hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical, versus Global labels - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dan Moos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 07:10:58 pm
content: As I think I understand it, the only real difference between a global and a hierarchical label is that a hierarchical label needs a corresponding pin in each sheet to make it available to said sheets, whereas, global labels act as if all the sheets are one big sheet connectivity-wise.My question is, whats the point? I can't see why I wouldn't just use global labels, and save a step? I feel like I'm missing something.

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 09:39:20 am
content: Because you can have several copies of the same sheet, each will have different connections if using hierarchical connections. There is an example inhttp://docs.kicad-pcb.org/stable/en/eeschema.html#complex-hierarchy

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 10:03:25 am
content: Hierarchical comes in very handy if your reusing blocks of a schematic in other projects, you just append the piece as a hierarchical sheet, wire up the pins to your top level block and off you go.Global can be hard to find at times, but there are things like local voltage rails where i am happy to just call them global, but i get cautious just bulk naming on global as in bigger projects it can be very easy to end up reusing the same name and not realising until your final board reviews.It can also help make your top level schematic act like your project mud map, a hierarchical bus between 2 sub sheets for your LCD data, etc, the tools are there to be used as you see fit.
Is thera way to have a bus availiable across sheets? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dan Moos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 07:51:44 pm
content: I have a 16 bit address bus I want to be on multiple sheets. do I have to send each wire of the bus to each sheet, or is there a way ton just label the bus?

author: hermit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2017, 10:58:55 pm
content: I've haven't used the bus feature yet. Did you see if it would accept a label? If you don't get an answer soon I can ask on the KiCAD forum for you.

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2017, 09:55:37 am
content: Quote from: Dan Moos on August 06, 2017, 07:51:44 pmAre you looking for a global bus? I don't think there is that feature, but you can route a bus through hierarchical sheets.https://forum.kicad.info/is a pretty active forum, you should try it!
How exactly do libraries work? (downloading, updating, merging, etc) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PhilippeASP
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2017, 07:50:19 pm
content: I just started using KiCad and I'm browsing a bunch of tutorials on how to do things. I found out that digikey has a great feature where you can download a part you want to buy in a multitude of PCB design formats, including KiCad... There are two limitations, the first one not being a very big deal. You're limited to 15 free component downloads per month unless you pay a premium. I don't think I will need much more than that.But the other thing is that each part comes with it's own files. Each has a .lib and a .kicad_mod. If i want to build a moderately complex circuit_board I'm going to have a dozen different pieces. Am I supposed to merge the libraries together (can that even be done?) Also, the mod file is has the name of the component (NE556D.kicad_mod), but the lib is just called symbols.lib. And now, every time I open the eeshema that holds my project, it tells me "The following libraries were not found: .../Kicad/symbolsSo, I can't actually load the file I downloaded from DigiKey. Is there something specific I need to do before I can use downloaded libraries in my projects?

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2017, 10:46:46 pm
content: Quote from: PhilippeASP on August 14, 2017, 07:50:19 pmThe symbol file is a library with a single component, so it's a good idea to merge them. You can transfer a component to a new library using the Component Editor. The footprint files can be copied into a folder called something like "Digikey.pretty", then you can add that folder using the Footprint Libraries Manager in pcbnew.I strongly recommend going through the docs athttp://kicad-pcb.org/help/documentation/,The Getting Started guide has some basic info on creating components, there are also more details in the eeschema and pcbnew manuals. It's worth reading through those, library management in KiCad is a bit of work to manage. Once you realise that it is just a bunch of text files, and how KiCad searches for those with file paths, it becomes easier to make sense of.
Should this be a DRC error? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vsimkus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 05, 2017, 03:02:27 am
content: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemenLong time lurker, first time poster.Just finished populating a brand new PCB and found a little error in my design. Please see attached picture. Spoiler alert: the ground point is not attached on the left hand side.Should I be expecting this to be a condition flagged by the DRC/ERC and report this as a bug to the KiCad team?ThanksVic

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2017, 01:26:29 pm
content: Technically, I think it would not be regarded as a bug because KiCad is behaving "as designed". It might be accepted as an enhancement request (aka wishlist).Testing wires for unconnected ends seems like a reasonable thing to do. A power symbol is equivalent to a net label with some fancy graphics. In KiCad, an unconnected label is not regarded as an error either. I think it should be, I can't really think of any reason why not.Well, having said that I just checked the bug tracker, seems someone already raised ithttps://bugs.launchpad.net/kicad/+bug/1639400. Seems that no developer is bothered about it.

