hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Via sizes for 0.75 pitch for 541 pin BGA - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ziggyfish
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 09:19:42 am
content: Hi,I am working on a PCB layout for a design which includes a 0.75mm pitch BGA. My via size and solder mask expansion should I use?I also have a 0.5 pitch BGA memory chip as well on the same board.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 02:35:35 pm
content: I hope your PCB budget is relatively large...That's probably in the domain of laser drilled microvias, or HDI. Soldermask: probably LDI.I imagine, 6 or 8 layers?Tim

author: ziggyfish
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 12:23:31 am
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on May 01, 2017, 02:35:35 pmYeah, it needs at least 6 layers for the DDR3 interface anyway.Anyway, I am reading through,IPC-7095B (2008). This should answer my question.ThanksBrendan

author: Daixiwen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 09:31:52 am
content: check with your PCB manufacturer what they can do before you are too deep in the layout phase. They usually have DRC tables such asthis onethat give you minimum pad diameter and clearance value so that you can plan your fan out accordingly. The price goes up with the classification of course so if what you planned is almost at the limit of a classification it can pay off to adjust just under the limit and go down one class.If you need to do via in pads you need also to check with both the PCB manufacturer and the facility doing the soldering. You'll probably have to use filled vias to avoid soldering problems.

author: dmills
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2017, 06:50:41 pm
content: Xilinx have a very useful guide to escape routing strategy for large fine pitch BGAs, nothing at 0.75 but they show a 0.8mm part.https://www.xilinx.com/support/documentation/user_guides/ug1099-bga-device-design-rules.pdfWith a suitably fine pitch capable board house you might be able to avoid filled and plated via in pad, but it is going to be painfully close.Regards, Dan.

author: daveshah
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 05:27:09 pm
content: I've done 1.0mm, 0.8mm and partial (i.e. some missing balls) 0.65mm BGAs on fairly readily available 4/4 mil track/space with 0.2mm drill process, for one design without any DDR3 I managed 4 layers; for a design with DDR3 and many other high speed signals I needed 8 layers.
How to auto connect power traces from Schematic to PCB in Diptrace - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: abdullahseba
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2017, 04:49:34 pm
content: HiI'm not sure of the correct terms but when I add the ground and 5v symbol in my schematic in two different places than convert my schematic to a PCB they are not connected.I do this to make the schematic as neat as possible and adding all your power lines makes it very messy.Is there any way to do this in Diptrace?Heres what I mean:Thanks in advance

author: abdullahseba
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2017, 04:56:38 pm
content: OOPS NOOB me resister is not connected

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2017, 01:08:12 am
content: When you look at your schematic, all the faint teal coloured squares are indicating that the connection has not been successful.All the bight teal circles indicate that the connections are in-deed connected.Just make sure you "grab" the component ends successfully (you can see as they change colour) before dragging the new wire to the next component. Then ensure the next component end changes colour before you "let go" of the new wire being placed.

author: Keicar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2017, 01:28:15 am
content: Yes, it's easy to miss those connections - I've developed the habit of hovering over each net with my mouse to check that everything that should be part of that net changes colour as expected.Karl.

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2017, 02:25:27 am
content: Yep great idea.For more than 25 years I used Protel/Altium but I mainly use DipTrace now as it is a very intuitive package that just gets better with every new release.
omron encoders and proximity  switches  how much do i sell them for  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jimmyneutron
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 06:30:41 am
content: so i brought a whole loft unit at a auction it went for cheap cause it was only 1m high roof on it it came with a win xp and some boxes i open them and find 7 unopened omron encoders and one opened but never used and about 10 brand new proximity switches /sensors and some other goodies but i want to know what there worth and where i could sell them in new zealand so i can get some more tools for the space thanks

author: BradC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 07:42:38 am
content: They're probably worth exactly what someone will pay for them. Bear in mind as they are in New Zealand, anyone wanting to use them in the Northern Hemisphere will require additional inverters to make them usable.Model numbers would be a good start.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 08:12:37 am
content: First of all make 100% sure they are genuine Omron and not the Ebay fakes.From outside you're almost not able to tell but from the inside you can look at the quality of the pcb, soldering/reflowing and the used components.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 08:39:45 am
content: Most of the people who would buy these new would not buy them from some random person on ebay, so don't think you will get anything remotely near the list price. Maybe 10% if you're lucky.Just put them on ebay starting at 99 cents & let the market decide. Offer international shipping for anything small/light.

author: jimmyneutron
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 04:28:24 am
content: hey this is this infoRotary encoder Model E6C2-CWZVolts 5 to 24V DC500 P/R4m cord

