hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Unused pins on very small packages - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: swmcl
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2016, 08:29:56 pm
content: Hi,I've got some pads that have come off the board during soldering on an FT232R which is a SSOP28 package. They've shifted underneath the chip to touch their neighbour. The pads are for the unused pins. The pins are unused in the circuit but are not NC inside the chip so they must not touch.Best general advice for designs?It is only pads that have no tracks that are the problem.Does everyone but me terminate pins or do some of you leave pins disconnected such as I have ? The pad issue isn't a problem when the pads are a bit bigger of course.Could it be a quality issue ?? PCBs were made by PCBWay.Perhaps one should have a track leading off into the never-never ..! A little aerial...In this case, if one were to terminate each pin with a resistor to ground it would add quite a bit to circuit complexity.Cheers,Steve

author: lorth
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2016, 10:45:25 pm
content: Adding a long trace that is floating is going to couple EMI into your system.Just solder at lower temperature.

author: swmcl
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2016, 12:44:51 am
content: I've just gone and 'repaired' the board.The slightest amount of heat has removed the pads (less than half a second with the iron). I'm working a prototype board by hand ...I've managed to get the chip off the board and have straightened the pins, cleaned the board and re-soldered it and checked for continuity. WOW! I ended up removing all the pads that didn't have traces connected to them.I can continue to test with the board but ... what to do for next time ...Perhaps track everything to a component (resistor) to ground ? There is a massive difference between pads that have tracks and those that dont.

author: hendorog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2016, 02:37:23 am
content: I had the same problem on a tiny qfn. So I made the area much bigger by running a short trace off the pad.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2016, 02:49:41 am
content: If its a prototype, running tracks from unused pins out to a bare pad is often worth doing anyway to make it easy if you have to do any mods to the design.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2016, 02:51:05 am
content: The pads shouldn't be that fragile..Also, I was expecting an actually small package.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2016, 04:25:17 am
content: Geez! Pads shouldn't come off at the drop of an iron. Turn down the soldering iron, use more flux, use leaded solder?Tim

author: swmcl
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2016, 05:16:35 am
content: Tim,New tip, lower iron temp, flux cored leaded solder ...:-)
LTSpice OSX "Could not open library file" / where are the settings? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: suenteus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 20, 2016, 11:47:46 am
content: Hey all,I'm having some trouble with LTSpice on the Mac. I had a project directory with an .asc schematic that referred to a model (also inside that directory). I moved the whole project to a new folder and now LTSpice is complaining about not being able to open the library file (referencing the OLD directory structure before the move).I looked through the .asc file as plaintext and couldn't find any mention of the directory structure. So I'm imagining it must be stored somewhere in LTSpice's settings. Does anyone have any tips on this? Where to find the settings or how to fix this issue?thanks!

author: pix3l
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2016, 11:04:04 am
content: Doesn't LTSpice have a special folder for installing such libs?

author: suenteus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 28, 2016, 01:28:45 pm
content: Yes, you're right. I solved it. :-)The reference to the old directory structure was stored in a .asy file for the symbol.I found it here, this seems to be where LTSpice stores all its model and symbol files.~/Library/Application Support/LTspice/lib/sym/AutoGenerated/MyModel.asy
Designing an IC - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ammar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2016, 09:28:00 pm
content: Hello,Has anyone designed a chip as part of their hobby experience? I have heard of software like Magic VLSI, which is free and open source. However, it looks as though it has a fairly steep learning curve.I know it can cost a great deal to get one fabricated but I would be keen to know if anyone has gone down this path. Even if it doesn't get made, is it a good learning experience? Analog, digital, mixed-signal, what have people done, how long can it take and what is the best way to begin? What is the "hello world" of IC design?

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2016, 11:12:44 pm
content: Quote from: Ammar on October 16, 2016, 09:28:00 pmMostly people program an off the shelf microprocessor to do what they want (ie to become their "custom chip") or use (if production numbers will be large) programmable gate arrays.Everything else is much more expensive (you are talking many tens of thousands of dollars).

author: Ammar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2016, 11:06:59 am
content: Blueskull, what was the first IC or part of an IC you ever designed?

