hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Selectively Plug Vias With Soldermask - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Paul4Liberty
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 12:19:25 pm
content: Sometimes I need to selectively plug vias with soldermask to avoid capillary action.I've come up with my own technique but wanted to see if anyone else has a better/easier way. My idea is to break up a region on the solder mask layer into strips, and add semicircle cut outs at via sites. I use a mechanical layer to define the strip shapes, then convert the primitives to a region on the solder mask layer (I use shortcut Alt-T V E to speed things up). Attached are images of a QFN with this technique applied.Has anyone found a better/easier way?

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 12:52:31 pm
content: I started using via in a pad since the tech became available at JLCPCB, which solves this problem for good with no need for workarounds.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 01:35:19 pm
content: Maybe I misunderstand, but can't you just set negative solder mask expansion (contraction) or enable tenting for those vias on just the back side of those footprints/componentshttps://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/pads-vias#!solder-and-paste-mask-expansions

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2023, 06:22:47 pm
content: You can't: the pad mask takes precedence. Objects on a layer are logical-OR. Redrawing the mask is the only way, AFAIK.AFAIK, this method is frowned upon because the added soldermask height may worsen solderability, and voids are left which weaken the solder joint. Thermal conductivity is also a little poorer, which won't matter for a small chip like this, but may matter in some cases.But it's a compromise whether to use via-in-pad (plugged / plated-over vias), tented (like this), or plain vanilla (hope the wicking isn't too much).It's my experience at least, that small vias (<= 0.3mm ID), and especially in lead-free process, don't wick very quickly. There's also some excess solder capacity in the pad, which can (should, even?) be wicked up. This can be countered by reducing the paste mask or making a checkerboard pattern, but less reduction plus vias can be used to the same end.Tim
Alitum SPICE noise analysis - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tonyh88
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2023, 01:09:58 am
content: Hello,I'm checking out the Spice simulator in Altium latest version 23.6.0 and testing some functionalities. So far I've been pretty much able to do a lot of the usual simulation I would usually run in LT spice.Not always user friendly but it works. However what I can't figure out is how to perform ac noise analysis. No matter how simple the circuit is, the simulation noise spectral density and integrated noise tabs that pop up are always empty. See attached screenshotsI'm probably doing something wrong but Altium doesn't provide any example for noise analysis anywhere that I could find for newer versions. Maybe this feature is broken who knows.If anyone has experience or can try it out please let me knowThanks

author: tonyh88
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2023, 01:19:28 am
content: For information I also tried both a DC and an AC voltage source for the noise source input doesn't make a difference.I also tried running the same exact same thing as in an older version documentation without any luck :https://techdocs.altium.com/display/AMSE/Noise+AnalysisEdit: Just realized In the above screenshot the noise source selected is wrong as I was trying a bunch of stuff but even with the correct source (V2) there is no noise analysis output

author: tonyh88
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2023, 04:38:16 am
content: Finally figured it out. Leaving this here if anyone ever struggles with this.The noise analysis completes successfully and both the integrated and spectral density tab open up automatically but after that you need to manually add the "onoise_spectrum" wave to the plot inside the Noise Spectral density. Same process for the integrated noise tab.The "sim_data" panel is your friend a displays the available simulation waveform for each tab
Clearance rule from via-hole-edge not copper-edge - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: VanBudd
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2023, 11:16:54 am
content: Hi,I need to define a clearance rule that starts from the vias hole edge and not the copper (Annular ring) edge.For comparison, heres the clearance setup from altium (from copper edge):And heres the one that i need (from hole edge):Reason is, on the inner layers i removed the non-functional-pads (so no annular ring).Now if i set a normal clearance rule for vias i can only define one clearance for all layers (because vias are in Multi-Layer).If i set the clearance for the viahole to copper (from pcb manufacturer) on the inner-Layer if theres no annular-ring its fine, but if theres an annular-ring its way to big because the rule starts at the copper edge.Here an example, the rule from the manufacturer says that the clearance from the hole-edge to copper has to be at least 150um.In the picture you can see that GND via with no annular Ring is fine, but the CS Via with ring isnt because the rule starts at the rings edge.I couldnt find any query command that would fit my problem.I hope someone can help me.