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 07:45:32 am
content: The big question remains are they original or fake.Unless you have a proof of origin of purchase IMO you will have a big problem in selling them.Farnell real one : $300 selling price to interested hobbieist $30-50Ebay fake one : $30 selling price to anyone serious $0

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 07:54:54 am
content: incremental encoder is expensive to my dictionary for only tracking position, though i'm not sure what it can offer more than position tracking, and whats with the power wires etc... this is unknown from china brand, original omron should be much more expensive. but as i said, even for china brand, its still expensive to my dictionary...http://www.ebay.com.my/itm/360-600P-R-Photoelectric-Incremental-Rotary-Encoder-5-24V-AB-Two-Phases-Shaft-/142133029511?var=&hash=item2117c9ea87:m:miAAqDospQN2_5XmhdmG4HQpictures of the items may help... what about the proximity sensors? how about PMing me your offer price and registered tracking number mail to malaysia?
1.2mm thick pcb fab house, gold plate option?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Daque
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2012, 09:19:02 pm
content: I need to do a tiny board . The problem is the places I have PCBs had boards made all do 0.062" thick (1.6mm) boards and have a minimum size for the board. A board that thick just won't fit the slot.The board needs to fit a slot so it needs to be 1.3mm max thickness, 1.2 mm seems to be the closest standard thickness. They would also have problems with the size of the PCB its tiny at 6.75 mm x 18.5 mm. Gold finish on one side would be a definite plus, but not a deal breaker.Anyone know a good place to get 10 tiny thin PCBs made? I'm in the USA (Missouri) if that makes a difference,

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2012, 09:39:33 pm
content: Seeed is probably a good bet - they can do 1.2mm and enig, and cheap - but take about a month to get donehttp://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/fusion-pcb-service-p-835.html?cPath=185

author: Daque
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2012, 10:25:29 pm
content: Wow I got a reply fast! thanks!I was worried they would balk about it being to small because Please try make your PCB width larger than 20mm to reduce our manufacturing cost."I guess I could panelize 5 boards into one. Never done that.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2012, 10:27:43 pm
content: Well, I read "please try" as "if you can't, that's okay".So I would just give it a try and see if they complain about the size

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2012, 10:49:11 am
content: Usually boards that small would be tab routed or v-scored, rather than completely and individually routed like Seeed/Itead do with all the boards they make. I guess going too small makes that difficult to work with.

author: ejeffrey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 08:53:55 pm
content: Eurocircuits is not the cheapest boardhouse around, but they are very flexible. The good thing is the price stays reasonable when you get into more funky requirements. They can do various thicknesses, colors, surface treatment, and they have no minimum board size. I have made 1.5 cm x 2 cm boards with weird routed contours and ENIG finish and they are happy to do it.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 10:27:27 pm
content: try sierra proto express. if they can't make it it can't be done ...

author: Daque
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 05:23:17 pm
content: Ended up using Seeedstudio. We get 100 from a 10 cm square board so the price is right.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Alibre is back - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ehughes
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2017, 07:36:30 pm
content: https://www.alibre.com/alibre-llc-faq/I dropped maintenance when 3d systems ruined the product. I will actually be paying again. I found it to the best value for a commercial CAD tool.

author: ehughes
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2017, 04:58:08 pm
content: $400 for those who let it lapse.
New Version control for pCB files - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2017, 03:56:34 pm
content: Received and email from a new startup that is working on a version control for Eagle files. It has a visual comparison function. Cadlab.ioTold them I can't use new (being polite; I really mean "untested") version control system that is hosted on somebody else's server and which requires subscription.May be I was too harsh

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2017, 08:54:39 pm
content: A big advantage to off-site is that you don't have to manage. I'd rather spend my time designing new products and validating and improving existing ones over managing an IT system.This does look rather promising. Too bad I already left Eagle for greener pastures.

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 03:33:39 am
content: Provided your PCB package has either a native ASCII database, or reliable options to export/import in ASCII, then standard Source Version Control tools should work fine.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 04:09:17 am
content: been using Git for ages with both Eagle and Altium.. Its ok.

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2017, 03:12:10 am
content: git works great with Altium binary files... yeah you can't merge branches, but that's not really how you do PCB design anyway (and even with ascii pcb format, trying to merge 2 different versions of a PCB file with 2 different areas of different changes would be hell. PCB ASCII format is hardly source code... :-)speaking of merging pcb variants, Altium itself does have a visual pcb diff tool, but I've never been unlucky enough to have to seriously use it to merge different branches of a PCB design, and I hope I never am...

