hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Exporting schematic library (SchLib) as a spreadsheet? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2016, 02:19:17 am
content: HelloI have a big schematic library that I would like to check to see if the pinouts of various IC's are correct. To do this I was hoping to export the .schlib file into perhaps a spreadsheet, does anyone know if this is possible to do in Altium?Cheers

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2016, 03:20:01 am
content: All good found out how to make the report a doc file, which should be just as good.

author: kendalll
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2016, 04:49:53 am
content: I never thought of doing it that way. I always just print the schematic symbol and the datasheet pin out and go line by line with a highlighter. Thanks for posting!
PCB template problem - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Cloud
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2016, 06:00:33 pm
content: I have decided to try Altium. And when I try to make a new PCB is just shows what was on screen before (see attached). Did anyone had the same problem?

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2016, 07:37:19 pm
content: Altium opens the last workspace by default.If you have already created a new project, have a look in the projects panel, your new blank project will be there, probably along with the one your displaying.Click the 'system' button in the lower right corner and click projects to turn it on.

author: Cloud
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2016, 08:54:20 pm
content: The problem is, that Altium, doesn't want to open PCBs. I have tried to create a new PCB or to open a uCurrent pcb, but it just shows a picture of what was on screen before opening pcb file

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2016, 11:40:22 pm
content: Oh I see what you mean, you can't see the PCB even though it's apparently opened. Haven't experienced that bug haha. Try reinstalling it.

author: Cloud
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2016, 11:57:44 pm
content: Okay maybe its the problem, that the licence, that I am using is from the Bay... Will try to reinstall the will see about the results.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2016, 07:46:30 am
content: I had that with 15 and 16 trial versions installed on a VM in VirtualBox. There was no way to display it correctly and Altium support could not fix it. In the end I installed on a physical machine.

author: Cloud
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2016, 03:39:09 pm
content: To finish this story after numerous mails with tehnical support we have realized, that the graphic "card" in my NUC DCCP847DYE was just not good enough for requirements from AD16.Now I'll try to install it in virtual machine on my MAC because other thing it, that to wait until I get a new windows machine
Altium 2D - nets not showing !  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: maxpayne
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 12:03:00 pm
content: I am facing a strange problem in Altium 16.1.7In the PCB window, the nets are not appearing. I have pressed N>show connection>All, but still the nets are not appearing. Also the pad holes are not shown. But in 3d view I can see everything.Am I missing something ?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 02:53:55 pm
content: Try bottom left, layer manager, turn on all?The background color is awfully close to the net color too, though that shouldn't matter within the PCB area.Tim

author: maxpayne
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 02:56:09 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on May 06, 2016, 02:53:55 pmI solved it a while ago by changing the 2d color profiles and select default>classic>default and it worked. also the pad holes appeared !
SMD pad Electrical clearance rule - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Chris.M
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2016, 06:02:00 am
content: Hi,I'm trying to create an electrical clearance rule to ensure SMD resistor pads are spaced 1mm apart (ie I want to ensure neighboring SMD components are not too close when aligned side by side), however when I specify the SMD-to-SMD clearance as 1mm, violations are shown because the two pads for each resistor as they are closer than 1mm for an 0402 for example.I can't use a component clearance rule either because the resistor sits inside the pad and not on the edge, two SMD components can be placed back to back and no violation is given because the components are separated far enough, even though the pads are almost touching.Any hints on how to create the electrical clearance rule to solve this?

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2016, 05:01:18 am
content: Quote from: Chris.M on April 14, 2016, 06:02:00 amThe component clearances are for the components, so why do you want 1mm gaps between their pads? The electrical clearance rules should match the capabilities of your board vendor and ensure everything will work.Can you provide some examples of where a pad to pad clearance rule is needed?
Group designators in BOM? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2016, 10:37:39 am
content: HelloQuick question, how do you group component designators in BOM? For example the 100nF capacitor appears 10 times in my schematic but for some reason the BOM does not want to group them togetherCheers

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2016, 03:06:37 pm
content: Drag the matched fields from the list on the bottom-left to the top-left.Tim
Cutout inside closed region? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 08, 2016, 06:13:33 pm
content: I am working on a design that uses dxf-defined outline for a copper region. Inside there are openings that are fully contained in it. Can't seem to figure out how to keep them clear of copper. If I convert the whole thing into a region, but mark these openings as polygon cutouts they get ignored. Same if I make them keepouts. Converting the whole thing to polygon fails to even create the shape in the first place. Is there a way to make it work?picture of a small area of the board attached.Tried both AD15 and AD16 with similar resultsThank you for any pointers!

author: kendalll
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2016, 07:17:47 pm
content: I'd create a polygon in the shape of the outer T and then use polygon cutouts. Did you re-pour the polygon after creating the cutout? It won't show up unless you re-pour.

