hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
SamacSys component search/install plugin for the Altium Designer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hesam.moshiri
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2019, 03:41:10 pm
content: I use the Altium designer to design PCBs. Recently I found a very interesting plugin which can be installed and used inside the Altium designer. I am able to search for the components and install the libraries in the Altium and use them instantly in the project.Designing the schematic and footprints libraries are time-consuming and tedious tasks, which reduces the productivity of a designer because it is a routine procedure for every new component that brings fatigue and sometimes nervousness. Therefore, at least it helped me a lot, so I decided to share it herehttps://www.samacsys.com/altium-designer-library-instructionsit has been produced by a company named SamacSys, which is located in London-UK. The component database/search engine contains more than 15 million parts and all services of this website are for free. even if you could not find a specific component, it can be ordered to be designed for free!

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2019, 10:32:25 pm
content: NeatoI am a bit paranoid so prefer to make SCH/PCB symbols/footprints myself. To make PCB footprint gen a bit easier I use this:https://www.pcblibraries.com/

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2019, 11:17:40 pm
content: Quote from: hesam.moshiri on March 03, 2019, 03:41:10 pmI assume you do not have a current Altium subscription?If you do the fastest way is to access the Altium Vault for your component needs. The footprints from the vault have been rechecked for accuracy by an engineer.

author: hesam.moshiri
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2019, 07:20:05 am
content: Quote from: ANTALIFE on March 03, 2019, 10:32:25 pmActually, all services of this website are free. it contains more than 15 million parts currently

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2019, 05:44:46 pm
content: I've tried it but was never satisfied by the footprint quality and ability to set it up.I also recommend pcblibraries. In general, always check on octopart if the component has a model, they're very good.Davide
Altium Designer 18 creating design rules for polygon classes (SOLVED) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mzbas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2019, 10:05:13 am
content: Hi,I wanted to know if there is a way to create design rules for polygon classes. I'm trying to create a clearance rule for multiple polygons, and do not want to add them one by one in the design rules window. So I decided to create a polygon class so I could assign the rule to that. But I could not find a condition type like "InPolygonClass". All answer are appreciated, thank you.

author: mzbas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2019, 10:41:19 am
content: Instead of assigning rule to the polygon class i have created a net class and added the polygon nets to it. I created the clearance rule for the nets class. This worked but still wondering if the is a way to do this in a way mentioned in my first question. I have seen it for circuit studio but not in Altium 18. The link for circuit studio is below.http://documentation.circuitstudio.com/display/CSTU/((Added+Support+for+Polygon+Classes))_CS

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2019, 11:24:23 am
content: i dont have time to check right now, but keep in mind Altium has a few weird naming systems.stuff likeInPolygon vsIsPolygon, that sort of thing.Try searching for stuff like that, one of them should work for all polygons.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2019, 03:23:43 pm
content: Works for me

author: mzbas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2019, 05:29:15 am
content: Quote from: ajb on February 27, 2019, 03:23:43 pmI have tried it again, by writing InPolygonClass in the window. Perhaps I had done a syntax error in the previous tries, or was confused because I couldn't find it in the query builder/helper. It works now, thanks you for your help
Interactive Length Tuning Violates DRC - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cjurczak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2019, 04:05:06 pm
content: I am using the interactive length tuning function, and it is placing accordian segments in violation of my DRC rules. Is there something I am missing to make sure that they are using DRC? I'm currently using 19.0.12, I don't have 18 on my PC anymore, not sure I can get it back at this point. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

author: Deridex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2019, 07:01:51 am
content: Actually i only saw this when i had to tune the length of a differential pair. There the legnthtuning of course violates the DRC-Rules. How else should the length be tuned there?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2019, 12:17:24 pm
content: OP: what rules are being violated? What geometry is being violated?Regarding diff pairs, that's simply an overzealous setting. Even into the picosecond range of edge rates, it's not very important to keep pairs closely associated, in terms of separation distance and length of separation.Tim

author: cjurczak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2019, 02:19:57 pm
content: I have set a clearance rule within my Net Class for my DDR3. When I use interactive routing to connect nets the rule is applied. When I use interactive length tuning it places accordions in violation to the same clearance rule.
Altium 404 page - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2019, 12:35:35 am
content: I wish Altium put as much efforts in fixing bugs as in their 404 page design

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2019, 03:29:16 am
content: It was a 404 for some linked page , not the site root.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2019, 03:31:50 am
content: Seems companies get creative with their 404 pages design. Here is one from Texas Instruments.

