hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Project Explorer like interface in Altium? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2017, 01:53:57 am
content: One of the only things that I like in PADs is the project explorer. Wherein it's just a simple drop-down list that lets you select and highlight any component or net in the schematic or layout.Is there something similar in Altium? Or at least a "Show @ C5" command like in Eagle?

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 30, 2017, 08:07:12 am
content: 1/Navigator panel2/Cross probe with Split screen SCH/PCB3/Query: InPart('C9')

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2017, 12:40:15 pm
content: And PCB List Panel (limit list to just: Components).And J, C (Jump / Component), enter designator (e.g. C9, ENTER).Tim

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2017, 03:07:42 pm
content: There are a number of different ways to do something like what you'be described. In addition to the above:PCB and SCH filter panels are very flexible, but a bit cumbersome.The filter toolbar in the PCB editor gives you three dropdowns, one to select by designator, another to select by net, and another that gives you a list of recently used filter queries. It's really just a set of shortcuts into the PCB Filter system.The PCB panel lets you drill down by class into nets, components, 3D bodies, etc.

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2017, 10:21:43 pm
content: Thanks guys!
Card edge connector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: angelothewolf
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2017, 06:09:59 pm
content: Hi there!can anybody tell me how can I make a PCB with a edge connector If I am using a cracked altium designer and I cant download the card edge connector plugin?

author: ovnr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2017, 06:17:27 pm
content: *rolls eyes re: crack*Just make a component with no silk screen and with the appropriate pins. Strip all solder mask in the area. Also remember to disable the paste mask for the pins so they don't get a nice coat of solder.

author: Mattylad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 11:25:35 am
content: And don't admit to that in public!

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 02:14:24 pm
content: Especially on a forum that is actively used by the design staff of said software, and who are in the same country as the owner, know him and might drop a large pile of legalese on him to ask for the info for you.
45 degree component DRC violations - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 11:07:32 am
content: So, I'm working on a pcb design in altium. I have a few components I want at 45 degrees for space reasons, but it seems to mess with DRC. Even though the components are clearly spaced far enought (0.3mm when the DRC is set to, if I am not mistaken, 0.15 (I checked that this was not the issue before, but I forgot the value). I've read on the interwebz and here on this forum that it has to do with altium just drawing rectangles that are still horizontal/vertical around components and using those for the collision stuff, but I have no clue how to fix this.Anyone who can point me on the right direction?

author: Fgrir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 03:26:22 pm
content: I think the bounding rectangle is only used if there is no 3D model for a component. If both components have 3D bodies then it should do a more precise clearance check between them.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 08:57:53 pm
content: Create new clearance rule for those two components. Its a hack. Let me know if you find something better!

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2017, 09:17:21 am
content: Quote from: voltsandjolts on March 24, 2017, 08:57:53 pmAsin, add an exception and just give them a 0 clearance rule and make sure to triple check they meet the design rules manually before sending out the design?

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 25, 2017, 10:15:53 am
content: Yup.
Table of contents and bookmark naming - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: electricar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2017, 07:28:49 pm
content: Hi folks,is it possible to create a table of contents automatically on e.g. the first sheet of the schematic?I'm thinking of Altium writing down automatically the schematic sheet names with their page number behind them.Another question:Is there a possibilty to change how Altium names the bookmarks in the generated "Smart PDF"?E.g. one sheet in my project is called " - Block Diagram.SchDoc".In the PDF the bookmark " - Block Diagram.SchDoc(" - Block Diagram")" is created.It would be nice if you could change the naming settings to e.g. " - Block Diagram".Currently it looks really messyThank you in advance.Kind regards
Altium Designer on Microsoft Surface Pro 4 with Surface Pen - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bigcuddlygreenmonster
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 12:11:42 am
content: Has someone run Altium Designer 16.1 on Microsoft Surface Pro 4? Has someone figured out how to use the Pen to place parts on a schematic or interactive routing?

author: Neganur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 01:42:14 am
content: While I think that touch has its use in CAD I think the pen is probably one of the less useful things there. The mouse is just so much more accurate.That said, I'm sure you can use the pen. After all, it doesn't do anything special and mimics the left/right click of a real mouse. You 'lose' the mouse wheel pan and zoom though...and any other buttons your mouse has.