author: vsimkus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 05, 2017, 07:11:05 pm
content: Thanks for the insight. I guess I'm gonna have to pay better attention in the future
How to download, install and use free router - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: garvind25
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2017, 04:34:32 pm
content: Hi,I am new to this forum and KiCAD as well. I wanted to know where from to download, install and use Free router in KiCAD. I am not particularly good with Java, github etc so a step by step instruction would be a very kind gesture.Thanking You,Arvind Gupta

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 14, 2017, 07:16:11 pm
content: TryTHIS.

author: julian1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2017, 10:45:50 pm
content: I set up freeroute on Kicad with the following port,https://github.com/nick-less/freeroutingIt fixes a few GUI bugs, and uses maven to automatically manage the java library dependencies - which I found was an issue with the original port. Compared with the results from Altium router in Dave's video, Freeroute works really well. Getting it setup is a pain, but it went something like this on linux,# download and install jdk,#http://download.oracle.com/otn-pub/java/jdk/8u111-b14/jdk-8u111-linux-x64.tar.gz# set up pathsexport JAVA_HOME="$HOME/jdk1.8.0_111/"export PATH="$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH"# install mvn#http://mirror.intergrid.com.au/apache/maven/maven-3/3.3.9/binaries/apache-maven-3.3.9-bin.tar.gz# set pathsexport PATH="$PATH:$HOME/apache-maven-3.3.9/bin/"# checkout freeroute git repogit clone git@github.com:nick-less/freerouting# buildcd freeroutingmvn clean install# To integrate with Kicad I think I used generic instructions.

author: garvind25
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2017, 06:12:11 am
content: Thanks for your replies. The mentioned steps are to run free router externally. Is there any way to run it along with KiCAD/ any other free router which can be integrated with Ki CAD? Also, I forgot to mention that I am on windows (Win7 64 bit)Regards,Arvind Gupta

author: garvind25
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2017, 03:10:00 pm
content: Hi,Do you have the steps to install and use freerouter from Kicad in windows pls?Thanks in advance,Arvind Gupta

author: hermit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2017, 03:36:20 pm
content: This came up on the KiCAD forum recently. You might want to check there. I hate people that offer 'helpful' suggestions that aren't answering what is asked for, but.....The manual routing functions with KiCAD make routing pretty painless. I installed the Free Router, played with it and then forgot about it. If you layout as you go along and are careful about placement, you will do much better by hand.
How to determine footprint size from old datasheets? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MarkS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 21, 2017, 10:43:19 am
content: I'm trying to create a library for the QFP variant of the MC68030. This was a time when dimensional drawings were found in datasheets, but a recommended PCB layout wasn't. The link to the datasheet ishere (PDF)and the package diagram is on page 578. It tells me clearly how wide and long the pins are where they contact the board, but from what I've seen pads are typically slightly longer and wider than the pins. Since the datasheet doesn't specify, how should I proceed? Should the pads be set to the maximum dimensions of the pins(D and K in the diagram), somewhere between the minimum and maximum, or is there a general guideline to follow?

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 21, 2017, 10:48:13 am
content: Try the test version of Library Expert software. It will do all calculations based on IC dimensions.

author: MarkS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 21, 2017, 10:53:14 am
content: Thank you. I'll check that out, but it really doesn't directly answer my question. I'm not looking for a simple solution, but rather the knowledge to figure it out on my own. This was an extremely popular chip in its day and those who used it knew how to do this.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 21, 2017, 11:28:31 am
content: Maybe this can help:CLICK!

author: MarkS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 21, 2017, 12:38:45 pm
content: NICE! Yes, that is VERY useful! I did download the free version of Library Expert and created the part in that. I was surprised that it outputted a footprint very similar to my guess, although my footprint was a lot rougher.
eeschema works slowly/buggy in Win 10? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2017, 01:02:04 pm
content: I am not experienced with this software at all (or any other PCB design software) so take anything I say as a potential lack of understanding, but adding components seems to be very slow for me.I select a component, and then when moving it around before clicking to place it, it moves very slowly and buggy, and redraws every time.Now, this might be standard behavior for the software, or something with my OS/computer configuration specifically.What are your experiences?

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2017, 01:40:13 pm
content: I use it on windows 7, so i will be infering a little, but could you be more descripting in how its buggyOne of the first things you can try is go to veiw - and use another canvas, e.g. OpenGL, this will rule out a lot of things about your hardware configuration.