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 02:41:07 am
content: Thingiverseis still my favhttps://www.thingiverse.com/asjdfaskjgah

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 04:04:45 am
content: One from Analog Devices web site.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 04:08:21 am
content: Well, you can almost make it a collection hobby...

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2019, 09:08:57 pm
content: eBay
Visible tracks in 3D view - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MadModder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2016, 09:12:01 pm
content: I've been trying out Altium Designer 16 for a couple of days now, and I can't figure this out.I'd like my tracks and copper pours to show in 3D view. How do I do that?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2016, 09:15:15 pm
content: options-layers : hide the silkscreens and core

author: MadModder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2016, 09:53:08 pm
content: I looked all over for layer options, but couldn't find anything.But after a while I right clicked on one of the layer tabs at the bottom, and there was layer colors and layer transparency. So Now I got a dark semi transparent core, light green tracks under the mask, and dark green where there's no copper.

author: burningfire
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 24, 2019, 09:18:17 pm
content: oh well done . I had the same problem .thanks for helping !It's all about the experienceReady to Goooo

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2019, 07:39:52 pm
content: There is a nice preset "3d color by layer" or something like this. Press "L" to open the panel to select it.
Altium routing and GND plane - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: servermax90
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 03:06:15 pm
content: HelloToday happened something strange.While i'm routing i'm unable to use TOP-GND plane vias. I can place a Top layer- GND plane via if i want, but while i'm routing if i press "+" to change layer i can't reach GND plane with the via, only other layers. I tried to import rules from another project or to try this on an older project but the problem persist. May anyone help me? I can't find the solution...

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 03:44:01 pm
content: Is your ground layer defined as a plane layer or a signal layer? Signal layers can be routed on, plane layers cannot, so the plane layer not being accessible from interactive routing makes sense.(For small boards with only a handful of layers, a signal layer with a polygon on it is just as good as a plane layer. For more complex boards using plane layers can be a significant performance improvement because there are far fewer polygon pours to recalculate.)

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 04:01:49 pm
content: You can only route a trace between routing layers; planes are not routable, therefore you cannot switch to them during routing. Other layers can be prohibited as well, by object or net, with the Routing Layers rule.Tim

author: servermax90
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 11, 2019, 12:09:49 pm
content: Hello, it is a plane. But i swear that i was able to route GND signals to GND plane during interactive routing. :/So if i wanna route a GND trace to GND plane with a via have i to do it manually?

author: Fgrir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2019, 04:57:50 pm
content: I use "/" on the keypad to connect to a plane during interactive routing. Still works in AD18 at least.
AD19 - Not fitted components are not X-out on PCB  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: d-chris
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 07:49:35 am
content: Hi,i generated a variant and also imported it into the PCB document.in the schematic the not fitted parts are marked but not in the pcb.how do i enable draft-mode?thanks

author: twistedresistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2019, 06:41:51 am
content: Hi,fist, enable the variant in the PCB view via the dropdown menu. You can check if the component disappears in 3D view. Just to be sure the variant works.I'm using AD 17, the component does not disappear or change appearance in normal 2D view, it only applies when you generate an "Assembly Drawing" output via an output job.Make sure to enable the desired variant in the OutJob as well.I can't check right now, but think it also does not change appearance in an "Composit Print"
Altium design rule: MinimumSolderMaskSliver - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: electricar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 08:35:14 am
content: Hey guys,I'm wondering how to set up a rule to do the following:I want to have a soldermask of 0,15mm between members of the layer "Solder" in Altium, that has the same net but is not in the same component.I want to have 0mm between copper (layer "Solder" in Altium) that are in different nets.Does anybody know how to set this up?Thank you in advance!

