hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
[Solved] Creating a filled arc segment the easy way - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: twistedresistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2017, 10:17:09 am
content: Hi,I've tried for a good while to crate a filled arc segment, but i couldn't find an easy solution.I want to create a segment like shown in the screenshot. I know the radius and the height (X-direction in the screenshot).Maybe there is a way with mitered routing, but I couldn't make it work that way (always at 90/45° and I can't change the radius of the miter). I've also tried to add new vertices to a triangle, but the segments are connected via straight lines.Does anyone know of a simple solution to this task? Thank you in advance.Regards.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2017, 11:13:54 am
content: Hold CTRL+SHIFT then drag on the line segment control point. CTRL+SPACE to change the segment type.Wait, is that in the right order? Anyway, it's some combination of those.You may want to cut the reference arc into a few pieces, so you have nearby snap points to set it to.In this way, you can construct any filled shape with arcs. You can also make a hole in the middle by making a "U" shape, and bringing the tips of the "U" together so they just touch.This works for 3DComponentBody objects too, which means you can construct extruded shapes with arbitrary curves (they end up approximated by segments, unfortunately), then convert them to STEP and rotate into any orientation, to construct more complex 3D shapes.Tim

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2017, 11:14:25 am
content: draw the outline with arc and line tools.Select the outline (and nothing else)tools>convert>create polygon from selected primitivesYou may or may not need to change the created polygon to solid fill from no fill, and repour it...(the filled arc segment behind the menu is the one I made to check this would work before making the screenshot.)

author: twistedresistor
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2017, 01:24:38 pm
content: I have tried this before, but I wasn't able to change the segment type. The approximation technique I've tried successfully before.Quote from: T3sl4co1l on May 29, 2017, 11:13:54 amI was sure, there was something where you can get it "perfect", which is pretty much what julianhigginson wrote.Fun thing: The resulting Region is defined by the two points on the arc and the angle. So with some trigonometry you could figure out the points beforehand.Thank you guys very much for your help.
Altium with SVN part library? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dansku
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 03:32:07 pm
content: Hello,I have installed an SVN library in a Synology server to host all the PCB projects.I am doing some research and I would like suggestions on a way to approach to have a centralized components library that is not just the files on a shared disk?Thank you very much!

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 03:34:46 pm
content: not a good idea.you will constantly be battling checkin checkout issues.

author: Gibson486
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 09:04:19 pm
content: Yup, it requires a lot of discipline. Use the lock future when it comes to the libraries.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2017, 10:23:33 am
content: Im using a dblib hosted in Mysql.. Still have to have the .sch and .pcb lib files somewhere.. I use git to push them up and down, but its not ideal.
Altium: Create Centroid file for PCBA - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 08:31:37 am
content: So i'm getting some PCB's assembled by PCBway and they have asked if i can supply a Centroid file.After playing around for 10min it seems a bit more complex than simply clicking an "export Centroid file" button.Does anyone have any tutorial on this process in altium?I had a google but couldn't find anything that useful.(My Alitum version is 10.391, so not the latest.)

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 10:43:46 am
content: Quote from: Psi on May 24, 2017, 08:31:37 amI think they are after the actual board dimensions. Place a thin line on the mechanical layer where you want them to mill out the circuit (or scour the boards if V-grooving).Send them the Gerbers again, this time ticking "Add mechanical layer to Gerbers".Always zip up your Gerbers & drill file into a single file before sending.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 10:53:48 am
content: Centroid data is the information that is used by the PNP machines, for placing parts. Its an ascii file, they do take several formats.For example“10µF/0805?,”30.48?,”38.1?,”90.0?,”Bottom"Part, X, Y, Rotation, Layer.I'm not sure about version 10, beeen quite a while since i've used that.. but File > Assembly Outputs >Generate Pick and Place Files is whats in version 17.. ( and i think its been like that for some time )

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 10:53:54 am
content: Quote from: DerekG on May 24, 2017, 10:43:46 amna i dont think its PCB related its pick and place related.Their exact words were"Do you have centroid file to instruct us the position of every component?"I've been googling and i think they are just after the standard pick and place csv file with all the location/rotation/designator data.I've already supplied them this but i think they just missed it because it was .txt and not .csvAltium mislead me into thinking there was some special "centroid" file, something that i'd never heard of before, due to it having a "export centroid" option.No idea what it actually does, i cant get it to work.This video was quite helpful

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 11:19:24 am
content: Well according to the video, right at the end, they say they can use ODB++ files. Simply generate that file and send it!!