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2017, 01:59:21 pm
content: Sure, I will try to clarify by a shortvideo, it's easier than describing.Now, the video will pronounce the effects even more, but in reality it works similar to that.I can't find anything mentioning OpenGL in view of eeschema, only:

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2017, 02:27:24 pm
content: I apologies, only the pcb program has the option of renderer,At a glance it would appear its purely down to performance, I've looked through kicad bug listing and while there are complaints about slower performance with the current renderer, its not in the same instance as your video,I'm running a desktop with a high end CPU and GPU, but i can replicate the behavior when i move 20-30 components in a group,Essentially the renderer does not clear the old render until it has completed the new one, so while your moving it around quickly it takes a moment to complete redrawing the current instance, and in the meantime you have moved it again, meaning it has to start over. but once you slow down to place it, it displays correctly,I would put it down to not ideal, but not a direct bug, try a video card driver update.

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2017, 03:16:19 pm
content: Quote from: Rerouter on June 17, 2017, 02:27:24 pmThanks. I also have a decent enough computer,butit was running a relatively CPU intensive task in the background, and most likely this is the issue. I'll try it again when that is finished.
Looking for a decent looking optocoupler 3D model. Current one sucks! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: debininja
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 02:38:27 am
content: Someone please tell me what is this is supposed to be...Not only is the stock 3D optocoupler model garbage, the footprint is messed up!So, before I go ahead and make my own decent 3D model, is there a 3rd-party made optocoupler model available that looks decent and has the correct footprint?Here's what I have so far. (I have zero 3D modeling experience. I made this bit, supposed to be the optocoupler legs, in 30 minutes):

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 05:18:24 am
content: That's an analog optocoupler, they're common in pro audio gear. For a more conventional optocoupler use a DIP package.https://www.banzaimusic.com/Macron-MI1210CLE-R.html

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 07:11:17 am
content: What optocoupler will you use? Link to a datasheet, please.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 10:38:32 am
content: http://www.3dcontentcentral.com/

author: debininja
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 11:07:23 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on May 30, 2017, 05:18:24 amNow I feel like an idiotQuote from: EdoNork on May 30, 2017, 07:11:17 amhttp://www.vishay.com/docs/83433/sfh615a.pdfRun of the mill optocouplers you find in SMPS. KiCAD does not have a model for this kind of opto.Or, I haven't been able to find one, and in that case, I will have to create my own 3D model. But I'm kind of lazy, so I'd prefer using a pre-made one someone else might have made.Edit: I can settle for a DIP4 package in the meantime. It doesn't look like an optocoupler, but at least the pinouts are correct.

author: CM800
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2017, 08:55:49 am
content: [quote author=debininja link=topic=89199.msg1221543#msg1221543 date=1496185643Edit: I can settle for a DIP4 package in the meantime. It doesn't look like an optocoupler, but at least the pinouts are correct.Huh? yes it does.
Easiest way to BOM jelly beans - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bentomo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 04:29:57 pm
content: I've got a full schematic in kicad 4.0.4 on windows but I didn't bother to find all the parts for resistors and capacitors on digikey as I went. They all have a value and a footprint assigned but there's probably at least 12 different variations and multiples of those variations. It would be a pain to do them all so I wanted to use this opportunity to learn how to automize it.My questions is: what's the current best way / script to find parts you need and import them from digikey into a bom just based on value and footprint?

author: oldnewb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 07:03:38 pm
content: I don't know of any way to automate the process of finding actual part numbers. I'd love to hear that there is a way; it's not a fun job.There are a few tools that make the overall KiCAD BOM-creation workflow a lot easier. Both are from a company called XESS (FPGAs and stuff).KiField (https://github.com/xesscorp/KiField) creates a two-way link between eeschema component data fields and an Excel spreadsheet. It makes the process of updating all the components so much easier.KiCost (https://github.com/xesscorp/KiCost) takes an eeschema BOM XML export, shops the major vendors, and puts the results into an Excel spreadsheet. It's similar to Octopart's BOM tool.

author: bentomo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2017, 05:35:30 pm
content: Kifield sounds like what I'm looking for. Thanks!
Pulling all Github repositories at once - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: homebrew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2017, 06:19:33 am
content: In case anybody would ever have the need to pull ALL KiCad repositories and be sure to catch all, here's how:Code:$ curl -s https://api.github.com/orgs/KiCad/repos?per_page=1000 | grep "svn_url" | grep ".pretty" | cut -d " " -f 6 | sed -e "s/\"\(.*\)\".*/\1/g" | sort | while read line; do git clone $line; doneThis clones all available .pretty git repositories.I prefer this approach over the premade lists that circulate around as this is always up to date ...Modify: Corrected the script as it was mangled by the blog. Added support for direct cloning

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2017, 10:13:36 am
content: You can ask for 1000, but github only returns max of 100 results, you have to get multiple pages. As there are already over 100 repos, your one liner will miss some.Another way is to usehttps://github.com/hairymnstr/kicad-getlibs, which also updates the library table for you.Of course, if you just want a local copy of the footprints without a git clone, you can download them using KiCad.