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 08:46:06 am
content: I typically set it up by clicking on the small checkbox next to it.

author: electricar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 08:54:50 am
content: Which checkbox do you mean?I'm wondering about the expressions for the rules, especially for this one:I want to have a soldermask of 0,15mm between members of the layer "Solder" in Altium, that has the same net but is not in the same component.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 09:26:39 am
content: The one which turns it off.The board house will modify this gerber layer anyway.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 03:34:57 pm
content: This rule is just a check. It does not affect fabrication in any way.If you want to remove mask around nets, you have to set that yourself.You can set soldermask expansion by individual object. You cannot set it by coincidence of objects: the query tool is 1st order logic only. It would have to be something like, make two separate queries and equate their results. You can't do that. (Clearance rules sort of can; by their nature, two objects are queried. But again, you can't equate anything between the two passes.)Tim
polygon pour differences - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2019, 01:48:47 pm
content: Im trying to follow an example to make a logo on a board -http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/electronics-videos/altium-design-secret-21-how-to-import-graphics-and-rf-geometries-using-dxf-files/61801/everything is ok, except when i pour the copper it first of all will not pour unless i give it a net and run a track through it (not too much a big deal but is there a reason why it's different in the video?) but the real problem is that the copper doesn't pour *over* the logo, it only pours up to the edges of the logo, so when i explode the polygons to primitives, i just end up with a cut out - see attachedhow can i make a polygon *over* an imported dxf?

author: jimmeh11
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 05, 2019, 09:42:29 am
content: Hi vixo,Any chance you have the 'Remove dead copper' selection in the Polygon Pour dialog ticked? If so, this won't pour any copper that isn't connected to an active net.Jim

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2019, 05:42:51 pm
content: Polygons behave in ways that make sense for electrical design, not graphical design.I suggest you create your drawings with lines and arcs (better if using autocad or similar software, there are also free ones like draftsight) and then use "tools->convert" tools to create your finished shape.Davide

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2019, 05:59:37 pm
content: I do it with Regions. A combination of convert from outline, and hand crafted outline (when convert gives shitty outlines), is tedious but gives results as good as you care to make:https://www.seventransistorlabs.com/Images/PSPWMFC_Why.pngYou can make hollow Regions by pulling in a concave section, then closing the sides in around it. The cavity connects to the outside through two parallel (so zero-width opening) line segments. Or by building it out of whole, touching or overlapping pieces.The other standard method to get graphics in, is to convert the vector graphics into TTF and write a character of that font with a String. There are free tools to convert SVG to TTF, but to get to SVG from any other source may not be trivial. I don't think you can explode Strings to Regions or other primitives in Altium, so that's as far as you can go with that method.Tim
Top level harness split (Repeat) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FPSUsername
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 15, 2019, 03:29:48 pm
content: Hello,I am using two sensors, each with their own FPGA and I want to connect them using a top layer layout.Since the sensor is 100% the same, I wanted to route all the differential pairs to the outside using a bus, but since a bus needs specific naming (ending with 1 to x) I can not do that, as differential pairs claim the last part of the name with _N and _P.Therefore I used a harness.Now I use the repeat on the sensor and want to split the repeated differential pair harness, but I have no idea how.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2019, 07:52:06 pm
content: You can't use repeat with harnesses or buses, as you've seen it doesn't work. You'll need to place two separate IMAG sheets and wire them with separate harnesses. You'll still be able to use the 'Copy Room Format' command as well as the other multi-channel niceties.
Rounding corners of placed lines - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: twistedresistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2019, 11:03:40 am
content: Hi,I'm looking for a way to round over the corners with a specified radius after a line is placed.I know how to miter the corners after placing, but not to round them, or specify the radius/miter value.I know i can place a 90° round by switching the routing mode, and I can change the radius with [,] / [.], but there is no way to specify the exact radius and the steps seem imperial, regardless of the set unit. You can change the radius of a placed corner with an arc by dragging, but it is dependent on the grid and basically guesswork.Does anyone know of a simpler, exact way?(Basically I am looking for the functionality of the Miter Tool in EAGLE, if anyone has experience with it.)Thank you!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2019, 12:50:01 pm
content: Unless there's a dialog or script to do it, I don't think so...You can create a single arc with the right metrics, then rubber-stamp it on top of all the traces you want it on, and clean up the corners after. Tedious, but accurate at least?Tim