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2016, 10:06:20 pm
content: Quote from: Ammar on October 16, 2016, 09:28:00 pm'designed a chip' can mean many things, and even with ASICs, you are not likely to work at mask-level.Instead you hand over design files, and the FAB consultant runs their $$$ compilers to create mask files.A more realistic path for all except the very highest volumes, is to use CPLD/FPGA and 'design custom logic' using those.Those design files can be passed to a FAB consultant, should you ever hit the 8-9 digit volumes needed.There are a lot of CPLD/FPGA from lattice/micosemi/altera/xilinx et al, and Cypress have PSoC parts with MCU and modest Logic cells.If youreallyneed an ASIC, and thus do not care about the chip-price, then there was this offer recentlyhttp://www.edacafe.com/sponsors/Baysand/index.20160802.phpThat takes FPGA design flow data, and gives 100 chips for $500 each.
LNA, SAW allegro footprint - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: chota.sanjiv
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2016, 06:02:07 am
content: Hi Guy,Do you have any links where from I can download the following footprint for allegro.1. 6-UFDFN2. 5-SMD for SAW filterthanks,Sanjeev

author: rfbroadband
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2016, 10:20:30 pm
content: it will probably take you less time to just create the footprint than to search for it, download different versions and verify the accuracy of the files.
Circuit Maker generic parts - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: komet
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 05, 2016, 04:15:03 pm
content: Just thought I'd try out circuit maker. I want to add a capacitor to my design. I have a clear idea in my mind of the capacitance I want (100nF) and the size (0603). Because I am in the design / messing about phase, I do not wish to make purchasing decisions at this point. I do not believe this makes me a particularly unusual user.I go to the component search thing. A search for "100nf" returns 88 pages of parts. That's about 880 different parts. Searching for "100nf 0603" still returns 19 pages.Anyone and their dog can add the same part with, no doubt, slightly different takes on what they think is the best way to go about things.You have got to be kidding me. I'm in the design phase and not only do I have to decide between a Murata GRM188R71H104KA93D or a GRM188R71E104MA01D but whether or not I wish to trust Person 1's judgement or Person 2's, whoever added whatever part first? No.Needless to say I will be going back to making my own libraries and optimizing the BOM during purchasing, i.e. the correct time to do so.But surely there must be a better way.

author: xjordanx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2016, 10:14:43 pm
content: It is possible to create your own generic parts and then replace them later in CircuitMaker.But, this is an area which usually reliable sources inform me is going to be addressed.

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2016, 10:23:31 pm
content: Quote from: komet on July 05, 2016, 04:15:03 pmHeh - Too many parts is not usually an area for complaintJust pick anything, use as a place keeper, and update later if you need to.

author: komet
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 06, 2016, 05:00:09 am
content: Quote from: PCB.Wiz on July 05, 2016, 10:23:31 pmAnd who is to say that the replacement part doesn't have slightly different pad geometry than the placeholder or other "surprises"?I will admit it was largely a rant. But I will also posit that there must be a better way.

author: xjordanx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2016, 11:17:51 pm
content: There's a blog post about this topic with some instructions how to do it:https://workspace.circuitmaker.com/blog/using-generic-components

author: ludzinc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 06, 2016, 12:57:40 am
content: My approach is this.I've set up a 'template' project and I fork that when stating something new.In that template I have a generic parts sheet:0805 and 0603 resistors and capsMy common connectors.Leds (smd and 3 / 5mm) through holeI also have my default 2 layer pcb rules set there too.
Software to help turn PCB scans into board views (no schematics)? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JGAN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2016, 06:46:05 am
content: I'm looking for software that can help me turn PCB scans into board view files without having to generate schematics first. These are two sided blank PCB boards. The workflow I had in mind was this:Scan PCB into high resolution JPEGConvert JPEG into bitmap imageImport bitmap into software, identify pads either automatically through software or by hand selecting/drawing themLabel pads, components, and netsI primarily just need software to label the BGA pads and component names, then give all the pads net names.Are there any software options to do so? Bonus if they are open source as well.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2016, 03:23:14 pm
content: Scan as pngConvert to vector ( shape recognition) : Adobe illustratorExport vector as DXFpull DXF into CamtasticAssign pads and via's.Pull netlist.Export to PCB

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2016, 03:30:49 am
content: Two sided? BGA?What are "board view" files?
PADS: Subnet errors from correctly connected signals? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2016, 08:53:10 am
content: I am getting "blaa subnet #1 of GPIO1" -type errors from PADS layout connectivity check. I am getting a bunch of these errors and as far as I can see everything is hunky dory. For example this specific net is just a plain point-to-point signal going from the processor to a connector via an ESD protection device. Even if I redo the whole trace this error will still be pointing at the ESD protection device pad and the connector pad. Does anyone have any idea why am I getting errors like these and how to get rid of them? I'm only getting them from some signals/parts and as far as I can see there is no pattern. On some components I get the errors from each and every pad and somewhere else just from one pad.