author: VanBudd
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2023, 11:27:36 am
content: A query command likeisvia and (annularringsize < 0.1)would be perfect, but couldnt find anything like that.Does someone know how the annularring is defined in altium?Is it a pad?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2023, 03:07:53 pm
content: Is the 0.15mm hole-edge-to-copper clearance larger than your electrical copper-to-copper clearance, and do you really need to take advantage of that on this board? If not, then none of this matters and you can just use the electrical clearance rule to set spacing from via barrel as well.QuoteYou can define different clearance rules per layer -- under "Where The First Object Matches" you can select "Layer" and then select the layer you want, or you can create a query to select multiple layers at once. You can also use "Where The Second Object Matches" to filter for the vias you care about.Quote from: VanBudd on July 26, 2023, 11:27:36 amAFAIK , "Annular ring" isn't really a concept that Altium has, outside of a few specific user dialogs -- internally and in the filter/rules engine I think it only deals with pad diameter and hole diameter. You might be able to do the math to determine annular ring in a query, though. Something like the below seems to work:Code:IsVia AND (((PadXSize_MidLayer1 - HoleDiameter)/2) < 0.001)Note: using `< 0.001` here instead of `== 0` to avoid Altium rounding errors. There might be a better parameter to use for the pad size. Or if you're using via templates (hopefully you are if you're doing an 8-layer board with varied ring size per layer?) You can probably filter on the via type instead.
Altium 23.6.0  schematic template use reference project parameters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: pryanbeng
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 04, 2023, 09:23:15 pm
content: Is there a way to make schematic templates reference the project parameters rather than document parameters? I've had a multi sheet project and to update the revision number I am manually changing the parameter on each sheet. Currently the text field on the template I have set to =RevisionDraftsman by default uses the global parameters under Project options, is there a way to point a schematic template at the project parameters rather than the individual document parameters.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2023, 09:34:06 pm
content: Yes. If you have a `Revision` parameter defined at the project level, then setting the `Revision` parameter at the sheet level to an empty string should cause it to inherit the value of the project level parameter. Alternatively, you could define a different project level parameter, call it `ProjectRev`, and either use that directly in your templates, or set the sheet level `Revision` parameter to `=ProjectRev`.I believe this behavior is actually consistent with Draftsman, but maybe Draftsman docs don't have a system parameter called `Revision` at sheet level by default, or maybe it defaults to a blank string instead of the usual "*".

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2023, 09:36:22 pm
content: https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/accessing-defining-managing-project-options#parameters

author: pryanbeng
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 04, 2023, 09:55:30 pm
content: Ah I did not realize it would auto inherit. Thanks!!
Is it worth updating Altium from 19 to 23? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JohnG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2023, 10:12:00 pm
content: I know, it's one of "those" posts...I have been using Altium 19 on a permanent license since it was released, though I have had the opportunity to update it at any time. That opportunity may go away, and I am wondering if there are good reasons to stay on 19 versus upgrading to 23 while I still can. I already have some reasons to upgrade, but they are not very strong or I would have done it already.Thanks in advance.John

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2023, 04:45:43 pm
content: I always found 18 to be the buggiest version of AD things have gotten progressively better with each release in regards to stability.Honestly it is worth upgrading just for the net selection eyedropper which I don't think was in 19, but I might be wrong.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2023, 11:32:11 am
content: The draughtsman document is worth upgrading for. Not sure if it was in 19 but there were vast improvements in 21/22 so even if you have it, the current version should be much better.
I am getting errors with polygons on internal layers on Altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Vlachoo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 29, 2023, 03:35:03 pm
content: Hello, I need help, I am getting errors like the image between polygon (+5 or GND) on my 6 layers PCB and I need to solve this.Help please.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2023, 07:42:04 pm
content: What does the actual violation look like? Did you repour the polygons after adding the vias involved in the violation? Are you using plane layers, or signal layers with polygons? What are your clearance rules?

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2023, 08:03:56 pm
content: This might be a dumb question but have you re-poured your polygons? ShortcutT G A

author: mengfei
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2023, 03:36:05 am
content: what are your rule setting? & just like what Pseudobyte said, try to do a whole repour again
Unexpected Behaviour with slots (AD19.1) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: luky315
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2023, 02:51:16 pm
content: I need a footprint with plated slots and found this rather strange behaviour in Altium designer 19.1 (no, i dont want / can upgrade): When the slot is set as "Slot" the polygons have a big clearance, but if I use "Rect" they behave as expected.It is also strange that the pads seem to be bigger internaly (see the transparent selection marker)Is this a Bug or intentional?

