hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Need your help With Altium Designer 18.1.7 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Hayder
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2018, 03:57:59 pm
content: Hi everyone,I'm new Altium user. Previously, I used DipTrace to design PCB. now I'm using Altium Designer 18.1.7 with Educational License. I bought a couple of online tutorials form Udemy and also watch YouTube channel. in bottom bar they use system to go to Altium Vault or Ciiva to use the benefit of online library components instead of installing each components manually.please see the photos in the attachment.

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2018, 05:42:26 pm
content: You need to install Nexus for AD18 to get access to all the vault components.Take a look at free_electron's posts here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/new-and-new-and-worried-ad-18/msg1644695/#msg1644695And here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/new-and-new-and-worried-ad-18/msg1644983/#msg1644983

author: Hayder
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2018, 02:34:39 am
content: I tried, but it's sound like I can you Ciiva or Altium Nexus with my Altium Designer Educational license

author: veryevil
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 04, 2018, 09:55:26 am
content: When on a schematic sheet go to View -> Panels -> Explorer and that should get you to altium vault

author: Hayder
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2018, 01:31:21 pm
content: Finally solved. Thank you so much.
altium board defining - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hsn93
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2018, 09:04:16 am
content: hello, i've been trying to define my board shape.i've seen on the internet that i can click (space) and corners will be converted to radius as its what i require .. but (. , or shift > and <) to increase radius was not working for me .. i couldnt find soloution ..so i did things manual which is placing tracks and arcs in keep-out-layout ..but i dont know what happened exactly now there is white sheet in altium (maybe i pressed some hotkey):how to make it back to black ? the background of the pcb is white

author: hsn93
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2018, 10:00:55 am
content: the white problem was fixed by (options > board options > [] display sheet)however, anyone have better way of creating board shape?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2018, 05:05:36 pm
content: They way you've done it is fine, lines and arcs are typical. If you have a 3D model of a housing or something it's possible to define a board outline from a 3D Body, but I generally don't find this very useful. You can also import a DXF or DWG into the outline layer if you've got the shape already figured out (or are using an outline provided by an enclosure manufacturer).You probably want to define those holes as actual holes (use the pad tool and set the pad size to zero) so that they wind up in the drill file rather than as shapes in your outline layer. You can define mounting holes as PCB/Sch symbols so that you have standard sizes in your library and can show electrical connections to them in the schematic if necessary.

author: Gibson486
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2018, 02:01:05 pm
content: Altium's board shape editor is kind of bad. However, I never tried board shape editors in other pcb packages, so it may be true for all. I usually just bug the MEs to make an outline (or give me a 3d model) and import or I use some tool (like draftsight) to generate the dxf myself.
Highlight a wire - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gogoman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2018, 02:44:04 pm
content: Hi in the schematic view, how are wires (same net name) highlighted on the a page.thanks

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2018, 03:09:58 pm
content: ALT+click
DbLib frontend - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2018, 08:09:22 pm
content: Does anyone have GUI frontends for the DBLib they want to share?

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2018, 02:01:57 am
content: I'm slowly beginning the process of trying to write a custom one in my spare time using visual studio...there's generic db management software like this which could work for one userhttps://www.mysql.com/products/workbench/https://razorsql.com/index.htmlbut this wouldn't be great for team use...There's no generic dB client software I've seen that is limited to only let people connect, query, browse, add and edit records across a collection of tables in any kind of SQL database.. (I would love to be proven wrong!)
Altium for 5700 USD? Good deal? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2018, 03:57:43 pm
content: Friend is getting a 50% off for a batch of licenses, I think I'll get it tooIf any one else is interested, PM

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2018, 03:12:23 am
content: does that include 1 year of subscription?if so, sounds about right for a new AD discount. (at least converted to AU$ in the AU market)

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2018, 02:07:28 pm
content: Yes, with 1 year subscription.

author: mairo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 19, 2018, 10:12:47 am
content: See if you can squeeze from them also to include a free 60 days access to on-demand e-learning training that they are currently advertising here in AU.
Altium how to make it to follow net connection order.. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: karaposu
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 14, 2018, 01:16:13 pm
content: Hello All;I am building a circuit board for my balance robot. I am familiar with altium and have no problem with it. But i decided to it would be better if i add "slide swicth" to my circuit because i dont want to plug on/off my lipo wireshere is my schematic :schematics is perfect. Problem is with pcb design tool. My first thought was to remove all power conns and after auto routing place them manually. But i notice altium pcb designer doesnt allow me to make connections if they are in schematic design. My main language is not english. If you can tell me which term describe my problem i can search it online. Connection orders seems not accurateThank you allKayisi Muhendisi

