulling it in, but that ends up loosing half of the lines. Is there any easier way to do that?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2014, 06:20:48 am
content: assign layer neames, pull netlist, export to pcb. done.
What happen when altium subscription finish? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nquantum
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 08:01:44 pm
content: As far as I know. If I purchase Altium I also pay for 1 years subscription right? So after subscription finish. What will happen? Am I still can use the program?And if I use student license also I still can use the program without continue the subscription?

author: nquantum
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 08:04:24 pm
content: I only use schematic and pcb design not so complex and for personal projects so I think student license is interesting

author: nquantum
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2013, 05:15:23 am
content: Nobody nobody but me?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2013, 08:25:10 am
content: It keeps working. But no more updates.Student versions are time limited. It will stop working. Only commercial licences are unlimited in time

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 29, 2013, 10:28:41 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on December 29, 2013, 08:25:10 amI'm pretty sure that at one point (I don't know about know) it used to stop working. You needed a perpetual license in order for it to keep working.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2013, 03:43:12 pm
content: That's what i said. Student version stop working.The 4995$ licence (or whatever it is now)is a perpetual licenceOnly student versions and the version coming with the nanoboard is time limited

author: nquantum
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2013, 03:51:35 pm
content: QuoteI guess so. If next year I buy again student license. Can I continue using on same project? Well at least I try to be moral using it huh!

author: VEGETA
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2014, 09:52:44 pm
content: Well, can someone please explain to us in detail about the licenses? pricing, type, features...

author: logictom
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 31, 2014, 02:46:20 pm
content: When we purchased a license last year there was only one option, not being a student, and that was the perpetual license, this did not include the updates. The updates are an additional yearly cost.I don't know if this is entirely true or if it was some sales tack but apparently if you purchase a license and don't pay for the updates if you then later want to update, say in two years time, you have to back pay for the update subscription you missed out in those two years.
Altium 14: Browse Violations working? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: toohec
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 01:52:22 am
content: Our company just upgraded to Altium 14 (14.1.5), and the 'Browse Violations' command in the PCB layout does not appear to function at all anymore in this release. Typically on previous releases I'd hover over the object(s) containing violations, and press Shift+V and a dialog box would pop-up displaying the objects and the rules that are in violation between those objects. The 'Tools' menu still shows the 'Browse Violations' command and its associated Shift+V shortcut, but neither one appears to do anything anymore. I still have the "PCB Rules and Violations" tab which will display all the violations, but it's not nearly as nice to use since it lists all the violations on the board, and not just the ones pertaining to the objects that my mouse pointer is hovering over. Ugh!Is this a bug in the current release? Anyone else have any luck using this command in Altium 14?EDIT: Not as big of a problem as I originally thought. See next post for update.

author: toohec
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2014, 02:35:44 am
content: Ok... It appears that the problem is limited to polygon violations. The Browse Violations function works as intended for any non-polygon objects. In my case above where I discovered the problem, I had a single polygon to polygon clearance violation, and could not get the browse violation option to work at all. After I purposely added other violations to test the browse violation functionality, I discovered that it works normally for all other object types. I don't recall having this problem on the previous Altium releases, but maybe I'm wrong. At least the bug (if it's new to A14) isn't as bad as I thought, and it's usually not too critical for polygon related violations anyway.
Connecting Internal Power plan to Vcc and GND - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: grimmjaw
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2014, 09:37:48 am
content: Hi,another AD14 question, I have 4-layer board with Vcc and GND as internal plane.My question is how do I connect the power netz to the internal plane? With AD13 just put the nezt name in the Layer stack manager.But I cannot find the netz name in layer stack manager in AD14 ?Can anyone point me the obvious?Thanks

author: grimmjaw
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2014, 03:06:43 pm
content: Nevermind, found it.Double click on layer tab on PCB editor if anyone curios.

author: gdmartins
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 22, 2014, 05:17:12 pm
content: I think I have a very similar problem. The GND plane connects to all vias connected to ground, but it seems like the VCC plane is Floating (not connected to any via). Have anyone seen this before? I must be missing something very very obvious..I attached snaps of the stackup, Power and Ground planeThanks

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 22, 2014, 10:54:53 pm
content: I generally treat the inner layers as signal and just put polygon pours on them... good for split power planes without the hassle.