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2017, 10:25:57 am
content: If you don't need history and only a single branch then do a shallow copygit clone --depth 1https://path/to/repo/foo.git-b bar

author: homebrew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2017, 12:47:00 pm
content: Quote from: donotdespisethesnake on May 13, 2017, 10:13:36 amAh,stupid me! Didn't check ...So here's the updated one-liner:Code:$ lastpage=$(curl -s -I https://api.github.com/orgs/KiCad/repos | grep "Link:" | sed -e "s/.*page=\(.*\)>; rel=\"last\".*/\1/g"); for ((page=1;page<=$lastpage;page++)); do curl -s https://api.github.com/orgs/KiCad/repos?page=$page | grep "svn_url" | grep ".pretty" | cut -d " " -f 6 | sed -e "s/\"\(.*\)\".*/\1/g"; done | sort | while read line; do git clone --depth 1 $line; doneOr in a more readable form to put in a script file:Code:#!/bin/bashlastpage=$(\curl -s -I https://api.github.com/orgs/KiCad/repos \| grep "Link:" \| sed -e "s/.*page=\(.*\)>; rel=\"last\".*/\1/g"\)for ((page=1;page<=$lastpage;page++));docurl -s https://api.github.com/orgs/KiCad/repos?page=$page \| grep "svn_url" \| grep ".pretty" \| cut -d " " -f 6 \| sed -e "s/\"\(.*\)\".*/\1/g";done | sort | while read line;dogit clone --depth 1 $line;done
Two parts on schematic mapping to one part on PCB - possible/how? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2017, 07:21:40 pm
content: Using KiCad to layout a PCB for a home sprinkler system project. I have a desire to draw the schematic with six 2-pin connectors and build the PCB with 3 4-pin connectors.Logically, there are 6 2-pin devices that will connect to the board. Physically, I will use 6 2-pin devices that will plug into the 3 4-pin connectors. (I'm using 2EDG 5.08 ("Phoenix") 2p connectors for zone connections. 2 2p connectors will plug into a single 4p jack, which is what I want to use on the PCB.)Workarounds I've considered:1. Drawing the schematic using the physical parts I intend to use, logic be damned. (This is presumably what I'd do with a multi-op-amp in a single package.)2. Making the PCB with 2 2p jacks and just ensuring that I lay them out carefully, such that a 4p socket will fit into the holes/pads nicely.3. Asking on EEVBlog if there's a better way than #1 or #2 above, so here I am.Thanks for any insight, even if it's just weighing in on whether #1 or #2 makes more sense to you. I'm leaning towards #2 at the moment.

author: fable
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2017, 09:58:59 pm
content: Create schematic symbol with two bodies and then associate it with 4 pin part

author: oldnewb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2017, 07:05:07 pm
content: What fable said. The official eeschema docs discuss the concept:http://docs.kicad-pcb.org/stable/en/eeschema.html#multiple-units-per-component-and-alternate-body-styles

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2017, 10:46:00 pm
content: Makes sense. Thanks, both!
How to drag a footprint block in KiCad - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: HoracioDos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 02:20:46 pm
content: Hello!Does anybody know if it's possible to drag a footprint block in Pcbnew like in Eeschema. I didn't find a solution. Do I have to drag the footprints one by one?Thanks in advance!

author: HoracioDos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 02:26:53 pm
content: I'm sorry I found it. It's not very obvious.I had to draw a square and block the footprints inside it!

author: oldnewb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 09:38:58 pm
content: You can also shift-click to select footprints one at a time.
[SOLVED] Lone vias and thermal relief - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: GarthyD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 12:34:26 am
content: I am looking to insert some lone vias to attach ground planes after a pour. I am aware that KiCad doesn't support this presently. I am aware of two main workarounds: Always draw tracks, and make a footprint with a single via in it. I am using the second solution. However I've noticed that this interacts poorly with thermal relief when doing a pour- each of these footprint vias will have thermal relief applied, which I *don't* want.Is there some way to exclude footprints/pads/vias from thermal relief? Or perhaps a better solution to use for lone vias?