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2018, 02:20:27 pm
content: Welcome to the forum.Double click on VIN to get to it's Properties and assign it to the 5V net. There'll be a netlist from which to select it.Occasionally you get footprints that you have to do this with.

author: karaposu
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 14, 2018, 04:17:48 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on July 14, 2018, 02:20:27 pmThank you for answering. Should i do that in pcb or schematics? In pcb design i am able to click pins but there is no such a thing as a 5v net. I am assuming i should do that setting on schematics. Also assuming that i should have use net labels? I just make the connections never thing about power line etc. What is correct way to do that ?this is how auto-route works out :

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2018, 09:03:00 pm
content: Don't use sitio route...I think you can make a selection of the area to autoroute and route only the things insideJS

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2018, 11:24:47 pm
content: Quote from: karaposu on July 14, 2018, 04:17:48 pmBest in schematics and then update changes to the PCB.QuoteAssign a unique Net Label to each of your power rails then ensure the IC pin it supplies is assigned to that net.Right or double clicking on pins or devices allow you to reassign pins to their correct nets.QuoteAuto-route is very useful to help with component placement and that's about all until you go to some lengths setting defaults to have it laying out as well as you can do it. For final trace layout don't use it.
Variants, assembly drawings, red crosses and mechanical layer 16 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jeroen74
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2018, 10:22:53 am
content: I have a design with SMD components on both sides, and I have defined a variant with several components that are not fitted. I set the variant drawing style for the PCB drawing to a red cross; and for some reason the generated assembly drawings for the top and bottom sides both have the crosses for both component sides, instead of the top assembly drawing just having the crosses for non-fitted components on the top side (and the same for the bottom view)I happen to use mechanical layer 16 for the board outline, and the strange thing is that this layer causes the problem. If I use any other layer the problem disappears. Just one track on M16 is enough for Altium to draw red crosses on that layer in the printout for both sides.Mechanical pairs are defined for 13-12, 15-18,25-26 and 30-31 (respectively 3D bodies, outlines, assembly and page borders)Is there anything special about mechanical layer 16? Just Altium weirdness?
AD18 Keep-Out Layer (Restricted to Layer) Question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mairo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2018, 01:58:20 am
content: Hello,I have a design done in AD17 in which I was able to place arcs, lines, fills, text and dimensions on the Keep-Out Layer.Today when I opened the project in AD18, I found that first the dimensions appeared to be in a "Layer not defined" and I could not set it to Keep-Out Layer as it was originally. In addition I was not able to place dimensions, or text to the Keep-Out Layer, as they were automatically assigned to other layers.Also, I wanted to move an arc from the Keep-Out Layer to one of the Mech. layers, but the only options I get are either Keep-Out, Top and Bottom. Is there a setting to remove this restriction?Thanks
multiple chip pins with same output compiler error - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Morgoroth
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 01:16:30 pm
content: Hi all, well, I have a problem in Altium, I'm designing a raspberry pi hat, and I'm using an automotive Quad high-side switch as power outputs. The high-side switch use 4 pins for a single power output and in the schematic, I just join them together (as in picture attached), but Altium complains when I compile the project. I can live with that error, but for sake of a pristine job, I want to solve it properly.thanks in advance,JP

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 03:59:24 pm
content: Altium compains when there are multiple output pins on one net. Change pins to passive or change the rules.

author: Batang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 04:55:43 am
content: Pin output is assumed to be push-pull, so hence the error.Change pin to passive as has been suggested.Cheers
Altium PCB editor configuration issue - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ramonest
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2018, 07:10:07 am
content: Hello,I have a small but rather anoying issue with my configuration on Altium PCB editor. I used to be able to "ctrl + click" on a pad/trace and it select a net, highliting it but with the other elements still visible. I don't know if I changed something with the configuration but now when I do the same it changes the color of all other parts to black. It's not usefull anymore.It'd be really helpful if to know what configuration I messed up.I attach images of what I comented.Thanks in advance.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2018, 03:40:52 pm
content: Looks like you need to change your mask level. I don't remember where the setting is, but you can increase or decrease by using the [ and ] keys to darken and lighten the display respectively.

author: ramonest
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2018, 04:38:27 pm
content: Quote from: ajb on May 24, 2018, 03:40:52 pmTanks so much ajb!I didn't know it was called "mask levels".By the way as you said Altium tells on their web page that "[" and "]" keys are used to decrease and increase respectively the mask level. But in my case, I guess it's because a different keyboard layout, I need to use " ' " and "¡". I have a Spanish keyboard layout if some one finds it useful at any point.Anyway, thank you again.
How to run simple keyboard macros ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: snoopy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2018, 01:09:36 pm
content: I could have sworn I used to be able to do this in Protel but is it possible to assign a sequence of a few keyboard or menu commands to a single stroke sequence in Altium ?cheers

