hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
TQFP breakout board trap for young players - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jp430bb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2016, 06:08:55 pm
content: This is a low-priced eBay TQFP breakout with 0.5mm pitch on one side and 0.8mm pitch on the other. The 0.5mm pitch side has a solder bridge between pins 47 and 48. I could imagine this tripping somebody up for a good long while!
mosFET - Controlling heat - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2016, 12:55:46 am
content: So, I've been trying to find info on this, and can't seem to find much. I am probably looking in the wrong spot or simply don't know what it's called to look for it.Anyway, When designing a PCB.....What part of the mosFET (surface Mount) is best to make the pad bigger to help spread the heat? For example, I have a mosFET that is a SOT-23 package. The drain is the single pin, while the source and gate are the two pins on the other side. Is it the Drain pin that you want to try and make the biggest you can for PCB copper pour? And if so, is it still a good idea to use thermal reliefs so the solder can reflow? Does the heat still get distributed with the thermal reliefs?Does it make a difference if P-Channel or N-Channel (like, do it for Source on one, and Drain on the other?)So something like the picture?

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 15, 2016, 01:03:19 am
content: In a lot of the higher power SMD FETs I have used, the Drain is the large tab under the device.An example is this NTTFS4930N.I am not sure about SOT23 though...

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2016, 01:05:58 am
content: Ya, I saw that as well, but this SOT-23 package doesn't show any extra copper for the land pattern in the Data Sheet. I've seen, on same data sheets, as you have shown, where more copper is listed, but have not seen it yet for a SOT-23 package or a SOT-363, SOT-23-6, etc. Since the smaller package are such low Amps (<5A), is it even needed?

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 15, 2016, 01:15:56 am
content: I would have my doubts it is even needed.If you are pushing the FET to the limits of its power rating, I would be inclined to select another more appropriate FET.

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2016, 01:31:43 am
content: nah, not even close. it's rated at 3.5A, It will have at most 250mA through it. I just want to improve on my PCB designing skills.

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2016, 02:07:47 am
content: awesome! thank you
Altium Rules for Seeed Studio - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: octacore
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 09, 2016, 04:20:17 pm
content: Hello,I designed a board and wanted to order it from seeed studio.I wanted to make a DRC check and wanted to ask, if there is an actual rule file for Altium?

author: lorth
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2016, 05:49:55 pm
content: I always hate when people say to google but.... doingTHISyou getTHIS
... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cleaningOut
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2015, 12:44:59 am
content: ...

author: bills
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2015, 01:27:12 am
content: I would to have that, will send a PM with details later.thanksbill

author: seanc
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 10, 2016, 06:43:01 am
content: Do you still have this box? Or did it get...recycled?
Manufacturing cost of fairly large PCBs? (240x120mm) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: halkabar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 05:52:40 pm
content: Heyo,I'm working on a fairly large PCB design and I'd like to know how much is it gonna cost before I get too excited...240x120 mm (~10x5")Double-sided w/ silk screenMostly through-hole designAll-routed edges + fair bit of drillingWe're talking about 10 boards (all the same)Also if you guys could recommend any manufacturers likehttp://dirtycircuits.com/or something that would be nice:)

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 06:13:46 pm
content: That is not large and not terribly expensive for any pooling service.

author: CrashO
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 06:28:36 pm
content: If you run the specs throughpcbshopperyou can get a bunch of price indications.When I run it with the specs from your OP including shipping to Hungary, I get prices from about $90 up to $130 from the familiar Chinese suppliers (Elecrow at $91, SEEED at $130).*Prices where for 10pcbs in total including shipping. Excluding import taxes and stuff.

author: halkabar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 06:41:41 pm
content: pcbshopper is very helpful, thankyou!

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2015, 09:28:11 pm
content: PCBway.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 23, 2015, 10:03:49 pm
content: That is not a large board.Several of those can fit on a standard panel they use for manufacture.
Truetype font with PCB related symbols - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DutchGert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 12:51:18 pm
content: Does anyone have a TrueType font with electronic related symbols in them to place on your PCB silkscreen? So the CE, UL, RoHS, ESD sensitive logo, do not trow away logo, etc?That way I could just install the font and 'type' the logo I want on my silkscreen layer.Oh, if anyone had a good font with electronic symbols that align nicely (resistor, cap, inductor, etc) that would also be much appriciated.

author: Philfreeze
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 04:11:34 pm
content: Something like this?

author: DutchGert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2015, 05:20:11 pm
content: Quote from: Philfreeze on December 22, 2015, 04:11:34 pmNice one!
Quadcept - Anyone knows about it? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Eternauta
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 11:25:54 am
content: Digikey is offering a free version of this CAD limited to 1000pins/ 4 layer linked to the company database

