hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
orcad 17.4 ultralibrarian - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ant17
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2021, 09:41:10 pm
content: hi guys i have been in a bit of a trouble when i use ultra librarian internally to orcad i can dowload a part directly from orcad with symbol footprint and step model but no pspice model you can download the pspice model from them outside orcad but i don't know how to add it can anyone tell me how to do it please help

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2021, 01:32:28 pm
content: Haven't used OrCAD recently - i switched mostly to full *NIX...where KiCAD with native SPICE is mostly used...But I have used OrCAD quite a lot .. and PSPICE models arealways downloaded elsewhere from manufact. sites...so .. since the early days when PSPICE was a stand alone app..you ADD MODELS in a PROPERTY DIALOG specific for that...Component-> menu (properties) -> look for MODEL (or spice ...)attach the full path to your model and make sure your pathsare sane inside them... e.g. relative paths and absolute onesPaul
CircuitHub - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ammar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2019, 12:18:41 pm
content: Interesting concept at CircuitHub.com. You upload your PCB files and they automatically generate a quote.Trick is they only accept the original design files, no gerbers. Also, the quoted price was 10 times the cost to have the same thing fabricated in China.Do you know many EEs that would hand over their original design files to the manufacturer?

author: ^_^
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2020, 02:00:11 am
content: They seem to be finding people through GitHub and messaging them.I haven't tried it but if you say the quote is 10x I don't know what would be the advantage.I'm also a bit suspicious to upload design files

author: Ysjoelfir
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2020, 12:58:41 pm
content: Why would you even consider uploading your original design files if gerber is the standard in industry? I never gave my design files away and never will. Well, except of to my customers for which I created those obviously.Also, if the price is that high I wouldn't bother trying that service at all.

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2020, 01:38:49 pm
content: For all of my (hobbyist-level) designs, I'd prefer to upload files as close to the native format as possible.I don't care about my hobby designs being "ripped off" and there are several opportunities for error/non-repeatability when I go through the steps to make the gerber, drill, XYRS files, etc. If a board/assembly house will take my KiCAD files directly, I think that's convenient and one less chance for error to creep in.For designs I was selling or otherwise was worried would be ripped off, I'd of course be a little more selective (but if I controlled the firmware, I might still prefer to send original CAD files).

author: peranders
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 18, 2021, 04:47:35 pm
content: Ammar, can you hint which type of board you asked for and the cost? I have been contacted of Circuithub a couple of times now but I have no grip of quality and cost.
FreePCB: Is it on the RADAR?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gnuarm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2021, 06:46:22 pm
content: I have used FreePCB for a commercial project and may use it in the future. The original developer has retired and no longer supports the product, but the software continues to be supported by someone else. So it is seeing new features on a regular basis. I'm wondering how many of those here use or have at least tried this layout software package? How many are interested?https://freepcb.dev/

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2021, 03:37:36 pm
content: I've used it for quite a few projects in the past, but have stopped using it a few years ago. Yeah it became unmaintained. I know someone else ended up taking the project over, but I haven't really followed that ever since. Looks like there are many new features.The fact it's Windows-only, and based on MFC is also what got me off it in the end. (This last point is particularly annoying as MS has stopped supporting MFC.)I took a look - seems the new developer hasn't released the source code? There are only binaries on Github?
MOVED: Fusion 360 - MECHANICAL design Tips Tweaks and discussion. (Not Eagle) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2021, 04:09:51 am
content: This topic has been moved toMechanical Engineering.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=243538.0
Circuit simulation software - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: keef46
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 11:25:51 am
content: Can anyone recommend a good free or not very much, circuit simulation program or online tool?Thanks.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 01:46:05 pm
content: for very simple stuff, some online tool are nicelikehttps://www.circuitlab.com/orhttp://lushprojects.com/circuitjs/circuitjs.htmlorhttps://www.falstad.com/circuit/
URGENT FOR DAVE - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Zfrenchy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2021, 05:42:25 pm
content: Hi all, and DaveI will be simple in this message, look at this video on Youtubehttps://youtu.be/fjUscSRLwksThe DIY computer enthusiasts community need the help of the eev community and "superstar Dave" to comment about this dangerous situation.Please Dave, contact Steve about that.

author: JohnnyMalaria
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2021, 06:06:26 pm
content: Really? Or you want people to click the link to a video offering a 10% discount on a mouse mat?