author: VEGETA
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2014, 03:38:23 am
content: Say If I have 3 power sources in the same schematic: Mains AC, 9v DC adapter (and then regulated to 5v), and high voltage DC like 180v (say rectified from the mains by full bridge).How should I connect ground to each one of them? All I know is that each power source MUST have it's own ground - so connecting HV DC ground to the 9v one is not correct.However, if the HV DC is rectified from the mains... should it be connected to the same ground point as the AC mains ground? of course mains AC don't have a "ground", it's Line and Neutral.I hope someone help me understand this in theory, practical and PCB stuff. In PCB I only want to know if this can be achieved or not... I am not gonna try it soon.Big THANKS.
How to scale down schematics in titleblock in Altium? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 08:29:04 pm
content: i noticed some parts can almost fill a titleblock leaving very limited space for other circuits and components. how do i scale them down so i can fit more circuit in a titleblock?

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2014, 01:06:07 am
content: Your terminology may be a little off. The titleblock is usually located in the lower right hand corner and has info such as company, sheet x of x, rev number, date etc...Then you have the border which may or may not have numbers and letters so you can reference the location of object within the schematic.If you are having difficulty fitting a circuit onto a page you can usually right click on the schematic find the document options an select a larger (or smaller) page

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2014, 10:57:31 am
content: i must put the blame on the professor who didnt teach me about what's title block whats a page, he only taught me about a title block (err, a page) that will print 1:1 on printer. i tried your method and an A3 page prints just fine on an A4 paper, so consider problem solved, thanks! what a workflow.
Internally conected pins, how to deal with? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 28, 2014, 08:48:07 am
content: Hello,I want to make a schematic and footprint symbols for the typical 4 pin pushbutton.It has two pairs of pins connected internally.How must they be managed so if one of them is connected to a net Altium sees both connected? Same name? Setting any internal property?Thank you.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2014, 08:53:27 am
content: You can place multiple pins in footprint editor that will have the same designator. When you doubleclick a pin (or righclick and go to properties) there is 'designator field'. The effect is that you have multiple package pins connected to one schematic pin.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 28, 2014, 08:55:39 am
content: So I need a two pin schematic symbol not a four pined one.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2014, 09:09:54 am
content: The schematic symbol will have 2 connections, eg. designator 1 and 2The footprint will have 4 TH/SMD pads two with the designator of 1 and two with the designator of 2

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 28, 2014, 09:11:19 am
content: Solved.Thank you.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2014, 11:56:39 am
content: Small note: I consider doing the above a bad design practice in general. For a small design and uncomplicated parts it's ok. I try as much as I can to have a schematic symbol that has exactly one symbol pin per one package pin. just a good design practice.

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2014, 02:39:28 pm
content: Quote from: poorchava on February 28, 2014, 11:56:39 amThat depends on if you consider a schematic to be a graphical method of entering netlist and partlist to make a PCB or if you consider a schematic to be a document showing the scheme of a circuit.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 28, 2014, 02:56:25 pm
content: Quote from: poorchava on February 28, 2014, 11:56:39 amHow is done "the proper way" then?

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2014, 03:19:21 pm
content: Depends how you want to connect the button. You can tell alitum that they are internally connected, (in the SCHlib editor) but that can lead to a design, where two GND regions are only connected through the button. I dont recomend that option for this.The best way to do this is to have all four pin on the schematic, and enable pin swapping for the two pairs.
Layer stackup table in AD14 vs AD13 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 10:03:57 pm
content: I see that Altium has updated how stackup table is done in AD14. Problem is the new version omits some of the useful things that AD13 had, namely Gerber Document column listing extensions for each layer file. Is there a way to add that? Going through options in Layer stack manager I see no way to add columns. Same with hitting Tab while placing the stack table.Here is a snippet of the table from both versions, starting with AD13, and with AD14 under it.
Problem Routing PCB Trace Antenna - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: m-joy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 04:20:18 pm
content: Hello,i am trying to route the PCB antenna for the rn-171 microchip wifi adapter.I am using the pre defined altium footprint. The problem is, my configuration does not like the fact, that one connected line has two nets because the GND line ends in the Antenna line.Any idea how to fix that?Greetings