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2017, 04:01:14 am
content: I agree.. PCB design and coding are not really the same. :-) And as yet, I've never had to do a merge.. I find its more about keeping track of versions thats important. You can easily backtrack.Altium has SVN built in, i dont' know why they wont' support git natively. I just use git from the command line.. In fact i pretty much use git from the command line for everything ( code as well )..
Open footprint description language and open footprint database - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: clonet
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 08:17:13 pm
content: Hi EEVforumers,this is my first post hereI'm organizing a database of all the components I have (I'm using partkeepr) and I'm struggling with the large variety of different fooptints/packages.At the moment I'm more or less inserting the footprints by hands or by performing simple sql queries on the backend... but it's boring, time comsuming, and above all I'm sure it's something a lot of other people has already done before.So, I'm wondering if some standard language exists for the description of footprints and/or packages... Anyone knows?At least some sort of "open-database" of standard footprints, maybe collaborative...?I don't know if it makes sense to ask, but I've the clear feeling of repeating the work many other people have done.Cheers from Romec.

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 10:05:35 pm
content: Quote from: clonet on April 26, 2017, 08:17:13 pmLike KiCad or gEDA?

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2017, 03:12:46 am
content: You will find footprints for many components in the CAD programs used for drawing PCB's. In addition to those already mentioned, Eagle has a pretty good library of component footprints.Be aware that a manufacturer's recommendation for a component may differ from that of another manufacturer of a functionally equivalent component. That applies even for relatively standard footprints, for example the SOIC-8.Although, you can often use a stock footprint without adjustment, it is always best to check the stock footprint against the specific manufacturer's recommendation. Of course, the differences are more often significant with SMD components than with through-hole components.John
FAST PCB manufacturer for flex? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2017, 05:34:13 am
content: Moved to Manufacturing.

author: ElectronicsGuy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 25, 2017, 12:08:45 pm
content: I'm not sure if you are still looking for a fast manufacturer for flex PCBs, but I would recommend Clarydon -https://www.clarydon.com/They are a UK-based PCB manufacturer and they also have another branch for PCB assembly called Kasdon -https://www.kasdonpcb.com/

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 10:41:09 pm
content: No not really. But it would still be helpful to know... I mean, if a company that can make boards faster than about 8 business days even exists. IME this usually means 2 weeks minimum. Adding your actual experience regarding turn around time to the post might be nice.
can i have a kick start on step and 3d models (for diptrace)? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2017, 05:56:41 am
content: Because we like pretty things, i have several patterns from my libraries that don't have an associated 3d model. mainly automotive connectors and other related goodiesso i want to draw them. what could a noob read to study and program and use to accomplish such task? i know nothing about STEP models.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2017, 07:58:26 am
content: I am in a similar position, there are a number of components I would like to model but I haven't found any easy to use 3D software that is free/low cost.FreeCAD supports the .STEP format but needs time to learn. Others like Rhino3D/Inventor/SolidWorks..etc are obviously high cost.Google SketchUp doesn't support STEP natively and I get the impression that file format converters produce bloated STEP files.Is there a SketchUp style 3D editor which supports STEP natively for free or low cost (<$100)?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2017, 07:59:49 am
content: Does Fusion360 support STEP?

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 20, 2017, 08:27:34 am
content: Ahha! STEP import and export, looks intuitive and free to use, I need to try this.https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-export-a-design-in-Fusion-360.htmlhttps://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-import-or-open-a-file-in-Autodesk-Fusion-360.htmlEdit:Free for students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and startups

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2017, 08:40:26 am
content: Quote from: voltsandjolts on April 20, 2017, 07:58:26 amkeep in mind that i havenoidea of what i would have to do.i think i'll download freecad, open a 3d symbol from the diptrace library and proceed from there..