author: GreggD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2016, 03:26:07 pm
content: Check any holes on the net, parts & such for "non plated" Check for un-connected copper that may not be visible, CTRL-Alt-C

author: Dago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2016, 04:34:44 am
content: Quote from: GreggD on September 26, 2016, 03:26:07 pmThanks for the reply! I can't see any holes or extra copper in the problematic nets, I've tried completely rerouting the whole nets with both layout and router to no avail. What do you mean about non-plated? At least footprints generated with the bundled land pattern generator all have pads which have a drill size of zero and non-plated (for surface mount pads).

author: GreggD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2016, 12:46:14 pm
content: Non-plated holes. If through hole parts. Select the part, right click, properties, pad-stack, for each through hole pin see that the Plated check box s selected.You also could try the ascii dance.File, Export... Then start with a new layout, Alt-f, new. Then Import the ascii file you just exported.
PCB Design Tutorial by David L. Jones - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2016, 02:27:11 pm
content: www.alternatezone.com/electronics/files/PCBDesignTutorialRevA.pdf

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2016, 03:24:54 pm
content: You realize, that Dave is David L. Jones? And that this was posted here before?

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2016, 04:26:53 pm
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on September 27, 2016, 03:24:54 pmYes and no,I know EEVblog is hosted by David L. Jones, I didn't know it was posted here.
Circuit Studio Panelization - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jmsigler
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2016, 04:25:09 am
content: Hello, I have made several designs using circuit maker and need to panelize them for manufacture. I know circuit maker doesn't have any built in tools for this built in. Does anyone know of third party software that will let me combinde the gerbers, or some other way to accomplish this? I have access to AD through school, but I don't think I can import the designs into that?

author: trophosphere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2016, 11:51:20 pm
content: I typically use ViewMate Pro to panelize butthislooks promising (free) though I've never used it.
Footprint for DIN7 pcb mount - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: lk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2016, 06:38:29 pm
content: Greetings,This is a long shot, but im building a C64 power supply tester. And for that i need a 7 pin DIN connector, and i found it on EBAY, i havent gotten the sockets, but i would like to start the layout work, so i need the dimensions for this.Does anyone perhaps already used it.http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-DIN-7-Pin-Circular-Jack-Female-Panel-Mount-PCB-Mount-Connector-Adapter-/111918639209?hash=item1a0edee869:g:Lu0AAOSwDuJW0aLZ-lasse

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2016, 07:59:22 pm
content: will this help?http://www.dhgate.com/product/wholesales-circular-din-jack-female-8pin/259198299.html

author: lk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2016, 09:31:51 am
content: Thank you,That looks like it would fitEven as its a 8 pin, but i will just ignone the center pin.-lasse
Which PCB package is running on netbooks/convertibles? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ysjoelfir
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2016, 08:52:45 pm
content: Hi everyone,for a project at university I am looking for a PCB package consisting of layout- and PCB Editor. The only thing that is important is, that it will run on "slow" machines like modern netbooks with intel atom 1,4GHz quadcore processors and integrated graphics.I thought it would be quite interesting for some people to know, so lets make a little comparison, shall we? Maybe someone who owns a modern netbook or convertible could check his software out?I tried already Eagle (in my crusty Version... 5 I guess), that one works flawless, at least if you don't try to use the outorouter (what you wouldn't try anyways.)Tried it with my Asus EEEPC 1000H under win XP.

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 04:37:55 am
content: Speed also depends on loaded Board Size, but one useful benchmark could be installed Footprint, as these can be memory hungry.On this laptop, I see :PADS comes in at 4.75 GB 95,659 Files, 5,120 Folders (!)KiCad is 1.35 GB, 23,890 Files, 675 Folders

author: Ysjoelfir
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 06:21:36 am
content: You are right, there is no sense in comparing a PC motherboard layout with a SO to DIP adapter... The one I used to try EAGLE was a relatively standard 16x10cm Board with around a hundred components/300 holes.EAGLE seems quite small compared to KiCad or PADS - 300MB in around 2000 Files in 70 Folders.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2016, 06:41:22 am
content: Eagle will become slow proportionally depending on the number of objects to render. You can reduce this by disabling layers. It is really lightweight compared to Altium Designer. However, eagle is single-thread application. Which might limit performance on poor cpu's.I used to have anT6670laptop (2.2 Ghz Core 2 Duo) on which eagle was noticably slower in zooming than on myE8400(3 Ghz Core 2 Duo) desktop. Which is why most of my design work was not performed on the laptop, just a little bit too slow.Now I have an i7 laptop and a Xeon desktop, both ssd accelerated. Eagle is only noticably slow on (for eagle) large designs now. (packed 150x110mm) But nothing annoying.I'd recommendnotusing eagle. For two reasons.- Eagle is phasing out.- Eagle is a single thread.

author: bicc1306
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2016, 02:14:34 pm
content: What about Diptrace?

