hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Easy way to generate matched length traces? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 03:04:18 pm
content: Got some DDR SDRAM attached to an ARM device. Is there a way to generate the "squiggly" matched length traces for better signal integrity? Is it even going to make a difference at 133MHz?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 03:35:57 pm
content: Set up a net class, throw the nets you want to equalise in there. Setup design rule to feed it the max tolerance and then kick in the matched length tuning

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 03:55:22 pm
content: Quote from: 8086 on October 01, 2013, 03:04:18 pmDown load all the info on the arm you are using, you should find info on routing rules for the DDR bus. It generally will tell you how close to keep the lengths and may have special requirements or length constraints for clock signalsEDIT: one particular arm I used had an errata that required DQS lines to be between 2" to 4" longer than data lines as a work-around

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 07:50:08 pm
content: Thanks guys, I'll give it a go.

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 05:20:10 am
content: No need to worry much with DDR266 (133mhz clock). Is this a 4layer design? Then stick to the top/bottom for routing. Only dip into the power layer in case of emergency. Don't slice up your ground plane.If you still want to length match for practice, move around your routes so that they are spaced further apart. Look through your Net View and see what your longest DDR net is.Project Options > Allow ports to name nets, Update PCB from schematicInteractive Length tuning > Tab > Enter in your longest net length.Press F1 while in the tool to see hotkeys that affect meander parameters.The tool is kinda dumb, it will only meander across contiguous routes. Use Transparent view to see where you have discontinuities. Play around with the start/stop locations (turn off object snap) to see how it affects the meander generation.Here is a baby x8 I just did. Command/addr are routed on bottom and data on top. Diff clock terminates through R5. Cap on bottom is for Vref. Treat DQS like a clock.

author: jamiechi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2013, 11:23:04 pm
content: I just found this. It is a more comprehensive document on high speed design in Altium.http://fplreflib.findlay.co.uk/articles/37941%5CHiSpeedDesignTutorialforAltiumDesigner_long.pdf

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2013, 06:43:50 pm
content: Keep in mind that speed of signal on surface layers is different than speed of signal in buried layers. I'm getting into the high speed stuff myself and Ott's book on "Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineering" was worth the price for many chapters by themselves. The PCB stackup chapter is great for thinking through this stuff.Robert also has some good Altium vids on DDR routing.https://www.youtube.com/user/matarofe?feature=watch
How to get a login to Altium Live? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: techydude
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 06:20:51 am
content: Whose appendage do I need to fondle to get a login to Altium Live?I placed a request as their site demands over 2.5 weeks ago, and repeated the request 1.5 weeks ago, and so far... *crickets*How far back can one have a legally licensed product before they deny access? (not that their signup process even asked...)

author: DutchGert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 08:16:23 am
content: I think it depends on your local supplier.They send it down to them and they handle it. In my case (The Netherland -> Transfer BV) it took a phonecall and 2 days.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 01:51:47 pm
content: If you are currently on subscription you have access.If subscription expires you loose it.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 06:22:24 pm
content: Not so. I am NOT on subscription but I DO have access to the forum on Altium Live. Not sure about bug crunch and other sections.I have 1 perpetual license, if that make a difference.David.

author: techydude
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 03:19:45 am
content: turns out that sign-up requests via their website "disappear into a void" where it seems you'd be lucky if they catch it "a fortnight later" *slow*clap*with the total absence of product pricing on their website, i emailed them "well, here I am. please call me at your convenience". at least I didn't have to wait too long for that, got a login, access to a demo of Altium, & a quote of $7245+gst.but in consideration of my old Protel 98 license, they've offered $4750 + gst, a decent concession i guess?overnight i watched Dave's first-impressions videos of KiCAD & DIPtrace - the latter looks far more promising (compared to the horror of EagleCAD), and will probably do nicely at least until I can save up the bickies for Altium next year...
Change the font of all designators and parameters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2013, 02:30:03 pm
content: I'd like to change the font of all strings on a schematic. I try doing that by right clicking on component designator, choosing find similar components and selecting:Kind: anyFont: sameAt that point all strings are selected and I try to change the font in SCH inspector. Unfortunately only one string changes (the one I right clicked). Is there any other way to do what I want?My Altium version is 13.2.5 build 28368.