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2017, 01:28:35 pm
content: Google SketchUp (i use older ver 8 ) -> stl export plugin (Su2stl) to output stl file. and then use FreeCAD to convert to step file. all toolchains are free.https://www.cerebralmeltdown.com/cncstuff/stl/index.htmQuote from: voltsandjolts on April 20, 2017, 07:58:26 amno learning needed. just open stl file, select which object group on the left panel to export. file -> export to step file
The Living PCB Design Thread share - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ansonbao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 08:07:10 am
content: Komar ever post The Living PCB Design Thread share in other place,he wants to make this as community-written knowledge base about designing PCBs:Here I also hope Eevblog engineers can also share anything you know about designing electronics: software, tutorials, theory, etc.Like:Schematic design:pin- a dash on the schematic which represents an electrical connector in a component, which can be connected to a different pinnet-a line representing an electrical connection between 2 or more pinsbus - a thicker line representing a logical group of netslabel - a name for a net, in EDA software, 2 nets with the same label will usually be treated as connected together, though various types of labels exist in various software (global, hierarchical, sheet labels, etcPCB designPCB (Printed Circuit Board) - a sheet of sturdy laminate (usually FR-4) with electrical connections made of copper, which are used to conduct current between different components on the boardpad - 1. a hole in the PCB surrounded with a copper ring used to mount THT components by putting a pin inside the hole and soldering it to the ring; 2. a shape (usually rectangular) made of copper used to solder pins of SMD componentsSMT (Surface-Mount Technology) - a technique of mounting components based on soldering their pins onto the surface of the board, on the same side as the componentSMD (Surface Mounted Devices) - devices soldered using SMTFree EDA software:KiCad (http://www.kicad-pcb.org)Eagle (free for up to 100 x 80 mm boards, 2 layers, one schematic sheet)... write a post to add more, if you've used it and and you like it!

author: ansonbao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 08:14:32 am
content: Exporting gerbers from kicad -http://breadboardkiller.com/index.php/blog/82-exporting-gerbers-from-kicad

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 08:21:55 am
content: Quotei am eevblog reader,you can ask me any questions about typing technology.i think typing is a important communication tool,i am not come for punctuation,neither for grammar Things I'll add:- decide if you do one symbol per group (i.e R) or one per type of resistor (120R_1%_0402)- have a plan for easy reuse of your work- learn how to do version control and proper backups- work with the DRC not against it- learn to use a SPICE simulator, simulate, breadboard, then design- consider testing and prioritize it for the first revision. Many test pads, many 0R jumpers (to isolate parts of schematic). If it could fail, make sure you have a way around itI like and use KiCAD for private stuff, and Altium at work. Altium is objectively a whole lot better than any other I've tried - but also much more expensive.Not sure if this thread is really worth while as each topic is a huge thread in itself. Even something as simple as the pad, it's size, it's solder mask expansion, the paste aperture etc etc.
Issue with DRC and Kicad ground plane - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mribble
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2017, 09:24:49 pm
content: The attached image is part of my pcb from Kicad. If you look at the triangular gnd plane there is a 10K resistor and 0.1uF cap connected on their gnd pins and then there is a via going to the gnd plane. However, that part of the gnd plane is isolated from the rest of the gnd plane and there are lots of other gnd pins.When I run DRC it says everything is connected, but these gnd pins aren't actually connected to other gnd pins. If I delete the via then kicad recognizes that area of the pcb shouldn't be ground filled. However it seems to think if a single gnd pin has a via to the plan then that plan is connected to all gnd pins.Is is a known issue with Kicad's drc or is there some setting I should change?Thanks in advance!

author: ohdsp
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2017, 09:51:17 pm
content: Looks like a bug to me, are you running the latest version of KiCad?This sort of thing would be better reported KiCad so they can fix it!http://kicad-pcb.org/help/report-a-bug/

author: mribble
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2017, 10:22:50 pm
content: Thanks ohdsp!I created a simple test for this and it worked correctly (drc flagged the separate ground planes as not connected). So it does seem like something is either wrong with my pcb or there is a bug in kicad. I can't see what would be wrong with my pcb (since all the pins are marked as GND and that is the netlist for my copper fill) so I filed a bug as you suggested. I attached some files to the bug to reproduce the issue.Version info is also in the bug (it's the most recent stable version).https://bugs.launchpad.net/kicad/+bug/1670502

author: ohdsp
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2017, 10:33:07 pm
content: Just a random thought; if you go to menu Tools and Netlist, there is a "Rebuild Board Connectivity" button. I have had KiCad do some strange things after importing a Netlist if I do not click this button. Doesn't look like that would fix this issue though, and you might have tried it already.Edit: That's using the menus in Pcbnew for the PCB layout.

author: mribble
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2017, 10:37:22 pm
content: I don't use that button so your good idea got my hopes up. Unfortunately, it did not fix the problem.