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 05:05:11 pm
content: Quote from: m-joy on January 13, 2014, 04:20:18 pmAssuming your antenna has a schematic symbol with two pins setting it to type NET TIE is possibly all you need to do.

author: m-joy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 05:07:26 pm
content: Hello,that is true. The antenna shematic has 2 connections. how to set up the tie?greets

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 05:15:03 pm
content: Quote from: m-joy on January 13, 2014, 05:07:26 pmProperties of the component in the schematic library editor (possibly directly in the schematic as well).

author: m-joy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 05:22:55 pm
content: Huhu,jeah now the green mark is gone.but he still does not really like it:Class Document Source Message Time Date No.[Net Antennae Violation] M1.PcbDoc Advanced PCB Net Antennae: Track (92.501mil,3340mil)(280mil,3340mil) Top On (Layer = Top) 18:21:22 13.01.2014 3[Net Antennae Violation] M1.PcbDoc Advanced PCB Net Antennae: Track (85.001mil,3883mil)(150mil,3883mil) Top On (Layer = Top) 18:21:22 13.01.2014 4looks like he is confused about the connection oO but on the top mark is no connecting point actually.

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 05:30:11 pm
content: Quote from: m-joy on January 13, 2014, 05:22:55 pmHeh it thinks your antenna is an antenna. Changing the net antenna rule to matchNot InComponent(??)might clear it.

author: m-joy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 05:34:46 pm
content: huhu,can you explain this step by step please xDi am still new to altium...

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 06:40:47 pm
content: Go to Design > Rules, expand the sections until you find Net Antennae. There you will find its scope (all). Change is to all minus this component: Not InComponent('antenna_designator_here'). This way Altium will apply net antennae rule to everything except your antenna. I am not sure about the exact spelling of the query. There is a query builder that can help you.

author: m-joy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 07:13:45 pm
content: Nice,i changed the rule to:Not InComponent('X3')and its gone =)
Merging gerbers with camtastic - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2014, 07:47:25 pm
content: So I've imported a couple of gerbers into camtastic, and I want to merge them. I've managed to edit them individually but I can't figure out how to merge.Someone, help?

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2014, 08:09:27 pm
content: Never mind, I figured it out.Edit -> Layers -> Merge.
Problems with librarys - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wininero
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 06, 2014, 11:36:40 pm
content: hi im using altium and when i create a new library with her image and her footprints all its okey but when i do the schematics and plot to pcb they dont do the connections with my new componnet i don t know what im doing wrong any can help me?

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2014, 01:05:22 am
content: Just a guess here ... Do your pcblib component pins numbers match the ones in the schlib ?It also could be that your schlib grid does not match the one in the sch.Also a screenshot would help.I did a video about setting up gids in altium. See my YouTube channel wich can be found in my forum signature.
How to add extra mechanical Layers?? HELP - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: skeematics21
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 01:24:34 pm
content: How do i add extra mechanical layers to my project? I do not see how to do so in the "view Configurations" dialog after hitting "L"

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 02:59:54 pm
content: Click the "Only show enabled mechanical layer" checkbox, then enable the wanted layer. Easy.

author: skeematics21
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 04:51:30 pm
content: Wow.. how simple was that. Thankshttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/facepalm.gif
via pad - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: asadi.siyavash
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 09:43:00 am
content: Hi is in Altium any solution for having via pad automaticaly without routing manually?like this picture?

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 10:25:34 am
content: Try Tools » Via Stitching » Auto Stitch Net

author: asadi.siyavash
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 10:30:22 am
content: hi thanks,my altium version is 10, and I couldn't find this .
altium designer registration problem - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: asadi.siyavash
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2013, 08:24:06 pm
content: Hi,this is my first post here,I need altium designer training video but it need to be a member of altium designer website, I tried many time but I couldn't be register and altium didn't accept my registration, is it possible to tell me why it was happened? and anyone had this problem before? or how I can download altium training videos,any help would be greatly appreciated,best regards,Siyavash.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2013, 08:43:51 pm
content: having a valid licence and subscription helps ....

author: asadi.siyavash
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2013, 05:43:28 am
content: I have valid licence (platinum Partner) but never I saw they want my licence in registration.

author: JDubU
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2013, 06:20:15 am
content: Quote from: asadi.siyavash on December 19, 2013, 05:43:28 amCall your Altium sales office. They can get it fixed.