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 09, 2016, 09:31:45 pm
content: I tried using polygons (which I normally use) and regions and only regions gave me something. But I think I know what's going on:If understand it correctly, only polygons obey cutouts and keepouts etc, regions do not.So the shape I was converting would never fill with copper when using polygons but worked fine with regions.Now I know- the shape was too close to board edge, so polygons would respect design rules and refuse to work, while regions did not.And of course cutouts are essentially the same thing as design rules..

author: kendalll
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2016, 06:22:10 am
content: I see. Well you could make an exception in the rules for that one specific polygon, and then put it higher up in the priority list for the rules.Or another approach is to break it into two regions and then place them right next to each other. To end up with the same result without using polygons. Like so...

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2016, 05:07:30 pm
content: Yes, Polygons pour, Regions and Fills do not. (The latter two are more like arbitrary fixed copper; I don't even really get the point of Fills, as Regions do the job with more flexibility. May be a holdout from an earlier time.)The Polygon Cutout needs to be on the same layer as the polys; if this is on all layers, you might use both poly and cutout on Multilayer instead of a bunch of independent polys on each layer.Tim
Altium Content Vault - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Doug McAllister
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 09:01:02 pm
content: I have a yearly subscription with Altium but I am inclined not to renew. I was wondering if it is possible to download the Altium content vault before my subscription expires. Does anyone know?For those that want to know why, I think the subscription is way overpriced for what I get.

author: blacksheeplogic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 10:25:50 pm
content: Quote from: Doug McAllister on March 18, 2016, 09:01:02 pmYes, I did this before my subscription expired.

author: ehughes
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 11:26:21 pm
content: V16.1 is in beta now. There is a feature they are including is definitely worth the subscription price if you have to generate serious documentation.http://www.altium.com/altium-designer-16-1-leak

author: dansku
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2016, 12:54:29 am
content: Quote from: ehughes on March 18, 2016, 11:26:21 pmwow, this is really helpful!!

author: BMF
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2016, 12:50:56 pm
content: Quote from: ehughes on March 18, 2016, 11:26:21 pmId like to see Altium focus more on BOM management for off-board components and include a way to manage things like order information, process instructions, etc. They could probably do this as an extension.

author: hamdi.tn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2016, 01:01:55 pm
content: that's really cool feature
Online DRC hotkey? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: qwaarjet
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2016, 02:59:49 pm
content: Is there hot key or way to get and toolbar icon to turn online DRC on and off quickly?I find it annoying when it does DRC checks while I'm rearranging lots of polygons or rooms and I have to go through so many steps to turn it on and off.

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 09:36:50 am
content: Quote from: qwaarjet on March 17, 2016, 02:59:49 pmNopeHere you can find all of shortcutshttp://techdocs.altium.com/display/ADRR/Shortcut+Keys
changing size of component pad - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2016, 08:21:35 pm
content: HelloI designed this board and print it but I realized that size of pads are too small and all of them will be covered in the drilling step.Now I wanna resize them (I know how can I resize but) If they become bigger then they would be so close to each other and the short circuit might be happen or the way of printing board will be difficult.How can I resize then in order to have not these kind of error ?

author: armandas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2016, 09:23:25 pm
content: Only increase one dimension of the pad (X or Y) to make them oval?

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 05:40:39 am
content: Quote from: armandas on March 17, 2016, 09:23:25 pmGreat

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 05:42:09 am
content: Who have a good reference for manual routing tricks?I am addicted to Auto Routing

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 06:05:25 am
content: What is this autorouting thing of which you speak?