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2019, 02:06:15 pm
content: i'm assuming you want tracks to 'hug' a circular contour. AD19 has that feature.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 28, 2019, 03:58:53 pm
content: Place an arc
altium designer PCB board wizard - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2019, 01:26:07 pm
content: hi there , i just installed altium manager but i'm not able to open :the workspace managerthe file panel (it's not present in the panel list and dont want to stay in after toolbar customisation)the pcb board wizard.how can i do thatregardscharly

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2019, 02:08:15 pm
content: I askedthe same questionbut alas, no answer

author: grosfaignan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2019, 02:27:06 pm
content: yes i saw that so i decide to let my post,i've saw the icon for file panel and workspace manager in the customize toolbar editor, but they dont want to appears in the menu dialog
Removing Thermal Reliefs? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: theatrical scene
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2019, 11:18:13 pm
content: I've seen that you can set up a rule to remove thermal relieving from pads by setting a rule (like inhttps://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/165136/altium-polygon-pour-direct-connect-on-vias-relief-connect-on-pads) but I was wondering whether there is a way to do this from the editor to individual vias/pads without making a rule for each net?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2019, 12:45:04 am
content: Nope! Has to be by rule.Or you can short over it with copper. (Doesn't work on a plane layer, obviously.)The next closest you might do is:IsPad AND (Name Like 'R101-1')or something like that.Or the next better way, go into Design/Classes, put the pad in a new Pad Class, and query InPadClass('Direct') (or whatever you named them).Tim
Display Component Comments on PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: theatrical scene
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2019, 03:00:44 am
content: When laying out a PCB in AD18, only the component designators show up on the top overlay/silkscreen layer. How would I go about including the comment/value parameters such that a resistor shows "10K" rather than "R1" (and so on)?

author: Batang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2019, 03:41:07 am
content: For AD17, I would assume that AD18 is the same.As per the image.Cheers

author: theatrical scene
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2019, 03:50:12 am
content: Awesome thanks! Did you get to that menu by right clicking on the part and selecting "component actions"?

author: Batang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2019, 03:56:16 am
content: Double clicking on the part in the PCB editor if the part is lockedor left click on unlocked part to select it and then right click for context menu and select Properties.Cheers

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2019, 03:56:16 am
content: Component properties. Double-click; or right-click, Properties; or use the Properties window (formerly Inspector Panel).I don't think you can get SCH parameters on the PCB but you can copy them to the Comment field where it will sync. Use Parameter Manager or SCH List to do this.Tim
Named polygon direct connection and another clearance - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Kanc1erz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2019, 11:02:05 am
content: Hi,is there fast possibility to make a named polygon using direct connection and another clearance? For instance:I got converter MP3414 nad instead of routing it normally it would be better to make those connections (with inductor, caps and so on) using a polygon.Now I am doing it by writing rule like: InComponent('U7') or InComponent('L1') etc. but it would be more convenient if I could write: InNamedPolygon('MP3414_Inductor'). It obviously doesn't work, as in the screen below.Maybe you have some other "pro tips" for noobs like me?

author: Kanc1erz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2019, 01:46:43 pm
content: The answer is: IsNamedPolygon('PolyName')

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2019, 09:33:18 pm
content: Polygons are weird... sometimes you use InPoly, sometimes you use IsNamedPolygon, sometimes you...Tim

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2019, 03:11:17 am
content: In access the objects that make up the polygon ( a polygon is a tlist of vectors)Is means the object itself.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2019, 04:41:49 pm
content: Another strange thing is that copper polygons are not considered electrical by the "IsElectrical" query. That one had me scratching heads for quite awhile.A guy just wanted to write a board outline rule for copper and my polygons were not following the rule. If it wasn't for the whole test query feature I would have gone insane long ago.
Controlled Impedance Differential Pairs - Can altium do this autmatically? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2019, 10:01:32 pm
content: Is there a way that Altium knows how to deal to the impedance of differnetial pairs.. I can see how to do it for single ended signals.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2019, 10:48:44 pm
content: Seems you can't, but maybe can do in V19

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2019, 05:53:06 am
content: 19 should be able to do it as it has a field solver now.
Component Pin INput from Excell. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2019, 08:48:10 pm
content: I have a 670 pin BGA to create in Altium. I have the pin descriptions in Excel, i'm wondering is there any way to autoamaticlly import them.Smart Paste only lets you copy onto parts that already exisit, so it seems i need to at a mimimum create all the pins, by hand.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2019, 11:07:41 pm
content: Use the SCH List Panel.Tim