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2016, 11:08:13 am
content: Eagle is bit small and complex compare to other PCB design tools. I am agree with recommendation of not using Eagle.
Gerber viewer for Mac? Odd visuals - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TomS_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 05:03:22 pm
content: Hey everyone.If you design on a Mac, what gerber viewer do you use?Im trying out one called MCN Gerber Viewer, so far it seems to be doing alright, but Ive noticed something odd with some large radius corners like in the attached image. They look serrated.Does anyone have any other recommendations I could try to see if this is just the software, or if its the way the gerber data has been exported?edit: duh I should have checked the preferences first. Theres an option to tell it how accurately to render.

author: ian.rees
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2016, 08:56:06 pm
content: I use gerbview, which is part of the KiCAD suite. Seems to work well. -Ian-

author: vivid
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 07, 2016, 08:54:48 am
content: Here is a Gerber Viewer from EasyEDA -https://gerber-viewer.easyeda.comIt's free and online with no need to install any software so it works in almost any web browser on Mac, Linux, Windows.To use this viewer you need to upload your gerber files, in RS-274X format, in a zip file.EasyEDA's gerber viewer allows zooming in/out the imported gerber files, choosing the color of PCB, exporting to image, enable/disable view of layers(files) of gerber, sharing the gerber online using the URL after uploading the files and showing some analysis data (Design for Manufacturing DFM) from gerber files like the number of layers, hole and track sizes, clearances and dimension of board.
Beginner, ART convert files. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: klaus11
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 01, 2016, 08:16:40 am
content: I am a beginner and want help to convert a folder of files ART to traditionally files to send to manufacture the board.The folder contains:-13 ART files-1 Drl file-1 Txt fileI'm very lost

author: chris_leyson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2016, 08:33:58 am
content: Hi Klaus11, sounds like the .art files were generated by Cadence Orcad, if that is the case then just change the file extension to .gbx if they are in RS274X format (extended Gerber), otherwise just change the file extension to .gbr. You can download a free Gerber viewer fromPentalogix.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2016, 10:41:57 am
content: Yes, there's nothing to convert, it's just Allegro's extension. Read the text file first. Then get the viewer from Pentalogix, zip up your files and open the .zip with the Pentalogix viewer. It'll sort out the files by itself. You might have to set the digits to make sure the art and drill import at the same scale.

author: klaus11
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 01, 2016, 02:54:07 pm
content: Well this seems not work for me. Software pentalogix .ART opens files but does not convert the extension keeps .ART.Lamnetablemente the free version is disabled save and export functions.regards

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2016, 12:53:01 am
content: You don't need to convert the files.What does the txt file say?What are you really trying to do?
Can anyone identify this PC card? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jdas
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 26, 2016, 05:54:16 pm
content: Hi AllWe have windows 98 computer to control the old machine (noble gas mass spectrometer, NGMS) using two ISA cards. One of the card doesn't have any manufacturer info and the company from whom we bought the NGMS is dead, so no support. I am uploading the pictures of this card in hope that someone has ability to find out more about this card.This card is connected with an ion counter that is attached to the NGMS.Thank you in advance.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2016, 07:56:16 pm
content: An 8 bit ISA card manufactured early to mid '99? - no wonder the company has gone the way of the buggy whip manufacturers. It looks like it was designed in someone's garage mid '80s.Its an entirely custom interface card with a 80C31 (MCS51 family) microcontroller that presumably runs all the realtime I/O (something that unaided Windows PCs are notoriously bad at). If you have someone who *really* knows what they are doing with old embedded stuff, have them pull the EPROM (IC29) and get a dump of it. If you are lucky there may be copyright strings in it that could lead you back to the OEM.However I strongly suspect you are S.O.L. - if the host PC's died you haven't got a snowflake's chance in hell of resurrecting it - Late versions of Win9x family OSes could be very fussy if you changed the motherboard or key hardware like the graphics card, so even if you source an industrial motherboard that has a couple of ISA slots your chances of getting it running without the full set of original instal media are minimal. Similarly with a hard drive failure, you are FUBARed unless you have all the media or know someone who can provide an image from the drive of their own identical machine. If its the card or attached ion counter that's faulty, you'd need the active cooperation of a really good tech with a working unit of the same system who's prepared to run your card against known good hardware and software, putting time and money into helping you trace the fault on your unit. Its the rare Windows based Scope or testgear problem on steroids since mass spectrometers are even more of a niche market than high end test gear.Its a long shot, but you may get lucky if a tech who's worked with this card reads this topic, but If I was desperate, I'd take *MUCH* better photos (sharp, hi-rez, all chip markings in focus) of both sides of the board and a closeup of the circular connector aand enquire ifhttp://www.bunniestudios.com/would be willing to post it for identification in their regular 'Name that Ware' competition, or at least let you appeal to the experts at IDing old and obscure hardware amoungst their readers.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2016, 01:31:49 am
content: Isn't there a manufacturer nameplate on the NGMS?And what is the problem? Are you trying to find spare parts in case the machine breaks down or is there a problem already?
Osram SSL150 LEDs - zero soldermask expansion? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2016, 04:52:16 pm
content: So I'm doing some project using SSL150s from Osram and I saw this in the datasheet while making a footprint library:Obviously, zero clearance doesn't make sense, but what would you do?It's gonna be mounted on an MCPCB.

