hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
General Question and Wishlist for PCB EDA + Simulator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 01:03:26 pm
content: 1) i'm yet to find a pcb software that can do simulation (spice) so i dont have to draw schematic twice in different package. any such software? (pcb+schematics+simulation) in one package?2) what Altium can do that other entry level packages do not provide? free_electron mentioned that Altium can do PCB and enclosure collision warning, ok thats one, anything else?3) is it more sensible to have all schematic data + pcb + spice in one "data file" instead of, like diptrace does it separately (*.dch, *.dip), is it Altium also like that? any rational to make them separate?4) what is/are your wishlist in EDA/PCB/Simulator package?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 03:48:34 pm
content: 1 altium has spice on board.2 matched net lengths, differential pair routing , bus routing, vendor integration , board variations, collaborative design , channel based design, and much much more you wont find in the sub 5k programs.. Or even the sub 20k programs.3 altium originally did that but they moved away. The risk is massive data corruption. Why make a virtual filesystem in a file ?4). I only have one wish for the ultimate cad/eda package. A telepathic interface. So i dont have to sit there fudging with the mouse and 3d navigator and endless pushing and shoving to make the computer understand what i want the design to look like. Telepathic interface solves that as the computer can clone the image i have in my mind. I also want fpga's and processors with telepathic interfaces so ican 'connect' to the fpga and 'think' i need 5 pwms , a bus here. , that there , this needs to works so and so , and the fpga reconfigures itself on the fly.Anything else is just make-do and a drag....Actually lets forget all that computer crap. I want a universal electronic component that is reconfigurable to become anything i want it to be. I'll call this a 'cell' and just like in nature where the dna tells the stemcell : you become kidney , you become eye , you become skin , i can tell these cells you become an led , you a transistor ,you a rocker switch and you become a nice polished marble case. Now go do it.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2013, 04:04:47 pm
content: Quote from: free_electron on February 06, 2013, 03:48:34 pmyou deserve the comedian award of the yeari believe Altium is enough for you.Quote from: free_electron on February 06, 2013, 03:48:34 pmand whats the point of that if you already have libraries which you can create components in, many components in, to select from? isnt that the stemcell'ing flow? create the component in library?
Font used in SMD/SMT passive components  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SilentDirge
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 10, 2013, 04:01:21 pm
content: Does anyone know what font is used in SMD passive components like resistors and capacitors to define their value? It's fine if it's proprietary, I just need a close equivelent.Thanks!

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2013, 05:54:21 pm
content: If you have a reasonable image sample you could try a site likehttp://www.myfonts.com/WhatTheFont/
Free color solder mask option at elecfreaks - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: madworm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2012, 07:04:50 pm
content: Just recently I sent off another PCB order and found this interesting piece of information.As of now they don't charge any extra fees for these colors: white, red, yellow, blue and green.Hope you find this useful.

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2012, 11:25:51 pm
content: the service looks like the same as itead / seeed .But more colors is better, now you can use the pcb as front panel like dave.What are the turnaround time for those pcb and shipping to Germany (or anywhere else in europe) ?

author: madworm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 12:49:58 am
content: Base price at elecfreaks is the same as iteadstudio or seeedstudio, but they offer 100% e-test for free as well. Iteadstudio have black as a color option.They all use the same factory, so production time is the same. Shipping times to europe (including the inevitable customs delay) is about 3 weeks, unless you choose DHL. My last orders were all shipped with DHL, as I simply can't wait 3 or more weeks. Dead-time simply sucks.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2013, 02:11:36 pm
content: Seems to have exact same options and pricing as itead/and seed, but good to know.It would be exceptionally nice if they had some Europe-based office so that they could ship all the orders once a week to EU by bulk and then distribute around. I guess the biggest part of the waiting time is spent waiting for the transport on the airport in China.
CADStar question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 02:02:54 pm
content: I had to make a rev to a PCB laid out with CADStar (version 12? maybe 13?).It imported into Altium but with many problems which would have taken longer to fix than the mod so I subbed out the change to a CADStar guy.I needed and asked for and kept not getting a .PAF file from him which is some kind of CADIF export starting with(cadif(format CADIF 7 0)(designCan anyone with CADStar experience tell me if this is a difficult thing to produce, is it not a standard option?

author: Mattylad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 09:55:03 pm
content: CADIF is a standard output format in CADSTAR and can be output in a few seconds using the file export options.Or it can be output in the batch processor alongside the gerbers.However the .paf file is only 1 method of assembly data for assemblers to use.An ODB++ file would be better as it includes the whole board data, this too only takes a minute to produce.(Assuming the silkscreen layer is not a mess).Make sure you get the schematic & PCB files.Then you can use the free CADSTAR design viewer to be able to view them.