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 09:43:54 am
content: Yes, set the properties of the pad in the footprint to solid. Pad Properties -> Pad connection - solid, This then overrides whatever is used by the zone fill.

author: GarthyD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 08:40:38 pm
content: Thankyou.Worked like a charm. I had thought I had tried all of the options, but I must have missed that one. This will save me much time, many thanks.For anyone else with the same issue, the option can be found here: "Pad Properties" / "Local Clearance and Settings" / "Copper Zones" / "Pad Connection", and set to "Solid" (mine was originally to "From parent footprint"). There is no visual feedback in the preview, but it does work. Accept the change, update the footprints in pcbnew (via the footprint properties, then "Change Footprint", which can be used to update all footprints of a certain type), and then redo the copper pour ("B").
Kicad based workflow including spice simulation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: pitagoras
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2017, 11:08:56 pm
content: I'm trying to follow the standard (?) workflow, that is, draw the schematic, simulate it (mostly to be sure it's correct), generate the netlist for the pcb, create the pcb...I followed this tutorialhttp://stffrdhrn.github.io/electronics/2015/04/28/simulating_kicad_schematics_in_spice.htmlbut I cannot make it work for my case, where I use a dual opamp chip (8 pins).In my case netlist is generated like this for the opamp:XU3 Net-_C2-Pad2_ Net-_D7-Pad1_ Net-_P2-Pad2_ VSS Net-_R17-Pad2_ Net-_D8-Pad1_ Net-_C3-Pad2_ VCC OPAMPthat is, both are considered the came circuit.I tried to solve it prepending something like.include NE5532.model.subckt OPAMP 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8* PINOUT ORDER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8* PINOUT ORDER OUT -IN +IN VSS +IN -IN OUT VCCXopa 3 2 8 4 1 NE5532Xopa 5 6 8 4 7 NE5532.ends OPAMPWhich does not work because apparently it's illegal to use two Xopa inside a subcktDoes anyone have experience in this workflow using kicad? Does anyone have a sound tutorial more complete than the cited above?Thanks
Traces and copper pour going through pads - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sentry7
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2017, 07:45:49 pm
content: Hey guys,First-time KiCad user, and I am nothing short of impressed so far.Question about the copper layer. So I have a simple dummy design here, and I've included a grounding plane on the top layer. When I hide the top pads, it shows copper pour and traces going through places where drilled holes would be. It even shows up on the 3D view. What's going on here?

author: MarkS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2017, 08:44:00 pm
content: It is the way that KiCAD draws the polygons internally, although the 3D view is clearly a bug and needs to be fixed. This will not impact a finished board.

author: Caio Negri
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2017, 01:42:39 pm
content: Shouldn't make a difference in the manufacturing process since pads and traces get merged in the same gerber file anyway. 3D view should definitely not display that but I guess that is a low priority bug.

author: Deridex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2017, 04:51:31 am
content: I gotta agree on what the other 2 guys said:While it seems to be a bug in the 3D view, i doubt it has any impact on the manufacturing process.

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2017, 04:57:42 am
content: What is the solution to solve this bug in 3D view?

author: QuantumLogic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2017, 09:08:30 pm
content: In the 3D Viewer, go to Preferences-->Render Options and make sure "Show holes in zones" has a check mark to the left of it.
4.0.6 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: awallin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2017, 11:05:11 am
content: My Ubuntu machines are now updating to Kicad stable release 4.0.6. - hopefully everything keeps working as beforeLooking at the mailing-list the announcement is suggested for Feb 25th... not sure if there are release-notes somewhere else explaining what changed in this release.https://lists.launchpad.net/kicad-developers/maillist.html

author: HoracioDos
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2017, 11:47:35 am
content: I've noticed this morning. No changelog for 4.0.6 yet and website is still in 4.0.5I hope they fixed a very annoying bug. Schematics are disconnected if opened with different library versions.

author: mimmus78
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 22, 2017, 11:48:19 am
content: Keeping crashing every 3 minutes with my project. How can I help solving the bug?Inviato dal mio Nexus 6P utilizzando Tapatalk

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 22, 2017, 01:57:24 pm
content: https://bugs.launchpad.net/kicad

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2017, 05:26:45 am
content: I think some of the bug are still remaining and they are working for the solution, that's why No changelog for 4.0.6 yet and website is still in 4.0.5

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2017, 12:21:35 pm
content: 4.0.6 is now officialhttp://kicad-pcb.org/post/release-4.0.6/
KiCad schematic capture and simulation tools. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Vtile
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 10:44:24 pm
content: Hello,How it is the simulation part and the simulation tools in KiCAD, I'm trying to find something more stable than my old textbook edition of the Multisim (still electronic work bench so it is old..).Does it handle analog signals by nature (=satisfactory) and how is there any virtual meters or is it solely based on the Analyse sweep or what it is called.

author: awallin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2017, 10:55:11 am
content: ngspice integration is coming in KiCad 5.0 - but it will be a while (months?) before that is outI guess in the meantime you could use ngspice or perhaps qucs directly without kicad.http://qucs.sourceforge.net/http://ngspice.sourceforge.net/(updated 2014? really!?)