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 10, 2018, 02:51:49 pm
content: You can edit the shortcut keys (https://techdocs.altium.com/display/ADRR/Shortcut+Keys) but I'm not aware of any way to combine several into one keystroke within Altium.Maybe tryhttps://autohotkey.com/- its free and very good.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2018, 10:02:08 pm
content: You can assign user scripts to shortcut keys, if that works for you.

author: snoopy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2018, 06:53:11 am
content: Would have been nice for Altium to generate a command line equivalent of each action like it can with the Filtering function. And then you can later copy and paste and create a macro from it.Not everyone has the time to fiddle around with Pascal scripts !cheers

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2018, 03:36:18 pm
content: Quote from: snoopy on May 11, 2018, 06:53:11 amsimply store the filter in your preferences.
Altium Pick and Place file for Deoden TM240A (pick & place machine) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FullRock66
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2018, 01:04:19 pm
content: Hi folks, i´m triying to start mass production of some pcb´s and need to work with TM240A pick an place machine, I have manual and stack management tool for translate CSV pick and place file to a TM240A program but its giving me a brain storm, anyone has experience using TM240A?.Best Regards

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2018, 01:30:36 pm
content: No experience with that one but the way we prepare our MY12 machine is by combining a csv/txt pick & place file with BOM which has the component footprints. Then we also import Gerbers to have more info about component orientation

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2018, 02:06:05 am
content: Quote from: FullRock66 on May 03, 2018, 01:04:19 pmI used to run one of those machines. I wouldn't quite say that machine is capable of mass production, but you can definitely do a couple hundred breakout boards in a day. In my Eagle days it wasn't difficult to write some Excel formulas to take the resulting XY file and generating the ASCII format for the machine.Just program a couple parts into the machine manually and then open the resulting file in a text editor. You'll see a bunch of setup information at the top, but when you scroll down it's a simple and consistent format. You could probably write a script in any language and automate it, it's just string parsing.
AD18 UI switch - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2017, 03:35:35 pm
content: I like the new display theme, but I really wish you could turn off that stupid floating toolbar thing at the top. I turn off all of the normal toolbars because I'd rather have the screen space, I sure as heck don't want that stupid floating thing!It also annoys me that you can't put a toolbar on the same level as the File/Edit/... menu anymore. I like to have the Filter toolbar in PCB Editor, and in AD17 you could put this (or any toolbar) in the top menu row where there's a bunch of dead space anyway. Now that they've added that extra group of icons on the top right you can't do that, so adding any toolbars means adding another menu row which means more dead space.

author: mars01
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 06:07:49 pm
content: If you want to disable the ActiveBar then you need to disable the option:EDA.UseActiveBarsby unchecking theValue.You can find this option in:Preferences -> System -> General -> AdvancedSource: Altium forums.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 08:32:56 pm
content: Thanks for that! Now if they'll just come up with a fix for the 32 vs 64 bit database engine issue...

author: mars01
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2017, 09:52:32 pm
content: Quote from: ajb on December 01, 2017, 08:32:56 pmSee here:http://www.altium.com/documentation/18.0/display/ADES/Using+Database+Libraries+with+32-bit+and+64-bit+Altium+Design+Software+on+the+same+Computer

author: coopecb1
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 23, 2018, 09:48:39 pm
content: This looks like it should work, but it doesn't. I'm not sure I understand the rather cryptic instructions.
Room numbering in hierarchical design - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mgulin
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 28, 2018, 11:46:13 am
content: Hi everyone,I'm using a hierarchical design, and I have a problem with room numbering. I have one sheet that is used in two places, something like in the attached image.Now, when I compile the project, the rooms are named as follows:RC_ADCIN1, RC_ADCIN2, ..., RC_ADCIN20, RC_FPGA_IO21, RC_FPGA_IO22, ..., RC_FPGA_IO32I would like that RC_FPGA_IO rooms go from 1 to 12. Do you know is this possible in Altium?