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2012, 01:27:37 am
content: Thanks for the info I will press the guy again.
Could it be a bad motor? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ceecrb1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 09:17:50 pm
content: Ok, got a bit of a mystery at work going on... normally I can work these things out but this ones getting silly..I repair robotic lights for events/concerts etc..In this fixture, there is one effect wheel, which is moved via a stepper motor and uses a hal sensor at bootup to locate itself to its "zero" location..The problem is that it doesnt seem to locate itself at boot...So.. hal sensor changed, wiring checked, motherboard replaced.. scoped the 5v rail and it was a bit messy so swapped the psu board.. still nothing...I've traced the hal sensors signal as far as I can on the main board before it dissapears into a programmable IC and everything is fine.. but like I said, I changed the motherboard and that is irrelevant now.. But the main thing is that I have seen on the scope, the hall sensor reacting as it should through the entire wiring loom and through its isolator etc etc.When I operate the fixture it works PERFECTLY, just not centered properly.... so technically the motor is working as it should.Just looking for daft ideas as where else to look because today I pretty much exhausted the ones I can think of!!42!

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 09:24:24 pm
content: Intermittent wiring loom perhaps? Breaks in the wiring are pretty common in moving head fixtures.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 09:35:35 pm
content: Changed the magnet? Put it in back to front.

author: ceecrb1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 09:41:15 pm
content: The magnet is eppoxied into its effect wheel...And I traced the signal through the motheboard by turning the wheel so magnet was over and away from the hal sensor.. its a normally 5v, 0v with magnet .... and its operating perfectly...You can see why Its got me scratching my head!! technically the entire system "works" and what I cant proove I've swapped out!

author: ceecrb1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 09:43:48 pm
content: Quote from: David_AVD on November 05, 2012, 09:24:24 pmmmm possibly!! I will admit I always test it with the lens straight up... yet it resets/self tests with the lens down towards its base!!

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 10:38:02 pm
content: We've replaced partial and whole wiring looms in various moving heads over the years. A lot of the time, you'll never see the break occur with metering.

author: ceecrb1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2012, 10:53:19 pm
content: Yeah I've done it a fair few times too!will work out some way to bodge some new wires up to it without passing trhough the head for a test in the morning. bed time now I think!!Thanks for the ideas guys!! Just needed a little prod to get some momentum back into it!
circuits.io - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nicknails
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2012, 12:34:45 pm
content: Has anyone tried outhttp://www.circuits.io/?I saw a link on hackaday this morning and it looks pretty interesting. It's a browser based schematic and pcb tool. It allows you to save, generate gerbers, and share projects. They have a "discover" section where you can see what other projects people have done. I'm just curious if anyone's tried it out and if it's decent.
Online Web based circuit simulation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dbagchi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 08, 2012, 09:52:15 am
content: I found quite a good number of startups doing circuit simulation on the cloud - delivered via a browser today. Liked a couple of themwww.DoCircuits.comandwww.circuitlab.comHave you folks used anything else ? What has been your experience of using these ?

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2012, 10:13:02 am
content: http://www.falstad.com/circuit/
pcb design calculator assistant - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: atbreaux
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 19, 2012, 04:32:02 pm
content: hey guys/gals,I'm fairly new to this community and wanted to contribute to the forum. (http://www.hp.woodshot.com/) this is appcad. a free tool that is a good reference/calculator when designing a pcb.thought i would share. thanks
Dave's Frequency Counter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sparky49
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2012, 02:35:25 pm
content: Well, there are lots of good projects there! :/One quick question about this frequency counter, what is the divider input/output exactly? Is it all included on the PCB?I see that you don't have any extra information on the circuit, but if you could help me, I'd really appreciate it.http://www.alternatezone.com/electronics/freq.htmSparky