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2021, 06:07:53 pm
content: Quote from: JohnnyMalaria on January 31, 2021, 06:06:26 pmThe PC building community is historically epically short of people with actual technical knowledge, so bringing this to the attention of someone with some isn't a terrible idea.Buying anything from NZXT in the first place, that's a terrible idea.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2021, 06:16:55 pm
content: Someone doesn't know that you should keep traces and power planes away from mounting holes unless you want to use one for grounding. It's a quite silly and dangerous mistake by the PCB designer.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 31, 2021, 06:22:53 pm
content: Seen that earlier today. PCB designer is an idiot. It's not like there was even lack of space to place traces anywhere near the holes to begin with.1. Why do you even have any traces other than GND under a screw.2. Placing power plane on internal layer fractions of millimeter away from the hole.3. Use a screw thicker than the hole diameter.
Panel Gerber editor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: AllegroAltium
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 29, 2021, 07:59:09 am
content: I have designed a small circular 40mm diameter PCB in OrCAD PCB Designer and made a panel of it (3x3=9 such PCBs in a Panel) by using external software. Panel size is 150x150mm.I got some gerber(.gbr) files in return of Panel from Manufacturer which i want to edit. The reason is that we want to add adhesive tape over all panel with selective openings which i will decide. So wondering hows this possible? I already tried looking into ViewMate and GerbV.
6 Digit Nixie Clock review - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: squeezyballs
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 16, 2021, 01:59:54 pm
content: Hi!This is my first ever post on the EEVblog forum.I've been working on a 6 digit Nixie Clock PCB and I would like to see your thoughts about it.This is not my first time designing a PCB, but it is my first time with such a high voltage.I think the clearance between the high voltage traces is good enough, but I am not sure.The headers at the bottom of my board are for my Arduino Mega that I want to use to display the time.If there is a cheaper alternatieve option for the Arduino Mega, please let me know.Please comment if you see any mistakes that I have overlooked.(This is a Eagle brd file)EasyEDA link:https://oshwlab.com/Eggses/Nixie-clockComponents:WS2812bNi-12a1206 smd resistor0805 smd capacitork155id1Thanks in regards!
trying to convert Cyclone 10 LP eval board to Altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nazardo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2021, 11:33:14 am
content: Hello, I am trying to import these into Altiumhttps://www.intel.com/content/dam/altera-www/global/en_US/support/boards-kits/cyclone10/cyclone10lp-10cl025yu256-eval-v17.0.0stdb595.zipNo problem with the schematics, but no luck with the ".brd".I tried to put Allegro2Altium.bat and the brd on the same folder where extracta.exe is located, on a machine with Cadence license, but when running from command line it complains about env variables not set.Maybe any of you could be so kind to do the conversion and attach the brd converted to ASCII in the forum? Thank you.The batch file contains these lines:Code:extracta.exe %1 AllegroExportViews.txt AllegroBoard.txt AllegroLayer.txt AllegroConnectivity.txt AllegroNetRules.txt AllegroPadStack.txt AllegroGeometry.txt AllegroSymbolDefinitions.txt AllegroSymbolInstances.txt AllegroAddlGeometry.txt AllegroMultiStackup.txtCOPY AllegroBoard.txt+AllegroLayer.txt+AllegroConnectivity.txt+AllegroNetRules.txt+AllegroPadStack.txt+AllegroGeometry.txt+AllegroSymbolDefinitions.txt+AllegroSymbolInstances.txt+AllegroAddlGeometry.txt+AllegroMultiStackup.txt AllegroASCII.txtDEL AllegroBoard.txt AllegroLayer.txt AllegroConnectivity.txt AllegroNetRules.txt AllegroPadStack.txt AllegroGeometry.txt AllegroSymbolDefinitions.txt AllegroSymbolInstances.txt AllegroAddlGeometry.txt AllegroMultiStackup.txtMOVE /-Y AllegroASCII.txt %1.alg
Microcap 12 bombing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Terry Bites
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2021, 04:54:14 pm
content: I've been using microcap for years. Its very handy.The free version of MC12 (64bit) crashes all the time with no error message.It just vanishes from the screen. I'm running win10 Pro on a DELL 7020.I've never seen an app that goes poof before.MC11 runs error free. So I use that.Anyone?Of course I've reinstalled it.....I have looked at Win10 error log, but it hasn't given me anything useful.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2021, 05:34:58 pm
content: Which version of MC12 is it? I remember the first MC12 version they released as free was crashing a lot when I tested it, but they have released 2 updates since then, and the crashes have basically disappeared. At least for me. (Win 7/64.)Last version is 12.2.0.4

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2021, 09:49:13 am
content: Windows 10 is considerably different compared to previous Windows versions. It seems Microsoft has rewritten several parts which deal with the UI and these aren't backwards compatible. It may cause applications to crash.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2021, 09:14:59 pm
content: 12.2.0.3 works fine here on multiple win10 PCs
PDF Manual files with EDA tools? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Chris56000
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2020, 01:04:50 am
content: Hi!One of my perpetual gripes with many of the EDA/PCB design tools I have tried over many years is the subject of user manuals, not only are makers like Altium trying to con you into paying up to (and over!) £1000 for compulsory maintainence, they have the nerve to do away with basic manual support as well –AD hasn't supplied any printable bookwork since v.14, Orcad won't let you get at their books from their website without costly maintainence, Vutrax is the same, I've never seen any books for Labcenter Proteus, and I've a nasty feeling the other vendors are going the same way!Surely, even if you only request a time or feature limited trial version, you ought to be entitled to some basic bookwork included in the disc/download, especially when you consider the price of some of these suites?Chris Williams