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2019, 02:38:46 am
content: Tim, that only allows you to edit/paste data into pins that already exisit.I found that you can do this by usign the compoent wizard, and you can paste in new pin data.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2019, 05:13:05 am
content: Meh, copy and paste pins until you have enough of them. Then set in List.Or paste array (if it's in SCHLIB Editor? I forget).You'll probably want to scratch everything together on one symbol/sheet, then copy parts out to separate IO banks or however you like dividing up those beasts.Tim

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2019, 03:06:26 am
content: in schlib editor : use the schematic part wizard. you can copy paste the table in there directly.
Using text letters as PCB outline and cut-outs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mark
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2019, 12:25:38 pm
content: I would like to use my new CNC machine to create a birthday card for my brother, and have the text form the outline of the PCB.Something likeHappyBirthdayBroor something equally naff. Is it possible to add text to the PCB and have Altium automatically create a polygon outline for the board and also automatically create polygons for the cut-outs (i.e. cut out the enclosed parts of the a p d B & o)?Or... would it be best to put the text on a mechanical layer and get the CNC software to create the geometry?Thank you.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2019, 07:16:29 pm
content: This sounds like a job for a vector graphics tool that can export a dxf. Maybe Inkscape? I know CorelDraw and Illustrator will do the job if you don't mind a paid solution.If you want to make the PCB function you can import the dxf into a mechanical layer in Altium and design around it, otherwise just pull it directly into your CAM tool.

author: Mark
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2019, 07:54:31 pm
content: Inkscape is new to me, thanks for the recommendation, it looks like it could be useful!
Help with Annotate  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Aztlanpz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2019, 01:39:57 am
content: Can anyone take a look at my project and see why its not annotating correctly.ThanksAztlan

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2019, 03:52:48 pm
content: what do you mean with 'not annotating correctly ?you have all annotation hard locked ....
Cut connections in schematic? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: theatrical scene
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2019, 02:13:24 am
content: I was wondering if there was a method to draw a line which would cut the connections on a schematic in two segments (crude ascii representation: ----- to ---- ----)? My motivation was to cut multiple lines at the same time without individually going in and deleting the connection segments and re-wiring as necessary.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2019, 03:27:41 pm
content: If you place a component on a wire such that it makes connections with two points on the wire, the wire segment between those two points will be deleted. Think of adding a series resistor to a wire, you just drop the resistor onto the wire and the resistor winds up in series with the connection. So you could just place a resistor (or whatever) on each of the wires you want to cut, and then remove it.

author: theatrical scene
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2019, 10:38:56 pm
content: Thanks!
board cutout in component - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2019, 09:56:39 pm
content: I would like to put a board level cut out in a component.. ( the purple layer ).. but i can't figure out how to convert the region to a cutout. How do you do this.. I'm using Altium 17.1

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2019, 11:58:38 pm
content: Don't have Altium in front of me, but from memory you want to draw a closed perimeter that outlines your cutout, highlight them, and convert that outline into a cutout by going: Tools » Convert » Create Cutout from Selected Primitives

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2019, 12:00:13 am
content: Quote from: ANTALIFE on January 13, 2019, 11:58:38 pmThis is what you do when you are editing a pcb, but it does'tn seem to work when you are editing a component.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2019, 12:02:56 am
content: Set the Region to a Board Cutout. I prefer to put an outline on Keep-out as well, or whatever layer you're using for board outline.Tim