author: poodyp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2012, 09:55:45 am
content: I believe the divider is meant to be switched in on the input to divide the input by 1000 to give a 1Khz to range.The way it works, from what I can tell, is the 4553s count the number of pulses on their clock pin. IC5 will count to 999, and when it overflows pulses OFV to IC4. IC2 basically generates 1pps, and the 4553s take the stored number and outputs them to the 4511 BCD decoders. I have no idea why all the filters and nand gates are needed for though, other than inverting.I think I might have to throw one of these together too.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 15, 2012, 11:47:30 am
content: I'll scan the Silicon Chip article for it.I can't find the original article text anywhereDave.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2012, 01:24:11 pm
content: My guess is as follows: The 4521 outputs a 50% duty cycle 0.5Hz square wave, of which half (1 second) is used to enable the counter (DIS on IC4/5, so technically 'not disable'). Shortly after that IC3A gives a pulse to transfer the count to the output of IC4/5 (LE). Then a while after that (hence the 2 ports as a delay) IC3C resets the counters (MR). Then it starts all over again...

author: poodyp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2012, 02:30:37 am
content: Ah, I see. The filters and nand gates turn the square wave into pulses for the reset, and act as a pull up for the LE. For some reason I was thinking the 4521 was already a pulse and not a square wave.Check out the simulation.I'm going to try recreating this as a single board with surface mount components.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2012, 08:15:09 am
content: Here is the full article from SC.All I had was an old photocopy of the articlehttp://eevblog.com/files/Article-6digitFreqCounter-SCaug01.pdfDave.

author: Sparky49
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2012, 07:55:44 pm
content: Thanks guys!Dave, you're videos are superb.I sit there refreshing your channel every hour, just in case you upload another! XD
Best of the Best? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2012, 06:14:38 pm
content: Assuming money is no option, what is the best EDA option out there now as far as schematic and layout design? I know some packages are geared towards silicon design but that shouldn't be the focus at the expense of basic schematic/layout functionality. I'm talking about daily driver schematic/PCB design.I know "best" is kind of arbitrary, but sometimes one option is so much better than it's competitors it's easy to say. Is that the case now? If you had to give a top 3, what would they be? Is your opinion based on personal experience or industry perception?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2012, 06:22:26 pm
content: Cadence Allegro including licences to Specctra, Hyperlinx and CST. if you want simulation, throw in Eldo and if you want RF throw in ADS or Aplac.The above based on the assumption that money is no objection. You are looking at several mortgages and a yearly recurring additional mortgage ... ( and we're not talking single bedroom in a tree in boswana . We're talking Malibu or Miami beach ... )

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2012, 06:44:31 pm
content: The nice thing about Allegro is that you can at least start with one of the cut-down variants and work your way up. The learning curve is very steep, but it may be the last tool you ever need to learn.I use Orcad PCB Designer, which is the exact same tool but with the expensive options disabled. It's still a hugely capable piece of software, though, and it'll load, save and edit Allegro board files. Moreover, it's "only" about £1500 (including Orcad Capture for schematics), which is more than the hobby grade software but much less than most other professional options.The costly options begin with things like length matching, differential pairs and other fairly basic functions, but go all the way up to advanced simulation, collaboration tools, automatic multi-channel placement... all great time savers if you're doing complex boards all the time or if you need advanced analysis. For a single user working on the kinds of boards that one engineer can reasonably develop alone, these features have much less value IMHO. And yes, the costs of the top-end variants really are from another planet entirely. I beieve some of the options aren't even offered for outright sale, only rental.
Dave's Function Generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sparky49
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2012, 01:42:03 pm
content: Hi everyone.I'm sure you are all aware of Dave's other site, with some cool projects. I'd like to give his function generator a try, however, when I try to print off the original pcb artwork, it is far too big. I've tried rescaling and checking with an ic, but I can't seem to get it quite right.Could someone please suggest what the best reduction factor would be?Link to the project is here:http://alternatezone.com/electronics/hsfg.htmMany thanks for your time chaps,Sparky

author: Sparky49
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2012, 02:12:36 pm
content: P.S. Dave, I'm not going to just clone your project, as you talk about in #333, I plan to add a few things to it and tweak it a little, however, I'd like to make it so I can probe it and experiment with the real thing.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2012, 03:25:53 pm
content: yea add a silk of your name. that should repurpose it.cant help with your scaling, but my suggestion will be open it with photoshop scale it indepently x y axis or selective area scaling. sharpen edge and print make sure fit to screen disabled
Offering a cheap PCB assembly service (UK) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: thecoldfact
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 01, 2012, 07:43:56 pm
content: Hello there!I recently had to start working from homebut I'm doing what I would be doing at work and what I know,which is PCB assembly and wiring.I'm offering my services to anyone that would like it.I have my own anti-static environment and work from myown studio.I can do :-surface mount and through holeconformal coatingand cable assemblyI also try to offer similar servicesjust ask or email for any infoThanks