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2016, 08:14:58 pm
content: You could draw as in datasheet, and your manufacturer will modifie it or you can check manufacturer requirement.E.g. at Eurocircuits the space between pad and solder mask is 0,06mm and users data will be changed to this size by frontend preparation.
Footprint required - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Adwaittronics
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 26, 2016, 07:00:11 pm
content: I am looking for footprint FP-128B(QFP128) package ,its coamponent datasheet is available but can anyone provide its land pattern datasheet? I tried PCB library expert but since i have the lite version it is not possible to create footprint of a part with more than 100 pins and mine is 128 pin.or any alternate method to construct it ?

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2016, 03:15:06 pm
content: What CAD software are you using?I saw your post on edaboard asking this same thing though you gave more information there; the device model number - HD64F2638The Renesas altium library has this device and footprint for HD64F2638F/UF/WF models.https://techdocs.altium.com/display/ADOH/Download+Libraries- "Renesas Technology"I hope this helps
Holes placement in Eurocard PCBs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: anfang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2016, 02:41:22 pm
content: Is there a standard or a guideline on where to put mounting holes in Eurocard-sized PCBs?

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2016, 03:38:17 pm
content: Eurocard goes into 19 inch rack, so you only have the -manufacturer specific- holes for the front panel assembly, and the ones for the standard DIN 41612 connector. It is designed to be mounted on slots.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2016, 08:00:07 pm
content: Look what I found on my PC...
PCBWay review - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Chumanista
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2016, 08:27:58 pm
content: Hi!I made an in-depth review of PCBWay with comparing boards to gerbers and stuff.Please check it out:

author: anderoo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2016, 04:59:24 am
content: Great job on the review Chumanista. Thanks for the effort you put into making it. Your method of comparing scanned images of actual boards to the gerbers was also very interesting.

author: Chumanista
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2016, 11:19:31 am
content: Honestly neither am I a huge fan of this but I'm a high school hobbyist on a budget and free cash is free cash.I tried to outline all negatives and be as truthful and possible. I would be doing this video nonetheless and nothing (well, apart from the disclaimer) would change if they were not paying me.It was not all praise, it is a good service for the price but not perfect.There was an old thread for PCBWay this but no posts since a long time so I decided to make a new one as is usually the norm on forums.Thank you for the positive comments, they really encourage me to keep working

author: Chumanista
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2016, 11:38:17 am
content: Thank you!I just realized I forgot to mention the fees they try to add for "more than one board".Oh well, nobody's perfect.I'd also love to hear some topics for further videos.What would you like to see? Other manufacturers reviewed? Tools? Projects?

author: Iron Downey
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2016, 10:42:35 am
content: That's really amazing. I love this video. Have you tried to compare the PCB boards from PCBWAY and other manufacturers? Normally, PCB boards shall be made as accurate as the Gerber data shows. The accuracy can be up to 0.01mm and the tolerance is 10%.

author: Chumanista
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2016, 10:49:50 am
content: Not yet, I didn't order form anywhere else in quite some time (given the choice between free and not free).I'll try to do some more in the future though.And as to tolerance: When the price is $1/board the fact that it works as intended is really enough for me
connector silkscreen outside of board outline - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Lee Leduc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2016, 09:01:42 pm
content: Is having the connector silkscreen outside of board outline an acceptable design practice? Will this cause a Fab house to reject my Gerbers?Attached is a board layout used as an example from a PCB layout software package.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2016, 09:05:16 pm
content: They will truncate this. No issues expected. Have done so a few times.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2016, 11:39:30 pm
content: I never (almost 20 years) had any problem with silkscreen sticking outside the board outline.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2016, 01:15:46 am
content: Quote from: Lee Leduc on August 20, 2016, 09:01:42 pmAs above they will crop it.I do notice however you have what is probably a capacitor top left which is overhanging on what looks to be a screw terminal or something. Just in case you missed that.