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2017, 04:03:25 am
content: I couldn't get the pen working with Altium on Surface Pro 3. Tried quite hard, not saying it's not possible but I gave up.The pen does not behave the same as a mouse.

author: bigcuddlygreenmonster
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 01:00:12 pm
content: Yeah, I could not get it to work either. But I have not been at it for that long.Will update here if I find a solution.

author: bigcuddlygreenmonster
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 01:03:02 pm
content: Quote from: Neganur on April 01, 2017, 01:42:14 amI bought the surface because I felt I could use it beyond the desk and chair work environment. Maybe I could use it to work on the go. In that regard the pen it much more useful than the mouse.

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 02:35:52 pm
content: What about a wireless trackball? I use a trackball with CS because you don't have to keep moving the mouse all over the place. This might represent a compromise? I find a trackball really nice to use.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 02:59:40 pm
content: I run altium on 2x24 inch, but i would prefer probably 3x 27" 4k. Why would anyone try running it on a tablet is beyond me. You need the schematic, most of the time the layout, PDF datasheets, and half a dozen websites and world and excel documents open and reachable at the same time. Productivity is NIL on a tablet.

author: bigcuddlygreenmonster
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 04, 2017, 07:21:53 am
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on April 03, 2017, 02:59:40 pmI want to get a few things done while in transit. It is just simple schematic or routing work, so I don't need a ton of references open at the same time. Also, if I do need a reference, I can open it in split view if necessary. It's a handy little thing to have if I can.

author: bigcuddlygreenmonster
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 04, 2017, 07:24:08 am
content: Trackball is a good option, although it would probably be used very similar to a trackpad.
Altium Designer and Circuit Studio compatibility? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Alex Nikitin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 03:12:03 pm
content: I'm pretty sure that this question was asked before however I can not find the answer. My employer is considering a move to Altium Designer. Would it help me in any way to get Circuit Studio at home so I can spend some time learning on my own? Or it would be a waste of time/money? Is it possible to import a layout/schematics from Designer to Circuit Studio and vise versa? Libraries? Components? How different is the operation between two? Would be grateful for any insight on these questions.CheersAlex

author: GlowingGhoul
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 04:01:24 pm
content: Yes, you can use files between CD and AD:https://www.element14.com/community/community/manufacturers/altium/blog/2015/07/24/importing-altium-circuit-studio-files-to-altium-designer-and-vice-versaCircuit Studio is very close to Altium Designer. While there are differences, using Circuit Studio would most definitely give the user a big head start in learning Altium Designer.

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 04:09:52 pm
content: I am using CS and have imported Altium Designer libraries so I think they are compatible/same.I believe the schematic capture between the two works pretty much the same but CS uses the Ribbon interface rather than dropdown menus. I have had no problem loading Designer Schematic files into CS. You can save Altium Designer PCBs as a version 5 and they load into CS from what I understand but I have not had much experience with this. I also understand that Designer can load in CS files but this needs to be verified. I think someone also said the shortcut keys are all different between the two so you might end up getting a bit confused between the two if you are using them both all the time but depends really how much you intend to use them both at the same timeMy gut feeling is that once you master CS, using Designer is probably going to be a familiar but more feature packed experience.

author: Alex Nikitin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 04:20:39 pm
content: Thank you guys, it looks like it makes sense for me to get the Circuit Studio.CheersAlex
Inner board outline cut-out to gerber - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: alex934
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 02:10:12 pm
content: Hi everyone,I would like to do an inner outline.I did on mechanical 1 a circle then selected it and Tools->convert-> "create board cutout from primitive" , in 3D it works fine, but when I generate the gerber and send it to the manufacturer, the hole in the middle doesn't appears.THe outline of the PCB should be on mechanical 1 right? If i look in the .GKO (keep out layer) there is nothing in it.Thank you for your help

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 02:12:37 pm
content: Talk to your manufacturer, they'll sort it for you.

author: alex934
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 03:03:48 pm
content: There is nothing to do?I am wondering how he knows that the circle in the center should be a hole or not, there is no deifference in the gerber

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 04:06:42 pm
content: Are those component outlines all on the same layer as the board outline? If so that will be confusing for your manufacturer. I would put ONLY the routed outline of the board in a single gerber and tell the manufacturer that you have done so, and in which gerber file. Make sure your gerber outjob is setup to export this appropriately, and that you don't have other mechanical layers inappropriately select under 'add to all plots'.Personally I use GM1 for board routing, and when panelizing an embedded board array I use GM2 for the panel routing, but there are other conventions. As long as you make it easy for your manufacturer to understand it doesn't really matter. You may want to include a manufacturing drawing with callouts that explain exactly what you want.