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2017, 11:21:16 am
content: That video is not from pcbway, it's just some random video i found on youtube that helped to explain that a centroid file is just a normal pick-n-place file.
Altium Camtastic mousewheel scroll issue - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2017, 09:55:56 pm
content: Does anyone have a work-around to the Camtastic mousewheel scroll issueI'm sure you know what i mean, it's been an issue in Altium for many many versions and i have no idea why they don't fix it.If you touch the mouse wheel in camtastic (1 click) then Altium totally locks up for 10 seconds while it slowly scrolls the PCB up by a page and off the screen.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2017, 02:28:34 am
content: 2 things:1. There's no scroll wheel configuration for CAMtastic. TS.1a. This goes along with there being no key-combo or mouse-action configuration for anything in Altium, at all, ever. (Only menu shortcuts can be reassigned.)2. They never optimized the rendering, so if your board is huge, it takes forever to redraw. And, I think, that's part of what's going on here..? Try zooming an area first, so there's less to redraw.3. If it's disappearing because it's not finishing drawing (how the /fuck/ they managed that, in the renderer, back in the day, I have no clue.. just shoddy design from the beginning), refresh the view (move it again, or hit END).Tim

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2017, 11:46:11 am
content: https://bugcrunch.live.altium.com/#Bug/5852One user there offers this workaround (I haven't tried it):QuoteI could have sworn they announced recently that they were adding scroll wheel configuration to CAMtastic, but I don't see anything about that now. Maybe it was just a dream.
SheetNumber issue - Not displaying correctly - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: NW27
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 06:03:15 am
content: Hi All,I have a weird issue with the sheet number on a particular project. There are 6 schematic drawings in the project.I have a Title block that uses the Sheet Parameter "SheetNumber". On half of the drawings, the SheetNumber is displayed correctly ie "1" or "5" or "6" etc.On the other pages, the area with the title block where the sheetnumber is displayed shows "SheetNumber: 3". It actually writes the string "SheetNumber:" in addition to the actual number.This is not just limited to my Title Block, it also happens on the built in A3 title block.On the affected sheets, I have tried making the SheetNumber parameter a Boolean/number/string they all have the same result. I have tried different values ie "Z" and I end up with "SheetNumber: Z"Ideas?Thanks,Neil.

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2017, 02:16:59 am
content: weird...go to document parameters page (right click on sheet, select options>Document parameters) , then scroll down toSheetNumber and double click on that.I can see there's a "visible" checkbox for the parameter name (but it's unchecked and disabled in my document sheet I just had a look at.. I'd bet that if it could be enabled in my sheet it'd do exactly what you are seeing.... maybe your sheet has this checkbox checked, and hopefully un-checkable?)
Automatic polygon repour? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 12:37:14 pm
content: I'm working with a two layer board with a filled ground pour on both the top and the bottom. Every time I play a trace I get the DRC rule violations regarding the ground fill. To dismiss I have to go to "tools > polygon ours > Repour all" to fix. I know the shortcut keys to do this quickly, but is there an automatic way to do this?

author: Fgrir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 03:23:50 pm
content: Maybe check the "Ignore On-Line Violations" box in the polygon properties? I generally just shelve all the polygons while I am routing and deal with them when I am done working on traces. Even if you can tolerate the time it takes to repour each time, they just get in the way of seeing what you are doing.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 09:16:19 pm
content: 1. I turn off online DRC. I find it more bothersome than useful, but YMMV.2. Consider shelving polygons while routing (T, G, H or select polys, right-click, Polygon Actions, Shelve Selected).3. You can enable automatic repour (T, P; PCB Editor/General, Repour after Modification), but beware, it's quite slow on large polys with lots of holes. You should consider shelving those.Tim

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 04:18:57 pm
content: I would just shelve those polygons as well. I also sometimes color code and usually turn off connections for the nets that will connect to full-board pours. I don't need to see a connection line for pads that are just going to immediately drop to a via, so it makes the rats nest a lot more useful. This is not necessarily helpful on two-layer boards that have lots of routing on both sides where you need to be a lot more careful about how you carve up top and bottom pours, but in situations where your pours can be mostly uninterrupted it makes routing a lot easier.