author: Lee Leduc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2016, 08:53:19 am
content: Thanks for the replies. Yes, I noticed the overlapping cap also. The image is from a tutorial that came with the layout software. I used it to illustrate my question (a picture is worth 1000 words). It's not a board I'm making. Again, thank you everyone for your input.
Where you could design your PCB and manufacture PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Vicos Shi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 19, 2016, 05:53:00 am
content: PCB design sites:EasyEDAhttps://easyeda.com/Altium Designerhttp://www.altium.com/altium-designer/overviewCircuit and PCB Wizardhttp://www.new-wave-concepts.com/DesignSpark PCBhttp://www.rs-online.com/designspark/electronics/eng/page/designspark-pcb-home-pagedip Tracehttp://diptrace.com/Eaglehttps://cadsoft.io/Electronics Workbenchhttp://www.interactiv.com/ExpressPCBhttps://www.expresspcb.com/free PCBhttp://www.freepcb.com/Fritzinghttp://fritzing.org/home/KiCadhttp://kicad-pcb.org/LTspicehttp://www.linear.com/designtools/software/#LTspiceOrCADhttps://www.cadence.com/content/cadence-www/global/en_US/home/tools.htmlPCB123http://www.sunstone.com/pcb-products/pcb123PCBCARThttp://www.pcbcart.com/PCB manufacturing sites:PCB Shopperhttp://pcbshopper.com/EasyEDAhttps://easyeda.com/orderPCBcarthttp://www.pcbcart.com/2cisahttp://www.2cisa.com/BatchPCBhttps://oshpark.com/Seeed Studiohttp://seeedstudio.com/SeekPCBhttp://seekpcb.com/Futurlechttp://www.futurlec.com/PCBService.shtmlMultiPCBhttp://www.multipcb.co.uk/Olimexhttps://www.olimex.com/PCB/OurPCBhttp://www.ourpcb.com/PCB Unlimitedhttp://www.pcbunlimited.com/Elatesahttp://www.elatesa.com/

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2016, 12:32:46 am
content: Silver Circuitswww.silvercircuits.com

author: Iron Downey
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2016, 02:13:22 am
content: Seems like they are all online PCB shops....Highly suggested you try the traditional PCB and assembly manufacturer. They may have no online quote form, but the quality and price would be amazing. Sent Gerber data and BOM by email and let they know the special PCB specification as well as the quantity you need, you can get formal quotation shortly.
EasyEDA’s Gerber viewer for beginners and experts - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Vicos Shi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 19, 2016, 07:17:39 am
content: EasyEDAGerber Vieweris a viewer for Gerber RS-274X files and Excellon drill files online. Please try it out athttps://gerber-viewer.easyeda.com/EasyEDA as one stop solution for all the PCB design and manufacturing processes. "Going from idea to schematic to printed PCB" could be easily realized through EasyEDA. The features of EasyEDA Gerber Viewers:1. True Visualization of your PCB2. Supports Gerber files from different PCB design software3. Additional support from EasyEDA for correcting GerberIntroduction article:http://www.buildcircuit.com/easyedas-gerber-viewer-for-beginners-and-experts/and introduction video:

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2016, 10:45:42 am
content: Gerber file generated from AWR resulted in "Faildto fetch gerber image".Faild? Really?Also, there is no error with my file. I have used the same file for viewing the PCB in other software packages/websites.
Mentor PADs Logic: Moving components between sheets - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2016, 01:01:37 am
content: Is there a proper way to move components between sheets?

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2016, 01:57:28 am
content: I was getting an error when trying to paste into the new schematic. It turned out that it was due to the common library not being attached to the schematic. Now everything pastes fine.
Converting Proteus PCB to Altium PCB file - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stealthrt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2016, 12:05:35 am
content: Hey all I am converting a Proteus PCB design into Altium and I am wondering what each file is since it asks me in Altium.My Proteus files are:And this is what Altium does when I do a **PCB Design Check/Fix**:And so I say *Yes* and I am presented with this:And this is where I am not sure what to put for each... Any help would be great!