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2017, 11:54:48 am
content: Quote from: Vtile on February 12, 2017, 10:44:24 pmHi, I know that you asked for Kicad but I could not resist.I highly recommend learning LTspice. That's the step to right direction.

author: Vtile
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2017, 05:19:52 pm
content: Quote from: Warhawk on February 13, 2017, 11:54:48 amI'm not interested LTspice, it is cumbersome to use.I have more general question on the PCB/EDA/CAD root section.I appreciate your good intentions nevertheless.

author: Vtile
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2017, 05:22:31 pm
content: Quote from: awallin on February 13, 2017, 10:55:11 amThat explains I couldn't find much of anything about it. It is not there yet. I hope the active devs will put some though on the UI so it really is usefull.

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2017, 11:52:56 am
content: I use ngspice for circuits simulations.

author: aylons
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2017, 11:55:18 am
content: I've used it a little and had it demonstrated to me by a developer and it is great... the interface is really neat, and it allows for dynamic parameter changing. It will really be worth the wait.
Newbie Help - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ranger14
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2017, 03:06:57 am
content: I am running kicad on Linux Mate 18 (Sarah) but are having some problems.. My parts list is very short and doesn't include normal resistor,smd parts,and others??So what am I missing and is there anything else I should know ?? Also how hard is it to create a negative of the pcb for Negative type photoresist??Thanks

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2017, 03:31:35 am
content: Did you add the libraries with the parts you want to your design? Are we talking the schematic symbols or the PCB modules?I've never tried to print a negative image with it so I can't help you there. Surely it's possible somehow though.

author: Ranger14
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2017, 03:43:32 am
content: I am talking about normal sch parts ..I added the library's off the Software manager and am I missing something ??

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2017, 05:48:35 am
content: When you have your schematic open, go up to Preferences> Library and add the libraries you want to use, then the parts they contain will be available to put into your schematic.

author: bitwelder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2017, 06:50:10 am
content: Have you read this post?https://forum.kicad.info/t/linux-installation-v4-04/4516

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2017, 12:15:29 pm
content: As per the reference provided by the bitwelder, kicad-library package does not include everything in the GitHub repository, you have to add reference .lib manually

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2017, 07:33:05 am
content: Which KiCAD version are you Running with?

author: Deridex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2017, 05:54:44 pm
content: I suggest you get the complete Kicad-Lybraries from Github. Save em local on your working device and link to that folder.That way you can work offline but still got a quite big startlibrary.i think if you link to Github directly you could encounter problems when working offline.
KiCAD Components with lots of pins - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: CM800
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2017, 03:12:56 pm
content: I'm curious what the best way to handle components with lots of pins are (64+ ... up to 256, 1000 etc.)I was going to do a drawing with a STM32F4 but the components they have there have obscenely large packages that are unweidly and larger then a schematic sheet... not ideal.I'm still very much trying to learn KiCAD, moving from Eagle, as a side note if anyone knows any good tutorials I'd love to hear. Expecially with regards to understanding their components / footprint system.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2017, 09:35:20 pm
content: Quote from: CM800 on February 13, 2017, 03:12:56 pmBreak them up into multi-part (multi-unit) symbols.

author: CM800
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2017, 11:33:21 am
content: Trying to do so, problem is I've ended up with this:The text and box stay the same in all units.I assume its safe to rename pins?EDIT:Fixed it."common to all units in component"

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 17, 2017, 07:26:42 am
content: I break them up into functional subunits. I also label pins with what they're actually used for, say an analog input channel, rather than everything they potentially could be. I then break them up according to use into units: USB, buses, power and oscillator, etc. This means complex ICs get a project-specific component library. Usually I start from kipart, then fix up the output manually.

author: spanner888
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2017, 03:01:43 am
content: When you get to looking at the PCB footprint/s, I highly recommend MadParts as with fairly simple programming/definition files you can very quickly create complex footprint for BOTH Kicad & Eagle from the one file with no extra effort.MadParts is really good for creating DIL & QUAD footprints, have a look at the examples.https://madparts.org/

author: Deridex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2017, 12:28:36 pm
content: i tend to break em into "function"-blocks (means multiple Symbols)As example one block for the powersupply(s)Another block for the digital ioYet another block for the analog stuffand so on ...That way those components stay in a way i can handle em.