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 09, 2017, 05:57:43 pm
content: You are using the old "default" canvas, very little work has been done on that since the new OpenGL canvas was released.Try switching (F11 / View menu) the canvas to see if the issue is still there.
DesignSpark PCB, problem with updating footprints - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: szlovak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2017, 03:05:41 pm
content: HelloDid anyone came across problem with changing part and then forwarding changes to PCB in version 8? I'm not sure if this problem persists in version 7.2 , I opened some older projects and everything works OK. It works at he beginning of creating a schematic and PCB, but then footprints are missing on PCB after changes were forwarded to PCB. If I would translate schematic from scratch to PCB then it works, but after this you can be almost be sure that it will stop to work. Although DS PCB has some issues, I think it's still better than Eagle, Kicad because of the large part database that I always missed in those programs. You can even import parts from Excel app that transfers it into DS PCB. Auto-router is poor, but it's not the most important thing. But all this is not an issue , until this one with footprints. Has anyone a workaround for this?
Adding models in LTspice - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dijital
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2017, 05:24:09 am
content: So I am brand new to LTspice, have about 20 minutes of use total under my belt. Basically I don't know anything.I'm trying to add thishttps://www.diodes.com/assets/Spice-Models/Discrete-Prodcut-Groups/Zener-Diodes.txtto my...library?I copied it into Documents\LTspiceXVII\lib\sub and did the .include Zener-Diodes.txt thing. Set prefix of the zener on my schematic to X and the Value to MMBZ5227BS.It just throws an error "Unknown subcircuit ..."I searched around for answers but the terminology is so thick I'm suffocating. So I am hoping someone can break down how to do this.
Need assistance with positive resist pcb please - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LKO Railroad
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 05:01:28 pm
content: Hi. New user here. Kindly asking your assistance.I have made many PCBs with MG Chemicals boards, developer, and etch. The results have always been pretty good. All of a sudden I am getting consistent failures. Nothing has changed in my process. I've tried fresh boards and developer but get same problem.The boards come out of the developer looking as if they are overexposed. I tried stacking art screens, no difference. I exposed a board for half the normal amount of time and it reacted as you would expect - developing took much longer but ultimately got same result.There are odd wave patterns across the boards and large areas of complete washout. My glass is flat and the board is sitting tight and flat against the art. When the art and board are viewed during exposing everything looks normal. The washout areas occur in random places and sizes from board to board. I normally use silk screen film which has always worked well. I tried a transparency but got same results.For the life of me I can't find anything different from how I have always done this. Any clues?(There is some residual water on this board. Very noticeable on the left. Sorry, I didn't dry it well before taking the picture.)

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 05:12:06 pm
content: That is puzzling.I would try developing an unexposed board (or part of a board if you can cut it). The resist should develop all blue-green. If the color is not even, then it is most likely a bad board. Like, light leaks during manufacturing or shipping. Bad or poorly stirred developer might cause unevenness too, but I suspect you are using good developer, and your procedure has not changed.John

author: MrBungle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 05:23:31 pm
content: Looking at those patterns I'd put money on bad resist. If it were me, I'd be going back to the manufacturer.

author: LKO Railroad
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 09:03:17 pm
content: I developed an unexposed board. Same wave patterns and it too has washout area. Relieved to know my process isn't the problem. I'm going back to the supplier. Thanks for the suggestion guys.

author: LKO Railroad
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 04:49:55 pm
content: I received new boards. They expose and develop correctly. Appears I had a bad batch of boards. It dawned on me the bad boards were delivered to my house on a brutally cold day. They sat in a box outside for probably 6-8 hours. I wonder if freeze thaw had something to do with it.Regardless, I am back in the board making business.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 07:45:37 pm
content: I suspect freeze thaw did nothing. If the packages were not well sealed, irregular condensation of water could have occurred that might have done something. Although, I doubt that was the cause either.John
CircuitStudio vs. CircuitMaker - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ahrenp
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 11:07:53 pm
content: I've been looking at CircuitStudio due to it's attractive pricing this month and I am wondering about the differences between it and CircuitMaker. Besides the cloud/community aspect of CircuitMaker and its limitations are there any other differences between the two programs? Any major benefits to CircuitStudio? How does the library system in CircuitMaker compare? Octopart library integration vs Altium Vault?

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 09:19:05 pm
content: I use circuitstudio daily, and looked at circuitmaker as a package to introduce some folks at our local hackerspace to.If you completely ignore all the cloud aspects they're extremely similar with a change of colour.However you can't ignore the cloud aspects. The biggest thing with the cloud in CM that turned me off is it only allows you to add components to your projects that have come from their server. So there's no such thing as a local library of components. When you create a component, you have to upload it to the community for anyone to use before you can even drop it on a schematic.For me this is a complete debacle of a situation and has lead to the community being proliferated with useless, untested parts created by people who don't really know what they're doing. I'm a big fan of OS, but there's no way I want to put out a symbol/footprint for a component before I've been able to build the prototype and know it's correct.CS is basically the same software but has the same local storage (or use your own SVN) and library management as Altium Designer, which I personally like.