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2018, 12:13:08 pm
content: I think you need to type 1..12, but I have no way to verify this now.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2018, 03:17:19 pm
content: I think the problem is that you're using the same base sheet for both repeated sheet symbols, and I guess it's a quirk of the way Altium compiles the project that it creates unique suffixes across both repeated instances. I bet if you created a different base sheet for the IO filters and then used that in a repeated instance it would work the way you want.If you really want to use the same sheet in both places, you might be able to create an RC sheet, then place a single instance of that in an ADCIN sheet, then place and repeat the ADCIN sheet. Do the same thing with an IO sheet, then turn class generation off for the RC sheet and you MIGHT be able to get the rooms to generate the way you want.
Rule to check if track is terminated on center of Via - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Tsiligiris
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 23, 2018, 05:30:42 am
content: Hello everyone,there are times that track is not on the center of Via and we need to final check all the Vias on all layers. On the attached pic, the DRC is not giving me error and it's normal since +3.3V is connected (even not correctly) to the Via.Is there a way (like a Rule?or something) to detect this?

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 23, 2018, 07:31:44 am
content: Well, I guess DRC checked your minimum copper width rule for that net and it passed, so technically there is no problem but I agree it doesn't look right.I have never used this script but it might help you:https://github.com/Altium-Designer-addons/scripts-libraries/tree/master/IsPadCenterConnected

author: Tsiligiris
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 23, 2018, 07:54:49 am
content: Cannot Run the script on Altium09 or Altium18. Displays various errors like the attached picture.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 23, 2018, 10:33:24 am
content: The attached script has some minor API call changes from the above script which enable it to run on AD15 (quick test OK but YMMV).It highlightspadswhich do not have a track connected at their centre.Unfortunately it can't be easily modified forviasbecause IPCB_VIA does not have the method BoundingRectangleOnLayer()So, I have been no help at all.

author: Tsiligiris
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 23, 2018, 11:29:43 am
content: Anyway thank youLet's hope someone has a solution to share

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2018, 12:00:18 pm
content: never used altium, but seeing as its passing with the neck down due to being wider than the minimum, why not reduce your minimum to the trace width, and investigate what comes up?Or if there is a way to bulk change via size, why not save a copy, change all vias to a size smaller than there connection radius, then re-run DRC to see what now has a gap.

author: Hast
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 24, 2018, 06:07:45 am
content: In Altium 18 there is a rule that you can check, see pic, also I remember an old design secret that might help you:https://altiumvideos.live.altium.com/#Detail/1225BR

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 24, 2018, 07:30:52 am
content: That's a nice feature, maybe new in AD18 and is the best answer since OP has AD18.Its not in AD15.https://www.altium.com/documentation/18.0/display/ADES/PCB_Dlg-BrokenNetRule_Frame((Un-Routed+Net))_ADQuote
altium14 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ant17
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2013, 11:31:55 pm
content: hi i have just stared using this and found that when i try to make a simple circuit i get the error no signal pin has no driver could someone help

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2013, 12:25:14 am
content: you have a floating input somewhere.doubleclick the error ant it will tell you where

author: JDubU
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2013, 06:25:59 am
content: If you want the pin to float without a driving source on it, place the "NO ERC" (red X) symbol on it instead of a wire end. It will prevent the warning.

author: hyprfrcv
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 23, 2018, 04:43:27 pm
content: This error appears in Altium Designer when working with free schematics. If you add the schematics into a project, the error dissapears.It is possible to discard this error working with free schematics?.
Default sheet size - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mgulin
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 27, 2018, 09:53:49 am
content: Hi everyone,It seems that Altium defines the A4 sheet size as 292.1mm x 193.04mm, while standard A4 size is 297mm x 210mm.I know that I can set the custom size for a single sheet, but is there a way to set this "custom size" as a default for all new sheets?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2018, 10:19:15 am
content: Yes, create a template and set your defaults there. Including title block and parameters, too.Then set that template as default.Tim

author: mgulin
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 27, 2018, 02:19:58 pm
content: That did the job! Thank you!
Blanket & Component Classes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2018, 12:42:47 pm
content: HelloI have an odd question. I know you can use a Blanket directive to easily group nets, but can you do the same with components?What I am trying to do is create a custom rule for thermal relief for components that are part of a certain class (PowerPath). Rather than adding a ClassName to each component I tried to enclose them in a Blanket but it's not working as enclosing them in a Blanket only groups the Nets each component is connected to.Cheers =^..^=

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2018, 11:38:54 am
content: UPDATE: At the end of the day I decided to add a parameter for each component and had a rule see what that parameter holds. Here is what I mean:

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2018, 07:57:40 pm
content: Last I checked, no, there was no facility to use blankets to attach directives to components. I think there's a request on bugcrunch to implement this. Depending on what you're after, you might be able to use a room to control the rule, but rooms are kind of a pain IMO, and definitely won't work well if the relevant components aren't placed within a neat little box.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2018, 10:17:44 pm
content: Classes yes. Add parameter name = "ClassName" to the component, value is whatever ComponentClass name you want.Doing it by custom parameter in AD18, as shown, looks pretty nice tooTim
Altium 13.1 question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MrMetthew
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2018, 01:39:47 pm
content: Hi all,Sorry for the noob question but I have no experience in altium board layout and can't seem to find my answer online... It is asked of my to make a small design update in our non-supported Altium 13.1 suite. I made the changes in the schematic design. I added a couple of parts, made the footprint for them, no problem. But now I want to update my board layout and add the parts. I cannot find how to add the parts to the board layout. Can someone help me? This is probably such an easy question for most of you..
Netlist extraction error: no tools defined in NC tools table. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: McDonald
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 03, 2018, 06:49:28 pm
content: I'm getting this error in Altium Camtastic:Netlist extraction error: no tools defined in NC tools table. Please define the tools before proceeding.Any clues how and where to define these tools?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2018, 03:14:39 pm
content: you need to load the drill file.
AD17 increment PCB designators in a batch - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: crypton
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2018, 12:00:59 pm
content: Hei,I am wondering If I could incerement existing PCB components' designators with x amount of numbers.Lets say I have PCB component with designator R3xx, I want to increment it with 300, so it ends up R6xx. But so with components that are All selected.Goal is to keep my PCB placement/routing (from older time) but assign different schematic designator numbering to those components (schematically nets are all the same, it just differs in numbers).Once I can match the designators, then nets will assign automatically. at least that's the idea.I've found Smart Edit under PCB Inspector for the 'Name' parameter. But I can't seem to find any commands that I can use there :/. (only two examples which say nothing what arguments mean).Or any other way to achieve this without messing up my copied PCB layout ?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2018, 07:05:02 pm
content: Expressions there come from Pascal library functions,http://www.templetons.com/brad/alice/language/language8.htmlshould be helpful.Better would be to have everything named properly: add a root sheet to your project, and place two sheet symbols linking in the existing design. Set a multichannel naming scheme under Project Options. Once everything is in order, compile the project, go back to PCB and check Component Links. Match up everything original in the first channel. Import changes from schematic, and copy placement.The bad way is to duplicate one schematic, in a flat project, annotate the copied sheet, copy-and-paste the PCB, and redo component links. Bad because you have no guarantee the two channels will be synchronized, after editing.Tim

author: radar_macgyver
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2018, 07:56:33 pm
content: If it's just a one-off, you could use Schematic List, select all the items in the list and Ctrl+C, then paste it into Excel. You can then use Excel formulas to manipulate the refdes, and paste it back into the Schematic List. I find this easier than messing with AD17's expressions.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2018, 08:17:02 pm
content: You can also use the substitution expression in Inspector, e.g.:{R3=R6}{C3=C6}and so on for each prefix in the selection. Maybe this supports a wildcard that can be alphanumeric? Unsure. (On a related note, did they add Regex to AD18? That'd be handy.)Tim
Altium 18 3D Performace - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Blue_Alien
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2017, 07:34:47 pm
content: Been using AD 18 for over a week now. Has anyone else noticed that the 3D performance has decreased? Navigating in 3D is noticeably laggier.

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2018, 05:42:34 pm
content: I noticed performance degradation on AD17 once I "upgraded"my workstation from i7 X-Series to Xeon CPU (that two years younger)... for sake to add extra cores to run VMs smoothly and compomise almost 1GHz raw power, so AD heavily relies on a single-thread stuff.AD18 performs much better and noticeable improvements especially for PCB/3D world.Building DirectX scenes might take ages on AD17 and CPU/GPU utilisation exceed many times compare to AD18, AD18 - different story.For example, try AD18 Mini PC multi-board example

author: JamesH-AltiumOfficial
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2018, 01:57:14 am
content: Hi Blue_Alien and blueskull,Most feedback has been improvements in speed in AD18 so I'm wondering whether you can provide me with your project as well as system specs?Your project may impact somehow, or your system may have some old drivers or a configuration with not much Processing power (GFLOPS), for example a powerful GPU like the Radeon RX 470 with GFLOPS=3793 would be exploited by the enhanced technology in AD18.If you're able to send files, please PM me and I'll provide you with a method for receiving confidential files.Best regards,James HarrimanAltium

author: cadguy68
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2018, 07:45:57 pm
content: Total 3D slowdown here with V18. V17 and below work absolutely fine, and quick, even with high levels of anti-aliasing.Flipping a board over in 3D mode in V18 is comical - it takes sooooooo freaking long.Unusable for me.