author: mengfei
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 09:45:12 am
content: check your pad stack & see if it's simple or full stack, change to simple if the board is only double side & see if it has any effect

author: luky315
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 09:49:02 am
content: No, same behaviour with Simple, Top-Middle-Bottom or Full Stack.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 12:21:40 pm
content: What is the defined poly -> hole clearance for those nets. You can inspect the applicable binary rules.

author: luky315
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 01:47:30 pm
content: Clearance is 0.2mm for everything... It behaves as expected for rectangular slots (see first post)

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 05:49:44 pm
content: I noticed some weird behavior recently with thermal reliefs causing strange polygon shapes, if you change the connect style or spoke arrangement does that change the behavior? Not that it would necessarily solve your problem but might narrow it down.

author: luky315
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 05:55:20 pm
content: Thanks, but no, it's the same wit direct connection (without thermals)

author: mengfei
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2023, 12:56:35 am
content: trymake a New blank PCBcopy that PCB File to the NewSet pad stack to simple & seeI have those type of pads & try to recreate your error but no matter what i changed it still stayed OK

author: luky315
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2023, 07:22:35 am
content: Still the same :-(

author: Akutchand10
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 28, 2023, 06:58:38 pm
content: Thanks for the information!

author: mengfei
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2023, 03:14:56 am
content: Quote from: Akutchand10 on June 28, 2023, 06:58:38 pmare you in the same situation?
Ghost components graphic glitch - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: laejf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2023, 02:16:29 pm
content: Hi,I have been having trouble with a graphical glitch in Altium PCB-view. When I'm dragging a component, pads and other things are popping up in green, as seen in the first image below, and disappears when I stop dragging. The things that are appearing seems to belong to other components on the board that I'm guessing has been in that position before. Does anyone know how to fix this? It's quite annoying.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2023, 05:36:05 pm
content: What version of Altium? Does the problem continue after closing and reopening the PCB file? Does it continue after closing and reopening Altium?Sometimes Altium will have an internal error (usually with one of those "Please Wait" dialog boxes and then an error report) and after that will start acting funny because it can no longer update its internal database properly. When that happens you need to either close and reopen the file or the entire application.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 12, 2023, 12:41:32 pm
content: Is your graphics driver up to date?

author: laejf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2023, 01:46:56 pm
content: I think restarting Altium fixed it!
Net Ties - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: riscy00
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2023, 12:26:56 pm
content: I have Altium Designer 23, I'm looking for best implementation of net-ties in context of between two ground polygon (AGND and DGND) for example without reporting error or complaints by Altium DRC. In case of useful tutorial or slide, please send links.

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2023, 12:35:03 pm
content: Isn't the first result from google satisfactory?https://www.altium.com/documentation/knowledge-base/altium-designer/how-to-short-two-different-nets---create-a-net-tie
IPC-MD library template collection - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: riscy00
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2023, 12:34:02 pm
content: I'm looking for generic IPC standard (Medium Density) library collection for various commonly used package, so I don't have to go thru IPC wizard. Any suggestion where to find it (ideally open source). I don't wish to depend on manufacture footprint from new component, except for customized, for fear of variants in style and theme with others and errors. I don't think Octoparts which Altium Standard License depend on is a good resource database. I use Altium Designer 23.
Disabling the Altium Welcome Chat Pop-Up - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: NF6X
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 08, 2023, 06:52:41 pm
content: I’m just getting started with Altium for the first time, to evaluate it with the expectation that we’re very likely to standardize on it here at my brand new job. I had previously used KiCad and PADS in the past, and I still expect to use KiCad for my personal hobby projects.Maybe this is a dumb question, but I’d like to ask y’all before I pester Altium. Is there any way to disable that “Welcome to Altium (wave) Let me know if you’d like to chat with an expert.” chat invitation which pops up in the lower right cornerevery timeI open Altium andevery single timeI open any web page at Altium (i.e., each individual step of the getting started tour)? I may well be overly sensitive, but it is really annoying me.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2023, 09:26:22 pm
content: Do you have ublock origin plugin installed? Usually its relatively easy to pick content and add it to your block list.https://ublockorigin.com/

author: NF6X
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 08, 2023, 09:57:44 pm
content: Good point. The annoying popup seems to be coming fromhttps://js.drift.com/coreand I installed uBlock Origin to nuke it in my browser. It still comes up on the Altium app home page, of course, but I may just turn off the “Open Home page on start” option once I’m comfortable in Altium and don’t need the introductory tour links any more.They really think that an intrusive pop up on every single page load is a good idea, without even setting a cookie or something to register that the user manually closed it? Well, I suppose nerds feel incomplete when they don’t have something to complain about.
Manufacturer Part Search still accessible after subscription lapsed? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ricky
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 05, 2023, 06:27:25 am
content: Hi all,I am wondering if the "Manufacturer Part Search" feature requires an active subscription. Or can it still be accessed once the subscription is lapsed? I hope for the latter so I can continue to access "unified" symbols and footprints w/o having to have the sub.