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2020, 11:41:04 am
content: QuoteThey used to do them. For a reasonable fee I can probably bear to part with one

author: Feynman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2020, 12:58:37 pm
content: I can only tell for Pulsonix. In the program path there is a "Documentation" folder with about 20 PDF files: A 466 page general "User's Guide" and separate user guides for each software option. The documents are included in the trial installation as well. As far as I know trial and full installation are actually the same binary. It's just a matter of a license being present if Pulsonix starts as trial (pin limited) or full featured. The software also shipped with a printed out book version of the general user's guide, which of course I haven't looked into once

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2020, 01:52:13 pm
content: If I not mistaken, OrCAD has all documentation available in PDFs. These implemented in a proper tool - FrameMaker (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobe_FrameMaker) converts into PDF/html as required, not like Altium html to pdf renderer

author: Karel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2020, 02:13:50 pm
content: No problem here, everything in HTML, PDF and EPUB:https://docs.kicad.org/5.1/

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2020, 04:09:55 pm
content: Quote from: olkipukki on December 31, 2020, 01:52:13 pmThe manual that comes with Orcad is browser based but also contains PDFs with step-by-step guides. But to be honest even I just use the video material available online to learn how particular functions work.

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 01, 2021, 09:57:17 pm
content: Diptrace... pdf fromhttps://diptrace.com/support/request-support/
A4 size single colour HPGL plot files wanted - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Circlotron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2021, 10:23:43 am
content: Anyone know where I could get some files like that? Just want some stuff that I can make my plotter draw to entertain the grandchildren with. The plotter going through it's paces being the entertainment, not the final drawing.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2021, 08:21:06 pm
content: You could install Inkscape (free) and then draw or import whatever you want, then 'save as...' and there's a HPGL option.

author: KE5FX
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2021, 08:27:48 pm
content: If you install theGPIB Toolkit, there's a large corpus of HPGL files in the "Sample HPGL Files" folder that are used for regression testing on the 7470.EXE renderer. This folder is created directly underneath the installation directory.Most of them have at least two colors, but you can open them in a text editor and remove or edit any 'SP' opcodes (Select Pen) to fix that.

author: Circlotron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2021, 08:41:04 pm
content: Hey, cool. Thanks!
DRC and split planes - what sorts of algorithms do programs use? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: peter-h
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2021, 08:29:16 pm
content: I am using Protel PCB 2.8.Yes it is ancient (1995) but it works, does all I need, and I know how to use itAlso I often need to revisit very old projects - anything up to 20 years old. It runs fine in a winXP VM (VMWARE). I also have Protel 99SE which opens the v2.8 files apparently ok but so far have not felt the need to use it. I even found out how to generate gerbers for JLCPCB, who famously state they cannot read English and never read instructions on the layers, and who want apertures embedded within the gerber files.However v2.8 can sometimes generate a lot of mysterious DRC errors. Some of these I have not solved and just leave them. Some are e.g. vias within SMT pads; it doesn't like that.But others relate to "broken nets" where a plane has been split with a track, to get correct grounding routes etc. I don't like to ignore DRC errors; it is like ignoring compiler warnings.Protel PCB requires any such breaks to be done with a polygon (a specific feature), not with just a normal track. But even when I do this correctly, it still reports some plane segments are being unconnected. This appears to be related to splits which have tracks at an angle, not 90 degrees, leading me to suspect that they use some sort of geometric algorithm to work out the connection topology and this breaks with polygons which have say 45 degree tracks. The user manual is silent on this.OTOH I would have thought that algorithms for working out if you are "inside" a shape, for any arbitrary shape, have been thoroughly worked out in the 1960s, so why these issues in the 1990s?I wonder if any modern PCB software does this sort of thing absolutely correctly?
How to change the start location of a tool in SolidCAM? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: stoyanoff
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 01:00:32 pm
content: Greetings! I`m using SolidCAM 2018. Every time when the program creates a path, it puts the tool not in the begining of the coordinate system, but on the right side of the stock material. Which is very unconfortable. Can you tell me how to choose or set the starting point of the tool?Thanks!