author: toohec
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2013, 02:02:32 am
content: In the 'Find Similar Objects' dialog box, do you have the 'select matching' option checked? You might have only the 'mask matching' option checked which will give the appearance that all the similar objects are selected, when they actually are not. I typically leave the zoom matching, select matching, clear existing, and mask matching options checked.You can also verify how many objects are selected in the SCH inspector after you run the find similar objects query. At the bottom of the SCH inspector, it will display the number of objects selected, and the number of documents that objects are selected on. If it only shows one object selected at the bottom, then go back and verify your Find Similar Objects settings.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2013, 02:08:07 am
content: type IsText in the pcb filter then go for broke in the PCB inspector

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2013, 02:09:54 am
content: oops, you said schematic

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2013, 08:54:03 am
content: Quote from: toohec on October 19, 2013, 02:02:32 amThanks, that was it.Just to add. It you want to have a single font for all strings in a schematic you need to change also the document default font Design > Document Options > Change System Font.
Holes are shifted - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Marek9011
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 01:30:22 pm
content: Hello,I printed my pcb and i got this:http://marek.php5.sk/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/offset.pngYou can see that holes of U2 is shifted. Holes in right looks ok.My workflow is:-generate print preview-set up colors, layers, scale...-print with pdf printerThe colored print is also shifted. When i generate pdf with "output job file" offset is also there. U2 on image is MAX232 which i found in standard library "TI Interface Line Transceiver.IntLib". Holes in parts that i drawed myself are also shifted...any advice is appreciated

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 01:38:34 pm
content: That really is quite weird.Only thing i can think of is some setting or shortcut has been switched on by accident.i have no idea what setting that is though.

author: Marek9011
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 02:23:12 pm
content: a more demostrative image:http://marek.php5.sk/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/resistor_offset.pngIs there any other method to "wipe" holes? except:http://marek.php5.sk/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dialog.png...I managed to get this result:http://marek.php5.sk/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/output.pngstill not perfect, pad on right have dimension 50x100mils, hole is 50mils.my solution: In windows uninstall a program>altium designer>uninstall>remove preferencesAlso changing imperial/metric units schould be avoided, adobe reader might get part on im-perfectance....do you guys get same result when you place same pad as i?

author: owiecc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 08:50:36 pm
content: Try printing it on paper directly. Maybe your pdf printer does some "optimizations". What softwere do you use to generate pdfs? What about gerber files? do they look ok?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 11:12:13 pm
content: this looks like a problem in pdf .
How to connect power supply to Multi part component like 74LSXXX or CDXXXX - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: yoko
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 08:38:06 pm
content: Hi there,I'm using in my schematic CD4093 device but I don't know how to connect GND and VCC to this device ?Thank's for any help.

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 09:04:53 pm
content: Look at the component datasheet, check the voltage to use, identify the VCC and GND pins and connect the power supply to them.David.

author: yoko
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 09:11:41 pm
content: It seems that you haven't undersand realy the question.This is what we do usualy with component, but if you use logical gates, you see that you can place gates one by one.The question is how to place power pads of this component ?Try to do it and you will see my problem.

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 09:16:39 pm
content: Oh, for Altium designer. Sorry man, I didn't see that you post this here.Let's wait for somebodyelse help.David.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 11:16:39 pm
content: Double click the schematic symbol and select "show all hidden pins"... it will make the schematic look beautifulNormally Vcc and Gnd pins are hidden. To keep them hidden place GND and VCC power port on the drawing and wire your supply to them. Any power pins named VCC and GND, hidden or not will be connected in the netlist

author: yoko
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 06:47:48 pm
content: Thank's AlfBaz, it work fine.
WTF!!!!!! I can't edit traces! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: richcj10
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2013, 04:27:05 am
content: I am playing with aultium for a year. I use eagle professionally.I am doing a few practice pcbs now.I am trying to edit a trace (click and drag would be obvious right? or highlight and delete) and all I get is this F***ing box.why? can I get rid of this box?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2013, 04:34:38 am
content: The popupbox is because there's multiple things at that mouse position and it doesn't know which one you wanted to click on.To get rid of the box, select which of the options you want and then continue whatever you were doing.I often set large components to "locked" as this stops them from coming up as a option when you click within their bounds.Like a connector which takes up a large area you want to route tracks through/under"Locked" also stops you accidentally moving them around which is useful.Unless i misunderstood your problem?Also, there's probably a keyboard shortcut to toggle the component layer so you can edit tracks without components getting in the way.Anyone know it?