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 09:19:46 am
content: Quote from: DTJ on March 18, 2016, 06:05:25 amFrom Menu (Auto Route)

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2016, 09:30:21 am
content: Another question about pads :I used 40P6 footprint that is in correct size of packaging which mentioned in datasheet but when I print my design (the picture which I uploaded) and wanna to fix atmega16 pin size to pads on paper printed >>> there is about 100Mil difference between them.!!!How can i fix this problem about difference between footprint in computer and printed version of footprint on paper.?
perform an action to some objects - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2016, 12:27:13 pm
content: Hello every oneI am going to change my pad shape to rectangular but I just know that going to each pad options and change them one by one but I wanna know a shortest way to change some pad not one by one but in an action . please help me from this boring thing .

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2016, 02:55:06 pm
content: v w p l

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2016, 03:20:30 pm
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on March 22, 2016, 02:55:06 pmThank U It is shorter than changing one by one but it also takes long time .Is there any way like changing one pad and click other pads to get the changes like the first one ?I meen Something like "Property Assignment tool" in Proteus !!!!

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2016, 03:31:13 pm
content: Quote from: mov-jump on March 22, 2016, 03:20:30 pmYou can select multiple pads and use Ctrl+C Ctrl+V in the window. Or use excel or whatever to create the data and just paste it.

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2016, 11:42:19 am
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on March 22, 2016, 03:31:13 pmYou are right but this way is useful when we are going to create a footprint but I meant I am at the final step of designing and don't want to change footprint.

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2016, 11:42:36 am
content: Finally I my self found the solution which is :Go with "find similar object" set your view point and press "OK" >> now you can change any options of same objects (like shape of layer for pads) just in an action.Well done
Measuring distances for pcb library - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2016, 07:02:24 pm
content: HelloI am creating a pcb library, so now I wanna draw line on top overlay and I want to draw it in exact size from datasheet.I know it can be possible by measuring distance tools but it can be a bit difficult to draw in this way.Is there another way to draw a square shape in exact size ??Thx in advanced

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2016, 02:15:29 am
content: Quote from: mov-jump on March 11, 2016, 07:02:24 pmHiWith some packages, you draw an arbitrary square and then click on properties. You enter the correct dimensions in that pop up and that's all there is to it.Bob

author: exmadscientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2016, 03:24:49 am
content: Or just use the "PCB Inspector" panel. Draw something approximately correct, arrange it to be perfect using the Inspector, and copy-and-paste as required.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2016, 04:00:02 pm
content: Or set the grid to the appropriate unit and any fraction of the desired measurement.If you want to show the dimension for some reason, that's under P, D, L (Place/Dimension/Linear), or the other kinds.Tim

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2016, 04:49:46 pm
content: For simple shapes I tend to use the jump dialog. Start off with JR to work from origin then series of JL to draw shape outline then move whole shape to where I want it.

author: kendalll
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2016, 07:27:25 pm
content: I temporarily set the origin to the corner of the shape I'm drawing then edit the line lengths in their properties to get exact dimensions.

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2016, 09:26:02 pm
content: thank you with these ways.I drew it perfectly with your help specially linear dimension.Now I have another problem with Auto routing which that must be in the other topic (for category forum rule)

author: uncle_bob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 14, 2016, 01:56:44 am
content: Quote from: mov-jump on March 13, 2016, 09:26:02 pmHiThe simple answer for auto routing issues ... don't use auto routing.Bob

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2016, 05:34:59 pm
content: For more complex shapes you can also import a dxf or dwg. It's a bit clunky, though, and not often worth the trouble of firing up a proper drawing program, but if you want to do something really detailed and accurate for some reason it could be worthwhile.
Schematic capture should have Anti-aliasing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: imanhp
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 05, 2016, 10:52:09 pm
content: Are you feed up with the lack of anti-aliasing in schematic capture in Altium?If so please upvote:https://bugcrunch.live.altium.com/#Bug/6423

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2016, 07:24:46 am
content: I am not because I do not know what it is