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2012, 12:14:15 am
content: What are your prices like?
P-CAD 2006 on Win7 64 bit - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: scopeman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2011, 02:47:57 am
content: Anyone running P-CAD 2006 on 64 bit including CAMtastic?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2011, 09:48:25 pm
content: You may have better luck asking this on the yahoo group, which is reasonably active :PCAD-EDA@yahoogroups.com

author: scopeman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2011, 03:31:51 am
content: Hi Mike,Solved it thanks to info on the Yahoo! group. It turns out that all you have to do is to delete all of the .manifest files!Thanks for the tip!Sam

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2012, 11:45:28 pm
content: From what I can tell, the only thing that really doesn't work on win7-64bit is macros. Unfortunately that is a deal breaker for me as I have my layer macros for layout all set up and I'd go crazy without them. I just run pcad in a winxp virtual machine when I have to use that computer. It's funny that I can't convince anyone to upgrade to altium designer because they are scared off by the FPGA stuff.
Printing several gerber layers on the same page and negative print - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Emil
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2012, 08:34:31 pm
content: Hi.I'm looking for a way to print several gerber layers on the same page.I want the layers to be seperate, not placed over each other like they would be on the finsihed board. My reason for this is that I want to print to a laser film to use for UV-exposure when making PCBs. The film is a bit expensive so if I'm going to use one sheet for the top copper, one for the bottom copper, one for the top solder mask, one for the bottom soldermask, one for the silk screen etc. it get's expensive.I have googled this and tried a few programs, but not found a solution yet.I use KiCad for the PCB layout, so it would be niceto use it's gerber viwer for this, but as far as I can tell it will only let me print one layer on each page (or all on top of each other). I also tried the gerber viewer in Geda, can't find a way to do this in that program either. I'v also downloaded GC-Prevue, but not found a way make it do what I want.I'm also looking for software that will let me print a negative version of the gerber. (For use with negative photoresist.)Any suggestions?

author: chrome
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2012, 08:46:34 pm
content: Eagle lets you print from your design and allows you to position the image on the paper but it also allows you to export to an black and white image, you can then merge these images in paint or whatever you want.I assume other programs can do this easily too though.

author: Short Circuit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2012, 08:56:33 pm
content: http://www.pentalogix.com/viewmate.phpOf course you need to move the layers manually.After that, you can do a b&w print with all layers combined.If I understand correctly, you can use the free version to load & edit the files and print them.Just no saving of project files or gerber exports, nor any advanced editing.

author: Emil
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2012, 08:02:24 am
content: Quote from: Short Circuit on August 15, 2012, 08:56:33 pmThank you for the reply.I downloaded the free version of ViewMate and it does exactly what I need.
SmtAssistant - A software tool to assist with manual loading of pcb boards - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: neilrudden
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 08, 2012, 07:40:18 am
content: Found this while on the Labcenter forum, this is from the PDFhttp://alciom.com/fr/telechargements/ressources-gratuites.htmlQuoteLooks like it could be a useful tool when populating boards

author: Short Circuit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2012, 01:55:31 pm
content: Interesting, and potentially very useful.I have been using SmtMeastro occasionally (http://www.smtinfo.net/smtmaestro/smtmaestro.html), unfortunately,it does not allow a silkscreen view from gerber or bitmap, so this tool is not the most convenient for high density boards.
modern eda interoperability? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2012, 09:32:35 pm
content: I'm stuck using PCAD2006 at work. I can't convince anyone to upgrade to Altium designer, partly because PCAD is still working(kind of), and partly because they are scared off by the FPGA stuff in designer.My question is, what is the state of interoperability as far as being able to open layouts and schematics from one program in another? A consultant is using PADS and no one here has any experience with it. Is Altium Designer able to work with other programs file formats, specifically PADS? Does any modern EDA have that ability?How do you guys deal with designs in other formats that you have to be able to work with?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2012, 09:53:58 pm
content: Altium readspads, pcad, allegro,orcad,, zuken and a few otherswithout problemsProfesionally i need to interact with customers using allegro , boardstation, pads , orcad and zuken.They send me their databeses and i simply load those in altium doneThe way back is another story though... It is up to the other tool vendor to read altium. But you can always go the gerber orodb++ route