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2016, 07:12:51 am
content: Here is a video for converting proteus PCB to Altium PCB file.Follow the steps and you will get the solution.
Aus Standards for PCB Design and Schematics - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jones12
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 06:39:12 am
content: Hey guysI'm about to start using Altium Designer for some uni projects and we have to produce professional standard drawings. We have access to the Australian standards library through uni, but they tend to be quite large docs and if I download the PDF's they expire after 3 days.So I am wondering if there is a book or some sort of publication (Website, guide etc) on the Australian Standards for Electrotechnology professional standard drawings mostly interested in schematics.Cheers guysCaleb.

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 07:12:55 am
content: As far as schematics go, I am not aware of any standards or any need for one, as the designer you draw it as a clear enough reference for yourself or your team, and add comments or notes or part numbers in your own fashion,Larger companies may have a style guide but that is where it would end,As far as the PCB layout, there are defiantly compliance standards such as voltage separation of conductors, and radiated and conducted noise. Fault tolerance and protection methods, e.g. grounding metal enclosures or having an input fuse.Then there are just the general rules of thumb common to layout such as don't route high current next to high impedance or you will have signal crosstalk.

author: jones12
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 07:27:18 am
content: Ahh I see, I know there is an Australian Standard doc on it but if the industry doesn't follow an official standard as such then I'm happy to go with that haha.We're only doing small scale stuff at the moment (motor control through a PIC) so no high voltage rails or anything.Thanks Rerouter

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 10:06:23 am
content: Australia I believe doesnt produce standards for electronics, since it is a "small" country. Follow the European standards for the schematic, or the American. Use imperial for schematic still, if you dont want to re draw every single component though, and metric for the boards.I use US for gates and IEC for everything else.

author: steve_w
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 01:31:48 pm
content: Look up AS NZS 1100 Technical Drawing also DEF AUST 5084 the Australian military standard.As others have said we usually get European standards and re badge them as Australian standards.regardsSteve W

author: bobaruni
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2016, 02:10:43 pm
content: We use the European standards, you'll notice resistors in Aussie schematics are boxes rather than zig zag lines.
Pads Dxdesigner  schematic to Layout - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gogoman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2016, 03:43:02 pm
content: Hi need help with a new design (newb).Is there a method to group related components on the schematic such that when I port the design to layoutrelated components are clustered together?For a new layout part are randomly placed which slows part placement on the pcb.thanks

author: dmills
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2016, 10:48:16 pm
content: Best I have managed is to leave DxD connected to PADS Layout (do not close the DxD Link application) then you can do cross selections from the schematic.Click on a component on the schematic and it will be selected on the layout.I have not (Yet) found the equivalent of Altiums Rooms.Regards, Dan.

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2016, 02:09:15 am
content: Quote from: dmills on August 13, 2016, 10:48:16 pmExpanding on this, you can also select multiple in SCH (PADS Logic tested), and then many select on Layout.You can then do Disperse, and only those selected will disperse, and from there, you can do finer moves.
Card Edge Chamfering.  How to specify with PCB vendor? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2016, 12:56:37 am
content: I'm thinking about moving a project into a backplane arrangement. While i realize chamfering a card edge is easy to do on my own, what's the correct way to handle it when getting a PCB manufactured? Is this done in the Gerbers, or is it simply called out on a drawing and the PCB manufacturer adds it into their programming?

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2016, 12:58:41 am
content: I suggest asking your supplier how they want it called out (or if they even offer it!). Everyone seems to have different ways of handling mechanical features like these.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2016, 01:33:15 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on August 08, 2016, 01:31:43 amSurely that refers to hard plating which may or may not involve an edge chamfer.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2016, 03:43:28 am
content: Quote from: Monkeh on August 08, 2016, 01:33:15 amThat one is called golden chamfered finger in Taiwan and chamfered golden finger in mainland.
fps gt-511c3 library for teensy 3.2 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: akashmittal
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 05, 2016, 07:34:38 pm
content: I have an fps gt-511c1r fingerprint scanner(https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13007), and i was trying to use it with teensy 3.2. But the fingerprint scanner does not seem to communicate with the teensy board. I so far have come to realize that the library i am using is written for arduino uno. Can someone please provide me with the library compatible with teensy 3.2, or help me edit my library for the same?I have attached the library i am using. Please even small amount of help would mean a lot.(the FPS_GT511C3.txt is actually .cpp file.I attached it just because .cpp couldnt be attached).
orcad pspice advance analysis smoke simulation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ant17
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2016, 03:24:02 am
content: hi guys i was wondering if anybody knows if you can in say a regulator model add smoke parrameters such max input current in pspice advanced analysis its hard question question know body seems to be able to answer me

author: ant17
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2016, 03:35:45 am
content: smoke parameters are the limits such as voltage power dissipation current in and out of a device