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2013, 04:35:35 am
content: That's just telling you that there are four things in the vicinity of where you've clicked, right? Just select one of the two tracks from the pop-up. You'll see a preview of each of the track segments when you mouse over them, from memory.

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2013, 04:36:59 am
content: Shift+S single layer mode for editing traces most of the time

author: richcj10
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2013, 04:39:42 am
content: That worked. Thanks.How do you move a trace and keep it "fluid".As in move the trace and don't disconnect on both sides.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2013, 04:40:35 am
content: Shift-S ah crap, marshallh beat me to it.Anyways, it's because there are several other items close to where you clicked. By pressing shift-S you toggle between just-this-layer and all-layers. That makes it easier to select items on the currently active layer.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2013, 04:45:41 am
content: Quote from: richcj10 on October 04, 2013, 04:39:42 amWith nothing selected, if you just click+drag in one operation, (ie at the same time) you will move only that track section.If you select the track first, then drag you will move it fluidly.

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 04, 2013, 05:06:09 am
content: Click-drag part of the trace.Or, hold CTRL and drag trace segment. You may want to turn off grid snap.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2013, 05:14:49 am
content: Just grab the track and move it. If you click on the track first you get three handles.If you grab the end handles you will move that point.If you grab the mid handle you will split the track. Watch the mouse cursur as you approach the handles. It changes to indicate what will happen
--- - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Zetxus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 01:45:37 pm
content: ---

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 01:51:03 pm
content: Quote from: Zetxus on January 19, 2014, 01:45:37 pmYou mean this thing?

author: cyr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 02:30:59 pm
content: That's the standard non-inverting use of an opamp. IN is the input, OUT is the output, VDD is the supply voltage and G is the gain.What is your task exactly? What does it have to do with Altium?Are you supposed to analyze the circuit? Make a PCB? Simulate it?

author: Joule Thief
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 02:47:09 pm
content: What is the intended function of the "LED"? I don't see one on the schematic.Is using Altium your idea or a part of the class project?Seems if you are learning Altium before learning schematic symbols and op amp function,Cart Before the Horse University may need to rethink their learning plan!
Post Export Scripting? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2013, 05:30:38 pm
content: Is there any method of running a batch file or other script after an export is complete? I'm not finding a way to modify the output job enough to do exactly what I want.An example of this is a script for each type of board fab house. OSH Park wants NC Drill as XLN. It is .TXT. I can't find a way to copy the .TXT to .XLN or renaming to that without manually doing it. It would be cool to be able to copy only the relevant files to a directory, so all I have to do I zip up the directory after I check the gerbers.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2013, 04:50:36 am
content: Not sure how your scripting skills are, but you could checkthis one outand see if there's any useful bits you can use as inspiration.As for renaming etc, you could just write a .bat file doing that sort of thing and then manually press the magic button to fire it off. That will at least save you the manual actions.

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 11:06:25 am
content: Thanks for the pointer. I'll read through that and see what I can do. I'm a EE that went software and have only recently been "reformed", so I'm pretty good on the scripting and programming side.
Generate list of components in all *.IntLib files? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2013, 04:39:39 am
content: Is there a reasonable way to generate a list of all the components that are in all the *.IntLib files in a directory? Maybe there is such a handy feature/script, but I can't seem to find it.To be clear, I would like a script/whatever that I can point to oooh let's say the Library directory, have it go along all the subdirectories, and then for each IntLib file there dump a list of the components. To text file, xml, whatever. That way when I want to do aquick checkif I have that part in Altium, I can do a quick grep to check. As opposed to the current slow procedure.So any ideas much appreciated.
Found undefined apertures - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: slashguitar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 11:29:16 am
content: A local PCB house told me not to use "Embedded apertures (RS274X)" when generating the gerber files. If I uncheck that option I get the following error: "Found Undefined Apertures -- To Locate them, select button: Next Undefined".Any ideas on what this means and how to fix it?Thanks,Mihai

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 02:00:35 pm
content: Switch pcb house immediately.