author: Johnny_Karamello
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 18, 2017, 04:32:47 pm
content: Yes, there is a "automatic repour" option. Look for it under DXP -> Preferences -> then somewhere in the PCB preferences. If you have larger boards the repour always takes a while after every single track.I have it turned on but mostly I shelve and then repour in the end.
Zoom into DRC error? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 04:41:14 pm
content: I'm going through and cleaning up all of the DRC errors in prep for an order. When I double click on an error it zooms me out and seems to attempt to center on the error. Is there a way to have it zoom all the way in for this so I can actually see where the error is?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 09:13:05 pm
content: In the PCB Violations panel, there's a Zoom Level button at the top. (A couple other panels have this too, like library view.)Or double-click the error in the Messages panel, which I think defaults to a close zoom.If the violation happens to be flagging a large polygon, you might simply get the whole polygon, which doesn't help much. You may have to enter the coordinates in the description (J, L) to find it, then.Tim

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 09:19:47 pm
content: That makes my life so much easier. Thank you.
Problem inserting keep out track in weird board shape PCB. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: FullRock66
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2017, 08:49:36 pm
content: The problem that has been generated is that I am innovating with non-common forms of PCB (for me at least), in this case it is a form of leaf of tree, but I can not put a keep out track on the edge of the PCB, is possible? I leave a photo so that they can see of those that I speak.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2017, 04:28:15 am
content: How did you do the board shape? Can you use the same process for the keep-out?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2017, 05:34:34 am
content: Design - Board Shape - Primitives From OutlineYou can also select primitives and create the shape from that.Tim

author: FullRock66
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2017, 09:52:18 pm
content: The truth was I did with the base of a circle, using the PCB Board Wizard, it was simple after trying 1000 times, but the problem is that I can not put a keep out track in the contour of the PCB, on a rectangular PCB it is very Simple, but in this particular case do not do it, maybe it is not possible.

author: FullRock66
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2017, 09:54:43 pm
content: What good information, put your hands to see how it goes and I tell you, thanks.

author: FullRock66
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2017, 10:04:07 pm
content: Dear T3sl4co1l .... Tu eres el mejor, eso era todo lo que necesitaba, has sido mi salvación, espero poder devolverte la mano mi amigo.Thanks so much!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2017, 06:39:21 am
content: GraciasTim
tent only one side of a via? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2017, 05:47:02 pm
content: The purpose of this is for test points.On a BGA fan-out I want to drop a via for an array of unused pins for this prototype run so I have the flexibility to hack and slash afterwards. To mitigate shorts, I'd like to have the vias/test points tented on the BGA side and exposed on the reverse.On the properties menu of the via I can see the Top Solder and Bottom Solder layers listed but I'm not seeing an option to modify these individually.

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2017, 06:01:30 pm
content: I was looking for a textbox to specify the solder mask diameter, but didn't notice the check boxes on the bottom right to force tenting on the bottom or top.This issue is resolved.
Netlabels vs Ports - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 10:55:30 pm
content: What's the proper usage here?Are ports for when using hierarchical design and net labels for more simple and flattened designs?

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 11:08:40 pm
content: you can do different things with them depending on how you set up the connectivity for the project.originally ports were just a stylistic thing to visually differentiate things like power rails and references from other kinds of nets.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 11:15:10 pm
content: Quote from: Pack34 on April 30, 2017, 10:55:30 pmThat's how I use them.Net labels are useful for power nets when you want a schematic to maintain some sort of signal flow (easy to follow) and then just place power net labels where and when you need to supply a part of the circuit or a device.Makes for a much tidier and easier to follow schematic.In the Net management dialogue assign the appropriate power net label to a power trace and Altium just sorts out the connectivity in the PCB rats nest.Use labels like VDD, V5V+, Gnd etc to make things easy to follow.Without PCB overlays you can with insert Text assign some text to a copper layer of an appropriate size and thickness of the letters indicating the net label too. Handy for home etching where you're not likely to use an overlay.

author: ajawamnet
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 01:08:58 pm
content: I typically use power objects for power distro across sheets in a project. I use netlabels local to the sheet, tho I usually make sure they are unique. I use ports for sheet to sheet connections since you can show which sheet it goes to using Report - Port Cross Ref - add to project; note that you must compile first, lest the menu option will be greyed out.See attached...