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 09:33:22 pm
content: The first couple of videos I watched were a bit painful to watch and the digikey interface to watch the videos is even more painful:http://www.digikey.com/en/resources/design-tools/quadceptBut Quadcept has a YouTube channel.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjPl15UJ0-WVfPkmSsORJrw/videosMore info:http://www.quadcept.com/en/product/index.htmlBut I can't find a single page with the features as if what can the data conversion support.Took a while to find at least the manual online:http://www.quadcept.com/en/manual/before_using/post-3Painful to use as well, but found my question:http://www.quadcept.com/en/manual/Quadcept%20DesignConverter/post-530Seems it only converts from CR-5000 Board Designer for now.
dry film - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: seandepot123
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 07:03:18 am
content: Dear all,I have difficulties encountered with photolithography process with dry film. I laminated dry film on 4 in. silicon wafer and the thickness of the dry film is 56um and my smallest dimension is 50um in diameter. I've followed data sheet process step by step and tried different exposure dosage (90 mj/cm2 to 109 mj/cm2, standard recommended 100 mj/cm2) and develop time and method (7 min to 13 min and spraying), but when I proceeded to electroplating process, it seemed like it has a thin layer of resist residues on the top of copper, which hindered copper electroplating. No matter how i increase or decrease the exposure dosage or develop time, it still have a thin/transparent layer on the top of copper in the hole. Before I proceeded to electroplating process, I have check under OM, which shows a clear hole or transparent layer (invisible film. After I electroplated it, it become visible, which some of successful developed hole gets plated (black color), while residues (yellow color) remained.sorry i don't know how to post picture, but i have uploaded on a website for viewing pictures.pic 0 () - after development, which is very clearpic 1 () - this is the picture i took under OM after electroplating, the hole is 50um in diameter, it seemed like it has a thin layer of resist remain and the black dots in the hole which i assumed is the part which gets plated, and other yellow part is the residues.pic 3 () - this is also after electroplating process, the ones get plated showed black color, the few ones in the in middle only plate on the edge with large yellow resist residues remainpic 4 () - after electroplating process and 50 um in length as well, only half of the square gets plated.Has anyone experience this kind of problems and might show me a way to solve it?thanks a lot.
Connect one schematic pin to multiple pin in PADS - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 07:25:33 am
content: Does anyone know a way to connect one schematic pin to multiple pads in PADS Logic + Pads Layout?I have a 123 pin LGA step-down converter module which has something like 75 ground pins and 15 switch pins and 12 Vin pins and the schematic symbol will be a total mess and will barely fit to a large schematic sheet if I draw one pin per pad. Also since it is a power module I definitely don't want to split the pins to different sheets, that would make no sense. Every software I've used before has had the possibility to connect one schematic pin to multiple pads but I cannot find anything like that in PADS. There is some "pin mapping" tab in part editor but it is always grayed out. Don't know if that is what I want. Any ideas?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 01:14:00 pm
content: I've always seen high pin-count components drawn with multi-second symbols. Pins are collected into families for each section. So there's one for, e.g., VCORE and GNDs, one for each IO bank's power and grounds (if applicable), one for each group of actual logic/signal pins, etc. The entire component may be spread over multiple sheets.One of those converters will probably occupy a single sheet, using one or two relatively large rectangle symbols. Don't try to squeeze extra stuff onto the sheet, dedicate one for the purpose. Clarity is better!As for actually mapping, I don't know. Some packages do it, some don't (and some look like they can, but don't).Tim

author: jahonen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 01:35:47 pm
content: Maybe I am an old fart but I think those mentioned pins don't look too bad drawn separately (on A3 sheet size):I think all connections should be explicitly shown in schematic so that they show in pdf version so one can check what is actually going on. But I can certainly see the point of hiding the actual pin information in this case.Regards,Janne
possible to edit Gerber silkscreen file? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: WhiteFireDragon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2015, 08:02:04 pm
content: I have an open source PCB file where all the layers were exported to 6 different Gerber files for production. I would like to modify just the silkscreen to add a little artwork and customization. If this possible, what free software should I use?I know it would be a lot easier to change the original file in the PCB design software then export again into all the Gerber layers, however I don't have access to the original file. Please let me know if there are alternatives.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2015, 09:57:40 pm
content: Some PCB design software allows for gerber importation and conversion to cad format whihc can then be edited as per usual within cad package.Otherwise You need a gerber editor. I am not aware of a free editor. I do however own Graphicode Powerstation a gerber cam station capable of editing gerber layer.