author: Eternauta
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2023, 01:31:55 pm
content: Manufacturer Part Search can be accessed also after the subscription is lapsed.
Found part on Digikey.... Altium can't find it!! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stupid Bear
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2023, 05:08:49 am
content: Found this part on Digikey...https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/linear-integrated-systems-inc/SST201-SOT-23-3L-ROHS/14312266But when I do a manufacturers part search it doesn't come up. Can I manually insert it and create a link to Digikey like Altium does. I can manually add the properties but can I also add the link at the bottom with the datasheet button or is that just something that Altium does on its own?

author: ahbushnell
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2023, 07:44:39 pm
content: Quote from: Stupid Bear on January 30, 2023, 05:08:49 amCreate your schematic part which I assume you have done. Then go to Manufacturer part search and put in the digikey part number and search. From there you can down load the info. I just tried it on one of the parts I created.

author: ahbushnell
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2023, 07:47:51 pm
content: I just tried it with your part and nothing. :< There are three types of parts depending on the packaging. I wonder if that has something to do with it. I guess I would do it manually. Or try mouser or something else. Good luckAndy

author: Rachie5272
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2023, 08:12:05 pm
content: This happens to me regularly, even when I give altium the full digikey part number. It's also infuriating how altium insists on "searching" with a digikey part number, and makes me dig through the results for the one I input in the first place.
board cutout region and solder polygon pour clearance isn't working ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JonasConstant
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 15, 2023, 03:33:53 pm
content: Hello all,I have a top and bottom solder polygon pour (in purple) with a board cutout region inside it (the board cutout region has been made by converting some primitives into a board cutout).I have tried all possible clearance rules related to polygons, regions, and board outline (as seen in the attached images) but couldn't remove the solder on the cutout edges (3d view image).the solder polygon pour clearance rules work fine with board edges but not cutouts!Any solution, please?Thanks,

author: JonasConstant
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 15, 2023, 04:23:43 pm
content: Nevermind solved it..you gotta go to rules - electrical - clearances, and set region to poly clearance to 0.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2023, 07:02:06 pm
content: You might want to make that a more specific rule (compare object `IsBoardCutoutRegion' versus `IsPoly AND OnSolderMask'), so it doesn't affect copper too.If nothing else, you can always remove soldermask by placing a trace/fill/region/etc. on the solder layer.Tim
Multi-channel design harness use - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2023, 12:37:28 pm
content: Hey AllSo I have an Altium project where I reuse a single schematic a few times (RGB LED driver), to which I interface via a single harness. To make the situation tricky I also use a different harness name & net label depending if it's going to the front or rear RGB LEDs. For example, net LED-RGB-CH1-PWM on harness LED-RGB is connected to either:net LED-RGB-CH1-PWM-FRNTon harness LED-RGB-FRNTnet LED-RGB-CH1-PWM-REARon harness LED-RGB-REARAs you would expect Altium gives me a bunch of "Multiple Harness Types" & "Nets Wire X has multiple names" warnings during PRJ compile, but when I sync up PCB to SCH these surprisingly solve themselves as net LED-RGB-CH1-PWM becomes:LED-RGB-CH1-PWM_1for front RGB LEDsLED-RGB-CH1-PWM_2for rear RGB LEDsBUT this use of harnesses in a multi-channel design still feels wrong... So what would yous recommend I change to solve the PRJ compilation errors?Also below is the Altium project, and I tend to get mixed up with terminology... so let me know if something is wronghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1zq5Rk8K2PCpuXRSkb8abxbrne0hsyhdf