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 01:32:07 pm
content: Using net labels to establish connectivity is something that should be done sparingly. Relying on it too much makes reading the schematic a time consuming game of connect the dots.In a design where you have signals jumping from sheet to sheet, using ports and sheet symbols allows you to establish (and show) high level connections between schematic blocks in top level sheets with implementations of those blocks compartmentalized into subsheets. Essentially, you wind up with a block diagram where each block is a schematic diagram of a relevant section and where consistency between the graphical representation of the system and its connectivity is enforced by the compiler. Harnesses and buses can be connected across sheets via ports, which helps simplify connectivity and streamlines schematics. This strategy doesn't work for all designs, of course, but it's nice when it does.
Multi-part component across multiple schematic sheets - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: stevelup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 12:39:54 pm
content: HiCan anyone help with a baffling problem? I've got a couple of multi-part components in my design (hex inverter / quad NAND).The constituent parts of those components are used in different schematic sheets.Altium has placed multiple copies of each component (with the same designator) on the PCB with just the individual gates connected.Any idea what has happened / how to fix this?Thanks,Steve

author: stevelup
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 01:13:10 pm
content: I am an idiot - please disregard.I had reused the same gates on different pages. I was -so- sure that I had checked that first.
Test Points - Plated VS Unplated? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dansku
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2017, 12:45:36 pm
content: Hey, I was doing a design check on one pcb, and I am getting errors sayingUnplated multi-layer pad(s) detectedI would like to understand what is the difference and problem fromUnplated multi-layer pad(s), and I am also using them as VIAS.Am I doing it wrong, and if so, what is the best way?Thanks,

author: ahbushnell
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2017, 12:53:50 pm
content: Shouldn't a via have a non zero hole diameter?

author: dansku
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2017, 01:12:35 pm
content: Yes, but I am using it was a Test Point (please don't shoot me)

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2017, 02:17:01 pm
content: why do you want an unplated pad as a testpoint. ? if there is no plating there is no electrical contact ....unplated holes are for mounting purposes.plated holes are for component pins ( pads ) or interconnection ( vias )both pads and vias can be a testpoint. simply check the assembly or fabrication testpoint flags.

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2017, 02:58:16 pm
content: The only reason I could see to have the hole(s) unplated is if you're putting some type of swaged in test point (terminal) in the holes. Other than that .... plated.

author: dansku
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2017, 03:18:12 pm
content: Thank you guys,Changed all my Test-Point library to platted

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2017, 04:57:29 pm
content: If you want test pads without holes, set the Pad object to Top Copper. Then you get an SMT pad.Tim
How to create a pad with adjustable text in it (removed copper)? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: electricar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 08:34:19 am
content: Hi folks,I want to create a battery connector pad. which should be listed as a component (not only a pad in the PCB).In the schematic it is just a pin.In the PCB it should be a pad with a text in it. This text should be removed copper.I want this text to be adjustable through e.g. a parameter in the project options or the parameters of the part itself in the schematic.I created an inverted string in the library with the property ('.Comment'). When I change the parameter in the comment field of the schematic part, the text on the copper changes too. So everything is like it should. But the problem is that the font size cannot be changed properly.When the text which has to be displayed is shorter than '.Comment', a lot of space is wasted as the font is too small. But if I make the font bigger, '.Comment' is getting bigger and the size of the pad adjusts to the size of '.Comment'.How can I make the font bigger but remain the pad size?Thank you very much in advance.Kind regards
Altium component rotate as in Eagle - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: yoopee
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 10:13:53 am
content: hello,I'm moving from Eagle to Altium and I'm trying to set the Altium's user interface similary to Eagle's. I've set the zoom command for using with mouse wheel correctly, but I have a problem to set rotate component command. In Eagle I was using right mouse click to component rotate.Is it possible to set this command in the same way as in Eagle, please? Because in Altium's Edit-Move-Rotate selection I can only choose keyboard shortcuts...Thanks,Peter

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 10:28:50 am
content: When moving or dragging selected objects, click Space on keyboard

author: yoopee
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 10:31:21 am
content: yes, I know this command. But it is posibble to set the UI for component rotate with right mouse click only?