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2017, 11:56:41 am
content: Have you tried to find out solution in KiCAD tutorial? Here is a guide for KiCAd, which may help you.http://store.curiousinventor.com/guides/kicad/schematic

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2017, 06:48:54 am
content: Did you tried to break them up into functional subunits?
KiCAD tutorial updated - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: babryce
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2017, 05:43:26 pm
content: I just thought I would let folks know that I updated and moved my KiCAD tutorial.I think it still is used by folks:http://babryce.com/kicad/tutorial.htmlI probably will shut down teho Labs in 2018; so update your links.
Get reference designators on f.fab layer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Doc Daneeka
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2017, 11:15:16 am
content: What I'd like to do is when I make a custom footprint to have some text in the f.fab layer that becomes the compoent reference when it is placed in a layout. There is already by default in the footprint editor the text 'REF**' on the silkscreen layer, which is replaced by the reference in pcbnew. Basically I want the reference also on the f.fab layer as well as the silkscreen (without having to type it manually for each component)Does anyone know how do it? if it's even possibe?
Kicad - Is there an easy way to split a subnet without introducing a component? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: julian1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2016, 04:56:48 am
content: In PCB layout, I try to set tracks and vias to their default net-class values, since that makes them super-easy to edit as a group.But, occasionally for a single net-class, I want some of the tracks to be one width, and other parts of the track to be a different width. For example, a power-rail net-class, supplying small sot-23 transistors, but also supplying to-220 power transistors.I've tried introducing 0R resistors in my schematics to force a net-class separation - but I'm wondering if there's a another way?.Any ideas - short of making the track independent of the net-class defaults?

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2016, 12:30:00 am
content: If you look at the Kicad database , what you are doing is probably the best.If you want to flip between two rules, you can do that in the Design Rules area with two widths for example.eg define rule-sets GND_N and GND_W, and remap GND net to each of those, as you need to route with differing default widths.

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2016, 06:50:28 am
content: I agree. You are on the right way. I don’t see any other way.

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2017, 12:16:46 pm
content: May you can find some more detailed information here.http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ip/routing-information-protocol-rip/13788-3.html

author: julian1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2017, 07:57:21 pm
content: Different kind of subnet ;-). Also RIP is for joining layer2 subnets.

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2017, 05:53:05 pm
content: LOL, I think technotronix is some kind of spam-bot. I can't see who they are spamming for though...could be the long play.

author: julian1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2017, 04:47:27 am
content: I think it was a fair and funny poke at my incorrect use of "subnet" in the title. I should have said netlist which I think is the correct pcb design term.

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2017, 01:00:14 pm
content: Quote from: julian1 on February 02, 2017, 04:47:27 amI would say a "net", a "net list" is the list of all nets in a schematic.I think the thing you are looking for is called a "net-tie", there is an example herehttp://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/266902/kicad-connect-power-to-bidirectional-pinYou might need to amend the pads according to DRC rules.I use the net-tie because it works better with an autorouter, but you can select a custom track width when routing a PCB by hand, which for one-off purposes might be easier.
Dual package OpAmp - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vini_i
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2017, 11:17:28 pm
content: I want to use a dual package OpAmp. Looking at the available symbols, the dual OpAmps are split up into two individual symbols, which is typical. What I have not seen before is that both symbols have power and ground pins. The pin numbers are the same, 8 and 4 on both symbols. The other pin numbers change to reflect the two different OpAmps in the same package.How should i treat the two sets of power and ground pins? Hook them both up or leave one set disconnected?

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 24, 2017, 10:46:59 am
content: I have my own parts which only have power and ground on unit A. Creating this is as simple as cloning the part and in unit A flagging the pins as not shared.You might get away with only connecting them once, meaning DRC shouldn't complain, but personally it bugs me enough to see unconnected pins that I'd just create a new library part.

author: Dave_PT
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2017, 10:57:40 am
content: In principle you only need to connect the power pins to one of the parts.I did this yesterday, on a test circuit, and I had no DRC errors...

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2017, 03:33:35 am
content: I often put voltage terminals on all of the power and ground pins, even though on the IC there is only one physical set of pins. It doesn't matter, you can just use one set or even one power pin on one unit and the other power pin on the other unit. I only use both because I think it looks neater.
kicad - Autogenerate a PCB fixture - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: elliotb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2016, 12:27:46 am
content: Thought this might be useful to others:https://github.com/ebuller/openfixture.Install openscad and run the python script to generate a laser cuttable fixture automagically. The rules are the following:1. Accumulates all SMD pads with no paste mask as test points.2. Removes SMD pads on Eco1.User3. Adds any pad on Eco2.User to test point array.It then exports the outline and runs openscad to generate a laser cuttable fixture. Assemble with M3 hardware. More info here:http://tinylabs.io/openfixture.Been working on this off and on for a few weeks. Hopefully others can get some use out of it!I should add there is an active thread which I probably should have posted here in the first place:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/manufacture/openscad-parametric-fixture/

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2017, 09:39:04 am
content: Thanks for sharing openscad information. This is helpful.