author: Paulvanavesaath
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 19, 2018, 08:45:31 am
content: I have noticed the complete opposite. 3D is way faster with me compared to altium 17, and I am a heavy 3D user. meshing is so fast, were altium 17 is going about it on a Smarc module for ages, altium 18 just imports it and shows it.maybe updating or re installing altium might fix the problem.also altium 18 can use a lot more memory than altium 17, so if memory swapping to the HDD is going on then that might be something to look at.for your info, i have a intel core I7-7700, with 32 gig Ram. also a Nvidia Quadro P4000...

author: Blue_Alien
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2018, 06:57:08 pm
content: Hey, sorry for the late update. I got it figured out. Turns out I needed to select the preferred graphics card in my system graphics settings. It was set to the intel CPU graphics instead of the GPU.
Multiple variants in AD18 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: grouchobyte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2018, 07:01:32 pm
content: I am in no way an expert in using Altium, but have done about a dozen or so designs with AD and now trying out AD18. I have used Allegro, MentorBoardStation, PADs, OrCad, Eagle and various Altium variants dating back to Protel 99SE in past decades just because it was necessary for my job, to meet my clients current budget/ tool requirement or to meet some intransigent assholes selfish need to resist changeEnough history.....and ya, all CAD tools suck (more or less)!Sorry for the digression,...... so my question to any of you who know this tool ( AD14 to AD18).Is there a proper way to set up a design for a pizza spin ( multiple variants on a panel)?. The stack-ups would obviously all be the sameI would prefer to get started doing it the right way rather than experiment and get a sub-optimal result.Thanks@grouchobyte

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2018, 09:47:47 pm
content: I just tried it with a board I have handy with several variants defined. If you save a copies of the target PCB with different variant states and then place those in a panel the panel shows the variant state properly, but I can't see that there's a way to make the variant state carry through to an outjob. Generating a BOM or PnP file always seems to revert to the variant selected in the outjob or maybe in the project. The thing that seems to be missing is a way to select the variant for the embedded board object.
Parameters in properties in schematic library AD18 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Kanc1erz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2018, 10:54:13 am
content: Hello!I have my own library of components in AD and when something is missing what I need I usually add them. Now I created the first component (Bluemod+S50, in AD18), however I cannot find a menu, where I can change parameters like: designator, comment, description, etc...In older versions of AD I did it by using shortcuts - "T", "I", which enabled me to change everything I needed.What's interesting, my workmate has a tab in properties called parameters, but I cannot find a place, where I can enable it. Can anyone help me?Below screenshots:AD18:AD9-17:

author: Kanc1erz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2018, 11:00:29 am
content: Yes, I know. I expanded it on screenshot. What is the next step?

author: Kanc1erz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2018, 11:05:40 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on April 06, 2018, 11:02:49 amThanks a lot!I wonder how many more such "surprises" I will come across....Thank you one more time
how to reduce ground symbol size? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Daxxin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2018, 07:48:56 pm
content: actually working with very dense schematic and power symbols too big.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2018, 08:33:39 pm
content: AFAIK You can't. FWIW, I usually use the bar symbol for ground, and the arrows for voltage rails as these are the most compact.But if your schematics are so dense that the default symbols are that problematic, then it's probably too dense to be legible, in which case you should go up a sheet size or break the sheet down into more than one subsheet.
Layout Sheet Size - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gogoman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2018, 03:32:24 am
content: Hi In layout Can the sheet size be changed?thanks

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2018, 04:14:04 am
content: Yes. Double click anywhere outside the page to bring up the sheet properties menu, or in AD18 when you have the properties panel open and nothing in the sheet selected it shows the sheet properties.

author: gogoman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2018, 04:50:48 am
content: several item are off sheet to the far left and appear when the gerbers are generated.The items do not appear on the enlarge sheet.Is there anther method to remove the items?thanks