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 09:09:46 am
content: This one hit a raw nerve.Good luck getting it sorted out... I understand your frustration.I have never come across any professional software as rag tag as Altium's licensing and updates. Altium needs to have a long hard look at redesigning its license registration and license server process. Altium has made it all too convoluted. You should not have to do a course, search through a messy website or read a manual to get a bloody license working.The fact you have to call Altium to get it sorted out proves my point. (Altium's phone support is very good - the person there who has to help sort this out deserves a medal.)If you have ever installed National Instrument's Labview, their licensing is clear to understand and their product license registration process is easy, simple and hassle free - it's automatic. Altium could learn a thing or two from NI in this regard.

author: asadi.siyavash
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 09:28:22 am
content: Hi again,yes really thanks for your helping I thought that problem was just for I am living in Iran! and there are many Sanctions against Iran,best wishes,Siyavash.
3D View Bottom Layer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: m-joy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2013, 02:22:53 pm
content: Hello everyone, i am having a problem with Altium 13.2.When switching to 3D mode, i can see all lines and pads on the top layer, but the bottom layer looks empty.Any idea why? On the picture postet should be lines visible on the bottom layer.

author: toohec
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 02:14:40 am
content: I'm going to guess that your transparency setting for the bottom solder-mask layer is set to opaque, which prevents you from seeing the copper through the solder-mask layer. If you increase the transparency (make it less opaque; I don't remember if 0% or 100% is opaque), the masked bottom layer copper should become visible. When in 3D view, the transparency settings are found in the layers (shortcut 'L') dialog box. I'm not at my work computer to look it up, but you should be able to find the settings. Hopefully that is the problem.

author: m-joy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 10:45:19 am
content: Amazing thats true ! The Opac was on 100% so it was not visible lol.Thank you very much =)Greetings

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 09:36:42 pm
content: Can you set the defaults for these settings so they are used on every board?
Just upgraded to 14.1, huge green square in 3D view - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Storken
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 09:10:54 pm
content: Hello. Long time lurker, first time poster.Tried out 14.1. Seems ok, but I'm having a weird view in 3D view. In 2D it is ok. It seems like the board redefine have been changed slightly. Now there probably is some setup in some hard to find menu, has anyone seen similar to the attached screenshot?(I vaguely remember something similar in 13 - early on. Someone disabled something and everything was as it should be)Happy holidays

author: Storken
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 27, 2013, 06:13:02 pm
content: After a restart of the program, this problem is gone. Weird.Anyhow
Anyone have the LT3080? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2013, 11:01:44 pm
content: Well, some little blue gnomes bestowed me with a copy of Altium, and I have been trying to learn it's various features. I am proud to say that I can draw a schematic at least. While designing a replacement for the cheap ass elenco PSU kit as my first project, I have found the need to use a LT3080 chip, but it's not in the Linear LDO library. Has anyone either created the part manually or can offer any advice on the best way to create the part myself? I prefer to use that over the LM317 in analog PSU designs.
some components keep being reset after schematic changes are compiled to pcb - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SArepairman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2013, 04:18:50 am
content: So I completed a fair bit of board layout and I noticed that some parts are resetting every time I update the schematic changes.most parts stay, but a few keep resetting, and its very frustrating to have to move ~30 parts back in place every time you do something to the schematic.This just started happening recently, I don't know why.**They are resetting their location in the PCB lay out section, not the schematic section. They will reset even if I make no changes to the schematic and just click update pcb document.

author: SArepairman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2013, 04:20:40 am
content: Quote from: SArepairman on December 14, 2013, 04:18:50 amI think this started happening after I performed the "rename all conflicting name components" option.