author: WhiteFireDragon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2015, 10:11:14 pm
content: Quote from: IconicPCB on November 22, 2015, 09:57:40 pmCan you recommend any software that will allow this? Either the PCB design software, or gerber editor. If no free version, I'm willing to pay for a license, as long as it's not too expensive. I can't justify high cost for just editing text once or twice

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2015, 10:14:59 pm
content: afaik there are no free gerber editors.But : her eis a workaround :download a free cad tool ( like circuitmaker from altium )draw your artwork on the silkscreen layer. spit out gerberthen MERGE the two gerber files.you need to take a look in the original gerber file at the header and make sure you produce gerber with those settings.then copy the aperture datablock and the artwork datablock over.you can check all went well by opening your merged file with a gerber viewer.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 01:19:44 am
content: Another option... generate arwork in DXF format, email me the DXF and I shall output a gerber layer.Do not forget to anotate dimensions on the DXF.
Altium 15>> Looking for Design cutout - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: santosh2901
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 18, 2015, 02:00:23 pm
content: Hello,I am designing a PCB on Altium 15, I want to cut out a portion on the board with 3 mm width and 27.1 mm length, I could not find "Design cutout".How can I cutout this part on the board. please help me.I am completely new to Altium and this is my first design.Thank you.

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 12:32:05 pm
content: try polygon pour cutout, draw the outline -> ok -> double click the area and set it to "board cutout" instead of copper.
Viewer for old Protel '98 Schematic .sch? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2015, 04:06:25 pm
content: I've just been asked to redo an old project, customer information is as scant as ever and the previous designer is long since retired. They gave me their old files, none of which are much use to me except what I think are some relay wiring drawings done in either protel 98 or 99. I don't need to copy or modify them, just look at them as they might contain some gold information.Anyone know of a free viewer for these old protel .sch ?I tried Altium Designer Viewer but that refuses to do anything remotely resembling being useful.A google search throws up some options but Im wary of downloading random crap.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2015, 06:05:42 pm
content: I think you need the importer for Altium...Any one of us with Altium could probably save as (modern Altium 10+ .SchDoc etc.) or export a PDF, if you like?Tim

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2015, 06:37:55 pm
content: Did you look here:http://techdocs.altium.com/display/ALEG/Legacy+DownloadsHint: "protel98 viewer site:altium.com"

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2015, 09:41:00 pm
content: I can read them in and cover to PDF files if thats of any help.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 12:15:16 am
content: File sent

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 11:26:13 am
content: Big thanks to IconicPCB, the pdf shows me what I needed to know.
Pls feed back my PCB design : PIC12F uC project - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nquantum
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2015, 06:32:59 am
content: It is "minerald measure by led light intensity" , basicly it more minerald in water then lower impedance, then more voltage drop. So I measure voltage through ADC > PIC12F > PWM to drive LED by MOSFET. More minerald , bright light. Less minerald , dim light.I use through-hole component due to easy to find components and fast hand soldering , coz I may do it later 10-20-30 units.I want it low price so my plan is not to use silk-screen , no solder-mask (or "maybe" consider green/black) only PCB with tin-coat.1. How is trace layout? - as of I reading from internet I try to put as wide trace as I can and try to dense components as they can. And I try to layout it shortly distance.2. How is copper-pour? - I try put trace on top-layer as much as I can , try to separate analog pour , digital pour and connect it in the middle (I categories opamp , linear supply as analog part and uC , mosfet drive , led as digital part)3. How is component layout? - I try to group it like , uc part , supply part , opamp part , then route it separately then bring the group into the board then route the finish.4. Any suggest , recommendation? - I'm sure there will somepoint can improve I want also improve my skill. Copper-pour in bottom , signal is top have advantage/disadvantage?trace = 30mil - Original thinking is 25mil for power , 20 for signal. (Current drive LED is not over 1.6A , the rest is 1-10mA) but then I see a lot of free area so I increase... 30milclearance = 10mil (think later it might be too close then I try later 15mil also pass)grid - I use 150mil , 100mil fist layout coarse component then fine it 100mil , 50mil , 25mil. I mainly use 50mil , 25mil layout trace only some for fine then 12.5milcopper-pour - clearance 20mil , line width 20mil , min area 1550mil2 // connect GND // 4-spoke45