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2023, 04:10:38 pm
content: Why the different harness types for front vs rear if all of the signals are the same? Harness types should be consistent through harness connectors and ports. If you need to differentiate harnesses of the same type by function that can be done by the port name or other annotations. Setting all of your ports and harness connectors to the same "LED RGB" harness type will get rid of the multiple harness types warning.The "Net has multiple names" warning is basically inevitable with multisheet designs especially with harnesses or busses in the mix, I just turn that warning off since it's just noise and doesn't really help with validating connectivity.As for the names the nets end up with after compilation, that depends on your project configuration. Unfortunately there are a ton of possible combinations of options and it's not always clear how they will interact with each other or with harnesses, so if you want those nets to end up with different compiled names it will probably just take some trial and error.As a more general note, are those really long net names in the net labels really necessary? One of the benefits of multisheet design (especially with harnesses) is that you don't have to create long, specific net names like that, but instead can use shorter local net labels within sheets and allow the compiler to resolve them to suitable project-wide names based on your project settings.
Hatched 'appearance' for non-hatched polygons - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2023, 10:24:40 am
content: I've noticed some polygons on our design look hatched. Does anyone know why this is the case?The polygon is set as a solid fill.Can't find any info on the 'net.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2023, 02:16:28 pm
content: There are net override colors applied to the Gnd and 1V8 nets:https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/using-net-highlight-color-schematics-pcbThis is purely a display thing in the PCB editor, it will not affect fabrication outputs.
Git Tag text string - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jashugan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2023, 10:18:33 pm
content: Hello,I would like to use Git for our Altium products. I would like to put the revision in the PCBdoc and Gerber outputs taken from the GitTag, such that in the PCB I have a string something like .Projectname+.GitTag.Do you know if such a feature exist on Altium?

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2023, 04:15:04 pm
content: If you are using 365 it is =VersionControl_RevNumber and =VersionControl_RevNumberShortHowever, if you are not, I don't know if that holds true.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2023, 04:17:26 pm
content: There are also =VersionControl_ProjFolderRevNumber and =VersionControl_ProjFolderRevNumberShort for looking at the project as a whole.
Non Plated Through Hole Settings - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tarun172
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2023, 07:57:34 pm
content: Hi all,I am running into issues setting non-plated through hole in Altium. I have configured hole as mounting hole 3.08 mm non-plated, 0.127 mm solder mask expansion. When I unselect pad option as plated and run through DRC and DFM check, here is what I see:1. DRC Error: Unplated multi-layer pad(s) detected2. DFM error from 4PCB: Insufficient Inner Spacing.I am trying to understand where and how to fix this issue? Can someone please advise?tarun172

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2023, 09:50:29 pm
content: Are these are 4PCB errors or Altium errors?It seems like they support both so simply having unplated is not the issue:https://www.4pcb.com/pcb-manufacturing-custom-standard.htmlMaybe you can post the pad properties you've chosen:https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/pcb-pad-properties?version=19.0Simple pad stack or top middle bottom?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2023, 03:01:51 pm
content: Quote from: tarun172 on March 13, 2023, 07:57:34 pmI just ran into this a month ago.It’s not an error, just a warning, and it’s hard-coded and cannot be disabled. Just ignore it.FYI, the Altium support forums aren’t searched by Google. Log into the Altium website and then search there. That’s the only place I found the answer.
How to copy and paste repeatedly? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RedLion
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 11:55:25 am
content: Apologies for what is probably a really dumb question.I haven't used Altium in a while, but I remember I had it set such that if you copied a part or piece of a schematic, pressing ctrl+V once allowed you to paste repeatedly until you press ESC or right click.I remember this being really convenient if you need more than one of a specific part. I have searched for quite a while now but I can't for the life of me figure out how to turn that back on.Am I having a false memory or am I thinking of a different software? Using Altium 17 btw.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 02:21:34 pm
content: If you just don't let go of ctrl+v you can keep pasting the same content.orSelecting some content and then holding shift while dragging it will duplicate the content.

author: RedLion
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2023, 06:38:12 pm
content: Hm, not quite what I meant, it flooded the schematic with the selected part.This would be: ctrl+V; "click" place one, "click" place one more, etc... until you hit ESC or right click.As if you were placing a component, but it's the clipboard content.Although I may misattribute it, because we've been using Mentor at work which does this by default.

author: RedLion
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 03:31:05 pm
content: I found what I was looking for! It's "rubber stamp", and I remapped it to Ctrl+V rightaway
highlight contiguous copper pour? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2023, 05:11:01 pm
content: Is it possible to highlight contiguous areas of copper pour, including multiple layers linked by vias etc? I want to see how "well grounded" my copper pours are..

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2023, 05:11:52 pm
content: You can select a net in the PCB panel.