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2013, 08:16:24 pm
content: I agree with electron... run from them or you might have bigger problems.
Plane Clearance on Non Round pads - Designer 10.589 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: envisionelec
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2013, 10:33:04 pm
content: I have a bit of an issue I've not encountered before. The Internal Plane clearance doesn't seem to avoid non-round pads properly. I have to enlarge the spacing to ridiculous proportions to clear the pads. I don't recall having this problem previously, but that might be because I almost never use through hole parts.I tried fixing it in DRE like InPolygon (but InPlane, instead). I mustn't have the correct syntax as I got an error.I can split the plane around the connectors I don't want affected. But is there a more elegant solution?My Google-Fu is weak tonight, I guess.

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2013, 10:48:02 pm
content: Go into 3d view and fly inside the board. I'll bet you'll find that the inner rings are perfect circles, not ovals like the outer layers.

author: envisionelec
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2013, 11:00:17 pm
content: Quote from: marshallh on September 20, 2013, 10:48:02 pmAh - of course. I didn't even have to do this to know you're exactly right.Man...some days I'm a real moron. Hahah.
Trying out AD13 - Mouse issue - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: IanJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 10:50:31 am
content: Hi all,As a long time EaglePCB user, previous PCB cad software and also as a daily AutoCad user it came as a bit of a surprise when trying out a demo of AD yesterday that the mouse controls are not the same. I see that I can make some configuration changes that go some way to make the zoom/panning controls 'similar' to Eagle/AutoCad.............but I can't seem to find out how to enable panning by push/hold the mouse wheel............?I know I could get used to it.......but I'll still be using AutoCad daily so would rather they were the same.....any ideas?And, yup!......AD is a lot different to Eagle......but I'm sure it will all be worth the hassle.All this hoping that AD comes through with the 'cheaper' version they spoke about in that press release.......Ian.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 02:11:24 pm
content: Shift and ctrl keys together with wheel modify the scroll /zoomBut, you really need to get a spacenavigator. They are like.70$Once you have used that you will get frustrated with all the programs not supporting that.Left hand spacenavigator, right hand mosue.You are placing tracks with the mouse and clicking while you pan zoom scroll with the left hand. You can do it at the same time.
How to auto-correct multiple violations? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Nemo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 30, 2013, 03:28:12 am
content: Hello,I have just finished designing a processing board with a large FPGA and sent the gerbers to the manufacturing company a few days ago.Today, I got a response from them saying that the minimum track width/clearance requirements are not met and they cannot fabricate this board. Of course, as a safety measure, I did check the PCB manufacturing specification beforehand; however, it seems that they had a different set of specs for 1 oz. copper thickness.I managed to correct all (around 4000 nets worth) track widths using "Find Similar Objects" and PCB Inspector with only a few clicks, but I just can't figure out how to correct the clearance between tracks.Is there any possible way to (auto-)correct the clearance between tracks other than manually clicking each track and re-positioning them? (that would pretty much require redesigning the whole board. I cannot afford to use auto-route on this board).Thank you for reading this question.

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 30, 2013, 04:20:12 am
content: If you are short on inter-track clearance and there are a lot of neighbored tracks, you'll have to relayout those parts of the board.You could try changing the design rule for that clearance and doing the track select + Ctrl-drag to move over a group of tracks at a time.If it will cost you time to fix it, maybe find another fab that can do the tighter specs. Pay more per board but save the work.

author: Nemo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 30, 2013, 06:32:29 pm
content: I expected there to be some sort of script for this kind of problem, but I suppose not.At this time, I cannot change to another fab for a number of reasons. So the only choice I have is to manually re-route them all (a few days of all nighter would do)Thank you for the help.