author: stoyanoff
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 04:08:32 pm
content: I think I did it! After you add the contour object, edit toolpath is available. And there you can change the location of the tool. But this is available only once I think! If you know a better why I`ll be grateful if you share it!Best regards!
New to PADS, Questions - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Evan.Cornell
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2020, 02:30:48 pm
content: I am a long-time OrCAD user, for both schematic and layout. I recently have had to learn Mentor Graphics PADS Standard Plus (currently on PADS VX2.4, but have up-to-date maintenance, so can upgrade if needed), and have a couple of questions.1. In OrCAD, they have Dynamic Shapes, which auto-update around non-connected objects. Does PADS have something similar with its' Copper or Copper Pour shapes?2. If I have a ground plane dynamic shape in Orcad, I can very easily route from GND pin of capacitor, drop a via, and the routing stops. I had tried to make a ground plane with PADS, but when I route from capacitor ground pin and drop a via, it just keeps trying to route to the next closest GND point. Is there a way to make this behave like OrCAD?Thanks!

author: Scutarius
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2020, 04:40:38 pm
content: I will be working with PADS, I have some experience with Altium and EAGLE, It is interesting that nobody could answer your question.Do you have any manual? I found this old oneftp://ftp.freecalypso.org/CAD/PADS/pdfdocs/padslayout_ref.pdf

author: Evan.Cornell
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2020, 04:45:42 pm
content: So, after now working with PADS for awhile, I can answer my own questions.1. Copper pour is the correct thing to most closely replicate OrCAD dynamic shapes. However, you have to manually repour the shape, it doesn't automatically repour like in OrCAD. A drag..2. You have to drop stitching vias in front of the component pad that needs to get connected to the plane. Again, a drag compared to OrCAD.I can get around in PADS now, but vastly prefer OrCAD.EDIT: I also took advantage of the PADS online training that they made free for awhile around lockdown time, which helped quite a lot.

author: nigelwright7557
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2020, 01:51:47 am
content: Quote from: Evan.Cornell on October 08, 2020, 04:45:42 pmI dont understand why it doesnt auto redraw the copper pour.Its pretty simple, draw the pour first then draw pads/tracks with gap around them if not connected to the pour. Simples.PCBCAD720 does it and its £4 !

author: Evan.Cornell
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2020, 12:55:19 pm
content: Quote from: nigelwright7557 on December 22, 2020, 01:51:47 amAfter some months on PADS now, I've been confirmed in my appreciation for OrCAD.
JLCPCB rejecting drill file / Circuitmaker 2000 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Oleander
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2020, 02:52:41 pm
content: Hello !They wrote:"The problem is that there is no holes diameter in the drill file"But yesterday I sent them files generated as always - from old good Circuitmaker 2000.Earlier, in january 2020 they produced my PCBs well using the same method.Is anybody here on the forum able to see my drill files and judge if there's a problem or not ?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2020, 02:57:31 pm
content: Maybe they are expecting a more conventional single drill file with embedded tool sizes - your .drl file appears to be some wierd binary format, the .TOL file appears to be the sizes, seperate from the .txt file, which appears to be the actual drill data, but with no size data

author: Oleander
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2020, 03:09:18 pm
content: But earlier, in january 2020, they accepted similar drilling files and produced good PCBs for me (another project).I think I'll edit this file by myself by filling the proper values.

author: nigelwright7557
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2020, 01:47:17 am
content: In old Gerber files RS274D the sizes were kept in a separate aperture file.In RS274X they are embedded in the main file.JLCPCB require the second type.
Does LTPowerCAD run on your system? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Zeyneb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2020, 09:21:08 pm
content: Hi there,I was working on a loop compensation LTSpice design for a voltage mode buck regulator. But I realized I was not able to get it stable for my desired transient performance goal.I’m now looking at Linear Technology products, for example the LTC3833. But as I know Linear put innovative features in their chips like valley switching and pulse skipping mode, I don’t think the general averaging spice models are realistic for this chip.So, I tried LTPowerCAD II, v2.7.1. But it immediately crashed:System.Reflection.ReflectionTypeLoadException: Unable to load one or more of the requested types.I’m using Windows 7. The download is 300 MB and they put .NET framework v4.6 and Microsoft SQL Server Compact Edition v3.5 in it.Later I manually installed .NET v4.6.2 and SQL Server v4.0, but nothing helped.On their EngineerZone website another user reported the same issue. But they where not able to help this user.It’s quite annoying this happens but even more annoying they don’t offer older downloads so people can try these instead.Do you have an older LTPowerCAD installer on your harddisk? Does it run on your system? Would you be willing to share this with me?

author: Zeyneb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 09:11:33 am
content: Ok, I seem to got past this hurdle. What I did was to uninstall Microsoft SQL Server Compact Edition v3.5 as well as v4.0 of that same program. And then reinstall LTPowerCAD II. Then LTPowerCAD II installs SQL Server in some way that it can be used in the program. Now when I click on the "Supply design" tile it does load the Supply Design window. I do have Windows 7 SP1 and .NET Framework 4.8 is installed.Still all these dependencies are fragile. Something you didn't worry about in the good old Windows 3.11