author: mairomaster
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2016, 11:00:00 am
content: To me it was very annoying with the PCB 3D view, so I was quite happy when I found the option for anti-aliasing in the menu. It also doesn't seem to affect my system performance at all, even when it's put to maximum.With the schematics however, I have never noticed such problem, so it's never been annoying to me. It could be because of the nature of the majority of the schematic components combined with the 4K resolution I normally work at, I am not sure.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2016, 01:26:46 pm
content: No, the worst thing is when tracks disappear when you zoom out. I dont care about AA, since on the schematic, 95% of the lines are vertical or horizontal.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2016, 05:21:54 pm
content: So about those dashed lines...Have you ever watched them, while zooming in or out? The dash positions change...You can thank me laterTim
Online DRC after update PCB documents takes forever! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: slow_rider
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2014, 02:03:11 pm
content: I just finished a schematic with about 16 op-amps and about 60 other components. I go to update PCB document.... and after clicking execute changes the bar is taking forever to complete. After 10 minutes it is about 30% done. I went to DRC and removed all the checks from online checks but does not seem to made any effect. Is this normal? I am running a pretty new machine that handles SolidWorks without too much trouble and in general I don't think it's a hardware thing. I'll appreciate suggestions!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2014, 02:38:15 pm
content: Yeh, how many lines are in the ECO? Thousands?Typical seems to be maybe five lines per second, so an update to a brand new PCB file can take minutes.It should not be taking ten minutes or more.As far as I know, nothing in the PCB view (DRC, rendering or other) is active during ECO.Are there any issues with file access, perhaps from working off a network drive?Tim

author: slow_rider
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2014, 08:09:43 pm
content: All the files are located on my hard drive... I also came back and saw that it placed most of the components one on top of the others so now everything is grouped in an impossible way and when I tried to move this bulk (since Altium placed it way outside far from the board area) it started with the DRC again... Oh man...

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 04:42:12 pm
content: change the drc choices in the drc managerT-D , click 'rules to check in the left pane.you get a grid. in the column 'online' disable all but short circuit , clearance , net antennaein your project settings : C - O under class generation : turn off rooms if you don;t use those.in the design rules D-R disable all but clearnace,planeconnect,polygonconnect,unroutednet and width.your machine should now blast through the online checker. the other stuff you really dont need during active layout. ( unless oyu are doing controlled impedance , bga fanout etc )those can be run in the batch processor as part of the release

author: shakaibsafvi@gmail.com
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2016, 09:03:12 am
content: HiIf you have used Teardrops, try removing them and route the whole board. Then add Teardrops, Polygon Pours, DRC etc....
Librarys - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: modernjack3
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2016, 09:32:17 am
content: Can somebody tell me how to Import librarys into Altuim 14.3?And I am looking for a library that includes the IC "SN74HC595N"...

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2016, 10:00:55 am
content: The TI library has that. It was shipped with Altium by default, at least the last version I've used. Just look around in folders. Otherwise, there is a library tab. And you can always just drag the file to the window.

author: jmarkwolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2016, 12:23:48 pm
content: Select Design then Add/Remove library.Browse to the folder holding the library in question and select it.

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2016, 04:18:10 pm
content: HelloI need BS170 schematic library.please help me.THX in advance

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2016, 08:11:29 pm
content: I think Altium stopped bundling their comprehensive library catalog with the installer. You can access them if you log into Altiums vault or download them individually from the website. In the time taken to log in here and ask for a particular part, you could have created the part in your own custom library.

author: Christe4nM
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 04:37:35 pm
content: Learn to create your own. This is an important part of working with a schematic/PCB CAD suite. When using existing libraries you need to check the symbol and footprint against your datasheet anyway. The chance that your part doesn't fit is always possible if you don't.So use that datasheet and make your own. It's usually about 5 minutes each for your schematic symbol and your footprint.Here's the link:https://techdocs.altium.com/display/ADOH/Creating+Library+Components+Tutorial

author: mov-jump
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2016, 08:54:55 am
content: thank you engineers.
Looking for logic gate ICs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Plexter
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 03:45:57 pm
content: Hello,I'm looking for generic logic to put in a schematic using Altium. I couldn't find any in the MiscellaneousDevices or perhaps I need to look for a specific IC. Is there something I can use in the generic library or do I need to install a certain manufacturer's library?I don't need to simulate the circuit and I don't need a PCB footprint as well. Just the schematic part.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 03:57:57 pm
content: If you only need a schematic symbol, why not pick any random gate that looks right?Tim

author: Plexter
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 04:11:08 pm
content: That's exactly what I'm trying to achieve but I can't find any logic gates in the standard library

author: Christe4nM
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 04:21:08 pm
content: It takes less than 5 minutes to add your own and it's very easy. I wonder what's holding you back to do so?(https://techdocs.altium.com/display/ADOH/Creating+Library+Components+Tutorial#CreatingLibraryComponentsTutorial-CreatingaNewSchematicComponent)

author: pBoev
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 05:03:14 pm
content: Quote from: Christe4nM on March 03, 2016, 04:21:08 pmI was being lazy. I ended up creating the components. Thanks for the link.
How to remove solder mask polygon plane - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: alex934
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 07:53:42 pm
content: Hi everyone,I design a PCB where I have on the bottom severals square electrodes( see the attachment)My electrodes are surrounded by a polygon plane. This plane should be solder with a cable to a potential, so i don't want the solder mask on it. How can I remove it?Thank you very much