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2013, 05:16:53 pm
content: You might be able to tug them into clearance if it is slight adjustments. You pull the trace in between the 3 handles and it slides sideways. I've found I can move a half dozen over a bit without too much fuss.
Positive mask layer? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: VictorQ
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 03:27:11 pm
content: Heya guysI know this is probably a long shot, but here goes:Does anyone know of an easy method to create positive mask layer output files in Altium?I need the "solder mask" to be positive, that is I want the gerber to reflect what I see in the 3D view: a fill that covers the board except at the pads.Additionally I need something similar for blind vias, a mask layer that is the inverse of the vias on a particular layer (and extend to the board outline).Perhaps it is possible to write a script to generate what I need on a mechanical layer?The experienced guys here can probably guess at what I am trying to do, and yes it is a bit stupid, but this the only real problem I have so far.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 06:52:29 pm
content: those layers are negative by default... export gerber or DXf and invert it there.
How can I mirror the top overlay to the bottom overlay - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: senso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2013, 01:07:30 am
content: Good night, I have been designing a simple degree wheel to measure timing of ignition and transfers in two stroke engines, getting 10 pcb's from china is cheaper and sturdier than some laser engraved acrilic, so I thought about using the pcb's as a cheap and durable substitute, I have already designed the top overlay, but I don't know how to mirror/flip a copy of the top, to the bottom, here is a image:I already have a copy of the overlay, but when I select all the items and double click, only the text goes to the bottom overlay, and no mirroring is happening, I know it must be as easy as two or three button presses, but I can't find how

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2013, 01:18:41 am
content: Select and copy. Make bottom overlay current. Edit | Paste Special and select onto current layer. Hit X to flip in the X axis before clicking to complete the paste.

author: senso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2013, 01:27:48 am
content: Many thanks, I sure was doing it the wrong way

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2013, 03:20:36 am
content: It looks like you're using the silkscreen overlay for your text and lines.Just a thought, maybe ENIG tracks would be better ?Silkscreen quality can vary quite a bit. Sometimes it's a kind of dotmatrix and looks crap for anything but vertical/horizontal lines, where as the copper is photo etched so you get nice and sharp lines.I wouldn't get silver due to it tarnishing but ENIG(gold) would look good.Just remember, if you do want exposed metal you need both a copper layeranda soldermask layer to expose it.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2013, 01:43:48 pm
content: Select all S AIn the inspector , change layer to top layer.Now, everything is copper.While everything is still selected , press LThis will swap everything to the bottom layer and mirror it.While stuff is still selected in the inspector change it to bottom silkscreen.Alternate route :S A E C XChange to bottom silkscreen in inspectorE P
Solderpaste dxf export size? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Things
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2013, 10:00:07 am
content: Hey all, I'm trying to export the solderpaste layers of my PCB's to dxf so I can attempt to lasercut them, but they seem to output at a much smaller size than they actually are? I also seem to have an issue where some pads export at a totally different angle to what they are on the PCB? Is there a better way/script plugin or something to export dxf's a bit more reliably, or am I doing something wrong here?Dan

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2013, 03:24:18 pm
content: Altiums dxf export is limited, because dxf itself is a crap format that keeps changing with every new release of autocrap.Export gerber , load gerber in camtastic (built into altium), export from there.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2013, 04:12:27 pm
content: if you look at teh raw sxf, then you'll see it has a format specified of something like 4 3, which is four digits before the decimal point and three after.Quite often, programs assume what the format is, so you end up with horrors occurring. It's often necessary to manually hack the format section to get things readable.

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2013, 04:36:00 pm
content: Quote from: Things on August 08, 2013, 10:00:07 amAutocad works in drawing units, a length of 1 meaning 1mm or 1 mile is up to you to decide. Inch and mm are the usual ones and Altium provides the option to export either.Pad rotation can be troublesome. There is an option to export components as blocks in which case whatever you are reading with will be responsible for instancing blocks with possibly different rotations, try turning that off.
Problem with editor window pads in Altium Designer 2013 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Jaison
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 26, 2013, 01:55:52 pm
content: Hello! when I open the window to edit a pad the OK button is hidden, overlapped by the toolbar, even hiding the toolbar windows can not use the ok button, anyone ever had this problem?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2013, 02:13:37 pm
content: PCB design is always done on large monitors (24" 1920x1200 etc) and often 3 of them in a row!Trying to do it with only 768 vertical pixels is a little crazyIn any case, to fix your current problem just set the taskbar to auto-hide mode.That will give you some extra room and allow you to click the buttons.( right click on the taskbar / properties / tick 'auto hide the taskbar' )

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2013, 02:45:35 pm
content: Quote from: Jaison on July 26, 2013, 01:55:52 pmAltium designers minimum screen requirement is 1280x1024 with strong recommendation for larger and secondary screens.

author: Jaison
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 26, 2013, 03:16:26 pm
content: I concealed the toolbar now stayed best to work, thanks for the help!