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 04:16:04 pm
content: Remember... the images (pads, smd pads, solder mask openings, etc.) that are in each gerber file represent what will physically be part of the fabricated board. The hole is not a "feature" that will be etched etc..What I do is add a line, with a width, that represents the outline of the cutout on the same layer that I have my board outline. Then I create an additional gerber file with only that layer turned on and send that gerber file to the board house along with the other gerber and drill files. I name that gerber file "Outline/Cutouts".

author: alex934
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 05:17:52 pm
content: Okay thank you very much
DRC error marker appears I don't know why - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: alex934
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2017, 10:13:16 pm
content: Hi everyone,I don't understand the DRC error marker indicates there is an error.I did my footprint myself. At the begining I though it was because of the footprint, but as you can see there is no problem with the component L10 which is exactly the same.Secondly I thoug it was because of some design rules, but as you can see my footprint doesnt touch anything around and there is a DRC error.After doing the DRC rules check, the rror disappears.Is anyone can explain the problem?Thank you

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 10:22:25 am
content: Try to resetting it.

author: alex934
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 03:25:28 pm
content: How? What do you means by resetting?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 07:36:31 pm
content: see how the board edge also lights up ? you have a clearance violation between the part and the edge of the board. it is too close. set up your rules or turn off that ruelT - D

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 12:57:56 am
content: If the part is at an odd angle, the collision bounding box (visible when the component is selected) will stick out.It doesn't look like you have any 3D body objects, which causes Altium to assume the footprint outline or bounding box is the collision extent.Tim

author: alex934
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2017, 09:19:56 pm
content: Quote from: free_electron on February 24, 2017, 07:36:31 pmWhat is the name of this rules?Quote from: T3sl4co1l on February 25, 2017, 12:57:56 amOkay thank you very much

author: alex934
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 05:22:47 pm
content: Hum I don't know how to remove the errorAs you can see it's the box (3D compoenent footprint) that cause the error, but I have lot of space on the PCB I respect my clearance. It's annoying, what should I change/remove to get rid of this?Thanks

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 05:37:02 pm
content: D3 and D8 component bodies appear to be overlapping. J2 doesn't appear to have any 3D information.The DRC is what it says it is...Tim

author: alex934
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 06:44:08 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on March 10, 2017, 05:37:02 pmHum, so why D3 is not green if there is an overlapping?You are right J2 doesn't have 3D body.The thing is if I do Design Rules Check the green disappearsThanks

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 11:08:46 pm
content: On the Design Rule Check dialog, go to the rules list and see which ones are enabled for online and batch checks.Makes sure that all the rules you want tested, are enabled.Tim
Filter: Free Pads - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 05:04:20 pm
content: I was just adding fiducials to an existing design, and took the lazy route, adding free pads. Nothing wrong with that, really.Place, PadName: FID1 (autoincrements as I place more)Size: 40 mils (round pad)Solder mask expansion: 20 milsLayer: Top Copper (and Bottom, whichever need it)Net: No NetThere's a polygon pour, so I need to set clearance.New clearance rule:Query: IsPad AND (Name Like 'FID*')Constraint: 20 milNo effect.I test queries. Like '*FID*' works. Huh. '?FID*' doesn't work. Two ?? doesn't work, and so on. Five ?'s works. Huh...On a hunch, try 'Free-FID*'. Works. Huh.The object clearly says its Name, in the three places you can view it (dialog, Inspector and List). It's a Free pad, so of course, the Component property is prepended to the internal name: in this case, 'Free-'.Just something to keep in mind. Happy querying,Tim

author: HWgeek
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2017, 01:10:59 pm
content: Good one, thanks!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Multi channel design - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: VermontEE
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 05:35:07 pm
content: I have a schematic and a layout that is complete. I'd like to make a 7 channel design out of it. I can easily change the reference designators for each channel so they are unique for each channel. The net names across all of the channels are the same and would all be shorted on the PCB across all of the channels. Obviously there are some nets like +12V and GND that should be shorted while others like "latch1" should be "latch1" on channel 1 and "latch2" on channel 2. I'm not comfortable with the repeat function (yet, although I might be by the end of the weekend). I'm not sure which direction to go in.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 05:40:30 pm
content: Do it -- Altium will take care of naming. Make sure naming is set up to your liking under Project Options.Tim