author: nquantum
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2015, 03:51:06 am
content: Say something na
Just a CAT5 network jack - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: btfdev
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 08:33:36 pm
content: We have all seen them on a daily basis. On the wall, wiring closet and inside data centers. We have plugged network cable into it. Knocking cable out of it when running across the room. The question is ... why not open up a CAT5 jack to see whats inside?http://www.binarytaskforce.com/photoview-id-Q0FUNWUsRFNDXzA2MTIuSlBHUpon tear down. WOW. Who would have thought a CAT5 jack PCB can be this complicated?!http://www.binarytaskforce.com/photoview-id-Q0FUNWUsRFNDXzA2MTkuSlBHSee the bottom of PCBhttp://www.binarytaskforce.com/photoview-id-Q0FUNWUsRFNDXzA2MjYuSlBHFull album is herehttp://www.binarytaskforce.com/photocontact-album-26Cheers, Team BTF

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 08:42:13 pm
content: Interesting, so is all the capacitance to compensate for the inductance of the wire connectors and the untwisted parts of the wires?

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 08:53:03 pm
content: Wow that's pretty cool, thanks for sharing!

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 02:40:57 pm
content: Most is to get the length of all the traces to the same length, so that the signal is not delayed too much differentially so the receive side cannnot decode reliably. Another reason is to keep impedances matched, even with the discontinuity introduced by the punch down blocks.

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 03:26:13 pm
content: It is all interdigitation and not meander. When I said compensate I did mean try to get back to the 100 Ohm transmission line impedance disturbed by the more inductive impedance of the untwisted wires and connectors, it's only 100 MHz so you can separate the inductance and capacitance a bit to form a transmission line.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2015, 03:44:11 pm
content: there is some compensation for length by having the green pair coming off the connector at the front, and it is connected at the front punch block as well, so the length is somewhat matched. The small capacitor are there to make a LC to match the PCB to the cable better.
Laying TL Tracks over BL Tracks - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: danielrcoates
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2016, 11:39:13 am
content: I'm pretty new to this layout design stuff, and I have a quick question on track layouts.I have a board, where I want to breakout the pins from a LED Matrix array to .1" headers, in order to route the tracks, I have had to lay tracks on the top layer over tracks on the bottom layer. I don't think that this would be an issue, but I would just like to confirm, and get some opinions.Thanks, D

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2016, 12:03:07 pm
content: If it's just for LEDs, heck, who cares.If it's for good signal quality and all that, then first things first, you want to pour ground fill around all open spaces, top and bottom. Then join them together around crossings, so the top and bottom islands of fill act together as one.Tim

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2016, 12:06:22 pm
content: Quote from: danielrcoates on January 11, 2016, 11:39:13 amFrom your description, it wouldn't be a problem.Orange flags would be sensitive analogue circuits, digital signals with fast transition "edge" rates (the period/frequency is completely irrelevant), and RF circuits.Since you are a beginner, I'll suggest youmake sure you understand the theory and practice of decoupling capacitors, and how to use themlook at manufacturer's application notes, especially for the devices you are usingthink in terms of supplyling sufficient copper that the current to the LEDs has a good straight path from the driver to the LEDsandback again
DEX and Electra Integration - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dalee
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 23, 2015, 07:57:55 pm
content: Hello All,When I install DEX and activate the built in Electa auto-router, everything is fine. DEX hands over to Electa, Electa auto-routes it and the control is handled back over to DEX.However, with a stand alone Electa install this flow does not work. When I hit "Route", DEX hands over to Electa, Electra auto-routes BUT the design is not handled over to DEX. I can save and export in Electa but I cannot get the auto-routed design back to DEX.Does anyone know how to solve it? ThanksD.

author: BengtR
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 21, 2015, 05:26:48 pm
content: Isn't that about Electra changing their price policy? I think it has become much more expensive for OEM developers in later versions so DEX just could not afford to support latest version.
AndroCAD: Gerber PCB Viewer for Android - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: AndroCAD
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 28, 2015, 03:09:35 pm
content: Hello!We made the Gerber PCB Viewer (standard RS-274X) for Android.It can properly draw about 70% of Gerber files. We need reports about bugs and crashes.Demo on Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.androcad.gerberdemoThe Viewer doesn't support old "RS-274D" and "Excellon drill" files.
Know of an open source "Unit test board" for testing Pick and Place robot? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: billthebuilder
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 07:28:37 pm
content: I am looking to put our Pick and Place robot through an abilities trial and want to have it tackle the gambit of a RLC circuit of components of various sizes and orientations. I figure someone has done this before, instead of reinventing the wheel I was hoping to find something. If there's a standard board for quality control or benchmarking, that'd be even better to know about.Thanks,Bill