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 10:20:34 pm
content: It sounds like your component links are broken.From your PcbDoc select "Project-Component Links". When the pop-up appears if there are any components listed in either of the two left columns there are broken links. They are easy enough to reset. Select the component from the left most box (SchDoc box) and the component it should be linked to from the PcbDoc box. Then push the matched components into the "Matched Components" box using the > button.You may have to read up on it a bit to get the hang of it but it works well and is easy to use.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2013, 06:59:36 am
content: Deja-vuThis question flew by a few days ago as welli posted an extensive explanation herehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/emergency-altium-layout-help-(deadline-comming)/msg347796/#msg347796
sequentially numbering all components? (duplicate components) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SArepairman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 08:35:31 am
content: So I have a bunch of components in my alluvium schematic that are out of order, I copy pasted some resistors/capacitors/etc that I used a bunch, so I have replicates.Like all my decoupling capacitors are CDxxxxx, all my filter resistors are FRxxx, etc.I found the tool to select all common components, so I search for CD*, and all my decoupling capacitors are selected.Since I have alot of parts but I am not keen on renaming all of them (hundreds of clicks), is there a way to make it so the program assigns them all unique names, like it will go from CD1.....CDwhatever?This is so I can compile without 5000 billion errors.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 09:09:24 am
content: Have a look in the Tools menu, There's options there for clearing and reassignment designators automatically.(backup first in case it renames stuff you don't want)

author: Christe4nM
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 05:31:41 pm
content: 1) "Tools" -> "Annotate schematics" -> "Reset Duplicates" (dropdown list from "Reset All" button. Choose "Reset All" if you wish)2) Same window: click "Accept Changes (Create ECO)" -> click "Execute Changes" -> close ECO window.3) Click "Update Changes list"4) Same window: click "Accept Changes (Create ECO)" -> click "Execute Changes" -> close ECO window.Experiment to your heart content, with this. You can always go back with Reset All and the four steps above.It's generally a good idea to have your component designators in the library ending in a question mark. That way Altium knows where to put the number to your designator when you annotate the schematic. (i.e. R?, C? RF?, U?, CD? etc.)

author: SArepairman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2013, 12:43:28 am
content: Great. Thanks for the help I got it all worked out now. I spent maybe an hour before renaming things manually, the thought of ever doing that again sends tingles down my spine.
Difference Solder Mask Expansion for Top and Bottom on a Via? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 06:18:17 pm
content: I want my vias on the component side almost tented, but open on the bottom. This gives you the ability to capacitive test points for BGA to detect non-solder, good solder, and bridge for each via broke out ball.I have negative solder mask expansion, top small pad, bottom large pad. I want a fully exposed annular ring on the bottom, but can't do that on the top without possible solder bridging on the BGA.I can't find a way to specify solder mask extension on top and bottom, just one value. Is the possible in Altium at all?

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2013, 07:42:10 pm
content: I might be doing something very wrong. I'm getting polygons that are GND net, joining with every via under the sun.
Problem routing vias - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: m-joy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2013, 02:25:44 pm
content: Hello every one,i am having problems with via routing. So while routing a line, i press button "2", and the via appears, but the via does not stay at the last routed line, but on the first routed line. Hard to explain, a screenshot is attached.As you can see, the via does not stick to my cursor.Greetings

author: asadi.siyavash
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 09:35:07 am
content: Hi joy,yes when you using button "2" the layer doesn't change for having via with layer change press "+" or "-".good luck.

author: m-joy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 09:54:29 am
content: Huhu,Thank you. That is true, the layer does nog change with button 2.but the Problem is somethingelse. I start routing at a pad and want to find my way to a place away . The line i am rrouting is changing the direction, now i press button 2 and the via gets places at the first straight line visible, and not the line after it made a corner... And that often disturbs me. Can i change this option?Greets

author: m-joy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 10:28:14 am
content: Huhu,jeah when i press left mouse the first line is routed, then the via sticks to the second line which is fine for me, but i thought its possible without routing the first line....Greetings

author: asadi.siyavash
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 10:38:57 am
content: I don't know I understood what you said or not, but I think with press "1" when you route a track and then add via. your problem will be solve.before pressing "1"after pressing "1"

author: m-joy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 10:59:01 am
content: Woahh jeah that was it ! Thanks a lot. Sometimes things can be so easy =)Greetings
Is it possible to define a board cutout in a PCB footprint? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ARQuattr
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2013, 03:51:57 pm
content: I often run into situations where I would like to define a board cutout in a component footprint, e.g. a notch in the edge of the board for a connector. So far I've only been marking the hole on a mechanical layer, and then creating a new cutout on the PCB after it's exported from the schematic. This is obviously not ideal since I need to do these each time I use the part, and would prefer to only do it once in the PCB footprint. Is it possible, or is there some other workaround?