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2023, 06:59:39 pm
content: yes, that's slightly different to what i'm asking - I would like to be able to click on a section of the copper pour and it highlights everything it connects to - if for example there is a break in the ground pour, I would be able to see that only a small area of the pout is highlighted.Sometimes I make very dense boards for non-critical applications where the ground is a copper pour snaked all through and around components and I have to use the DRC to see that it's connected, but it's actually quite a cumbersome way of doing it - it'd be much faster and easier if I could just highlight a section and see if it's connectedor is there is some other way of doing this?

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2023, 08:24:02 pm
content: Unfortunately the way polygons behave when selected will prevent you from doing what you want. You could explode the polygon to free primitives and then I think any islands would become their own primitive. I have not tried this though. You would need to undo after you check it to get back to a polygon. (tools >> convert >> Explode polygon to free primitives)The easier method is to make the polygons not pour islands and then look for the empty spots of your polygons and stitch them with vias/repour.

author: g00se
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2023, 11:51:32 pm
content: You can ctrl+click on the pour to highlight the whole net, similar to the above suggestion. Maybe that will help?
Cant copy and move a block of circuitry - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Faringdon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2023, 07:42:13 pm
content: Hi,Do you know how to do this in Altium.....google said drag and select, then press enter and hover mouse over, then move, but it didnt work.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2023, 08:39:50 pm
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/how-to-copy-and-paste-repeatedly/If you are trying to copy, ctrl c and ctrl v as any other software.If you are trying to move, select then drag. Or ctrl + drag depending on your settings.Did you watch the tutorial videos linked to you in the other threads?Do you remember the recommendation to just have one thread with your questions in it?

author: Faringdon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 02:20:20 pm
content: Hi,Thanks, though CNTL and drag doesnt work for me.Its a block of circruitry in schm....symbols connected by wire..a subcircuit, and i cant move it to save my life.In Eagle its just select it then hit move, then move it.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 02:27:39 pm
content: Are you trying to move it or copy it? Different things...You can select items in the schematic and then use the move command. Just hit M on the keyboard and then select the type of move. Make sure you're in the 'Editor' view, by clicking on the Editor tab at the bottom of the sch window.Otherwise, if you want further help you're going to need to be a lot more detailed about what exactly you're trying to do, what exactly you do in the software, and what exactly happens.

author: Faringdon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 02:32:33 pm
content: OK...now i am stuck in distance measurement mode in the schem.....i hit escape but i cant get out of it.

author: jc101
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 03:59:06 pm
content: Seriously, just go through some of the basic Altium training stuff. If this is a new licence, they often give you several weeks of free access to their own tutorial videos. If not, loads are on YouTube. Even the manual is pretty helpful.You'll save yourself quite a bit of time in the long run.

author: Faringdon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2023, 05:53:39 pm
content: Thanks solved...it had gone into viewer mode...but for some reason was still letting me move individual symbols, which fooled me to thinking it was still in licenced mode.
Need help creating a script - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dartherick
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 12, 2023, 02:26:59 pm
content: Hello everyone,I would like to make a script in altium to add some project parameters that I always use for every single project I have.I already read the altium documentation but I couldn't find any useful information to be able to make this script.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2023, 12:36:14 pm
content: You can have projects that are used as templates which accomplishes what you are asking.
One design, two variants. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mrburnzie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2023, 10:08:31 am
content: Hi!I have a design that has two variants.I want to create a panel that will house both variants on it.Also, from that panel I would like to export the combined BOM and pick and place.Has anyone done something like this in the past? Can this be automated or is it a manual job?I have tried creating a panel, but can't change the same board to have different variants, it changes them globally.Also I couldn't find a way to combine the variant BOMs.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2023, 03:51:26 pm
content: If it was just DNP differences I would just communicate that to your CM with two different BOMs. It is easy for them to skip out parts on half of a panel.If you are needing alternate parts placed that becomes an issue because that just isn't how pick and places are programmed. I wouldn't even know how to approach this as a CM unless I was running it on two separate machines.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2023, 05:20:44 pm
content: How many boards per panel? How different are the two BOMs?I would think just sending gerbers for the whole panel, BOMs/PnP files for the individual variants, and instructions for which panel instances get which BOMs should be sufficient. It's not that different from having the CM do the panelization for you--which would be another option you have.Unless you have a reason to want the two variants panelized together, it may not be that big a deal to have the CM do two runs with homogenous panels, depending on quantities.
Altium charging for training? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Faringdon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2023, 11:12:00 am
content: Hi, this page says you can get Altium training for £1,045 upwards....https://www.altium.com/training/altium-designer-essentials...this seems to be a confession that1...Altium is overly hard to use2....Altium does not provide proper free training videosIf someone understands a PCB structure...then why ever would they need to pay Altium to learn how to use Altium?....have they deliberately made Altium too hard for people, so they can get money from training.?How much money does Altium make from training each year?All i say is.....Come on KICAD...please knock Altium off the pedestal so we can all just do our jobs.