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2012, 09:56:39 pm
content: Is that true for schematic and PCB?Can pads read Altium if we need to go the other way?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 30, 2012, 03:48:42 am
content: Altium bought P-CAD, and did a lot of work trying to make it seamless for PCAD users to switch to AD, so should work pretty well. And if there are issues, support should be good.You can just ignore all the FPGA stuff in AD if you want to. No need to learn or touch that in order to use AD as a basic PCB/SCH tool (as 95% of users do). No need to be scared of it.Dave.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2012, 04:12:02 pm
content: Schematic and pcb yes. For some tools you also need the libraries and or you need to save in a specific version, but that is no problem. I do this all the time. Pads needs the ascii format. Zulen needs the old cadstar format.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2012, 05:28:00 pm
content: Ya i guess PCAD2006 came with this limited version of Altium Designer 6 that was supposed to be a tease to do the full upgrade.I'm all for upgrading. I've been pushing it since I got here. I think the hold up is that change in general is scary, especially when something is working passably. Look at WindowsXP.Being interoperable with Pads might be the thing that finally pushes it through though. I didn't know you could do that before now.On a side note, where would you place Pads in the spectrum of EDA packages? They seem to be pretty big, but don't get talked about as much from what I can tell.
High current - constant current dummy load - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: azAmps
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 05, 2012, 04:43:36 am
content: Does anyone know of a constant current dummy load that can handle a 9-14 volt, 100 apms.I need one to test RC lipo batteries.

author: HardBoot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2012, 12:00:40 pm
content: I don't know of any cheap constant current load boxes which can handle that kinda wattage, but...A thing you could do is have an array of incandescent bulbs controlled with a few dollars of micro and mosfets(although that that amperage relays may be easier).Although would also need power resistors for greater accuracy.
Yet another Pb free Failure Mode in PCBs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 25, 2012, 08:56:25 pm
content: Just found this very detailed paperhttp://www.smtnet.com/library/files/upload/Reliability_and_Failure_Mechanisms.pdfApparently small vias can crack during high temperature reflow associated with lead free processes.Here is a picture worth 1000 words:
PTH padstack creation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ampdoctor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2012, 02:50:15 am
content: I've been searching around for something that resembles a definitive answer for creating pads and through holes on footprints. The best thing I've been able to come up with is that it varies depending on insertion and soldering method so the answers are usually pretty vague.For hand stuffed and soldered boards the best that I can figure is to go ten thou over the nominal lead diameter for the finished hole with a pad double the finish hole diameter and let the annular ring fall as it may. Is this a reasonable method for good results or is there something else that might be preferred?
Of proteus to eagle? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mares250
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 22, 2012, 04:57:52 pm
content: Best regards, please anyone know how to spend a diagram made in proteus to eagle and back or can not?

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2012, 06:13:24 pm
content: Labcenter has this nice support forumhttp://support.labcenter.co.uk/forums/for their Proteus software.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 23, 2012, 02:35:15 am
content: Some of the updates I've received over the years had converters FROM other packages, but I don't think TO.Try their email support, they've done many conversions for me in the past.
EveryCircuit - Android circuit simulator app - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: thilo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2011, 08:37:43 pm
content: Hi,has anybody here any experience withEveryCircuit? There's also a free version, but it's limited to such a degree that I can't decide if the app just looks cool, or if it can be actually useful to quickly test an idea on the go.Thilo.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 12, 2011, 10:13:49 pm
content: I have it, a bit of a gimmick in my opinion.Have a look at ElectroDroid (free), DroidTesla (demo), 555 times (free) and FuncGen (free). Maybe you will find what you are looking for there. I particularly like ElectroDroid as it has a lot of useful calculators and even more useful resources.

author: toli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2011, 04:54:11 pm
content: I second that. ElectroDroid is great. I use SoundForm for generating signal with my phone when I must

author: goldenrebel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 23, 2012, 10:32:12 am
content: Both ElectroDroid and EveryCircuit have been very useful to me. Just now I finished debugging a circuit, and found the process so much easier with an EveryCircuit simulation running on my phone, right next to my board and multimeter. I'm excited.
PCB back clearance (Through Hole Design) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: btfdev
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2012, 04:58:02 am
content: Hello team,Just wanted to find out if there is a standard back clearance for PCB? Specially for thru-hole components?We have a PCB that needs to fit into a very thin enclosure without much space to play around. Is 1mm enough for thru hole, provided that there is no issue with heat and electronic interference?Thanks, BTFDev