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 07:59:03 pm
content: Use repeat, or just place seven copies of the sheet symbol on the parent sheet, either way will work. It may take a bit of trial and error to get the naming scheme how you want, but that's not too bad. Just be sure to verify that the PCB displays the correct connectivity in and out of each channel before you go too far and you'll be fine. If you use repeat, there's a specific syntax to get the individual signals in and out of the subsheet with a bus, so be sure to do it exactly as the documentation shows.Even after the few minutes of poking it to get things right, it's still way better than manually duplicating the channels!
Interactive length tuning for LVDS signal - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: senseye
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 27, 2017, 03:40:34 pm
content: Hi,I am trying to use the command interactive length tuning for a differential pair. The lengths of the signals are 53.994mm and 55.12mm. The tolerance is set to 0.1mm. When I use the command with the shorter line, I get an empty bar with three numbers: 53.994mm, 55.12mm and 55.02mm. I move the cursor but the bar status does not change. When I press the bar command, I have:From Rules checked.Target length 55.12mmClip to target checked.Mitered with lines styleMax Amplitude 0.5mmGap 0.5mmAmplitude Increment 0.05mmGap increment 0.05mmThank in advance,S

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2017, 05:35:18 pm
content: Hit TAB and play with the measurements; or even better, hit ~ to see what keys are active (uh, miter size 1/2, gap size 3/4, amplitude ,/. and so on) and play around with them to see if anything happens.There should be a length rule as well. You'll see the rule on the TAB dialog, showing which trace(s)/bus the length matching is referenced to. It sounds like this is working, because you got the right numbers in the tuning gauge.Tim

author: senseye
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 28, 2017, 07:53:39 am
content: Thank very much for your help Tim. The reason why the command wasn't working, was that the differential pair was routed inside a polygon. I test the command without the polygon and it worked. After tuning the lengths, I'll put the polygon back to its place.

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2017, 08:15:21 am
content: Just checking: did you take that polygon pour into account when you calculated your diff impedance?

author: senseye
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 28, 2017, 10:35:55 am
content: Thank you for the comment Ice-Tea. After reading it and some information on the Internet, I will leave a clearance between the LVDS signals and the ground polygon. I've read something about at least 3x the trace-to-trace spacing of the differential pair, still need to investigate more.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2017, 12:56:36 pm
content: Alternately, you can keep normal clearance, and reduce the trace width slightly.How much? Depends. Differential CPW calculators are hard to find (unless Saturn does it, I forget). You could estimate the change by comparing microstrip to CPW, using the diff pair width (outside trace edge to outside trace edge) as the trace width. (The impedance resulting from this calculation will be an underestimate of the common mode impedance, by the way. But for differential impedance, just use the ratio as adjustment.)And if you're really desperate, you can create arbitrary shapes in ATLC and calculate the impedance that way.The change is pretty small; bringing in ground usually only decreases the impedance by ~20%. You could probably leave it alone and ignore it. Digital comms have wide tolerances, and you can always adjust the termination resistor after fabrication.Tim
Resize just the width of a "Union" of Regions, Polygons - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: arlen
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 27, 2017, 08:09:52 pm
content: Hello everybodyI'm trying to resize just the width of a union of Regions , but when I use Union->Resize Union it just allows to scale the union in both axis (x and y), but I just want to resize the width.Anyone could tell me if it is possible?I attached a picture of the unionThanks in advancedarlen
Altium designer v14 interactive routing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: grouchobyte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 04:44:36 am
content: Maybe I am missing something in using AD14, but when doing an interactive route it wants to dim all the layers so I am kinda blind while trying to route a net. Of course when I use Shift-S I get single layer mode but still not much better. The pcb editor preference settings for gray shade or monchrome do little to allow me to see where I am pushing the track around.Is this as good as it gets vis a vis interactive routing? I like Altium and its capability, but sometimes the mere bloat of this tool makes me miss the simplicity and retardedness of Eagle@grouchobyte

author: grouchobyte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 06:05:37 am
content: Thanks BlueskullThats helpful. Also hitting L makes stuff visible. I knew there was a way to do it, its just like most cad tools....frustating until you finally discover the solution@grouchobyte

author: grouchobyte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 12:33:54 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on March 03, 2017, 06:37:40 amYa Tim is pretty amazing. I agree. You are not too shabby yourself Blueskull.Me?. I am just old and crusty. 38 years in this field and I still know nothing@grouchobyte