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2016, 04:40:08 pm
content: On the solder mask layer, put a Fill or Region over the desired area.Tim

author: alex934
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2016, 06:44:12 pm
content: Thank you but what if my design is like (see attachment)I have to fill the blue part by hand?And how I can do the opposite, I have a component which is an electrode, I don't want to sodler component on it so I don't want the copper exposed, how should I do?Thank you

author: Christe4nM
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 04:53:17 pm
content: Quote from: alex934 on February 22, 2016, 06:44:12 pmIf I understand you correctly: what you want is that in your picture the copper becomes mask and the mask becomes copper?1) Soldermask over copper pads:double click the pad for options -> bottom right you can set the solder mask expansion. -> Select "Force Complete Tenting on TOP / BOTTOM" (AD16) or select "Specify Expansion Values" -> Value: -12) Putting soldermask over something:You need to realize that the soldermask layers are 'negative' layers. This means that you draw something on the layer where you DON'T want soldermask. Everywhere else it's masked. So if you need to remove the soldermask around complex shapes you will need to place polygons/regions on the soldermask layer to make that happen. Sorry that is the way it works.Tip: If you put the soldermask layer in your footprint, you only have to draw the complex shape once. (Only you always need it with that footprint of course)
Polygon same net clearance - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: stejo780
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2016, 10:15:41 pm
content: Hi,I have trouble to set up a polygon to pads clearance rule when the two are in the same net. More precisely GND pads to a GND polygon on an outer layer. The clearance rule for the polygon in beautifully followed when repouring the polygon for other nets, but not for same net, even though my rule is set to "Any Net".Perhaps the attached image tells the story better. The online DRC triggers that there is an error, but the rule is not followed when the polygon is repoured. Any suggestions how to solve this?Kind Regards,Stefan

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2016, 11:29:52 pm
content: What pour type is the polygon set as? Usually you want "pour over all net objects".Tim

author: stejo780
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 08:35:14 am
content: Yes, it is set to "pour over all net objects", if I change this the polygon does not pour over the GND vias, which it must.I have included screenshots of the rule and the polygon properties.Thanks for your help,Stefan

author: stejo780
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 08:37:00 am
content: The only solution I have in mind right now is to place keep outs, but that should not really be necessary, should it?Cheers,Stefan

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 08:46:02 am
content: Change the layer somehow to include the layer the vias are on. If not in the Layer menu you'll probably have to tweak the rules.

author: stejo780
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2016, 09:13:55 am
content: I changed the polygon connect type to relief instead of none for the pads. In that way I could control the clerance and the width of the legs. Not exactly what I had in mind, but good enough for nowCheers,Stefan

author: Christe4nM
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 03, 2016, 04:32:56 pm
content: I remember having problems with the "InPolygon" selector before in exactly the same way. What I do is create a 2 specific rules for "Polygon Connect Style" set to 'Direct Connect' and with highest priority.Rule 1: when everything in the same net needs a direct connect- First object matches: "InNet("NetNameHere") => OR all relevant Nets. If required make a seperate rule for each layer / AND with "OnLayer()"- Second object matches: ALLRule 2: when only some components require a direct connect, other need thermal reliefs- First object matches: ( InNet("NetNameHere") AND (InComponent("Comp1") OR InComponent("Comp2")) => specifies which component in a net need a direct connect. OR the whole selector for other nets. Or for clarity create a single rule per net + component set.- Second object matches: ALL
PCB Place menu (or P shortcut) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PeteT
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2016, 01:25:48 pm
content: Afternoon,I'm attempting to place my layer stack table on a mechanical layer on a PCB, and I appear to have lost both the 'place' menu. I can't get to it with the shortcut 'P' either. I'm not aware of having done anything myself to remove or disable it, does anyone have any ideas as to how I can get it back?TIA,Cheers,Peteedit: to add that this is using Altium 15.0