author: Ahrenp
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 11:28:12 pm
content: Thanks for the info, I was not aware of the restrictions on library components. I've downloaded both CircuitMaker and a trial version CircuitStudio and played around with them both a bit. One interesting difference I found is that CS does not seem to support net classes while CM does, which isn't a huge deal but it seems like a strange omission.Do you have any experience with the Altium vault? I have been able to find parts in it but it was a less than ideal experience as several components would show up during a search with 20 columns of unreadable information. I haven't found a way to permanently filter the columns to make it easier to find what I'm looking for.I've created a few test components and do find the local library management in CS to be quite good.
Details on shiny SMD capacitors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Bancroftjo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2017, 03:17:51 am
content: I just got a new multimeter (Hioki DT4282) and took it apart to see the build quality. On the PCB I found some components I would like to know more about. I assume they are capacitors since they are labeled "C". One can be seen in my attachment and is labeled C211 towards the middle of the photo. They are very shiny and look like the mineral tiger eye. Can someone give me some information about these components, or at least enough for me to find them in a web search?Thank YouJon

author: rs20
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2017, 03:54:36 am
content: Interesting, I had sort of considered NP0/C0G MLCCs to have rendered film capacitors kind-of obsolete (high voltage stuff aside), without really thinking about it. Comparison:Film capacitors vs NP0 MLCC capacitors

author: spudboy488
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2017, 12:30:45 pm
content: They almost look laser trimmed. Possibly active laser tuning the circuit? C66 and C67 also look like they were tuned.

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2017, 10:38:28 am
content: I would select these particular film caps because the stripes look awesome!As for why the multimeter designers would... depending on what the multimeter circuit is doing there, there's 2 immediate reasons I can come up with where you could go to film caps instead of the usual ceramics:1) some kinds of film cap are available in very tight value tolerance, much better than your average COG/NPO ceramic and maybe they really want to nail the corner frequency of some filter stages across the whole production? (and maybe they are also laser trimmed in order to do this?)2) film capacitors generally exhibit better linearity than ceramics. (though I admit I'm not sure what a handheld DMM would do where this matters? I'd expect you could call that out at the end anyway. IME it's only really audio where people care about film caps anymore... so I'm expecting it'll be 1)

author: Mattylad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2017, 01:54:46 pm
content: C66 and C67 look like they are upside down to me.

author: dmills
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 12:53:31 pm
content: C211 is an integrator cap (connected in the feedback loop of the AD8539) for which low dielectric absorption is an important figure of merit, my guess is that this is what drove the choice.One thing to watch if using surface mount film, is that the reflow profile is critical, they really mean that maximum temperature limit....Regards, Dan.
What terminals to use for stacked boards - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: danjenkins
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2017, 04:33:05 pm
content: I'd like to stack a bunch of boards with terminal blocks on the edges of each of them. The boards are stacked with only 10mm of spacing in between them. With regular terminal blocks, the screw terminal is inaccessible once you stack the boards.What's something that works like a terminal block except lets you adjust the tightness on the edge as well?I was looking at Weidmuller but was wondering if there's a better solution out there?http://www.clrwtr.com/PDF/Weidmuller/Weidmuller-OMNIMATE-Signal-Terminals.pdf
Electronic CAD terminology in German (translation needed) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Neganur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 13, 2017, 03:46:44 pm
content: Perhaps some of the native speakers can help me out since I am losing fluency in my native tongue after being so many years abroadAn interesting discussion at work sparked a comparison of CAD terminology in English to Finnish and German.While some terms definitely translate literally (or figuratively) I cannot for the life of me remember some of the German words...I wonder if I actually ever learned the German term since I feel completely comfortable using the English word in a German sentence.English term - German term"Land pattern / footprint" - ??"Layer" - ??"Silk screen" - ??"paste mask" - ??"trace" - ?? (Leiterbahn? sounds so strange to my ears... >.<)"Via" - "Durchkontaktierung""Solder (stop) mask / solder resist" - "Lötstopmaske""Screen printing" - "Siebdruck""Slot" - "Langloch""Ground plane" - "Massefläche"

author: hammy
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 13, 2017, 04:36:29 pm
content: "Land pattern / footprint" - Gehäusebauform"Layer" - Lage / Kupferlage"Silk screen" - Bestückungsdruck"paste mask" - Schablone für Lötpaste ("Stencil")"trace" - Leiterbahn"Via" - Durchkontaktierung >(short form: "DuKo")"Solder (stop) mask / solder resist" - "Lötstoppmaske""Screen printing" - "Siebdruck"-> For self etching? Or exposure to light for DIY pcbs?"Slot" - Langloch"Ground plane" - MasseflächeQuoteYes. Not all words are translated or used in german. It is common to use the englisch words for layer, stencil, via, groundplane, reference-plane, pitch ("Rastermaß") and footprint.