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2013, 03:52:32 pm
content: i guess you figured it out. but all joking aside : you really need to get a higher resolution screen.Altium gets very frustrating if you run it on a cramped display.get a nice widescreen 1920x1080 or , if you can afford it : two of those. or 1920x1200 (LA2405x)

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2013, 04:51:25 pm
content: i suspect he's running it from a laptop or netbook. App for ipad galaxy isnt ready?
Polygon poor solder mask - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: safarir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2013, 05:59:24 pm
content: Hi,I am working on a board and I want to tin some very complex polygon poor. What the best way ? They are very complex and I don't want to redraw them ...Sorry for my bad english,Thanks for your answers

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2013, 06:56:31 pm
content: emg : edit-move -polygon vertexthen click on the polygon and start moving.

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2013, 07:23:41 pm
content: you can set a manual soldermask pullback. Go into the polygon properties and set the soldermask expension to -100mil or so to start with.

author: safarir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2013, 10:06:34 pm
content: Quote from: marshallh on July 20, 2013, 07:23:41 pmThe option is available for Polygon Region but not for Polygon Pour ...

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 20, 2013, 10:43:25 pm
content: Probably easiest to manually draw a new Polygon region over the existing polygon, on the soldermask layer. Use the 3d view to make sure it works right.

author: safarir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2013, 10:51:41 pm
content: Quote from: marshallh on July 20, 2013, 10:43:25 pmOk ... thanks

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2013, 04:25:38 am
content: Ah now i understand whatyou mean. I thought 'thin' a polygon as in make it smaller. So i gave you how to edit it. You want to open the soldermask on it.here is a trick. Select polygon. Edit - copy - click on a pad of a component . Any component but remeber where you clicked. Now, in the inspector : change the layer of the polygon to top solder ask. If it asks to repour, say no.Now do edit-paste and click again on the pad of the component you picked when you did edit copy.Basically what i am doing is storing a copy of the polygon i. The clipboard , using a component pad as origin. I use a component pad as it is a point and altium will 'snap' to the exact centerof the pad.Then i alter the layer of the existing polygon, telling altium not to redraw it.After that i paste my copy from the clipboard back in , using that component pad as the placement origin.This trick works with anything you want to move layers.
Component with cutout - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2013, 03:58:38 pm
content: Hi,i'm having trouble making this micro usb connectorhttp://www.molex.com/pdm_docs/sd/474910001_sd.pdf, i really don't know how to make the cutout, i also have the 3d model of the connector but i don't know if i can generate the cut from the step file.I don't have big problems making the pads.Thanks for the help.

author: Legit-Design
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2013, 07:03:34 pm
content: Make the cutout on your board outline.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2013, 07:03:39 pm
content: in the pcblib editor :place a polygon in the shape of the cutout on the top layer.select the polygon and open the pcblib inspector.set layer to Multilayer and set 'Cutout' checkeddone

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2013, 09:18:32 pm
content: Thank you i solved it!
Pushing routes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: torcek
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 17, 2013, 02:03:44 pm
content: Hello,I am from Poland but I find lack of help at polish forums so I decided to ask here: while I was designing my board I accidentally changed something and now Altium does not "push" routes that are already layed. What I mean is when you ctrl + click and move existing route connection it should push other routes, make them be closer one to another. Now it just lets me put route in any place I want, ignoring all rules even short circuits. Does anybody know how to change it back ?I must have changed something in "Desing -> Rules", but I can not find it.

author: torcek
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 17, 2013, 02:25:04 pm
content: Problem solved! I wanted to make a new rule with Clearance for my chip and I accidentally deleted previous one. I added the old one with clearance for all elements and it works fine now.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2013, 09:34:03 am
content: You can also go to Preferences -> PCB Editor -> Interactive routing and change conflict resolution mode (hug, push etc). You can also cycle through those on the fly with Shift+R while in interactive routing mode.
Splitting a plane layer howto videos? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: analognoise
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 10, 2013, 12:10:33 pm
content: Hi all,I'm using AD to create an FPGA board, and I need to either draw a polygon pour and use a signal layer or use a power plane with a split. I think I've managed to get the polygon pours correct, but I haven't managed to stumble into getting the plane layers to split.Sorry if this is a very amateur question, but I've had a go of it for a while and can't make it move, if you will.Thanks!