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2012, 06:39:51 am
content: if plastic, yes, 1mm is ok, if a metal case with lead free solder aim for 1.4 - 1.8mm, or put something non conductive between the board and the enclosure,

author: markus_b
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2012, 07:08:24 am
content: That depends on the components. But I'm pretty sure 1mm is not sufficient. Even with a standard DIL package the pins stick out about 1.5mm on the other side. Other stuff, like connectors, often need even more room. You can manually trim them down to 1mm or so, but that only works for very small quantities and does not look professional.If size is a problem, can you not go for SMD ?

author: AnthonyJarmie
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 19, 2012, 02:39:43 pm
content: Hello friends,Back drilling also referred to as counter boring, is a method of reducing the stub effect of a press-fit through hole or a through hole via by drilling out the desired through hole from the backside of the board to a predetermined depth, which in turn improves signal clarity. Via tuning, by adjusting clearances should be considered before reverting to back drilling.Best regardsAnthony
Board houses that accept loose gerbers to make panels - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: senso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 12:33:24 am
content: Good night, I would like to know if you guys know some board houses that will accept gerbers files with different designs and sizes, that will panelize them and produce that panel.This is because I have some designs that I would like to test, and some of my friends would also be glad to have prototype pcb's done in professional board houses, we know iTead/Seeed/Laen, but having 10 pcb's done is a bit of a waste to use one or two and then shelve the others that will have no use in the future.So having a pcb/board house that would accept like 10 ou 20 different designs it would be perfect, and probably cheaper.Thanks in advance.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 01:41:33 am
content: If you panelize it then it doesn't matter how many designs are inside your panel, you just pay to get the panel produced.But you have to join the gerber files from each project into a single file for each layer.When i use PCBcart they have an options for 'single board' vs 'panel'.If you pick 'single board' your designmustonly be one pcb but if you pick panel you can put whatever you like into the panel. The price is a bit higher for a panel vs single board of the same size.However you could probably join many designs together and make them "seem" like a single design (tracks between designs). That way it looks like a single board to pcbcart.Then you just cut the boards out yourself into separate pcbs which breaks those fake tracks.I think that would likely be cheaper than a panel because companies add extra costs for panels due to extra processes needed, routing, vscore etc..

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 07:50:06 pm
content: Depending on the headache to you it may be worth paying the shop extra to panelize your designs for you.I paid $80 extra to have two seperate gerber sets put next to each other on the panel with a v-score between.This is not a bad tradeoff.
PCB Design - a very good PCB design blog - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 26, 2012, 09:49:06 pm
content: I just stmbled upon this excellent blog on PCB design.http://blogs.mentor.com/tom-hausherr/My impression - comprehensive and very well illustrated.So thanks to the author Tom Hausherr. I hope he continues to expand it.

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2012, 09:15:29 am
content: Thank you for sharing. I will keep this in mind.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2012, 02:08:09 pm
content: Thanks.

author: gkcbangalore
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 03, 2012, 02:46:08 pm
content: Yes It is very good and very helpful. Thank you very much for sharing

author: graynomad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2012, 03:44:32 pm
content: What a good resource, that link will cost me hours of reading.______Rob

author: AnthonyJarmie
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 12, 2012, 04:19:57 pm
content: Hello friends,Thanks for sharing your information, Really stumbled upon this excellent blog on PCB design.Best regardsAnthony

author: elmohandis
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2012, 01:03:06 pm
content: Thanks for sharing! Looks useful!
ModelSim simulation error: Failed to find matching specify module path - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nasrmiad
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2012, 03:04:14 pm
content: Hi I have written a very simple buffer circuit in verilog and a matching sdf file. I have added my sdf file in the start simulation window. but when i select my testbench file and start the simulation I get the following error:vsim-SDF-3261: Failed to find matching specify module pathI am only using a single IOPATH delay in my sdf file.Have any of you came across this error? what is the solution?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2012, 03:33:14 pm
content: do you have spaces in path names ? that is a common reason for errors with modelsim et al..

author: nasrmiad
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2012, 03:39:09 pm
content: Thanks for your reply,I dont have any spaces in my paths. This is what I found to be the meaning of the error:# vsim Message # 3261:> # No module path in a specify block in the related module instance was> # found to match the SDF construct on the specified line. Verify that> # the SDF file is being applied to the correct design instance and that> # a specify block exists in this module instance and contains the> # appropriate module path. If a COND is being used, verify that the order> # of the condition is the same in the specify block as it is in the> # SDF file.> #How can I include the appropiate module path in a specify block?