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2013, 04:04:58 pm
content: Place->Poligon pour cutoutDouble click it, check the board cutout checkbox.I did not test if this is working or not.You can also place a NPTH pad and make it a slot hole.

author: toohec
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2013, 01:07:57 am
content: What NANDBlog posted works. I've used it before. You can place board cutouts (converted from a region or a polygon pour cutout) in a footprint. Once you place the footprint on the PCB, the board cutout will be implemented immediately. I've never used it for edge cutouts though (instead relying on the define board shape for those areas) but it would work there as well. If you use polygon floods on your board, you may wish to add polygon pour cutouts or add keepouts around your cutouts as well.

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 11, 2013, 02:44:26 am
content: I've done it both ways- draw a shape, convert to region then make it board cutout, and add keepout. That usually involved fiddling with design rules to keep things happy. The second way- adding nonplated (or sometimes plated) slots, was much easier. They can also get the same numbers as adjacent "real" pads and stay invisible for the schematic symbol. Altium has a few videos on this topic- they make Planar inductors this way
IPC netlist generation? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 23, 2012, 07:14:42 pm
content: Has anybody figured out how to export IPC netlists from Altium? Board house would use that to do Electric Test.The only way it appears doable is by generating Gerbers, then going through Camtastic and extracting netlist from there. Then somehow all layers get merged into a single netlist. Any pointers how this could be done from job output configuration ?

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2012, 08:24:49 pm
content: Quote from: reagle on February 23, 2012, 07:14:42 pmYou mean IPC-D-356(A)? Don't know why they call it netlist because it is way more than that. For Altium it is an option for test point report format.Bare board testing is rather complex. I doubt Altium IPC-D-356 generation is extensively used so probably not tested that well. I wouldn't initially have a great deal of confidence in it. My understanding is board houses will generally generate their own test programs from the gerbers because it it less hassle that hoping to get a usable 'netlist' from their customers.

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 23, 2012, 10:17:09 pm
content: It didn't occur to me to look under Test Points. Thanks!

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2012, 11:41:32 pm
content: Quote from: reagle on February 23, 2012, 10:17:09 pmLike I said I don't know why it is called a netlist.Bare board testing involves minimizing the number of points tested (to minimize the number of nails in a bed or probe moves). That means only probing for continuity at the ends of physical connections and stubs off them, also not probing for shorts on nets which can't physically be shorted (like with 3 tracks in a line you can't get a short between the outer two without a short to the middle one). I haven't looked in detail at IPC-D-356 so I don't know if it just provides raw information for something to interpret or if it is more like a test program saying probe these points for open and these points for shorts.It really is more about test points than nets.If it is more like a test program I would be a little dubious about giving it to a supplier. Delivering boards without faults is their problem. I wouldn't want to make it partially my problem by making the program which tests for faults my problem.

author: zofz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2013, 03:21:17 pm
content: I also have missed that my old Protel generates IPC356. Thanks Rufus!Now I can test my gerber viewer with it.But, I need IPC356Bformat for testing. Does anyone have an example I could use for internal testing?The best would be together with Gerber set.(version A and version B of the IPC356 differs significantly)http://youtu.be/8ndKOHh0sX8
Hotkeys to view configurations - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2013, 05:21:17 am
content: Is there a way to set hotkeys to view configurations? I have about 6 different view configurations I use frequently, but switching by L-click_on_list-enter seems time consuming.Can this be done with configurable keyboards like those manufactured by Preh for example? If so, then how does that work? Is there some sort of hidden api or driver for Altium/Preh combination, or does the keyboard only generate key strokes (in which case I'd also have to assign some hotkeys to view configurations)

author: jamiechi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2013, 12:07:25 am
content: Try this.http://www.autohotkey.com/Autohotkeys should do what you want.