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2018, 04:42:11 pm
content: Use Select Outside (S,O) to draw a rectangle around all of the objects you actually want, which should select everything else, then delete?Altium can get weird about objects that are outside of some invisible boundary of the PCB area, but I don't think there's anyway really around that. I had particular problems with something like that in AD18 the other day but I honestly don't remember how I solved it.Worst case, you should be able to copy and paste all of the objects you actually want to a new PCB Doc, remove the old PCBDoc from the project and add the new one to the project, then from the PCB editor use Project > Component Links to reconnect the objects in the new file to your schematics. Make sure that your PCB & SCH are synchronized before you do any of that, though, otherwise reestablishing component links will be much harder.
AD17 Printout - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hamdi.tn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2018, 01:17:04 pm
content: Hi,Am using AD17 to design my boards and i noticed that in printout when you select to add component either SMD or THT, Altium my consider SMD parts as THT in case they have mixed type pad, an smd pad with tht pads in it, like the one for thermal pad under QFN package. so in assembly printout this component will appear in both smd assembly file and tht assembly file.Is there a way to force altium to concider a part as smd or tht ?Hamdi
Strange selection in AD 17 (comparing to 16) + component finding - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Kanc1erz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2018, 11:49:40 pm
content: Hi there.I noticed that in AD17 selection (by clicking and dragging a cursor) works differently from what I have learnt in previous versions:In older ADs the component was selected only when it was completely in the frame made by clicking'n'dragging. Now it might be only "touched" and it is selected. Is it possible to change it like it was in the former versions? If yes - where?If you have any information, let me know!Thanks in advance!EDIT: The selection is for both - schematics + PCB.One more issue - in e.g. AD9 (in 16 I suppose too) it was easy to find a component in PCB mode by selecting the component in scheamtic. Now it doesn't work more like this, after selecting and item in sch, in pcb nothing highlight. Can it be changed too?

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2018, 04:27:40 am
content: Select component(s) -> right click -> Part Actions -> Select PCB Components

author: Ysjoelfir
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2018, 01:35:49 pm
content: To activate the automatic highlighting of parts you could activate tools - cross select mode in both sch and pcb.

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2018, 04:30:52 pm
content: The way it works in 17 is if you drag the window from left to right you must enclose the item. If you drag from right to left it will grab anything that the window even touches.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2018, 06:11:54 pm
content: Quote from: Mikekoz13 on January 18, 2018, 04:30:52 pmIf, as often happens, you want to select from a particular direction but don't want the selection behavior that that direction implies, you can do S,I for select inside or S,U for select touching. Using either of these also prevents accidentally dragging an object if your starting point is inside an object boundary.

author: Kanc1erz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2018, 01:15:20 pm
content: Sorry for digging it out guys, but finally got chance to use new version of AD and it is as you say - selection works differently from left-to-right and from right-to-left.@AJB - shortcuts work well, thank you.@Ysjoelfir - cross selections doesn't work with multiple objects, however@Bud - your idea is perfect for meThanks
altium 18 dwg file import - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kars
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2018, 03:18:30 pm
content: hi all!i got a couple of .DWG files id like to open in altium designer 18.the trouble is, i have not got a clue of how to import those bloody things!import wizard doesn't do the trick, i dont have an import button and when i tell windows to open the file with altium, it starts altium but shows me the file in solidworks's Edrawings which i have installed.i checked and i can confirm i have ticked the box to add support for .DWG files in the install thing.any suggestions would be very welcome!

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2018, 07:49:22 pm
content: Into PCB or schematic? I just imported a DWG into a PCB the other day using File > Import > DXF/DWG and it worked just fine. Just tried it again in both pcb and sch and it works just fine, except not with 2018 DWGs. 2013 works fine.Be aware that the Altium importer doesn't properly support all DWG features, so things like associative arrays, blocks, and text may not be translated correctly. For best results, arrays and blocks should be exploded before importing. I think there are issues with polylines containing arcs as well, so it wouldn't hurt to explode everything down to basic primitives first.

author: kars
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2018, 12:24:00 pm
content: thanks! that "Into PCB or schematic?" bit helped me, i was trying to import it from the main menu so i could not find the import option only the import wizard.
Smart Solder Paste - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: shangaoren
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2018, 04:52:17 pm
content: Hello Everyone,I was wondering if altium has a smart way to make solder paste pad array for big pads ?Today for big pads i use negative paste mask expansion and then i add by hand paste fills, is there a smarter way ?Thanks a lot =)

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2018, 06:58:21 pm
content: I've taken to using PCB Library Expert Lite to generate footprints for Altium; it has settings for paste percentage and automatically generates suitable apertures. Does Altium's footprint generator not have those options? I haven't looked in a while. Library Expert's defaults seem to work well enough for the prototypes we assemble in-house. For production, though, that's the sort of thing I let the assembler worry about. I include a note in the assembly package that the paste apertures are nominal and they should adjust them as needed to suit their process. After all, that's what I'm paying them for! You might have unusually specific (or just unusual) requirements for the paste application, but even then I'd prefer to tell the assembler the results I need and let them figure out the process.