author: jc101
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2023, 12:53:07 pm
content: 1. Altium can do some very complex things very easily if set up correctly to do them.2. They do if you buy a licence, or they did for me. I was given access to all the training materials and videos for a couple of months. I downloaded all of them for future reference at the time. Third-party training is available too, Fedevel seems popular and has some free Altium stuff too.Altium also sells training, as do many other companies. Trained staff are more productive than ones who fumble around inside any software package. They may get there in the end but waste time doing so. If trained to use something, it's much easier to set everything up at the start of a project than have to repeat steps when things aren't right later on.People sell KiCad training too, for much the same reasons.
Rounded polygon clearance for SMD pads - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 3cdb
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 04, 2023, 11:13:12 pm
content: Hi all!I've been trying to figure out how to have a rounded clearance for my SMD pads just like there is for my other polygons.I have gone through my design rules in an attempt to fix this, but to no avail.I have seen other articles online mentioning that you can just change the pad type to a rounded square and that will fix it, but I figured one shouldn't have to do thatDoes anyone know how I can enable rounded clearance for polygon pours to SMD pads?Image attached for reference.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2023, 12:31:28 am
content: I know this doesn't answer your question but.. rounded SMD pads are superior to square ones. Might convince you to try them.The design rule that is determining the C5 connection would be "polygon connect style" from what I remember it only has the distance setting, but you could check again.https://www.altium.com/documentation/knowledge-base/altium-designer/thermal-connections-for-custom-pads
(Solved) Paste layer on a flex/rigid design - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: angust_uk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2023, 01:51:12 pm
content: I am desiging a flex/rigid board with components on both the flexible and rigid sections. All is ok on the rigid section, but the solder paste layer is missing for all components on the flexible section.I presume this is because the components placed here are neither on the 'top' nor 'bottom', but instead on an inner layer, even though this inner layer is acrually on the outside (if you see what I mean!). The image below I hope shows what I mean.Any ideas how I can convince Altium to generate a solder paste output for components on the internal layer?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2023, 08:52:50 pm
content: What do your layer stack settings look like in Altium?https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/designing-rigid-flex-pcb?version=21

author: angust_uk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2023, 09:54:30 am
content: Thanks - as far as I can see, the stackup was set up correctly (though Altium doesn't seem to include the paste layers in the stackup file).I've just moved to AD23 and it magically appears to be working! Whereas before the paste stencil openings weren't shown at all for components on the flexible section, they now are and are plotted in a seperate Gerber output file (.GBP1). Minor annoyance, but at least I can now send something to the manufacturers!Thanks for your help!
Altium Copy Room Formats Does Nothing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: haballoon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 02:46:50 pm
content: Never had this problem before. I have components placed in a room, do the copy room formats, select source room, select destination room, get the "confirm channel copy format" dialogue, which shows all the channels correctly, have all the appropriate boxes checked, such as copy component placement, and then I click Okay. I get "Updated 0 components in 7 rooms". Single placed room remains the only formatted room, none of the other rooms update.What happened? I've tried different options in the check boxes. I have always just used this dialogue successfully, not sure why it is not working this time.Any help appreciated.Thanks!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 02:53:06 pm
content: Check Component Links..?Paranoia: try turning it off and back on (i.e. restart Altium)? Reduce it to a simple example that either works or does not?Tim

author: haballoon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 27, 2017, 03:04:06 pm
content: restarting Altium did not change anythingcomponent links look fine to meI made a new project with just 2 rooms in it (with some 5 components each). Same behavior.The only other interesting thing is that unless I set the project options specifically to hierarchical, the room repeats are not recognized. "Auto select (based on project contents)" does not work to import the repeat into the PCB.

author: ajawamnet
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 05:02:39 pm
content: Channel offsets of components between rooms have to match... see attached jpg

author: bjorkman
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 14, 2021, 06:49:39 am
content: I had the same problem and it turned out that the solution for me was to enble the rooms under Design -> Rules...In the new dialogue go to Design Rules -> Placement -> Room Definitions and check the enable boxes for your rooms.