author: WernerT
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 28, 2013, 09:10:47 pm
content: Maybe this helps:To create a shortcut1. right click on main toolbar (just underneath menu bar)2. click on "Customize..."3. in the tab "Commands" (normally allready open), click on the tab "NEW" at the bottom4. in the 'Action' plane after "Process", click "Browse" and find and select anything usable5. in the 'Action' plane after "Parameters" click on the dropdown and select anything usable6. in the 'Shortcuts' plane, click in the region after 'Primary', and type the key, or combination you want to as shortcutDone!!
Clearance between round components - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2013, 02:50:06 pm
content: I am seeing something odd in my designs that I hope somebody can shed some light on. Whenever I create round components (say a testpoint) in Altium, the program considers it to be rectangular from DRC point of view. As a results I can't place two test points as close to each other as I should be able to.Is there some trick to creating these, or maybe adding an outline on a particular layer to make Altium see them as round?

author: toohec
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2013, 07:43:06 pm
content: You just need to add a circular 3D body to the top and bottom 3D body layers in the component's library footprint. Use like a 1 mil high cylindrical extrusion that is the same size as the test-point pad.FYI… If you don't have any 3D body information (like your current situation), then the component clearance is based off of the other primitives in the footprint and all the non-3D body primitives are basically treated as squares/rectangles. If you add a 3D body, it will calculate component clearances solely on the 3D body and will ignore all other primitives in the part.

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 29, 2013, 03:46:37 am
content: Awesome, that makes sense- thank you very much! This will solve one long standing annoyance for me
Altium 1:1 print output  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: richcj10
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 03:48:17 pm
content: I think I have it scaled correctly using the page setup. But when I print, I get a blank page. The printer is B/W and I have tried it in mono and gray. Any Ideas?

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2013, 07:27:11 pm
content: Can you see your layout on the preview? Try printing from Altium to PDF. This should tell you if it is Altium or printer issue.

author: richcj10
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 19, 2013, 05:58:31 am
content: Yes, I can see it on the preview.How do I get it out of altium in pdf at 1:1 ?My printer works fine. I can print from any other program.

author: gocemk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2013, 12:08:18 pm
content: Hi,You must set Adobe PDF (or CutePDF) as your default printer, otherwise it won't work. (at least in my case). Then, print it as pdf, and save it. Then you can review your design in pdf and print it on a printer.Hope this helps.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2013, 08:18:15 am
content: Quote from: richcj10 on November 19, 2013, 05:58:31 am(Altium designer summer 09)Right click on the fabrication previews your printing and click "page setup"Change the scaling to "Scaled print" and set it to 1That will print 1:1 (i've used it many times to do toner transfer)You can print to a PDF printer to get a 1:1 pdf then print later if you want. i've done that tooIf you find the output isn't 1:1 when printing the PDF then it's an issue with your PDF software.
Suppressing some of the messages - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: lovro
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 08:19:52 am
content: Is there a way to suppress some of the messages altium throws at me.For instance when I make a union of a few components and tracks it says that XX components were added to union, and then I have to click ok. I am sure it adds a few dozen meters of mouse moving a day. It would be ok to get a message if there is an error or some thing like that, but these all is ok messages are kind of annoying.So is there a way to suppress some of those messages?Lovro

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 03:56:56 pm
content: IIRC you can just mash spacebar to kill them

author: lovro
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2013, 07:08:01 am
content: That is actually really helpful. My finger is always on the space bar when routing pcbs.This should be in the usual shortcut lists.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2013, 12:23:40 pm
content: Spacebar , enter, escape ...
Internal power plane - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: grimmjaw
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 07:45:09 am
content: Hi,I 'm still a noob with altium so br gentle.I have here a board with internal power plane, everything looks great.Then I imported the gerber file, and get file attached.I am expecting a solid plane, is this right?Will the manufacturer do the copper pour?Thank you

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 09:49:53 am
content: The manufacturers who have more than 70 IQ will understand what you did on that plane. The extension of the gerbers are different to start with, G1, G2 for layers, GP1, GP2 for planes. It is common to put stackup legend on the PCB to number the layers, also, so they will see an inverted number, or mirrored number.

author: grimmjaw
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 11:16:28 am
content: I see..thanks

author: toohec
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2013, 09:22:45 pm
content: Just to help provide some additional clarity... Plane layers are created as negative layers so anything placed or shown on the plane layer (and the output gerbers as well) are areas where there are voids in the copper, and the blank/non-colored areas indicate areas where copper exists. Soldermask layers are also negative layers, so all areas shown indicate areas where there is a void in the soldermask.All other layers on the board are positive layers.