author: nasrmiad
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2012, 07:32:30 pm
content: I found what I had to do. I had to write a specify verilog block in each of the modules that I instantiated.
Design and simulation software to start with - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2012, 10:33:34 pm
content: I am looking for software for general electronic design and simulation and then for board layout. Not having used any of this before what would be good ones to start with. I don't want to have to lay out thousands for CAD programs but don't mind paying something for a reasonable program. What would you recommend please.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2012, 10:38:10 pm
content: For simulation, spice seems to be the standard. I have been trying LTspice, and although it works nicely with the supplied library of LT components, it seems to have trouble when I import models from other vendors. It might be that PSpice works better, but I'm not sure if it has a free version.

author: harnon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2012, 10:52:47 pm
content: My toolkit:LT Spice IV (free)for simulation - admittedly not much yetDiptrace (free/paid)for schematics and PCBs. I'm on the free "hobbyist" version which is 500 pins, 2 signal layers, unlimited plane layers.GerbVfor viewing gerbers before manufacturingI'm not sure how good integration will be between Diptrace/LTSpice to be honest as I only used them separately, although Diptrace can export in about 8-10 different netlist formats. Diptrace is pretty week on the project management side (e.g. you basically just save all your files in a folder and manage them yourself) but other than its pretty good to get started on.In the past I also usedEaglewhich I think is ok, but a quick search on the forum will show you its kind of disliked. I just installed (dual boot) ubuntu on my windows pc to try out kicad, geda etc but as I don't have a wired keyboard I can't actually access the installation (the keyboard is not recognised until windows loads up so I can't select the Ubuntu partition!) I have tried Kicad on my windows machine but found it so-so.

author: steve_w
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2012, 04:27:02 am
content: I'm in the same boat, I have used eagle and am moving to diptrace based on what I have seen here, any feed back on open source (free) tools and experience with them would be greatly appreciated.
Selecting a power supply for a DC DC converter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: diracshore
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2012, 03:25:42 am
content: Hi all,I have a PCB with this DC-DC converter I am trying to find a power supply for.Is it better to supply a lower or higher voltage in the stated input range ? Or does it not matter at all ?Which of these is more suitable ?http://www.ebay.com/itm/48V-DC-7-3A-350W-Regulated-Switching-Power-Supply-Fast-from-USA-41-56V-/160691584377http://www.ebay.com/itm/32V-40V-Adjust-DC-9-7A-350W-Regulated-Switching-Power-Supply-Quality-from-USA-/160691581782Or is there another product I should be looking at ?If you would like context on the project,https://www.eevblog.com/forum/general-pcbedacad-discussions/pcb-with-virtex-5-fpga%27s/Thanks !

author: mobbarley
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2012, 03:37:34 am
content: It shouldn't matter. its rated at 38-55v, anything in that range with enough current capability should be fine.I would be going with 48V as it is very common, and it is in the upper middle of the input voltage range - likely to be more efficient too.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2012, 12:19:31 pm
content: This sounds like a waste of time to me, rather than buying a power supply to work with this DC-DC converter, you should buy a 12V 20A power supply and be done with it.

author: markus_b
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2012, 01:16:07 pm
content: Your power supply is likely designed for telecom applications. 48V is the standard telecom supply voltage and there is a lot of equipment designed for it. You'll find plenty of power supplies for 48V, just google it.I sort of agree with Hero999, if your objective is to get to 12V, then a 12V supply costs the same or is cheaper than a 48V supply. Mostly because 48V has mostly industrial applications, where for12V you'll find lots of consumer stuff too.Your best bet may be to sell it on Ebay...

author: diracshore
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2012, 07:36:25 pm
content: Perhaps, but I'm way too curious now.The reason I don't bypass the converter is because there are other converters on the board sharing the input line and I also want to power them. I think you are right it is quite probably telecom equipment, 48v is correct.With this power supply though I am wondering what use it was designed for. The store sells equipment for cars and trucks. Is the output of this supply stable enough for digital equipment ? There is a long list of specs on the page but I'm not sure which are relevant.http://www.ebay.com/itm/48V-DC-7-3A-350W-Regulated-Switching-Power-Supply-Fast-from-USA-41-56V-/160691584377
Gerber Files / Vias - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: brue
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2012, 05:34:41 pm
content: HiI have a little question about vias in gerber files. In which gerber file does a pcb manufracturer see which pads are for vias? (2 Layer board) He has to know which pads are only for the tough hole elements and which are for vias. There must be a file who specified the vias? Do i misunderstood anything?Thanks