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 09:12:37 pm
content: check out topline dummy components web site for boards and components.I too was looking for a similar design some weeks back. Sadly topline pricing for dummy components is atrocious. I spoke to my electronics components supplier asking him to go through his stocks and see if he has any components he wants to get rid of for the purposes of running placement exercise.He was happy to oblige.

author: billthebuilder
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2015, 12:15:16 am
content: I got a quote from Topline and it was more than Digikey... for dummy components!! That's ridiculousAnyway, I found Practical Components from another thread reply and they were much, much cheaper.www.practicalcomponents.com
Advanced PCB Tutorials - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: josephricafort
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 03:14:19 pm
content: In response to this post,https://www.eevblog.com/forum/eagle/cadsoft-eaglecad-tutorials/msg51879/#msg51879I'm looking for PCB tutorials you might suggest:I've already watched these videos before and was wondering if there's a sequel to this. I'm looking on a more advanced level, like advanced design rules, high-speed digital signal board design, analog RF board design, etc.Any suggestions?
31 mils thick PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 08:44:23 pm
content: Hi,Where do you get small qties of small (1sq in) fr-4 31 mils (0.8mm) thick PCB made?I've been getting pricing from different places and the prices are between 3 to 20 times the price of getting small 62.5 mils PCB made.Is dirtyPCBs any good?Thanks

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 09:05:07 pm
content: seed studio is good for it, just try and balance out how much copper you have on each side, If you have a solid ground plane on one side and scarce traces on the other they tend to warp a little

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 09:50:14 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on October 12, 2015, 08:47:59 pmI looked at a lot of places, but I didn't take notes, I think Seeed charged a lot for shipping. I'll check again, plus remember: the pieces of paper we use in Canada are worthless these days, which is why I'm shopping around a lot!

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 11:16:26 pm
content: Quote from: Alex Eisenhut on October 12, 2015, 08:44:23 pmDirtyPCBs is pretty good. No frills service.NB: It's a DangerousPrototypes.com service, see their forum for various discussions about it.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2015, 10:47:27 pm
content: Here's an update I got from OSH Park:"We're hoping to offer a 0.031" thickness some time in the next few months, since we get a fair amount of requests, but that's probably not until early next year."

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 15, 2015, 05:36:51 pm
content: Elecrow does 0.8 mm without any extra cost.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2015, 09:11:38 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on October 15, 2015, 05:36:51 pm+1 for Elecrow.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2015, 11:33:28 pm
content: Thanks everyone. Now, to actually design the circuit...

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2015, 04:49:20 am
content: Quote from: sleemanj on October 12, 2015, 11:16:26 pmDirtyPCBs, Dangerous Prototypes, TopLoser.... what is wrong with these people, don't they believe in name karma ?
Placing an image on the bottom of the PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pedro147
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 06:49:35 am
content: I have used Eagle a few times before and successfully added an image to the top of the PCB, but have had difficulty doing the same thing on the bottom.I made a library package, generated and ran the script to render the monochrome bitmap image into the lib pac. I set it to layer 26 bottom names, but found that I had to use a mirror image to get the logo, which is symmetrical but has text as well as a graphic component, to display correctly. It appears to have worked OK, in that when I set only dimension (20) and bottom names (26) layers it is displaying correctly. in the Eagle board view and also when I put the board file into a 3D online viewer and rotate the image to show the bottom of the board. The other perplexing thing is that the origin is showing in the top origin (23) layer not the bottom (24) Would somebody mind taking a look at my files and seeing that I am doing this correctly before I submit to design to a PCB manufacturer. I hope that I have provided enough information for someone to take a quick look but if not I can provide additional information as required.The Eagle sch brd and lib files are hosted on my Mediafire account at the links below.http://www.mediafire.com/view/va5a9izsv06bb48/AlienWii_Logo_4.lbrhttp://www.mediafire.com/view/7bqjindg3uifxaa/AW_V1.brdhttp://www.mediafire.com/view/8h97qnd6fffye5d/AW_V1.schThanks for you time and advice Pedro..

author: matseng
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 10:18:11 am
content: When I import bmp files that I want to end up on the back of the pcb I just import it to tPlace (or the default Layer 200 and change it to tPlace after checking that the image is of correct size) and then I select the image as a group and ctrl-right-click to mirror the group.

author: Pedro147
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 01:52:26 pm
content: Thanks matseng. So regardless of the layer, the image must be reversed must it

author: matseng
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 04:48:39 pm
content: Make the image normal (so you can read it). Then import it onto the top of the pcb. With the "mirror" command in Eagle it will be moved to the bottom layer and at the same time automatically be reversed/mirrored so it will end up fine on on real pcb and in a 3d-gerber viewer.

author: Pedro147
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 12:46:07 am
content: Thanks again matseng I have done as you said and I will remember next time
Free Gerber Editor / DFM tool - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: xuio
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2015, 08:43:20 pm
content: Hi everybody,I need a DFM software to edit some stencils (gerber files) (shrink/split pads, create bowtie...).Are there any free/cheap tools available?I have used a trial version of FAB3000. It was really good, but waaaaaaay too expensive for me as a hobbyist.thanks for your help,Moritz

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2015, 12:05:40 am
content: Check outwww.graphicode.comfor gerber editor.