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 10:26:33 am
content: Use Google.de to find or also I use translator sometimes.

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 10:59:05 pm
content: Quote from: richardlawson1489 on March 23, 2017, 10:26:33 amI don't recommend that. Using Google translator on those technical terms (especially without context) will provide some good fun, but rarely the correct terms.

author: bitwelder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2017, 10:11:34 am
content: Half-serious proposal: make a test installation of KiCAD and switch to different languages (or just browse their i18n source code)
Allegro RF path length annoyance - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2017, 02:06:24 am
content: Many times I lay out RF paths with special features drawn as shapes, and the rest as clines... of course, now the "net" information only calculates the clines for the "total length".This reports meaningless information when I want to compare, you know, length...I have to mess around manually to get totals... Is there a property I can add to the shape so it adds length to the net? Or am I doing something wrong? Maybe I can just route a cline inside the shape to add to the total but I don't know if Allegro does something weird to these clines. I know that the cline can change the outline of the shape if I'm not careful.

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2017, 07:34:12 pm
content: I don't play around with RF so I can't help with the first part, but if you go into constraints manager you can set up minimum and maximum lengths. This will probably only work for the Clines though.
cant open schematic and pcb files - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Villain
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2017, 05:50:04 pm
content: hey guys,i am very interested in a power supply schematic from linear technologies and they have the schematics and gerber files to download:http://www.linear.com/docs/44898the formats are .pho .rep and so on..i cant open them with eagle and i would really like to do that..can someone maybe help me with this i am all new to pcb stuff..

author: Mattylad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2017, 07:26:22 pm
content: Use GCPrevue fromwww.graphicode.com. (other free gerber viewers are available)The files you want to open are the the .pho ones as Gerber, also the .drl file as a drill file.
Do you think AnDapt's Customizable PMICs Can Upset the PMIC Market? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: coldmama9
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 26, 2017, 01:47:30 pm
content: Last December, AnDapt started a customizable PMIC service that shortens development time significantly. They claim such can imbalance the PMIC market. What are your opinions on this? (AnDapt and their online development tools can be searched through Google).

author: mmagin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2017, 08:20:11 pm
content: So this is some kind of CPLD/FPGA type thing with PMIC bits on-board?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 26, 2017, 10:11:56 pm
content: Are you fishing for info for an article in the magazine?

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2017, 12:55:26 am
content: Quote from: coldmama9 on February 26, 2017, 01:47:30 pmFrankly I can do the same thing with a PSoC so I don't see why I would? (The PSoC can do trim/margin, power good, voltage/current monitoring plus rail sequencing for up to 18 rails! Fully customizable.)

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2017, 01:40:29 am
content: well, you got me to google them... good job.Surely suitability of a product like this all comes down to PRICE?As mentioned above, other flexible solutions do a lot of this already... And, well, dumb PMICs are plentiful - the trick is just finding the right one for your application. (but many complex devices nowdays have reference designs that have a part they use for this job already if you're stuck)so answer the 2 questions:1) how much work is it to configure a multi domain supply using anDapt vs PSoC vs just combing through existing "dumb" PMIC part lists for the one that does what you need?2) what's anDapt cost to use in the application, per PCB vs a PSoC or a generic dumb PMIC chip?and there's your answer for anDapt in general.Not sure I have the time or nerve to go and use anDapt in a design without some very good reason to try and without some good reassurance that things will work out. Generally the boards needing a good PMIC are very complex, and therefore expensive to prototype and respin. It'd suck having a complex board fail to work right because the PMIC wasn't right! You need some pretty big benefits to balance out a risk like that!
Stupid questin re: Crystal Layout... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2017, 09:25:38 pm
content: "put the crystal as close as possible to the oscillator pins... yada yada..."I'm curious: If your microcontroller uses a 32kHz crystal and an internal PLL instead of a xxMHz crystal, does the PCB layout for the crystal become less critical due to lower frequency and lower emissions concerns? Or does the signal level decrease because of the "low power" oscillator mean that it stays about the same?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 01:08:34 am
content: It's just as susceptible because the impedance is very high (~100kohms).Tim
Is the Circuit Studio price on element 14 for non-eagle license holders too? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: alank2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2017, 06:14:13 pm
content: I went to Element 14 and searched for it and it came up 499. Does this mean you don't need an Eagle license to do it?