author: PeteT
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2016, 04:49:15 pm
content: I've sorted this now - and for reference should anyone else search this in the future, I went to:'View''Toolbars''Customise''Toobars' tabHighlight 'PCB Menu' and click 'restore' at the bottom of that window, which takes it back to its default state.Hope this is of use to someone...Cheers,Pete
Rules are driving me nuts... Some help would be appreciated  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2016, 07:47:06 pm
content: This is driving me bonkers. I have a PCB with some stringent isolation requirements. So, obviously, I need some rules. They seem to work, kinda, but also not. For simplicity, I disabled most rules except for these:Basically, "regular" 0.2mm clearance, 6.1mm clearance on outer layers and 2.5mm on inner layers. So far so good. Now look at the picture. I took a trace from "IO3" and routed it towards "IO2". Obviously, the rules made me "hit the wall". You can see a 6.1mm clearance to a pad (SOIC IC) with "ISO2", which is correct. It also shows the clearance to a much closer pad, basically the TH pad of a Y2 cap. Clearance there is much less, less than 2.5mm even.So... What the heck is going on?? From what I can tell, all TH constructs (including vias I think) are not taken into account for the clearance... So, why? And how can I fix it?

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2016, 08:07:14 pm
content: Quote from: Ice-Tea on February 16, 2016, 07:47:06 pmBit of a gotcha I guess. Whilst through hole pads and vias have parts of them ton the top layer they are actually classed as being on the "Multilayer"

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2016, 09:08:55 pm
content: So, as far as rules go they do not exist on top and bottom per example?Kill me now...

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2016, 09:56:02 pm
content: OK... follow up question.I can see how I could cook up a rule against "Multilayer". But how then would I make a rule that would have a different clearance for multilayer parts on outer and inner layers??

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2016, 09:59:59 pm
content: Try (OnOutside OR OnMultiLayer) instead of named layers.Tim

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2016, 09:06:50 pm
content: Yep, that's better. Now for the following part: a mechanical, non-plated hole is also a multilayer part. So that also generates errors where it should not. Can obviously exclude "No Net" parts but my clearance rules are starting to read like an encyclopedia.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2016, 07:01:33 pm
content: They don't have to be pretty, they just have to work...And hey, it's not like it's the tax code (which doesn't even have to work!)...Tim

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2016, 08:53:35 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on February 22, 2016, 07:01:33 pmAh, well, this is where the customer disagrees. He likes things pretty.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2016, 09:36:07 pm
content: ONOUTSIDE OR ISVIA OR ISPAD
Net Highligh too dark - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rascupanamuha
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 18, 2016, 01:56:58 pm
content: Hi. This is my first post here and i need helpThe problem is that my net highlighthing (ctrl+left mouse click on net) become too dark so i cant see other nets.How can i revert id back to normal highlithing?

author: defter
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 18, 2016, 03:19:22 pm
content: SHIFT+C clears the highlighting. You can set highlighting factor in the down right corner under mask level.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2016, 04:51:27 pm
content: The [ and ] keys change the mask level as a shortcut, too.Tim
Copy rooms with fills and poly pours - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: blueskull
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 06:47:57 am
content: Is there any way to copy room format while not only copying tracks and vias, but also copy fills and poly pours? I have a 6 ch design, manually do all of them will be too painful.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 03:56:13 pm
content: I don't know of one.Selecting them, CTRL+R and clicking the corners of the rooms isn't "too painful"...?!Tim
How to find components that were flipped on the X or Y axis? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RFRFGFT
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 15, 2016, 07:42:42 pm
content: I'm debugging a board that was laid out by an inexperienced person and they made some very rookie mistakes. Most notably, some components were flipped on the X/Y axis causing the pinouts to be mirrored. Is there an easy way to find all components that were manipulated this way? Is there a way to disable it in Altium?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2016, 03:21:09 am
content: Mirrored on the SCH or PCB..?In either case, check the SCH/PCB List Panel. Select a type (Component/Part, I suppose) and sort by orientation.Tim

author: RFRFGFT
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 16, 2016, 05:34:15 pm
content: Mirrored on the PCB unfortunately. Results in pin 1 being the top right pin instead of the top left. I've found two components so far.