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 05:35:02 am
content: There is also Viewmate by Pentalogix.http://www.pentalogix.com/viewmate.php
Using an old dishwasher for etching PCBs  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Merlysys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2015, 09:29:31 pm
content: People here throw away their old and working dishwashers to get new ones, a problem created by excess income I suppose.I noticed that dishwashers have a (water) sprayer along with a rack (to place PCBs). So I thought of experimenting with such a machine. They come with a built in pump too!. Are there problems I overlooked?I wonder which of the two common chemicals should be used. If you have links showing this idea already in use please give details as I haven't found any.

author: CrashO
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 08, 2015, 09:41:32 pm
content: What's up with the Hit-and-run tactic of opening topics?So far I have seen a bunch of topics created by you, but in none of them (I did a quick check on your last 6) you replied after the initial post..If you want to ask without discussing, I suggest Google instead of a discussion board

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2015, 10:01:41 pm
content: Your etchant will etch the dishwasher about as fast as it does the PCBs. You'd be lucky to get a few hours running, before it dies and pisses etchant all over the floor, then you have a heavily chemically contaminated scrap dishwasher to dispose of.

author: Merlysys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2015, 11:41:14 pm
content: Quote from: CrashO on October 08, 2015, 09:41:32 pmI follow the answers daily, just that I don't have anything new to add.Google is not always helpful.

author: Merlysys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2015, 11:44:40 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on October 08, 2015, 10:01:41 pmAre you certain of this or just speculation?

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 12:00:56 am
content: Dish washer detergents are strongly alkaline with pH up to 12.5, but typically the concentration isn't very high. Etchants are high concentration strong acids and acid salts., with active HCl and in some cases Hydrogen peroxide. Parts that are alkali resistant may not be acid resistant. You'd need to check each part for bare metal that could corrode and all plastics for acid resistance. Its a fair bet that somewhere in the system there will be a part that cant take acid exposed to the solution - all it takes is one metal washer in the pump or spring in a valve and you are FUBARed.
is it standard in use rectangle pad in + , - polar? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nquantum
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 04:08:23 am
content: Since I use Diptrace and I found polar-capacitor ex. electrolyte use rectangle PAD for their + polar. But LED use rectangle PAD for their - polar. So I have a doubt... What is standard polar in use rectangle PAD? + or - ?Say for ex.When u use terminal , u put rectangle PAD on + or - ?When use battery holder u use rectangle PAD for + or - ?For 1st pin of DIP IC it easy to understand that to use rectangle but how about the polar? use + for rectangle or - for rectangle which one is better for good habit?Before I always use rectangle for - polar , but once I see Diptrace capacitors library I have curiosity.

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 10:25:14 am
content: I don't care about the pads, they're all round in my projects.But I'm very mindful of correct silkscreens.For LEDs, I even put text where the "long leg" of the LED should go. (As some of my customers find that easier and simpler to understand.)BTW: some LEDs have reverse orientation, short leg is Anode.http://media.digikey.com/pdf/Data%20Sheets/Lite-On%20PDFs/LTL-4266N.pdf

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 10:34:06 am
content: SMT leds from "Bivar Inc"...One yellow, one green.Green one has a little green dot for anodeYellow one has a little green dot for cathode

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2015, 04:05:41 pm
content: Rectangle pad is pin 1, whatever that is in your schematic.

author: nquantum
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 03:30:23 am
content: Me : i mostly do in hobby so seldom use silkscreen coz it cost me double. But this cost me more time to check before operate , test , mod.So i this use rectangle pad will cost me zero.Make sense to use rectangle on pin1 however it still no clue where is + or - coz some time pin 1 is + sometime -

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 10:07:16 am
content: Quote from: fivefish on November 03, 2015, 10:25:14 amBe careful with that. I have a bag of white LEDs with "leg" polarity contrariwise than usual.
DesignSpark for Electrical CAD: new software - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Eternauta
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2015, 02:08:47 pm
content: Just noted this new free software for Electrical CAD:http://www.rs-online.com/designspark/automation/designspark-electricalThe download (>350mB) is very low .