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2013, 02:14:32 pm
content: Go to the plane, simply draw a line where tou want to split (place track) and altium will split it. Its that easy.

author: analognoise
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 11, 2013, 05:50:11 am
content: Shoot, I was selecting "Interactively Route Connections" rather than drawing a regular line.Works like a charm now. Thank you very, very much!
Ultra librarian error - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: linkaiyu
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 27, 2013, 09:02:16 pm
content: Hi! I'm trying to get the schematic and footprint for the TUSB9261 from it's .bxl using Ultra Librarian.During the script execution in Altium, it always stucks saying "Unexpected symbol : ."What's the problem?You can find a screenshot in attachment.Thank you

author: Afrotechmods
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 25, 2013, 05:07:48 pm
content: I get the exact same error. Never figured it out. I ended up having to create the part from scratch.
Change pad color - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mad ID
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 12:51:02 pm
content: Hello.I have switched from PCAD to Altium Designer and one thing bothers me.In PCAD a pad can have a color different from the rest of the object on the same layer, i.e. top layer SMD resistor pads will have different color (some flavor of red of course) than top layer traces/polygons. In this way components are more visible and I find it easier to work.It there a way to set it up in Altium?Thanks.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 01:10:48 pm
content: To the best of my knowledge it can't be done. Any copper on a layer will be that layers colour.Its always difficult to adjust to a new tool, but you'll eventually get used to it, pads are distinguishable by their shape, so that's how you spot them.The only other thing I can suggest is go into design rules and increase the solder mask expansion rule to something greater than 0. Also ensure that the top/bottom solder layers are visible. This will give you an outline around pads the colour of which is the colour of the solder mask layers

author: Mad ID
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2013, 08:37:35 am
content: Quote from: AlfBaz on June 20, 2013, 01:10:48 pmHello, thanks for the answer.My biggest problem is visibility when copper pour is applied. But just like you said, I will get used to this.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2013, 08:53:15 am
content: Quote from: Mad ID on June 21, 2013, 08:37:35 amYeah I know what you mean. "tools->Polygon Pours->shelve" or Polygon manager can help in this regard. Another thing you can do is press the number 3 and go into 3d mode where it shows you the solder mask

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2013, 09:00:38 am
content: Just though of another one, right click the layer tabs down the bottom, select layer sets->board layer sets and create 2 of your own layer sets - top layer and top solder - bottom layer and bottom solder. You can then quickly select on of these sets then click the solder layer to bring to the top

author: enz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2013, 09:25:58 am
content: You can also change the layer drawing order (right click on layer tab - "Layer Drawing Order").Then, for example, the solder mask can be drawn last.

author: Mad ID
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2013, 09:31:30 am
content: Thanks guys.Cheers.
Learning Altium - Multiple Schematic Sheets - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Poe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 07:00:35 pm
content: I'm designing a two PCB device where the PCBs are soldered together with board to board header. I have one PCB file for both boards, but a unique schematic sheet for each PCB.I use unique net labels so the ERC does not claim I have an unrouted net between the two boards.e.g."3.3V.a" vs "3.3V.b""MISO.a" vs "MISO.b"It's messy and there's probably a simpler/cleaner way?

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 08:13:18 pm
content: Whats blocking you from creating two pcb projects?

author: Poe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 10:30:42 pm
content: Quote from: Jeroen3 on June 20, 2013, 08:13:18 pmI would like only one set of gerbers. Is there an easy way to do that with two PCB projects?
Altium Place Part - Browse Library Dialog - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: embeddedbob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 07:54:53 am
content: In the place part menu, then pressing browse, I get a different menu between my computer and a colleagues. He gets the component name, library description, footprint where as I only get component name.Does anyone know where the option to add different fields into the "Browse Libraries" dialog is? Ive looked through the Altium site/documentation but cant find it!Thanks