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2017, 12:52:42 pm
content: I still sometimes find things I didn't know were there, by randomly mashing keys...Most shortcuts can be found on the menus, or on the ~ list. There's also a shortcuts panel, but I don't get how you're supposed to scroll through the list while you're in an interactive mode.....On a related subject, did you know CTRL+0 hides everything in Microsoft Excel, and CTRL+SHIFT+0 doesn't do the obvious (unhide everything), so you're stuck? Yeah, I found that out recently...Tim
Swell Pads in gerebr viewr - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2017, 07:19:43 am
content: HiI'm new into Altium Gerber viewer and editor, I wanted to Swell Pads in the Gerber viewer, How should I do that?

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2017, 11:02:06 pm
content: You mean you want to increase part pad size in the gerbers??How about paste screen and soldermask openings? do they need to change too?And, is this for all parts or just one?Really, this seems like the kind of thing that would be better done in the PCB editor where you can make sure any changes still conform to board design rules.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2017, 11:19:07 pm
content: Quote from: ali_asadzadeh on February 26, 2017, 07:19:43 amIn the Pad editor, same as in CS and shown in this post:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/circuit-studio/non-circular-pads-holes/msg1145128/#msg1145128

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2017, 08:28:20 am
content: Thanks for your response, I just wanted to reduce the size of pads for making laser cut stencil, If you know how to do it just tell me, I do not wanna do it in the PCB file and I have my reasons.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2017, 08:34:52 am
content: Quote from: ali_asadzadeh on February 27, 2017, 08:28:20 amOne of the PCB Mechanical layers can provide this for you as can the one of the PCB Output files can too.You might just have to turn them on.

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2017, 11:02:32 am
content: Thanks, please share the details? a simple example would help
Polygon pours showing inverse/outlines - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hughes_k
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 07:25:16 pm
content: Hi all,For some reason, in one project, Altium layout view is not showing my polygons as filled - just the outline vertices, including an outline around another signal. It is as though they have been set to "inverse view," but I did not do that intentionally, and cannot find a way to reverse this. The polygons DO still show up when I generate a Gerber, so they are both still in the design and still poured, just not filled somehow.The issue is correlated with my use of the "Collaborate, Compare and Merge" tool to aid in a design review of some small changes. However, on a test project, I cannot get this particular behavior to replicate.An image of what I am talking about is attached. I am using Altium 15.1. Does anyone know what setting/view I've inadvertently triggered?Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 07:34:33 pm
content: T - G - O

author: hughes_k
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 07:35:34 pm
content: Nothing :-/It seems like they ARE poured, but maybe...viewed differently?

author: exmadscientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 08:14:13 pm
content: Sounds like polygon display is set to draft mode. I'm not at my workstation and so am going from memory here, but there should be a radio button to toggle this somewhere on one of the tabs in the layer display window (press L).

author: Richard Head
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 08:19:03 pm
content: I get exactly the same thing with Protel. If I do a hatched groundplane then I can see it but a solid GP results in inverse and I can't see the plane. I've learned ti live with it but would love a solution.

author: hughes_k
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 08:19:46 pm
content: And so I find another corner of Altium I have never used before. Polygons were indeed set to Draft mode.Thank you!

author: Richard Head
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 09:00:38 pm
content: Hmm. Draft mode. I'll have a look also. Maybe the same in Protel.
Arethmatic Formulas in Component Properties?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jmsigler
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2017, 02:04:14 pm
content: Hello, is there a way to use formulas inside of component properties. For example, say I wanted to move x-location of a pad to .1+.2 (mm) is there a way to do this? It seems like it is possible, but it is giving me weird results. For example, typing .1+.2 and hitting enter places the pad at 1mm instead of .3?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2017, 07:32:15 pm
content: Omitting the leading zero always gives an error...Try "0.1+0.2" (no quotes).If you want an incremental move, you can also do: "X1+0.2" and such.FYI: the names of parameters don't usually match, between the three places you can access them: they are often named differently between Parameter Manager / PCB List Panel, PCB Inspector, and PCB Filter. AFAIK, there is no comprehensive list of Inspector names, so you will have to guess a lot.You can also do more complicated assignments, on certain (usually text) fields, when a selection gives you a "..." button on that field. The syntax refers to the same (Inspector) parameter names, and functions are Pascal style.Tim

author: Hensingler
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 01:29:19 am
content: There is no support for expressions in object property dialogs. There is support in the PCB inspector and PCB list with ! representing the current value and supposed support for parameters/properties by name but it is not clear what parameters/properties are supported or what they are called.
Shortcut for interactively route diferential pair connections - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: senseye
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 07:51:57 am
content: Hi,I am a beginner with Altium and have been looking for the shortcut for interactively routing diferential pair connections. I can intereractively route connections with the shortcut P, T. The answer to the question can seem easy to find, yet I haven't had any success. Does anyone know the shortcut? and even better where could I find the answer for myself? The Shift + F1 or F1 command only works when I am already routing.Thank you in advance,S