author: Canobi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 10:56:32 am
content: Just installing it as I'm typing. I noticed its at v7.1 so hopefully the registration issue I read about will be fixed now too.
TinkerCAD crash - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: blueskull
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 01, 2015, 03:05:46 am
content: Hi all,I'm encountering SEVERE crashing problems with TinkerCAD 3D tool. I use TinkerCAD as a convenient 3D concept tool. It works perfectly if I don't insert texts. After a text shape was generated from a string and when I'm working on the text shape, it constantly crashes my browser, and worse, Nvidia graphics driver.Since the driver itself crashes, I would say it is a bug in OpenGL stack. Am I the only one getting my driver to crash with OGL? Anyone have encountered such problems?My platform: Windows 7 Pro 64 EN-US OEM, FireFox 40.0.3, Nvidia driver 355, GeForce GTX750Ti, Xeon E3-1271v3, 16GB ECC RAM, C226 workstation mobo.Thanks,Bo

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2015, 04:34:41 am
content: Did you try a different browser?

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2015, 02:35:37 pm
content: I have a GTX460 on one of the PCs in the house that began to crash badly after the last driver update as part of windows update (i believe in September). Try rolling back the Nvidia driver.
Altium Summer 2008 - Match Nets dialogue bug?! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nurega
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 22, 2015, 08:56:17 am
content: Hi folks,I have been using Altium Summer 2008 for a fair few years, but recently I have a problem updating schematic changes to PCB in the usual way (compile PCB project and then Design - Update PCB document). I get a dialogue asking me to match nets, but there appears to be no way past this dialogue. I can match the nets but there is no option to proceed, no 'OK' or 'IGNORE' button on the dialogue. I have tried increasing the size of the window, but I see nothing at the bottom of the dialogue box. Seems like there should be options there, but I cant see them.Anyone had experience of this?Any advice would be much appreciated.Thanks,Phil
System Vision - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: obiwanjacobi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 05:21:39 pm
content: What do you guys think ofhttp://www.systemvision.com/?I am a total noob concerning this stuff, just thought you'd might like it...

author: darrellt
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 14, 2015, 04:39:49 pm
content: You can do some pretty cool stuff on this site. It has built-in tools for drawing a schematic, running simulations, and viewing the results.Try this examplehttp://www.systemvision.com/design/pid-speed-control-loop-switchingClick on "view design" and move the probes around. You can even probe inside the different symbols (like see the current inside a resistor).You can create a free account and copy the design and edit it.
Multiple vias - multilayer board. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mikolaj612
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 09, 2015, 11:13:43 pm
content: Hello everyone.At the begining sorry for my bad english - I'm now native speaker.I use CadSoft Eagle for making project, but I have some question related to vias and placing it near components.I know that vias are always used to connnect SMD components to ground or power planes, but how about THT components?Should I place some additional GND vias near pads of THT elements? I saw many design almost always there is no additional vias, but I have one multilayer PCB at home and there are vias near main mounting hole.Second question is similar because how about using additional vias to connect THT element to power plane?Third question is how about routing AC as a power plane (inner layer) should I place it inside board or maybe it should be routed on top/bottom?I know that many vias are used to connect SMD components because this will provide low impedance connection to plane and small vias have probably some current limit.I attach picture to show what I'm talking about.My board stack up is classic:1. TOP - signall/hi speed signal + GND,2. GND plane,3. VCC surrounded by guard ring connected with multiple vias to GND,4. GND plane + sometimes some not critical signals like enable pin or something like that.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 04:05:45 pm
content: Quote from: mikolaj612 on September 09, 2015, 11:13:43 pmThe holes for the component's leads are sufficient.

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 06:51:27 pm
content: I have done vias with a through hole component, but only when I needed very low resistances with very high currents. I was worried that the thermal relief around component leg would not take 50A.