author: rfbroadband
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 29, 2016, 05:52:06 am
content: PSpice, yes you can.
PCB Manufacturing Reshoring examples - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PCBTW
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 29, 2016, 03:54:52 am
content: Hello to everybody,I am currently writing my thesis on PCB & PCBA best purchasing practices and general backshoring trend, and am looking for examples of failed reshoring projects by PCB manufacturers in the US or Europe. Very hard to find on the web, I was wondering if the community might have insight on specific board shops that have offshored then backshored production, only to see it could not work in HCCs, and offshored again.Thank you in advance for your answers!
queries related to pcbs  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sonika jha
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 05, 2016, 11:36:03 am
content: so currently i'm working on a PCB project in which i require to harness the property of logic gates directly on the PCB and that too without physically printing the gates on the PCB that is through programming i'm supposed to do the task.Can anyone please channelise in this direction. Thanku.
Just testing the KiCad waters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2016, 06:38:44 pm
content: My only real experience with any sort of EE CAD is with an ancient verion of OrCAD back when I first graduated college in 1988. I used it for a few years to design a couple of project ideas, but never went very far with any of it as I quickly went from any EE ralted work to purely computers, the EE stuff taking a hobby role, and a rathe rlimited one at that for all the intervening years. I've recently gotten back into electronics in a fairly big way (for a hobbyist, not anything like a professional) and sketching things by hand the DaveCAD way on any spare piece of paper won't cut it for some of the things I have planned to complement my model railroad - there will be enough of some boards to merit having PC boards made, for one. I previously tried messing around a bit with Eagle but never put the time in to learn it. After finding the forums here, I discovered KiCad, so about 9 months ago or so I gave it a shot and wasn't terribly impressed. However, with the latest version I decided to give it another go, and I'm kind of liking it. I am a rank beginner here, barely drawing a schematic let alone attempting board layouts.My 'other' CAD experience is all mechanical drawing stuff - another oldie I had formal trainign on was CadKey, and I've picked up a little AutoCAD along the way, and I used PC DraftCAD back in the day, and all along I have been using a specialized model railroad CAD package called 3rd PlanIt. So general CAD concepts, I get. This EE stuff is much more specialized though.So, any good tips for a rank beginner at KiCad, other than to just keep using it? I'd like to pick one program and stick with it so long as it can meet my needs, and it appears KiCad can do anything I'd ever want to and then some. I do occasionally have a Linux machine in my mix, so the cross platform capability is nice, though at the moment both my general PC and my lab PC are Windows based.I know we have all levels of users here, from hobbyists like myself to career professionals. I have a close friend I can call upon for advice on thing I've learned but forgotten over the years, although his expertise is in high frequency RF and microwave design and the design packages he uses make the mainstream paid for EDA packages look cheap.

author: hasithvm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2016, 08:47:46 pm
content: Not directly KiCAD related, but I found this companion tool very handyhttp://madparts.org/for generating footprints. Gets a little getting used to scripting parts in CoffeeScript, but it's incredibly convenient to tweak a couple parameters and fix a footprint instead of tediously moving things around through the KiCAD editor.

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2016, 10:18:53 am
content: Quote from: rrinker on July 19, 2016, 06:38:44 pmIt can be useful learning to load other's designs to see what can be done.eg Here is a good 4 layer FPGA example, ported from Altium & routed in KiCad using the Shove Router.https://github.com/FPGAwars/icezum
Kicad (Nightly) now includes SPICE - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: filssavi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2016, 09:05:48 pm
content: As for the title it has been just announced on the mailing list that the CERN group (along with some help from the core developer) have developed integration for the ngspice simulator in kicad, here is a video that demonstrates the features that are implemented right now:

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2016, 09:55:27 pm
content: Wow nice! I will try to build it over the weekend.However, that user interface for the probe and tune tools are really Kicad-ish - ass-backwards! Select a button in one window so that you can then click with it in another (schematic) window, instead of having the tools there on a specialized toolbar

author: filssavi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2016, 10:47:08 pm
content: Quote from: janoc on July 21, 2016, 09:55:27 pmYeah i am quite on the fence there, onone hand i suspect that in dual screen setups this could work quite well, and also on big High res (4K-ish) screenshot where you use both the windows side by side, on the other hand for peoples like me with a normal 20" HD display could be quite annoying i think and i suspect there are a lot of peoples in my conditions...Anyway seen that this features is stil in developement i guess that now is the time to speak up so that the developers will fix the issue before it ends in a release the public will see (and then it will be notably more difficult to change)