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 10:27:56 am
content: Find Shortcut for interactively route differential pair connections from here in (Interactive Routing Shortcuts) Section.http://documentation.circuitstudio.com/display/CSTU/PCB_Cmd-Routing_Composite((Interactive+Routing))_CS

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 08:12:42 pm
content: P - I

author: exmadscientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 08:16:31 pm
content: For some reason they reorganized things and now it's U - I in AD17. (Why yes, this does drive me crazy, why do you ask?)

author: senseye
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 27, 2017, 07:57:38 am
content: Thank you very much for the repplies. P, I works for me
[SOLVED] Moving components and nets from Top to Bottom Layer  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mehmet.ali.anil
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 10, 2017, 02:35:44 pm
content: Hi All! Occasional lurker here.I have CPU and its peripherals that has already been drawn, assembled and verified that I would like to use in another PBA.Though, I need to have Top Layer and Bottom Later switched, in other words, I need the components and nets on the Top Layer to be moved to the Bottom Layer, and the ones on the bottom to the top.I have tried several. First, I tried to find a tool that does this automatically, but couldn't.Then I tried to use the PCB list and dummy layers to execute the switcheroo, without moving the parts but changing their layers, but that resulted in traces to be moved to the layer without being mirrored, but components naturally flipped.I also tried to use copy (from Top Layer) and paste in current layer (Paste Special to the Bottom Layer, Flipped), but that oddly moves all nets, changes the layer property of the component to bottom, but also makes its "Embedded Property" "Flipped on Layer = True" which is not visiblby shown since the component seems to stay on the Top Layer.Any words of wisdom?

author: mehmet.ali.anil
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 10, 2017, 04:58:39 pm
content: "L" when move mode works for me. Sorry to bother!MAA
Rounding corners - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mrtn
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 01:43:06 am
content: I will start by saying I know workarounds for this issue. I'm curious why this feature (or lack of) doesn't work.I want to route an RF line with a rounded corner. So I set the constraint for the net class containing my RF nets (see first image)Then when routing using interactive routing, I can only get 45/90 routing. No rounded corners (second image.) When I look it up in the docs Altium says:"This rule is intended for use by third party Autorouters that implement 45° routing as a post process. It is not followed by the Situs Autorouter, which implements 45° routing as a native process."I know how to turn a 90 degree bend into a mitered corner, and I know how to draw an arc. It just seems less than optimal. Am I missing something?

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 02:05:55 am
content: Its all there in their help documents:http://techdocs.altium.com/display/ADOH/Interactively+Routing+a+Net"CONTROLLING CORNER STYLES"

author: mrtn
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 10:34:49 am
content: OK now I feel dumb. I couldn't get the arc to work before.So the answer to the question you're not asking is: Yes, it's possible to go years with a tool without realizing a basic feature exists. I knew you could hit shift-spacebar to change corner style but I had the default 45/90 rule set. After changing the rule I didn't try shift-spacebar again. I was *this close* to not making myself look dumb on a public forum.

author: ludzinc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 11:15:54 am
content: Thanks for asking. I had no idea space would change direction....
Allowed characters in symbol library component names - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: howshaw
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 02, 2017, 10:07:07 am
content: I am using Altium designer 17.0.7 and have discovered that if the component name of an item in a SCH Library has a vertical bar character "|" in it then Altium acts strangely when trying to place the compopnent on a schematic. Everything seems to work but the error dialog message:Component with Design ID '1|<name of library file>|<name of component>'appears. My guess is that the "|" is used as a separator inside Altium strings. Are there any other characters best avoided?