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 23, 2017, 07:11:44 pm
content: Hmmm, I see that too!!! If its real Altium are really gonna clean-up.I realise CS has some limitations but at GBP395+VAT and subscription at GBP115+VAT (for now) seems like a really good deal.Edit: circuitstudio.com still says $995

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 23, 2017, 07:21:59 pm
content: Does CS come with the first year subscription included or do you have to buy that separately?i.e. is it GBP395 or is it GBP395+115 for first year (if you actually want updates)?

author: jc101
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2017, 09:50:27 pm
content: You get the 1st year subscription in the purchase price.
LM324 Based Function Generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: johnnyblaz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 25, 2017, 07:42:36 pm
content: Hi There!I'm trying to make a function Generator using LM324 but the output is not as desired. When I change the resistor and capacitor values, I get a straight line at the output. I added a 2 pole RC Filter to get the triangle and sine waves but I need to change the frequency and amplitude of the Triangle wave to 5 khz, 5 Volt and the sine wave to 50Hz, 5 volt. How do I change it........ Kindly help.Thanks

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2017, 11:45:00 pm
content: where is the circuit?

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 04:08:54 pm
content: The trinagle wave part is about normal for a ver low cost, low frequency version. However the way to make a sine from the triangle will not work this way - at best it is frequency dependent, as it is only an integrator applied to the sine. So the amplitude of the waveform will be invers proportional to frequency.Usually function generators us a nonlinear but frequency independent circuit to make a sine like waveform. This could be something like an 2 transistor difference amplifier driven to partial saturation. Another option is a chain of diodes to make a kind of part wise linear circuit.The LM324 may show a lot of take over distortion, so it may result in a poor waveform.

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 09:59:44 am
content: Quote from: johnnyblaz on April 25, 2017, 07:42:36 pmIf you have 5KHz and need 50Hz, that's 100x lower, so just multiply the timing resistors by 100.What exactly are you wanting tousethis for ? What stability and accuracy do you need ?LM324 is close to the worst OpAmp out there, and most 100nF caps will have poor precision and drift.

author: hugo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 11:20:35 pm
content: Don't bother making that one, it's not worth it :http://www.ebay.ca/itm/XR2206-Function-Signal-Generator-DIY-Kit-Sine-Triangle-Square-Output-1HZ-1MHZ-/131932524140?hash=item1eb7ca8e6c:g:q94AAOSwknJX0VLL
Review of EasyEDA pcbs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: GreggD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2017, 07:33:51 pm
content: Review of EasyEDA pcbs.I did not use there online design software just submitted my own gerbers.Four layer~50 x 94 mm1.2mm thick, 1-OZ copper6/6-mil outer (0.1525mm)8-mil clearance inner (0.2032mm)Smallest drill 12-mil (0.3048mm)ENIG (gold)One internal cut out20pcsAnd a solder paste stencil, combined top and bottom layers.They have an excellent gerber viewer when you upload your zipped gerbers.After placing the order there was no email, but the web page went from ORDERED to PROCESSING to SHIPPED with a tracking #Ordered Feb 6 just after holiday so they were likely backed up.Boards shipped in 8 days received them the next day in USA by DHL.Received one extra board.I did not receive the solder paste stencil. I have messaged them about that.Overnight shipping is no good if you do not get the stencil.The boards look great. The internal cutout is correct.Non-plated holes are not plated.Vias that I had tented & not-tented are correct.Copper traces are perfect.Drills are centered perfect.Silk (both sides) is spot on, 45-mil(1.14mm) high 6-mil(0.1524mm) wide text, very good looking.Solder mask (both sides) is excellent. Could be off by 2-mils(0.05mm)I had 4-mil oversize on solder mask, On 19.68-mil(0.5mm) pitch parts I think I should have had ~6-mil(0.1525mm)of mask between pads, the mask id gone.I do not see evidence of flying probe testing but they could have used optical.-----------------Well the stencil came 14 days after order by DHL.They did use my solder paste gerber, not derive one from the top metal layer.Very disappointed. I had merged top and bottom solder paste layers into one gerber that fit the stainless steel easily.They striped the bottom part out (extra work for them).Four drilled pads were added (not in my gerber)They changed the shape of 0805 and 1206 pads.They removed three alignment pin holes.

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2017, 07:52:22 am
content: I have had mixed success with them. They are capable of producing high quality boards etc, but human errors have plagued a couple of my orders.The upshot is every time I've written to their support email address with pics of what they've done wrong, and they've been very apologetic and did everything they could to resolve the issue. My last order they gave me credit for the entire order and shipping cost.So I'm still happy enough using them where they're the best price/time option, but I'd think twice if the order was needed urgently and had to be right the first time.