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2018, 06:58:48 pm
content: Normally the supplier of the solder paste stencil will "grid the large pad into smaller a number of smaller squares" automatically for you. Talk to them if you have a particular need or have particular concerns.The thickness of the stencil also needs to be carefully chosen.If the large SMD pads are used as heatsinks, consider not only using a vapour phase oven but avacuumvapour oven.Vapour phase will normally ensure a better solder joint for larger pads & the vacuum will suck out the air under the component which then provides the best heat transfer to the pad itself.This can be very important when using power mosfets that generate considerable heat.In some of our designs we have have no choice but to move back to through hole mosfets for heat dissipation reasons.
Custom PAD desigm - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Tsiligiris
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 21, 2018, 03:43:15 pm
content: Hello everyone,I want to create a PAD (recommended footprint from manufacturer) but is not on the default options.Is there any option on Alitum 09 or 14 or 18 to create it without using 2 separate PADs as below ?Thank you

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2018, 04:22:30 pm
content: Certainly:http://www.altium.com/documentation/17.0/display/ADES/((Working+with+Custom+Pad+Shapes))_ADBut I wouldn't worry about it, half the time those pad shapes aren't even desirable.Tim
Unable to change soldermask color in 3D mode? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2018, 08:45:45 pm
content: I think I've run into an odd mode. I can't change the soldermask color while in 3D mode. I also can't change between 2D and 3D mode using the dropdown on the primary toolbar. I have to go to View > 3D mode to switch.Has anyone run into this?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2018, 09:51:18 pm
content: Did you accidentally delete the view mode on the layer dialog?Tim

author: mars01
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 09:25:08 am
content: Check if you still have the*.config_3Dfiles in the following folder:C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Roaming\Altium\Altium Designer {Your_GUID_here}\ViewConfigurationsIn the same folder check the configuration file named:RegisteredViewConfigurations.iniif you still have all the "views" registered.The content should be like this:Code:LastCustomFolder=C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Roaming\Altium\Altium Designer {YOUR_GUID_HERE}\ViewConfigurations\Altium Standard 2D=C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Roaming\Altium\Altium Designer {YOUR_GUID_HERE}\ViewConfigurations\Altium Standard 2D.config_2dsimpleAltium Transparent 2D=C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Roaming\Altium\Altium Designer {YOUR_GUID_HERE}\ViewConfigurations\Altium Transparent 2D.config_2dsimpleAltium 3D Black=C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Roaming\Altium\Altium Designer {YOUR_GUID_HERE}\ViewConfigurations\Altium 3D Black.config_3dAltium 3D Blue=C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Roaming\Altium\Altium Designer {YOUR_GUID_HERE}\ViewConfigurations\Altium 3D Blue.config_3dAltium 3D Brown=C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Roaming\Altium\Altium Designer {YOUR_GUID_HERE}\ViewConfigurations\Altium 3D Brown.config_3dAltium 3D Color By Layer=C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Roaming\Altium\Altium Designer {YOUR_GUID_HERE}\ViewConfigurations\Altium 3D Color By Layer.config_3dAltium 3D Dk Green=C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Roaming\Altium\Altium Designer {YOUR_GUID_HERE}\ViewConfigurations\Altium 3D Dk Green.config_3dAltium 3D Lt Green=C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Roaming\Altium\Altium Designer {YOUR_GUID_HERE}\ViewConfigurations\Altium 3D Lt Green.config_3dAltium 3D Red=C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Roaming\Altium\Altium Designer {YOUR_GUID_HERE}\ViewConfigurations\Altium 3D Red.config_3dAltium 3D White=C:\Users\Your_username_here\AppData\Roaming\Altium\Altium Designer {YOUR_GUID_HERE}\ViewConfigurations\Altium 3D White.config_3d
AD18 - Draftsman dimensioning issue - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Niklas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2018, 11:15:26 am
content: I have a rigid-flex board where I want to add dimensions to the individual sections, for instance length of FR4 section or flex section. The problem is that Draftsman only seems to accept the outer contour of the complete PCB as valid point to snap the measurements to. I get an orange in the corners or the complete side highlighted as the mouse pointer hovers over it. A T-shaped intersection between corners seems to be impossible to snap to. Tried to add lines that goes outside, inside or with connection to the PCB outline, but none of them seems to be accepted by Draftsman after updating the board. The line is there, but it cannot be selected.It is also not possible to add a measurement and then to move it manually to the position I want.We are on subscription so I just filed a case to the support, but any thoughts or ideas for workarounds?

author: Niklas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 06:24:52 am
content: I have received feedback from Altium's support and the summary is that it is not possible without manual tweaks of the outline. So the workaround will be to add a small difference in width between the area defined as flex and the area of FR4.Internal board cutouts are handled properly.