author: streptom4
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 24, 2023, 08:23:33 am
content: Hi You also need todisable the "Copy selected objects only"when you are copying. I think this is a usability problem in Altium. This option should not be there! You can review it 100 times and don't understand where the problem is...
Altium Designer 21 Import P-Cad Files - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: derek
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2023, 01:41:45 pm
content: Hi,I am trying to import P-CAD v8.50 Schematic and PCB files into Altium Designer 21.The import wizard does not recognise the Schematic and PCB files.I looked at the files in a text editor, which gave the version of the data files:Schematic file:Personal CAD Systems, Inc.PC-CAPS Database file version : 2.08Database saved as : sheet1.schDec. 6, 1997 4:54 p.mPCB file:Personal CAD Systems, Inc.PC-CARDS Database file version : 2.08Database saved as : place2.pcbNov. 24, 1997 9:34 p.m.I have a copy of P-CAD v8.50 running in Virtualbox, which loads up the schematics no problems, but the PCB editor: PCCARDS requires a security dongle to load.Does anyone have any suggestions to how I import the files into Altium or other ECAD system.Regards,Derek

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2023, 09:49:26 pm
content: https://www.altium.com/documentation/knowledge-base/convert-p-cad-file-to-altium

author: derek
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2023, 10:11:53 am
content: Hi,Thanks for the reply, I have tried the Altium Designer Import Wizard, but the P-CAD Schematic and PCB files are not recognised, I asked Altium Technical Support, who also failed with the same results.Maybe I will have to load the data files into next version of P-Cad, then save it till P-CAD 2002 or 2006 can load it.Not sure how to do this, I will have search for old PCB software.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2023, 10:17:52 am
content: I run P-CAD2006 if you want to try the load/save-as method mentioned on the Altium page

author: mk_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2023, 10:31:25 am
content: Quote from: derek on March 09, 2023, 01:41:45 pmThat`s PCAD DOS and really old...Try to load your files with PCAD2006 (i still use this version) and then move to Altium (can`t help you with that)PM when I should give it a try for PCAD8.5 (DOS) to PCAD2006 (Win)Good luck
Graphic does not appear in generated PDF - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dartherick
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 27, 2023, 11:46:11 am
content: Hi everyone.I created a draftsman document with some views and graphical (images) and every time I generated the output file (.pdf). the images do not appear in the pdf.

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2023, 12:40:07 pm
content: The viewer you use to open PDF files may not support the image format inside the PDF (pdf supports some ancient black and white compression methods from faxes, or maybe JPEG2000 format)inspect your document in adobe acrobat viewer or some other fancier pdf viewer

author: Dartherick
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 27, 2023, 01:01:23 pm
content: I'm actually using adobe acrobat pro, which is fancier than the viewer.I also tried it with other viewers with 0 results.
Create a Hatch in a draftsman document - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dartherick
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 27, 2023, 11:41:14 am
content: Hello people!!.Is there a way in a draftsman document in altium to create a hatch? I want to create some on my board fabrication view.I tried creating a hatched text but every time I generate the PDF, the hatch disappears and only the text is visible.
Junction points appear (after updating schematic libraries) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bsarevalo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 02:48:35 pm
content: I was designing a schematic and PCBs, then i make some changes to the libraries components, when i update from the libraries option, junction points appear on all schematics !, if I make the connection again, the junction points appear automatically!i'm going crazy! please someone that can help me !

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 07:54:01 pm
content: I think that might be when the grid isn't quite coincident with the component pins. Check that you have a a 0.1" grid and that all components are synced with it.

author: maxpayne
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2023, 03:50:45 pm
content: Press CTRL+Shift+D to align everything on grid.
Altium repetitive  schematic sheets and JTAG daisy chain - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: halexa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 07:49:02 am
content: Hi,I do note know how to solve this in Altium. I have four equal ethernet PHYs on four repetitive schematic sheets in Altium. I want to implement a JTAG daisy chain to these PHYs.My plan is to have the JTAG connector on the top level sheet. The Problem is that only TDI and TDO shall exit/enter from the first and last PHY.Is this possible to do with repetitive schematic sheets?//Best regards,

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 08:43:42 am
content: Sure it's called Multichannel design, and it's very easy to do once you understand how the naming and everything works. You can even copy the layout with a tool in the PCB design phase.https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/creating-multi-channel-design

author: halexa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 10:37:53 am
content: Great, thx just what I was looking for.