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2019, 12:38:03 am
content: Thanks Tim. That eluded me for a while
Highlight nets in Altium 18?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: theatrical scene
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2019, 11:36:16 pm
content: This is probably a super simple thing but for some reason I can't find a way to click on a net in the schematic view and highlight all the connections on the same sheet (to make sure my nets are connected properly). Currently, I use the Navigator panel and search for the net name and double click to highlight the net, is there a way to do this graphically with a shortcut or something similar on the schematic itself?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2019, 07:17:06 am
content: Alt+Click on the an object connected to the net?
Altium ActiveRoute - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cjurczak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2019, 06:51:44 pm
content: I hope not to cause the zealots and trolls to riot, but does anyone use ActiveRoute? I use it occasionally to route point to point monotonous portions of interconnects. I only use it on a single layer, and have been reasonably happy with the results. After not having used it in awhile, I have been having some issues. ActiveRoute will complete, but the portion of tracks it ran will be full of DRC violations. I have the Track-Track Space set to Rule, but I don't see any other settings that could be the problem. I am recently ugraded from 18 to 19, but the same problem seems to occur in 19.If anyone might have any insight into how I am using the wrong, or what I can do to make sure the results of ActiveRoute are within DRC constraints it would be appreciated.
Help with the script - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Narside
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 28, 2018, 09:57:13 am
content: Hello. I kindly ask for your help in making script - it will import DC op points (voltages) from LTspice and put'em as a note to specified nets in Altium schematics. Below there is an example of the output file which i'm about to import from LTspice..nodeset V(n002)=14.59894341 V(out)=0.003793630424 V(n013)=0.6770139189 V(n017)=0.003793630424+ V(n019)=-25.03608544 V(n008)=15.98437461 V(+vs)=25 V(d1:3)=16.84 V(n016)=-0.005649090107+ V(in)=0 V(d2:3)=-8.16 V(d3:3)=-8.16 V(n012)=3.907166211 V(n007)=15.98437461 V(n004)=19.93241994+ V(n005)=4.642203728 V(n009)=0.3860467752 V(n006)=4.642203728 V(n010)=0.3859918457+ V(n018)=-20.35945837 V(n014)=0 V(-vs)=-25 V(n015)=0.003793630424 V(n011)=0.003849349371+ V(n022)=-20.35945837 V(n021)=-24.61677347 V(n023)=-20.35945837 V(n024)=-24.61654835+ V(n001)=4.642203728 V(n003)=0.6770139189 V(n020)=-24.88061479So, we see the net name in brackets and its value. What could be ther script to put these values at certain nets? This would be a great help to me in debugging and setting up my boards. Also i attach the picture with the way it's done in Orcad Thank you in advance

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2018, 11:02:03 pm
content: Doesn't Altium already have a SPICE simulator built in? Have a look at the documentation to see how it could integrate with schematics, this might be a good place to start:https://techdocs.altium.com/display/AMSE/SPICE+Model+Creation+from+User+Datahttps://www.ecs.baylor.edu/ece/doc.php/271459.pdf

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2019, 05:17:04 pm
content: should be easy to do.simply iterate over net labels and check if they match your spice net name. then inject a text label below the net label with the voltage.it's like 20 lines of code
Draftsman automatically coloring same value component - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Cloud
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2019, 10:17:51 am
content: Is there option or "trick" in Altium Draftsman to automatically color components that are same value with same color. Currently I do this by hand but it would be nice to have a template so you just update it and print it out
GIT Issue - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2018, 10:47:02 pm
content: Anyone know why GIT isn't showing up as an option for Data Managment >> Version Control. The extension is installed. This problem exists for me in AD18 and AD19. I would appreciate any insight folks could lend me.
AD18 Camtastic Export to drawing quick question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Poe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2018, 09:29:57 pm
content: Can anyone with AD18 see if they still have the option in Camtastic to export gerbers to drawing (DXF)?I recently upgraded to AD18 from AD11 and the option appears to be missing.Also, could someone recommend a better CAM viewer, even if not free?Thanks

author: cadguy68
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2018, 03:57:48 pm
content: DXF export from Camtastic in Altium V18 has been removed, for whatever reason. Confirmed by Altium representatives on their own forum.FAB3000 is what Altium's Camtastic would look like today if Altium kept up with the development of the tool:https://www.numericalinnovations.com/collections/fab-3000-gerber-cam
How to select multiple pads easily - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2018, 03:08:35 pm
content: Hi,I want to select some pads like dragging a rectangle to select them and use Interactively route multiple connections, But It seems the selection box does not allow me, and I should select all the pins one by one, do we have something in aid?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2018, 05:34:09 pm
content: If you want to avoid the popup box thingy, lock the component (right-click on it, or set its property any other way).Unfortunately the built-in select won't do non-free pads. You could query it, maybe even write a script to make a mouse-driven InRegion query command that's more powerful than select, but yeah, more effort to figure it out.Tim

author: Deridex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2018, 06:37:06 am
content: Try to keep the Ctrl-Key pressed while dragging the rectangle.