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2017, 12:13:32 pm
content: I have started working with opencad for my new project. This post may help me.

author: bghende
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2017, 05:12:37 pm
content: This is very cool. Do you have any recommendations for vendors to manufacture the fixture? Or do you make them in-house?

author: elliotb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2017, 05:17:36 pm
content: I cut them at my local makerspace FabLab San Diego but I've also used ponoko's laser cutting service and it turned out great. Just make sure you update the material thickness to match. Slightly outdated assembly instructions are on my website:http://tinylabs.io/openfixture
OrCAD / Allegro to KiCad?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: timofonic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2016, 03:11:17 am
content: Hello.Are there more projects or ways to translate Cadence OrCAD/Allegro to KiCad?I just found this...https://github.com/fjullien/rnif2kiOrcad to KiCAD netlist converterMar 13, 2015EDIF2KiCad by Frank Bennett2013-04-24https://sourceforge.net/projects/edif2kicad/https://github.com/svn2github/edif2kicad(mirror)https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/kicad-users/conversations/messages/8828http://mathegraphics.com/(his company)https://lists.launchpad.net/kicad-developers/msg00858.htmlhttps://github.com/THLN47/Edif_to_Kicadhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/kicad/possible-to-read-allegro-board-file-into-kicad/Kind regards.

author: Wrydog
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2016, 01:16:56 am
content: Bump.I'm looking too.

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2016, 06:48:03 am
content: Thanks for the information. This is really helpful to all.

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2017, 12:19:54 pm
content: Check out this thread. It may help you.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/kicad/possible-to-read-allegro-board-file-into-kicad/

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2017, 02:59:16 am
content: Quote from: timofonic on June 07, 2016, 03:11:17 amNetlists should not be too hard, but you will need to correlate the library-convention-names.In parallel with NetLists, which pass connectivity, I've tried the GerbView to KiCad and that has promise.The appeal of Gerber, is you can import almost any CAD format, at least to the view it and copy stage.Right now, it works - but makes some bad default decisions, so any flashed pad passes as a Via (even SMD ones) and it does not preserve the PAD copper but instead replaces with a Via of Max size.ie thiscanwork, on a 100% thru hole PCB, with all round pads to the point you can edit and create a new PCB.BOM side, is not so great, as the footprints are exploded.Smarter would be some simple rules like* Always export copper that forms PAD (so KiCad can plot a PCB the same )* Add via,onlyif Drill info says to. Via can be PAD smallest width & use Drill info.IIRC KiCad can post-merge netlist info, you can can add footprints, delete the vias, then import NET and the traces 'connect'.I see Netlist in Gerber is close too..., which would improve Gerber paths further.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerber_format"In July 2016 Karel Tavernier from Ucamco published a draft specification to include netlist information in Gerber for public review. After a number of revisions of the draft triggered by input from users the draft was finalized on October 2, 2016."
Schematic ERC: Conflict problem between pins, severity error - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kandrey89
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2016, 08:49:06 am
content: Hi,FYI, concurrent discussion here as well:https://forum.kicad.info/t/schematic-erc-conflict-problem-between-pins-severity-errorI modularized my project so that I can make one schematic and use a single schematic for multiple audio channels.See here, I have a single file, that's used 3 times. Each sheet name is unique otherwise problems arise, and then each component ID is unique inside the sheet. CH1 will have diff. comp.ids than CH2.TOP is the top level schematic, bottom is the Input-Preamp CH1 schematic.Error report:***** Sheet /LineInput_Unbalanced_Stereo_CH1/ErrType(5): Conflict problem between pins. Severity: error@ (6.750 in,4.600 in): Pin 7 (Output) of component U5 is connected to@ (6.750 in,3.200 in): pin 1 (Output) of component U5 (net 1).ErrType(5): Conflict problem between pins. Severity: error@ (6.750 in,4.600 in): Pin 7 (Output) of component U6 is connected to@ (6.750 in,3.200 in): pin 1 (Output) of component U6 (net 2).ErrType(5): Conflict problem between pins. Severity: error@ (6.750 in,3.200 in): Pin 1 (Output) of component U1 is connected to@ (6.750 in,4.600 in): pin 7 (Output) of component U1 (net 7).Note that U1 is CH1, U5 is CH2, and U6 is CH3. Why it thinks all the outputs are connected together from the same schematic file doesn't make sense...Any ideas?Thanks

author: kandrey89
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2016, 10:50:47 am
content: The SW-VOL-PAN sheet has inputs shorted out with a vertical hard to see wire!