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2012, 08:27:05 pm
content: Quote from: brue on February 05, 2012, 05:34:41 pmHe doesn't have to know. A hole in the board is a hole in the board, he only needs to know if you want it plated or not and that will usually be defined by supplying separate drill files for plated and non-plated holes.For more exotic board manufacture with blind or buried or filled vias separate dill files are likely to be used to indicate the requirements.

author: brue
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2012, 09:53:55 pm
content: HeyI looked at the drill files now, and yes, here i found the buried informations.Thanks
ISIS / ARES from labcenter - anybody used? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: harnon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2012, 01:02:47 pm
content: Hi guys,Just found ARES and ISIS on the computers at Uni (as well as Orcad)...http://www.labcenter.com/products/pcblayout.cfm. Has anybody used these before? The copyright notice expired in 1999 so I'm guessing its a bit older!Will
altium question - vias - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: brue
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2012, 10:13:29 pm
content: HiWhat i want to do is to autoroute my pcb. I would like to route my 2 layer board without vias. How can i forbid altium to use the vias?Thanks

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 10:39:14 pm
content: Are you sure you understand when to use an autorouter? An autorouter is not a cure for a lazy or inexperienced PCB designer. I can see the point of an autorouter with wide parallel buses, but these are not typically used on a double sided PCB. 4+ layer boards with dedicated power and ground planes is where an autorouter tends to suck the least. With two layer it's likely to generate many vias, so without vias it would probably be unable to find a solution. Humans are far superior to the current software algorithms for these kinds of problems.

author: electrode
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2012, 11:09:13 pm
content: I don't have Altium in front of me at the moment, but there should be 4-5 autorouter modes, one of which has a description of "strong via elimination" or something.Whether the autorouter is good to use is up to you. Whenever I use it, I always do a big manual cleanup afterwards, and wonder if all that deleting and redrawing was worth it.

author: JuKu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2012, 08:20:30 am
content: Quote from: electrode on January 30, 2012, 11:09:13 pmFor me it isn't, especially with Altium10 and its awesome manual routing.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2012, 09:13:59 am
content: Sometimes i let the autorouter go at it, just to see what it comes up with.It sometimes gives you layout ideas you didn't consider.Then i unroute all and do it all myself manually.
Minimum sizes for ITEAD - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2012, 04:53:17 am
content: From ITEAD PCB servicesWhat is the minimum track size you have ordered with no issues ?Same with the vias, minimum size you have ordered with no issues ?Thanks.David.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2012, 05:23:01 am
content: So far 0.5mm track spacing (for PIC QFP devices) and 24mil via holes. Apart from two bad boards, all teh others have been fine and I have had over 150 boards made by them for a lot of prototypes and short run projects.

author: mobbarley
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2012, 05:24:54 am
content: 0.18/0.18 in a tight board - which is pretty much 7mil/7mil. It had 0.4mm holes, not a problem.
acdc coverter issue - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: acdc
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 18, 2012, 04:58:17 pm
content: HiPlease would you help sort out an ac-dc converter issue that I cannot solve.I have a ac-dc converter that powers a external hard drive.I noticed a spark from the out-side of the usb cable when I touched it against the metal casing of my desktop computer when I went to plug it in (external drive into desktop).The metal desktop casing is earthed so this meant that some power is passing through the metal end of the usb cable - not the pins inside the usb cable end but the out side metal end housing.When I touched this metal end of the usb cable and the metal desktop computer case I got a slight tingle.When I tested it with a voltmeter I found that it was 2.5 volt ac coming from that metal usb casing end.when I traced it back I found that this 2.5 volt ac was originating from the negative side of the external drives ac-dc converter and passed through the external hard drive then out and down the usb cable.I cant find anyone who knows if this is correct I feel that -----There should not be any power from the negative out-put of an ac-dc converter and certainly not any ac power.I also feel that there should not be any power of any type in the metal usb connection housing.Please inform meThanksacdc

author: jimmc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2012, 07:05:56 pm
content: Quite normal for a switchmode supply I'm afraid, see this thread for an explanation...https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=168.msg1511#msg1511Jim