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2018, 11:54:21 am
content: Thanks

author: mengfei
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2018, 06:21:42 am
content: Edit > Select > Toggle Selectionnow you can click on each pad w/o shift/crtl key
Altium: "3D Layout Mode" parallax settings - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2018, 04:38:48 pm
content: I have to make assembly documentation. I will take screen shots of the 3D views of the circuit assembly with part models. However, in 3D mode Altium applies parallax perspective to the rendering. Is there a way to change it or turn it off?What I'm really looking for is the same zero-degree isometric no-perspective plan view as in 2D Layout Mode, but with the full board rendering using part models and colors.

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2018, 04:50:17 pm
content: I found it:Design -> Board Layers & Colors...General -> ProjectionSelect between Perspective and Orthographic.
[Please Help] Drill Table in Altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kien0707
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 30, 2018, 04:59:26 am
content: Can anyone there help me take out "Drill Table" on Altium Designer 16? I followed the guidance on internet: From menu button click " Place" to get "Drill table" but after click Place, I could not find Drill table. Please help me. Thanks alot!

author: bybyEEVblog
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 16, 2018, 08:51:53 pm
content: Hi kien0707,I found "Drill Table" include the Menue „Place“ at Ver. 16.1.Alternatively, you can also place the >>> .Legend <<< text variable.During the output, a drill table will be placed at this position.EEVblog You banned 4pcb.de - I do not get it! But ok, this is my last log, by
From PCB to Schematic file - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2019, 06:21:16 am
content: Is there a way to convert a PCB file into a schematic file.I know this is going back to front but i have been asked to reverse engineer an older design with no information other than a sample board.I would like to, having generated the artwork ( transcribed the board visually), convert the artwork to a sensible schematic file.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2019, 06:40:17 am
content: It would be challenging, but may be possible for at least some designs.The program needs to identify footprints by recognizing sets of pads and correlating them to devices kept in a BOM list or similar database.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2019, 08:02:12 am
content: http://www.saelig.com/category/abi-reveng.htm

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2019, 10:15:00 pm
content: There is a "Create Netlist from Connected Copper" option in the PCB editor under Design > Netlist. I'm frankly not sure if you can do anything useful with the netlist other than use it as a guide to manually recreate the schematic, though. Still, it should be a lot easier than transcribing it visually.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2019, 01:23:51 am
content: I am aware o that option but do not see how to use it on the way from PCB artwork to a schematic.I guess a case of a" tits_on_a_bull " situation.... useless.
Copy components from a file to another - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Agrum
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2018, 01:59:08 pm
content: Hello,I have 2 pcb files (file A and file B) and I have to merge them in 1 file. I have selected and copied all components, tracks etc from file A and pasted in file B. It work but I have lost all net names.It doesn't look a problem except the fact that if you want to make a track from the board B to the pasted board A you have to assign pad net in board A.Do you think that this is ok or it's sound like a too rough method? Do you think that I'll lose some connections for some reasons?Kind Regards

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2018, 03:48:29 pm
content: To do this right:In schematic preferences, make sure that "Reset Parts Designators On Paste" is disabled.Copy and paste the schematic elements from A to B--or if you're bringing over a whole schematic sheet, just copy and paste the file into your project directory and use "Add Existing to Project" from the project explorer.Copy the PCB elements from PCB A.Use "Paste Special" in PCB B, check "Keep Net Name", then click "Paste".Before doing anything else, from the menu in the PCB, select Project -> Component Links.Use the dialog to re-establish the links between the schematic components you've pasted in the schematics and the components you pasted into the PCB.Do a Sch -> PCB push to check for errors.Re-annotate your schematics if necessary to eliminate duplicate designators. These changes should be able to be pushed from sch to pcb without issue.

author: Agrum
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2018, 10:35:46 am
content: Thanks
Polygons overlap - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Agrum
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2018, 11:37:42 am
content: Hello, I have a big polygon connected to "net A" and I want to create another polygon inside the first one connected to "net B".Both polygons are on the same layer so when I do the second polygon it's overlapped to the first. How can I separate the 2 polygon between them without redo the first?I hope that the question is clear,thanks

author: veryevil
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 13, 2018, 12:45:59 pm
content: Go into the polygon manager and increase the priority of the polygon connected to B

author: Agrum
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2018, 01:47:19 pm
content: Thanks, it works!!