author: Philfreeze
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2017, 12:14:30 pm
content: That is correct. Altiums uses Compound Document Files like MS Office does. Inside this structures there is a thing called FileHeader and inside that Altium stores all most of its stuff in a text format.The format looks like this: |value=N|As you can see, they use | as seperators and the only other symbols they use that I am aware of are = and . (a dot which they use for things like LOCATION.Y=10).You could try these two Symbols and see if they work but I think they will work just fine.P.S:Here is an article about the file format where you can see it:https://hackaday.io/post/10390I also tried to reverse engineer the whole thing once (PCBLib files, not schematics) but I wasn't able to do it completely because there are some binary values in there which I just couldn't figure out what they do)
Short circuit between polygon and track - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: electricar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2017, 09:25:24 am
content: Hi folks,I'm getting a short circuit constraint violation in Altium and I don't know why respectively I don't know how to ged rid off.At the end of my routing I added a polygon on my GND net (GNDA) and now there is no clearance between some of my routed nets and the polygon.Does anybody know how to fix this? It's strange that other nets don't have this problem.Another issue is that some vias don't have enough clearance (e.g. +5V_A)Thank you very much in advance!Kind regards

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2017, 09:28:38 am
content: Press T, G, A.

author: electricar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2017, 08:47:17 pm
content: Thanks!Edit:In "Preferences -> PCB Editor -> General -> Re-pour Polygons After Modification", you can also change the behaviour of re-pouring.
SCH Query - find parts where specific parameter equals a specific value? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2017, 05:24:34 pm
content: I'm trying to find a way to quickly list all of the parts in a project that have a specific parameter that equals a specific value. The "Find Text" tool (Ctrl+F) in the schematic editor only seems to search part and net designators. I could sift through the SCH List to find the right parts, except the list doesn't seem to show custom parameters for some reason (they appear in the "Choose Columns" dialog, but are blank when displayed in the SCH List window). There are built-in query fields to return *parameters* that have specific names (ParameterName) or specific values (ParameterValue), but I can't seem to find a way to return the *parts* that have those parameters. The ParametersList field seems like it might work, but I can't get it to return anything at all, and while the example seems like it should return a part the description doesn't mention parts at all:QuoteIs there another way to do this that I'm missing?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2017, 08:59:47 pm
content: So it finally occurred to me to use the "Find Similar Objects" tool to generate an expression, and it turns out that HasParameter will do what I need . It's documented on the same page I was looking at before, I just glossed over the description.Quote
How long to learn Altium for an old vet????...... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 07:02:50 pm
content: I know a CAD guy that has been doing layouts since hand tape days. If he grew a beard, I'm sure it would be grey. He typically does really good work, but the last software package he became skilled with was Pcad. Conceptualizing the layout isn't the problem. It's just learning a new tool.Question:How long would you expect it to take for a vet layout guy to get up to speed with Altium?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 10:12:39 pm
content: Learning altium will take a few days for the basics. Getting proficient in it will take a good month.Altium is a life-long learning commitment. the tool constantly evolves.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 10:45:43 pm
content: With the narrow scope of the old vet learning a new tool in a company sponsored training type activity, what's the best path do you think? Pay tutorials? Altium sponsored class? Probably starting from the beginning, and the more structure the better.Also is there a good way to avoid the typical habits of trying to force the new tool to do things in a familiar way rather than learning how the tool wants you to work?

author: vzoole
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 11:03:23 pm
content: I recommend this for learning:http://www.fedevel.com/academy/

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 11:05:27 pm
content: Quote from: vzoole on January 30, 2017, 11:03:23 pm+1

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2017, 11:55:42 pm
content: I think you can get up to sped in Altium in a few hundred hours. Which sounds like a lot, but it really isnt. After all, the tool provides some really powerful feeatures, which takes a lot of time to get used to and to find new ways to speed up the design process. And getting a basic library.After that, a basic PCB, like an arduino, can pop out in a day.
Schematic Sheet interconnect - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2017, 11:15:15 pm
content: I'm trying to understand the best way of doing a multi-sheet design as it gets quite large.From my understanding, there's two ways in Altium; Flat or Hierarchical.Reading online it seems everyone is saying that Hierarchical is the only way to go, and indeed from what I've done I don't believe you can do Repeat symbols without it (at least it didn't work for me.)But then I look at the Fedevel OpenRex board, and it's clearly a flat design.While I can see the virtues of a Hierarchical approach, the actual sheet symbol interconnect seems to get very complicated when you have say 10+ sheets with each sheet connecting to more than one other sheet. Or am I missing something...