author: RFRFGFT
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 02:40:19 pm
content: I can't find any distinguishing information in the pcb list panel regarding the components being flipped.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 03:31:23 pm
content: Hmm, no, it doesn't. Maybe there's something related, for example, have the Designators all been cleaned up and placed right-ways-up or are they flipped? Try turning on the Comments, see if they are mirrored?Example: if I flip this part, the designator and comment become mirrored. If I fix the designator, everything looks fine, but the pads are still swapped. But if I select the component, select the Comment (in the Inspector Panel), and optionally un-hide it, I see it is still mirrored.You can use the Filter Panel with:IsComment AND Mirrorto select the comments, then select the components/owners by following the link in Inspector. You'll have to place everything again, because I don't think there's a way to flip them in place, other than dragging each and pressing X. But all the routing is wrong anyway, so you were probably expecting that. (You can save placement by copying the X/Y positions in PCB List, doing the flip, going to edit mode, and pasting them back in.)Tim
Board cutout vs slot - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 08, 2016, 03:35:25 pm
content: If one has a slot on the board, what are the tradeoffs between making it a board cutout versus nonplated slot of the same dimensions?My design currently uses the former, and it only shows up on Gerbers if there is copper pour there. Never caused issues with US/EU vendors, but China is a different matter..So I am thinking of switching to a slot, which at least will show up in a drill file.

author: Roller Steve
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 12, 2016, 06:39:37 am
content: Oh, interesting. I didn't know slots could be defined in the drill file. How is that done? In Camtastic...?Anyway, do you provide a Fab Notes Gerber file to your pcb houses? I like to explicitly call attention to any special features, especially like slots or internal cutouts. Here's an example image. This way the pcb house doesn't have to guess to interpret my gerbers.Another good idea is to put text inside the cutout: "Slot". Maybe even do that on each layer/gerber file. I like to include the board outline (and slot outlines) in each gerber file, but I know there are two sides to that coin and it sometimes causes other problems (automatic DRC blow up).

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2016, 10:37:19 am
content: I don't think I've seen that done, but whatever floats your boat ("fabs your board"?) I guess?Traditional is outline on Keep-Out Layer, including slots/routes. Use Define Board Outline from Primitives to set the board outline object, and make slot/route outlines into board cutout Regions. Then generate .GKO output for board outline.Tim

author: Roller Steve
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 13, 2016, 03:40:43 am
content: Sure, sure. More than one way to skin a cat.I don't generate a .GKO, just the .GML (fabrication drawing/mechanical layer)

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 02:19:27 am
content: I typically do use board outline for slots, but this particular CM did not like it.To make a slot, I just add a non-plated pad and define it as a slot in properties. It appears in the drill file automatically. No need to fiddle with Camtastic or anything else.And it did keep the CM happyGood point about adding notes!

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 02:47:53 pm
content: There is also the route layer, that you can set up. That one is not rendered correctly in 3D, some effort was made but they ultimately failed. On that you can go crazy and route it through your ICs and tracks, no DRC checks whatsoever.
Altium designer transfer to pcb issue - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: giorgos3924
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 14, 2016, 09:02:19 am
content: Hello!I designing a pcb with 14 sheets in hierarchical option. In order to transfer my components to pcb doc, after executing and try to validating i get error sign in some net names without error message! See image1.With that error i get "Class already exist" error in my all sheets names and in all signal harnesses.After ignoring the above issues, the second issue that i had encounter is in Engineering Change Order when i import the objects and executing, after it, in trying to import same objects again, without change anything in pcb or in schematic, some of the objects apears again and still remaining in Engineering Change Order, I don't see the expected "no differences detected" message. This disturbing me and im afraid for pcb designSee image2.Note that my project, compiled successfully.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2016, 01:49:25 pm
content: Are your components being placed as well? If you haven't set a valid footprint (including library path), you won't get components on the PCB, and therefore the nets connecting them.It's not obvious if you have any parts with valid footprints...Tim

author: giorgos3924
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 14, 2016, 07:48:09 pm
content: And what's the "Class already exist" error which i get?
Altium alternate variant components show as not-fit on assy drawings - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dmg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2016, 04:48:43 pm
content: I'm generating output for a PCB. The project has a variant where some components are not fit and some others are substituted for different ones. The assembly drawings report is configured to show not fitted components in draft mode and add a red cross above the. The problem is that it adds a cross above components that have an alternate comoponent in the variant too, so you can't tell not-fitted from alternative components and the assy drawing is ruined. Bug maybe?edit: bug confirmed, doesn't happen on more recent altium version.
Solved, obsolete. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: evb149
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2016, 05:49:48 am
content: Solved, obsolete.