author: mikolaj612
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 11, 2015, 06:02:19 am
content: I do not use thermal is Eagle.My project is medium to low current (voltage regulator from few hundrets mA to 1.5-2A max), RAW section is always below 3A.How about inner layers? Should I use it for AC power plane (for diode rectifier/s) ? Or maybe it should be places TOP/BOTTOM plane?I downloaded may EVM datasheets from TI, and almost always voltage regulatos EVM are 2 layer boards, sometimes 4 layers but with multiple GND planes for better thermal resistance.How should I place power planes if I have some AC planes (for rectifiers), RAW DC and regulated DC.I use some THT elemets like capacitors (electrolitic and foil), hybrid chokes (Murata PLY10 series), and ARK/PTR/XH connectors.But there is also some SMD capacitors, resistors and VQFN/MSOP/DFN chips.And thank you for helping me outI also know that 0,3mm (I use it widely) have current capabilities about ~ 0.7A peak.
CircuitStudio and polygon manager - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: icke
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 08:32:16 am
content: Hello community,i am testing the new circuitStudio from E14. Frist step import a eagle projekt into the Studio. I am amazed it works well!In this case i have many polygons on pcb. If i redraw the polygons, then i couldn't detect the logic. My problem is i couldn't find the polygon manager to sort the new order!Can anyone help me?Thanks!Icke
Altium: Wiring a bus between repeated sheets? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: qwaarjet
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 05:25:01 am
content: This seems like it should be easy but. I have two sub circuits that I want multiple channels of, using the "Repeat" command in the designator of the sheet, and need to wire them together but I keep getting errors when I compile. When I wire the ports on the sheet with a bus I get an error that says Multiple outputs sheet entry and if wire with just a wire it just makes a single net instead of indexing for each room. What is the right way to do this operation?image attache for reference.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 10:22:44 am
content: Search on bus naming conventions, there's an article that walks through this.You need to connect a single wire to the sheet entry, and net name this "BUS" (for example). Repeat this for the other sheet entry as well.Draw a bus between the two wires, and name it "BUS[1..16]" (or, I forget if it's parenthesis, or three dots -- double check on that).Now your design should have sixteen nets, and they should be connecting channel-for-channel.Tim

author: qwaarjet
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 07:46:18 pm
content: ThanksI tried something similar to this but it looks like the problem was I was repeating the port name and not the net name. Got it working now.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 10:21:51 pm
content: Ah yes, you need that as well, otherwise all the channels have that port connected together in common.Tim
Altium, plane thermal connections - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ChiliLover
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 04:44:15 pm
content: I'm learning Altium and I'm stuck trying to get the ground plane thermal connections to be at 90deg instead of 45deg. Here's what I've doneadjusted the Design > Rules > PolygonConnect to 90 Angleselected the Ground plane tab and highlighted the planeselected Tools > Polygon Pours > Repour Selectedbut the thermals stay at 45deg resulting in isolated copperThere must be a way!??!?

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 10:26:18 pm
content: I assume you're talking about thishttp://techdocs.altium.com/display/ADRR/PCB_Dlg-PolygonConnectStyleRule_Frame((Polygon+Connect+Style))_AD?Make sure you don't have any other rules overriding the general setting for the net you are routing. Also, try to clear the polygon just to make sure that it's actually repouring (so you visually assert that Altium is using your new setting)

author: stefanh
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 10:48:49 pm
content: I was just looking at the Altium design rules:- Power Plane Connect Style rule seems to be fixed at reliefs at 90degrees only.- Polygon Connect Style rule has the choice of relief connect at either 90degrees of 45degrees.If you MUST have the relief connect at at 45 degrees I would suggest that instead of using a power plane, add another signal layer and pour a polygon instead.

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 10:54:58 pm
content: Quote from: stefanh on August 18, 2015, 10:48:49 pmIt's a good solution but I think he's trying to changefrom45to90.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 11:07:34 pm
content: planes are always under 45. this is a matter of safety to guarantee connection .in a row of contacts you could suffer from starvation. by using 45 degrees this problem goes away
PADs physically prints silkscreen when CAM is run? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2015, 01:45:29 pm
content: I just started getting up to speed with using PADs to do some design work. It's probably how the thing is setup but every time I generate the gerber files, the silkscreen layers get sent to the printer. I seem to be unable to find the setting to turn this on and off.Does anyone have an idea?

author: marmad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 01:25:46 pm
content: I've used PADS for years - but I'm not quite sure what you mean by "sent to the printer". Are you using the CAM routine?

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 07:12:12 pm
content: Quote from: marmad on August 18, 2015, 01:25:46 pmYes. File > CAM. Then I select all the documents and hit RUN. The proper gerber files are generated. However, PADs physically prints the silkscreen layers. It's the most peculiar thing.

author: marmad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2015, 07:52:46 pm
content: Quote from: Pack34 on August 18, 2015, 07:12:12 pmInside CAM, if you select a Document Name (e.g. top silkscreen layer) then click "Edit", you'll enter a screen that allows you to set "Output Device". Either your silkscreen layers are set to "Print" output device (instead of "Photo", which is Gerber), or another layer that has the silkscreen layers added has been set that way. At least one of your Documents has the Output Device set to Print.