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2020, 05:04:03 pm
content: Quote from: Zeyneb on December 21, 2020, 09:11:33 amWindows is a total MESS...They packed an enormous pile of "PATENTED" stuff tobe the unique seller of all stack...Those Win 3x days were much much different ...Not even a standard LIBC exists there.. each compilerprovides their own set - Borland, WATCOM and otherswere far better faster and more robust (try a debug ofBorland inside a VM to see how damn good)So.. MS to dominate the soft stack vertically crapped themall .. Dead shorted Borland WATCOM LOTUS NOVELL ..IBM..the list is insanely long..The RESULT ? that pile of shit .NET things with franksteinsmonsters in long list of DLLs.... total messDon´t expect to be better.. they want to hard wire allcomputers as terminals around the globe... so NET shouldbe linked and internet available..FOR THE RECORD...ALL LTSpice goods are working very... very.. very nicelyUNDER WINE...Just change your base system and go.no coming back guaranteePaul
Say again... our EDA projects only on AWS cloud ?... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2020, 11:32:36 am
content: https://www.techpowerup.com/275824/aws-and-arm-demonstrate-production-scale-electronic-design-automation-in-the-cloudI am very very very unlikely to trust that kindof cloud only "service" instead of traditionalworkstations...Highly dubious and trendy shit..Paul

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 11, 2020, 11:43:58 am
content: It's not a replacement for workstations but their own local datacenter.

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2020, 11:47:13 am
content: ... seems a subscription model...wrapping the whole development to their infra structure..Combine that subscription with their licensesand AWS servers.. bingo! no more private projects..The AWS sniffers I doubt will be a cloud exceptionworries me a lot in the robotics new arenaPaul

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 11, 2020, 11:56:45 am
content: You literally do not understand what's it's for.

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2020, 01:09:20 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on December 11, 2020, 11:56:45 amperhaps...judging their move to AWS I am assuming everybody elseis likely to use their facilities.. a subscription or othermodel of service rent.Today, Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company, announced that Arm, a global leader in semiconductor design and silicon intellectual property development and licensing, will leverage AWS for its cloud use, including the vast majority of its electronic design automation (EDA) workloads. Arm is migrating EDA workloads to AWS, leveraging AWS Graviton2-based instances (powered by Arm Neoverse cores), and leading the way for transformation of the semiconductor industry, which has traditionally used on-premises data centers for the computationally intensive work of verifying semiconductor designs.and may be I am wrong assuming they will let their customersaccess their IP outside such facilities ...But with such big move that vast amount of IP and moneymost likely will not be available outside that fence..Perhaps I may be wrong.. and customers willhave outside access to their IP ?

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2020, 01:20:38 pm
content: Asking myself now..How would a customer from now on...project, simulate and design any product with..or without that facilities...Which led me to logical conclusion: subscriptionPaul
What's the convention for labelling grounds with low side shunts? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: e100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2020, 02:07:30 pm
content: I have a daisy chain power distribution system for a number of microcontrollers and at various places I have low side milliohm shunts to monitor the current.This means that effectively the only true ground point on the circuit diagram is at the power supply/battery terminals. Everywhere else is a few millivolts above true ground. Do I just have Gnd, Gnd A, Gnd B an so on, or should I not even call anything that is not a true ground Gnd?

author: Feynman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2020, 10:19:51 am
content: There is no "true" ground. Ground can be anything that is convenient. In your case I would simply call the negative battery terminal something like "Bat-" and give each sub-circuit its own "GND_X" with a proper ground symbol. These are the "grounds" for your sub-circuits after all.But wouldn't it be easier to measure on the high-side with a chip like the INA270 and use a common ground for all sub-circuits?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2020, 10:58:54 am
content: I would strongly recommend that [high side sensing], so you can maintain a solid ground plane under everything, improving signal quality and reducing EMI.As for mV here and there, no, it doesn't really matter, except where it obviously does (e.g. ADC or other analog I/O, RF, etc.). In particular, digital logic (LVCMOS) doesn't care.The details:In principle, the admonition should really be thatat least one supplyremains tied to its plane. You could float local ground, so long as it's all bypassed to VCC as appropriate, and the VCC plane in turn covers much of the board. This is more acceptable when loads are largely VCC-oriented, i.e., active-high signals with loads sinking to GND. However, both device capability, and tradition, go against this -- CMOS pins pull down stronger than they pull up, so it's preferable to use active-low signals (loads sourcing from VCC), and so local grounding is more critical. This isn't to say you can't do otherwise, but you won't have as much capacity (total mA load?) or as good performance (e.g. saturation voltage, speed) doing it the other way, and that can make the difference in some applications.Also, as it happens, most devices are specified with total equal supply current limits. So, unless you need the lower voltage drop, or lower total power dissipation -- you'll only be able to use up to the total capacity in a given polarity, and that's it. The consequence is, you have the most total capacity using a mix of both. That is, if you want to light up as many LEDs as possible from a single MCU, use a mix of active-high and active-low loads!Tim