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2017, 01:35:37 am
content: Flat is perfectly fine when you're not repeating sheets, and the interconnection is more general than tree-like.In a flat design, you can use Port symbols, or use Off-Sheet Connectors. Wires named with the same Net Label will also be connected, but you should try to avoid that because it leads down the slippery slope of graphical netlisting*.*I don't know if anyone calls it this, but consider: a netlist is a plain-text representation, naming every pin of every component, and which nets those pins go to. Utterly useless for seeing how a design is connected up. Now consider a schematic design, where components are placed wherever, and each pin has a net name on it, no wires needed...Tim

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2017, 03:39:12 am
content: Flat has certainly worked for me with a large design recently, however is there a way to repeat sheets with a flat design? Or does that mean you have to go Hierarchical?

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2017, 07:36:27 am
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on January 21, 2017, 01:35:37 amYou'd think that would never happen and then...https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/overcomplicated-audiophool-dac-design-review/?all
Altium 16.1.12 slow during re-pour - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Christian Carlsson
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 08:00:46 am
content: Hello, our HW guys have some problems with slooooow Altium....Conditions:PCB size 396 mm x 351 mm, 10 layersre-pour all polygon takes appr 1.5 hours - is this normal?Laptop PC:i7 - 2.80 Ghz32 GB RAM(no SSD)

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 08:11:13 am
content: And I suppose there's enough components on that board to justify the size and layer count? (Thousands of nets, 10k's of pads?)It may help to use planes instead of polygons, and use smaller polygons rather than board-size polygons.Did anyone call service?Tim

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 12:02:53 pm
content: Quote from: Christian Carlsson on December 14, 2016, 08:00:46 amClose all other applications plus multiple web browser tabs can chew up quite a lot of memory.Also, fully shut down your laptop (rather than using "hibernate" or "suspend") to ensure all memory is freed up. Windows has a habit of hanging onto memory if multiple hibernates/suspends are the usual modus operandi.

author: Christian Carlsson
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 03:26:07 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on December 14, 2016, 08:11:13 am

author: Christian Carlsson
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 03:29:15 pm
content: Quote from: DerekG on December 14, 2016, 12:02:53 pm

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 04:19:21 pm
content: how many design rules do you have ? clearance rules in particular ... the more of those the longer the repour takes.also : check the pouring order. you may have conflicts there.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 04:48:19 pm
content: I think you can significantly speed up the pouring, if you can increase the arc approximation/maximum deviation. Also, if you have multiple pours on the same layer with the same net, merge them.I havens worked with so complex PCB design yet, but few minutes was possible with 4-6 layers and few dozen polygons. I would shelve a bunch of those inner layer polygons and only touch them at the end. Also, I use some mechanical layers to set up poligon boundaries, just a technique I've found useful.

author: U.Bert
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 19, 2016, 09:40:51 am
content: In my experience (partially) disabling online DRC will vastly improve performance and reduce hours of wait time to just sluggish behaviour.

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2017, 10:27:47 am
content: What is the size of polygon?
Cannot Edit Text Width Parameter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dlmmartins
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 06, 2017, 04:25:01 pm
content: Good morning Srs,A new doubt. On PCB, I would like to edit the parameter "width" of the designator text of the components.I used the PCB Inspector, and it selected all the same components for editing. I can edit the size and other parameters.However the width the text it does not allow. The "width" line is greyed out and does not allow editing.Do you have any solutions for this?Greetings,

author: kiran_shrestha
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2017, 02:46:03 pm
content: I think you have mistakenly selected some other items in PCB.Try this1) use command isDesignator hit enter2) CTRL +a3) Now check whether the width is still grayed out
Altium dragging component while holding Ctrl reversed? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dmg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2017, 04:33:34 pm
content: I've been updated to Altium 17 an I've noticed that the behaviour when dragging an schematic component has been reversed, now it defaults to keeping wires connected and moves with disconnection if left Ctrl is pressed. Is it possible to switch it back?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2017, 05:02:46 pm
content: preferences ->Schematic ->graphical editingin the options column. 'always drag' (12 or 13 item in list ) : uncheck that.17 also has altered the selection. when making a selection from top left to bottom right : select only items that are fully inside.when making selection from bottom left to top right : select anything touching. the way Solidworks does it

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2017, 09:50:42 am
content: free_electron has given a nice solution. You should try it. It may work.

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 11:47:44 am
content: Yes, it is possible. Follow first_electron