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 08:05:40 am
content: Sounds like the extra fields on your installation have been hidden, as I get Component Name, Library, Description & Footprint in mine.Are you sure that the first field hasn't just been widened to occupy that pane? Do you have a scroll bar at the bottom of the pane?

author: embeddedbob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 08:12:43 am
content: Yeah, theyve been hidden somehow and I cant get them backhttp://wiki.altium.com/display/ADOH/Libraries+Panel"For each component in the library, its name is displayed, as well as any other information for parameter columns that have been made visible"doesnt say how to select whats visible.I need to get some work finished and this really isnt helping as the components are just part numbers so a PITA without the description.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 08:18:07 am
content: OK, open the libraries tab, then right click the heading bar (Component Name, etc). From there you can see a menu item Select Columns. Sorted!

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 08:22:27 am
content: Found it,(hehe David beat me too it).When you get to the list through "Place part" you dont get the option but if you go through the library panel on the right hand side you can right click and select columns, This will change the other area as well.

author: embeddedbob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 08:27:03 am
content: Many thanks guys! My blood pressure has returned to normal nowShame they didnt implement the standard MS Windows right-click on column headers to select columns as in explorer, would have saved some time.

author: gxti
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 12:04:11 am
content: Cool, now I know how to hide some stuff! What's the point of showing the name of the library when you have to select the dang library first anyway? Just wastes horizontal screen space.

author: embeddedbob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2013, 08:23:41 pm
content: ^Its the description I was after because I label the component type in the description e.g. 'resistor, 0805, 10k, .125W, 1%'Couldn't care less about the library name
Plated via, how to place one without a cross? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mobile
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 08, 2013, 04:08:25 am
content: Hi,I'm trying to add a plated via however it always adds a cross around the via.I set the via to be part of ground but I don't want to touch the other ground vias.I understand that I can add a rule for that, also to define the component there but free floating vias do not show up in that list?Does anyone have an idea how to add a plated through via which is fully connected to the copper (same net) around it?

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2013, 10:47:08 am
content: Quote from: mobile on June 08, 2013, 04:08:25 amFirst a via is plated. An unplated via is called a holeI assume by adding a cross around the via you mean a thermal relief.Thermal relief generation is controlled by "polygon connect style" and "plane connect style" rules.IsVia will match vias in the rule.If you want vias on the same net some with and some without thermal reliefs you have to identify what you want somehow. Using a particular via size for those you want directly connected might be the easiest thing to match in a rule.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2013, 09:43:34 am
content: Well I can't think of a circuit where it would make sense to have thermal relief around vias. Thermal reliefs are obviously for lower heat capacitance during soldering, and you're not supposed to solder stuff to vias.
(solved) how to use pci template - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mobile
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 05, 2013, 09:23:42 pm
content: Hi,I wonder is anyone really using that? I'm using Altium for a year now and still did not get the idea of what Altium Vaults are (even the documentation does not disclose how to use it the way I would like) . I see there are PCI footprints in it however I'm not really able to use them. I can download them, open them but not fit any design into it because it will complain that the finger footprints are missing, does anyone know more about that?

author: mobile
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 08, 2013, 04:09:30 am
content: Solved, I just used the template and placed the components on it, the DRC did not complain about it in the end.
Standard layers used for "non- essential" things when creating parts?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 12:57:02 pm
content: Say I am creating a new part and need to define things like mechanical outline, courtyard, assembly layers etc. Depending on the library I look at, those end up on different mechanical layers. One library would use layer 20 for courtyard, while Altium's own IPC wizard would use layer 15. Is there a standard somewhere defining what they should be or is this all up the user/librarian?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2013, 02:36:04 pm
content: 1 and 15 are top and bottom 3d model.But it really doesnt matter.
Designing a pcie board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: openthomas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2013, 10:38:42 am
content: Hi all,Running Altium 10 and I would like to build a pcie board. I assume there is a template. Not sure where to begin as I never have designed a pcie board before. Wheres the crash course on this ? I need to know what I don't know

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2013, 03:35:08 pm
content: What you don't knowMultilayerControlled impedanceDifferential routing...PCIe is critical...

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2013, 03:51:26 pm
content: its not all that bad, Asus had a product with PCIE GPU connected with almost a meter worth of cable.Its as "critical" as SATA is.