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2020, 04:41:04 pm
content: Yea, floating ground is a nightmare for anything high-speed as it kills signal integrity. So I double the advice to use high-side current measurement.
[Solved] Generating SPICE Netlists and PCB Collateral with slotting - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jeffberhow
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 05:19:55 pm
content: Hello,I'm having a tough time generating a SPICE netlist (gnetlist) and PCB collateral (gsch2pcb) with the same schematic (gschem).I have a dual opamp package (lm358n) that is represented in the schematic by two separate op amp symbols that have slotting enabled.If I give each one the same refdes=U1 and separate slots, the layout in PCB is as expected: one device. BUT I can't generate a SPICE netlist without errors because the refdes are the same and separate refdes are required for simulation.If I set the refdes of each to separate values U1/U2, the SPICE netlist looks good and simulations work. BUT PCB now shows two devices with incorrect connections.How can I get the best of both worlds?It'd be nice if there was a way for gnetlist to know that the same refdes and different slots should be given different refdes in spice, say U1A and U1B. Is this a feature that I'm not aware of?Thanks,Jeff

author: jeffberhow
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 11:12:32 pm
content: Going through the backend code for spice-sdb, it seems it should be able to handle this...Is there some configuration I'm missing? Here is my current gnetlistrc:Code:(hierarchy-uref-mangle "enabled")(hierarchy-uref-order "prepend")(hierarchy-uref-separator ":")The spice-sdb backend code:Code:;; Custom get-uref function to append ".${SLOT}" where a component;; has a "slot=${SLOT}" attribute attached.;;;; NOTE: Original test for appending the ".<SLOT>" was this:;; (let ((numslots (gnetlist:get-package-attribute package "numslots"));; (slot-count (length (gnetlist:get-unique-slots package)));; (if (or (string=? numslots "unknown") (string=? numslots "0"));;(define get-uref(lambda (object)(let ((real_uref (gnetlist:get-uref object)))(if (null? (get-attrib-value-by-attrib-name object "slot"))real_uref(string-append real_uref "."(car (get-attrib-value-by-attrib-name object "slot")))))))

author: jeffberhow
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 28, 2020, 07:06:29 pm
content: I came across a workaround for this in some ngspice documentation. It seems like a reasonable flow.Basically, it said to create a subckt definition that instantiates each of the opamps individually and use that subckt definition as the one that the symbol points to with attribute file.Care has to be taken to ensure all interfaces are synced.ngspice documentation for reference:http://ngspice.sourceforge.net/ngspice-eeschema.html#multiSection 8
What is a fair price for high-quality 4L prototype PCB fab in NA? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: openyk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2020, 12:22:36 am
content: I'm trying to find, verify, and link up with a quick-turn high-qual PCB fab in NA, preferably Canada. Since apcircuits died I assume the market is challenging. I have a lot of designs I can batch up to take advantage of panel orders and I'm fine paying a bit extra for speed-quality.I've done some back-and-forth with a good-communication fab and they're looking for 700 USD for a build with 16in X 9.5in panel (IPC2, 2-1-1-2 copper, 4L, 7day). For 3-2-2-3 copper they're jumping to over 900 USD.OSHPark is cool but their 4L lead-time and 1oz copper makes them a case-by-case fit for signal prototypes only. Also mousebites bad (they said they'll take them off medium run orders though, if order-noted).Could someone offer some insight into the landscape of PCB fab pricing fairness? I've checked online calculators and seems like that fab charges a $200+ premium but the marginal cost on the heavier copper seems excessive. I'd appreciate any updates in the MFG space as significant as integrated-thermal tips for soldering irons went.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2020, 12:34:32 am
content: the problem is that NA fabs will not pool your designs. you pay for a panel of 18 x 24 no matter how much waste there is. so you will not beat china. labor is cheap there and they make money when pooling.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2020, 02:04:02 pm
content: 7 day lead time is still pretty quick, my guess is you are paying a bit of an expedite fee there. Also maintaining inventory of heavy copper means that they need to make that money back at a higher rate when they get the occasional order. Or it could even be that they don't stock the material at all and you are paying for the minimum order. When you order thousands of boards they typically amortize this cost into the piece price. You should be able to ask what is the highest cost driver for your order, most decent board houses will tell you. 16x9.5 is a pretty big board too how many pieces does the $700 price tag get you.