author: Deridex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2018, 09:52:48 am
content: You can also you Altiums automatic to generate the priorities. It works quite well and i tend to not do it manually.
Automated Fanouts in Altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rfbroadband
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 16, 2018, 03:08:56 pm
content: I am curious as to what kind of automated fan out features Altium supports.For example, a 13 by 13 BGA:Can you auto generate arrays of vias that are placed between the balls, automatically connected to the BGA pads according to constraints one can specify (via type, spacing rules, centering, alignment etc). After auto fan out do the vias and traces from pad to via belong to the BGA and can you copy the fan out structure to other components in the design....etc.if there are any particular automated fan out features that you like, please mention them.thanks

author: Mars
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2018, 03:23:40 pm
content: This feature is so poorly implemented in Altium (currently failing in version 18.1) that you should not, for medical reasons, attempt to do this for all but the most trivial cases. Having tried and failed to auto-fanout a BGA with blind vias for the last 90 minutes of my life, I've reached the point where I rather shoot myself in the face than to try to pursue this matter further. My last gasp google search attempt led me to this god-forsaken thread and it will also end there. Good luck and if you work for Altium and read this I'd also like to take on the opportunity to say a warm Fuck You Very Much.Merry Christmas and all the best!XXX
Altium: power plane connect only on some layers? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Kentxu
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 07, 2018, 04:14:07 am
content: Hi,I have a design with several ground/power planes, but only want the PTH pins to connect on some planes, not all of them.So under "Power Plane Connect Style", I made two rules. One with this query for relief connect:ispad And ((Layer = 'L2 GND') or (Layer = 'L5 GND'))And one with this query for no connect:ispad And OnLayer('L3 PWR')Hoping that the PTH pins would only connect on L2 & L5. But the result is they don't connect on ANY layers.Any ideas on how to do this?Thanks, Ken

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2018, 12:12:44 pm
content: Use different nets.Why would you ever not want to stitch planes together that are the same net?Tim

author: Kentxu
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 07, 2018, 07:45:38 pm
content: Hi Tim,The ground planes are all stitched together with vias. This is for the PTH pins on connectors. On our boards which have up to 6 ground planes we're seeing that the ground pins are hard to solder. Too much thermal mass, even with a thermal relief on the connections. So I was hoping there would be an easy way to define that these pins only connect on two layers, not 6. But perhaps that is not possible with Altium, so as you suggest I will have to change the net on some planes under the connector. Oh well...Thanks, Ken

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2018, 09:36:01 pm
content: Try a thermal relief plane connect style?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2018, 11:22:12 pm
content: Yeah, I'd just set a larger clearance (= longer spokes) and thinner/fewer spokes. Bonus points for setting different spoke patterns on different layers so it still averages out to, say, an evenly spaced four-spoke or whatever.There's always the option of converting* the planes to polys, which offers richer design rules and connect options (though you still only have the two or four spokes and 90 or 45 degree options), at the expense of more repour time**.*A manual process, sadly.**I've done a few large designs (~1000 parts, 8 layers) and the time taken to calculate plane connectivity is dismal, whole seconds after each object move. Changing to polys fixed that, but again, at the cost of repouring them (which at least can be done in batch, unlike the plane step).Tim
bus of harnesses - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: UStralian
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 26, 2018, 05:53:49 pm
content: Is there a neat solution to creating a bus or array of harnesses? Say I have a large number of differential pairs, or other multi-wire sets like PCIE lanes. I create a harness to contain those wires (eg a diffpair harness connector with entries D_N and D_P), but then I want to group all those harnesses into a bus or array (eg DIFFPAIRS[31..0]). Sure, I can use another harness with DIFFPAIR0...DIFFPAIRn entries, but this gets tedious for even a handful of pairs, and would be really painful for, say, a 16x PCIe bus.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 26, 2018, 11:01:53 pm
content: Nope. A harness containing other harnesses is the best you can do. Sixteen diffpairs isn't that bad, especially since you can define the harness connector once. I don't know that there's much value in making each individual diff pair a harness unto itself.