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2016, 09:09:46 am
content: 1/ Place a crosshair on the mechanical layer at the centre point where each LED is required.2/ When you "copy" your "room" you will be asked to set a reference point. Set the reference point exactly at the centre point of your existing LED in your first channel.3/ When you "paste" your room (to form your second channel), your visual crosshair will be at the centre point of your LED. Your room will be "floating" on your cursor.4/ Move your room such that your LED centre point is on top of the crosshair you placed on the mechanical layer. Fix the room onto the PCB by pressing the mouse button.5/ Rinse & repeat steps 3/ & 4/ until all your "channels" are complete.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2016, 01:05:20 pm
content: Uh... don't use brackets for writing a list.
Altum SmartPDF Printouts and Layers section LARGER - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Kanc1erz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2016, 01:44:37 am
content: Hello there.Can anyone tell me, whether there is a possibility to enlarge the printouts & layers section in the smartPDF?Now I see 3 rows, which is totally inconvenient to operate on.... ;<Thanks in advance for help

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2016, 02:58:24 am
content: Sure, throw it in an OutJob instead...If it doesn't resize with the dialog, and doesn't have a draggy bar part, then no.Tim

author: Kanc1erz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2016, 09:56:32 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on February 05, 2016, 02:58:24 amThe whole dialog cannot be resized, as well as the parts of it.I got used to that, I am gonna consider learning how to smoothly operate on outjobs.Anyway - if anyone has some ideas - please, share

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2016, 03:28:23 am
content: Smartpdf is basically a wizard for outjob pdfs, so it shouldn't be difficult to transition.Outjob tip: you can use one outjob across many different projects, so once you get an outjob setup the way you want, save it in some central location and use "Add existing" to link it into your project. It takes a bit of care to get the output paths set correctly, and you have to be careful about having more than one project open at a time when running outputs to make it work, but it makes reuse easier.
Altium bug or me doing something wrong? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dmg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2016, 06:27:45 pm
content: I have to send a design to a PCB manufacturer that for some reason can't tent vias with soldermask and it does even require a fairly large soldermask aperture for vias, meaning that the smaller vias (0,55mm pad diameter) turn out almost fully exposed. set up the "minimum soldermask silver" rule to the manufacturer recomended with the following restrictions:-First object isVia-Second object isVia or isPadThat way it won't report 264283423426423 errors because of no sufficient soldermask between pads on fine pitched QFN's and such, because those are handled by the manufacturer.So I route the board, it passes DRC and inspection, visually looks good and during the inspection phase I corrected some minimum soldermask silver errors because I placed vias too close to pads, something expected. I also checked that my design rule was working properly. I send the board to the manufacturer and it's put on hold because there are 5 places where minimum soldermask isn't met. They've sent me a picture of the violations and sure enough, vias are a little bit too close to pads and violating the rule, but altium isn't finding these errors. There's nothing special I can see about these places, they should have been detected and reported but they weren't, while all the other similar errors were. I'm trying to recreate the situation and experiment but it always detects the error.Has anyone expected something similar? It's altium 14 but i'm being upgraded soon.
Altium 3D to 2D for enclosure manufacturer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: maxpayne
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 10:09:05 am
content: How can I export different view of the PCB with components (showed in 3D view) and put dimension in each view in Altium ?I need to provide these information to enclosure manufacturer.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2016, 10:59:45 am
content: I dont think it is working that way. You can export it to step, and you can provide the a mechanical layer gerber/drawing with dimensions. Otherwise,"make a screenshot, draw the lines in paint". Altium is not really that kind of CAD designer, the 3D is there for the electronics engineer's not the mechanics engineer.STEP has a lot more information anyway. Send it to them, ask them to send back their proposal (in step, not stupid 2d!). Not the other way around.

author: HWgeek
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2016, 11:41:08 pm
content: Any decent enclosure manufacturer should be able to deal with a step file appropriately. At my work place, I regularly generate a step file of my board (or boards if they mate together) and give it to the mechanical guys. All parts with 3D in them show up, and clearances are observed etc.We do a quick cross check between certain points (usually mounting holes or a couple through hole connectors) to verify nothing got lost in translation. Hasn't to date, and everything fits nicely.