author: Microdoser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2020, 08:21:26 pm
content: I regularly look around to see whether any local (EU) PCB manufacturers are competitive, often they want £100 for a single board 100mmx100mm.When I look at, for example, JLCPCB I can get 5 boards, 4-layer, with stencil, delivered for under £20. Size is up to 100mmx100mm. Manufacture time is 4-5 days and if you really need them quickly they have 2-4 day delivery available (for more money of course).To me it is a no-brainer.EDIT: I see you are probably wanting different things from a manufacturer than me, but I have not had any issues with the boards I have had and they do offer 2OZ copper. With the 2-4 day delivery option and 4-5 day production times you would be looking at 6-9 days from uploading the Gerber to having the boards in your hand.
Sekonic SPL-410 A3 plotter COM port switch settings - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Circlotron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2020, 11:03:22 am
content: Today I dug out of the attic the above plotter that I bought second hand in 1991 and I thought I had tossed out about five years ago. Used it to do many PCB artworks back in the day. Anyway, I don't have the manual anymore and I need to find out what the DIP switch settings on the rear need to be set at for different serial data settings. Can anyone help? Probably there are different models from the same manufacturer that have the same switch settings.
Keysight ADS Pricing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2020, 05:05:34 pm
content: Anyone ever receive a quote for ADS? If you did, what package/options did you request?On another note does anyone have experience using the SIPro and PIPro options? If you do, what are your thoughts?Thanks in advance.~Bryan
Free tool for board inventory ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: roblkc3
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2020, 04:22:05 pm
content: Hello!I work in a small research lab and sometimes we produce some boards (5-10), which of course undergo rework/patches/...Does any of you know of a software that could let me keep track of these boards and their history, something like:- who has this board right now (the customer? a colleague?)- which hw version is this board?- which patches does this board have (removed resistor XY for reason ZW, ...)?- which sw version has this board? What have I changed and why/when?- what have I given this person along with the board (cables? connectors?)?I could of course use a spreadsheet, or else text files (org mode !), but I hate the former and my colleagues will never use the latter.I've searched a bit on the net, but besides these huge, complex, crazily expensive inventory management suites, I haven't found much....Thanks a lot in advance!!Rob

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2020, 07:31:27 pm
content: We usually print labels for EVT and DVT hardware. Any modifications to the boards are documented on a serial number basis. The design team share a OneNote notebook per project. It is a fairly nice way to manage history and testing.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2020, 08:44:44 pm
content: Google docs spreadsheet

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2020, 09:41:02 pm
content: Quote from: roblkc3 on November 05, 2020, 04:22:05 pmHey!Not sure if these requirements lead to an inventory software, sounds like a product life cycle to me...For a heavy customised, long interaction and small qty projects, I have used Atlassian Confluence on-premises that literaty an advanced wiki software.Unfortunately, they will stop to sell a server license ($10 only for 10 users) and moving to the cloud. You can try it there for free or any wiki locally hosted with simple markdown language support.Later, you link these to your repo, HW releases, bug tracking etc... limited to your imagination, time and resources.

author: roblkc3
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2020, 06:01:26 am
content: Thanks a lot for your suggestions!Indeed it looks more like product life cycle! Ok, I'll try to come out with something semi-custom (I was hoping for a pre-packaged solution but too bad)Thanks again and have a great week-end!Rob

author: MitjaN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2020, 09:58:57 am
content: Take a look at the discussion athttps://forum.kicad.info/t/prototype-inventory-management-system/24306/14?u=mitjan. The Inventree might a tool along the lines you are looking for.
p-cad 2006   pick & place report - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kostrukoff
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 07, 2020, 03:32:21 am
content: When I ask for a pick & place report in P-CAD 2006, the report only lists about half the components. Does anyone know why? (Yes, it's an old program but I still like it)-Vic
Errror simulating IR2110 with pspice (overflow) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rdpdo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2020, 12:17:38 pm
content: Hello,When I use the model pspice for the IR2110 for a full bridge I got overflow error. Does someone have a solution to this problem ?I tried a lot of tweak with the solver, try to use initial condition on various capacitor... But no found solution !Thanks a lot !Regards.[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 5247
Making a sub-circuit block in LTspice? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: opampsmoker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2020, 08:55:08 pm
content: Hi,Do you know how to make the attached into a "box" with three connections "coll", "here" and "gnd"?

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2020, 09:29:01 pm
content: See LTspice help: Schematic Capture: HierarchyTwo things will trip you up, firstly the block cant have a space in its filename, and secondgndis a reserved net name that always refers to global ground (net 0), so you cant use it as the name of a node that will become a terminal of the block. Also, using the 'Gnd' symbol within a block will add a hidden connection to the global ground.
Raspberry PI Compute Module 4 Baseboard was designed in KiCad - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Karel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2020, 11:59:53 am
content: Raspberry PI Compute Module 4 Baseboard (aka carrierboard) was designed in KiCad:https://forum.kicad.info/t/raspberry-pi-compute-module-4-baseboard-was-designed-in-kicad/25499
Micro-cap 12 - soon to get lost for ever? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FriedMule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2020, 01:52:08 am
content: Spectrum has used almost 40 years to develop a great simulator and schematic designer and now is it free for all. Within a short time does Spectrum properly close completely and the source code may end on some hard drive or trashcan. I think the program is way way too great to just end its life now and is thinking if we could try to cooperate and ask if we could be allowed to get the code and make it open source, so it newer has to die.I am willing to deliver server space, domain and so on.What do you say?

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2020, 03:43:49 pm
content: I doubt such long effort is for the faint of heart ...The easiest option would be a properly git uploadof the whole thing..But.. being a long term effort it requires expertiseor in other words.. experienced people to work on that.Nevertheless uploaded to a git tree will certainlyendure the code beyond any other alternative.I still have some shots of my 80sPaul

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2020, 09:01:02 pm
content: I recall in a previous thread someone had asked author for source code, don't know which one though.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/microcap-12-is-free-(as-in-beer)-now/
TO-263S heat dissipation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reyntjensm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2020, 11:44:59 pm
content: Hello everyone,I'm designing a mosfet PWM device with a rather high current. According to my LTspice simulation the mosfet has an average power dissipation of 20W. The mosfet had a TO-263S package (https://fscdn.rohm.com/en/products/databook/datasheet/discrete/transistor/mosfet/r6020pnjfratl-e.pdf). What would be the best setup/design to get rid of this heat? I have two of those mosfets next to each other, so the heat sink should be able to dissipate 40W. Can i just connect the heat sink to the top of the case or are there better alternatives?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2020, 09:18:59 pm
content: The heatsink can be connected on top of the case, onto the copper plane on the top of the PCB, or on the copper plane on the bottom of the PCB. In the last case you'd use thermal vias to transfer heat through the board.https://www.infineon.com/dgdl/smdpack.pdf?fileId=db3a304330f6860601311905ea1d4599edit: looks like you crossposted it herehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/to-263s-heat-dissipation-261614/msg0/
Circuit simulation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MpA
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 16, 2020, 04:13:17 pm
content: I've always worked with LTspice, it's fast and intuitive, and it never failed me. However, I think it lacks lots of features, creating libraries of subcircuits is always a pain, and sharing them also. I work on Linux, so it's a problem also that I can't run it natively.What are some other good circuit simulators that you can recommend? Be them open or closed source, free, expensive, I want to know what other options are there and the experience you had with them. I've seen most PCB software (KiCad, Altium, EAGLE, etc) have some kind of circuit simulation enabled, but I don't trust it's practical. However, I've never used them, so any opinions are appreciated.

author: Messtechniker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2020, 04:16:28 pm
content: Lots of info here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/microcap-12-is-free-(as-in-beer)-now/msg3269806/#msg3269806
LGA - own design - how to - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: justanothername
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2020, 06:43:07 pm
content: Hello Everybody.There is a special circuit in the company where I work we think about making a LGA package for it.This is nothing ordinary that you can google, so I'm asking you:* How can I prototype the LGA where do I order pcbs that small?* Who does the potting the top or does anyone know a company that is specialised in producing a potted LGA package as prototyping service?* Are there any design guides out there?Thanks a lot!M.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2020, 04:05:59 pm
content: I think i remember exploring this avenue before. Are you talking micro SIP and MCM? If you are planning on using wafers and wire bonding then it may be worth giving quik-pak a call.

author: justanothername
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2020, 08:52:53 am
content: At first, I plan to use regular SMT-components on a PCB, maybe with a shielding. Like those modems (ublox). This is pretty much straight forward.Later, I want at least to have the components potted and sealed, like a typical SIP design. Maybe use dies instead of components for further miniaturisation. I have a bonding machine at hand for prototyping, we bought it for another project and used it maybe for 100 bonds, so I may be able to prototype a lot in-house.

author: brabus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2020, 10:40:07 am
content: I would contact this company, they are not far away from you and offered me TOP service over the years:http://www.somacis.com/
Help to convert Allegro PCB design (brd file) into ASCII format (*.alg format) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: xingpingli
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 07, 2020, 06:37:54 pm
content: Can someone with Allegro installed help to covert this Allegro file into ASCII format so I can import it into Altium? Thanks

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2020, 07:15:39 pm
content: I am having déjà vu here. One second...

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2020, 07:20:01 pm
content: here ya go

author: xingpingli
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 07, 2020, 09:55:32 pm
content: Thank you for help. It works well!