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 10:34:20 am
content: I would suggest forgetting Eagle days, and just accept the Altium way, Or come back to eagle, isn't a good idea to emulate eagle on Altium

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 11:10:48 am
content: Quote from: yoopee on April 30, 2017, 10:31:21 amNo, in the mouse button matrix, this is not an option.Pressing the space bar whilst holding or dragging the component is the fastest way to rotate the component in increments of 90 degrees.

author: dave_k
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 11:12:16 am
content: In addition to this, while clicking/dragging a component pressing X or Y will flip the part.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 01:38:36 pm
content: There's very little (if any?) that can be changed about the keys used in modes.Menu shortcuts can be edited, though.Tim

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 10:04:40 pm
content: If you're switching back and forth, you could always get an "MMO" mouse and program the buttons. You can have multiple modes for the mouse (EAGLE, Altium, etc) then just map the single button to the command for the specific program.On the Logitech mouse below you could have G9 set to SPACEBAR in Profile1 and RIGHT-CLICK in Profile2.http://gaming.logitech.com/en-us/product/g600-mmo-gaming-mouse

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 10:59:02 pm
content: altium works very differently to eagle... even if you match some buttons and shortcuts, the whole way the functions they are tied to relate to each other is different.also, if you ever need to use someone else's altium install in the future you're going to have a terrible time.suggest you just deal with the differences and learn the new tool, as frustrating as it must seem right now.

author: Pitrsek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 12:50:24 pm
content: Quote from: ebclr on April 30, 2017, 10:34:20 am+1
Name nets without a net label? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 10:01:17 pm
content: Is it possible to name a NET but not have the text show on the schematic? I'm working on a dense design and I know that it'll be useful in the future to use the Navigator pane to highlight nets later.For example, I'm using a lot of test points attached to an FPGA. I want to be able to select net TP45 instead of hunting down NetTP45_1

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 11:04:58 pm
content: yikes... a feature like that would give you so much rope to hang yourself with!just imagine having a schematic full of what looks like separate nets to anyone reading it, that are all actually joined!do you have lots of screen space? you can always cross probe to highlight pcb nets from the schematic...

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 11:19:04 pm
content: Should be, my schematics have zero Net names unless I specify them.AD10SE.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 04:41:24 am
content: Nope. Autogenerated names are always of the NetPart_Pin format.You may find it useful to generate sequential arrays with the Paste Special command, or by writing the names appropriately (enter net name as an expression "Y1 / 10" say, so its Y position becomes the name). Or change names en masse using the SCH List Panel and pasting in from a spreadsheet.Tim
Altium team database  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: skapone
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 25, 2017, 07:57:48 am
content: Hi Guys,I got a few questions about svn database possibilities for altium. We use altium in our company but not on a regular base,only when we need a test PCb for ASIC testing (On average once in a month) so our altium skills are not that high.We created a PCB and schematic library for different types of components (Actie,Passive,......). In many years we added a lot of components to those library's. Now we want to put those components in SVN.My first questions, I managed to put them in SVN but other users can not see those svn library's on their pc's,how can I fix this?My second question, for every project we use our common library that is on the server and when needed new components are added to that library. So when that project is finished we want to make some kind of screenshot from the library and add it to that project so that we know which components where used on that moment.So my overall question is what do you guys think what is the best approach here?Thank you

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2017, 08:51:14 am
content: One of many possibilitieshttp://youtu.be/Mx0gic3U3Ss
Keepout area only for components, not for traces - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: electricar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2017, 08:18:35 am
content: Hey folks,I want to create an area (on the bottom layer) in Altium in which it is not allowed to place components, but it should be allowed to route and place vias in this area.I read about solving this with rooms, so I created a room in my pcb but it doesn't seem to work properly. I can place components in this area and no error is displayed.Does anybody know if I'm doing something wrong here or is there another way for doing this?Thank you very much in advance.Cheerselectricar

author: electricar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2017, 08:44:10 am
content: Never mind, I got the issue...I had something wrong in the box "Where The Object Matches".Now I entered "OnBottom AND IsComponent" and everything is working like needed.
[Altium Designer] "Frames" in layout  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2017, 01:55:14 pm
content: When using Mentor PADs and Eagle I used to always place an 8.5 x 11 frame around the design, include a layer stackup, manufacturing notes (tolerances, colors, finish, etc), internal part numbers, layer text identifiers , etc.I want to be sure that I'm doing the same quality documentation but would appreciate some guidance to be sure that I'm doing this correct.1. Is there a "frame" option for layout? Essentially the same as the frame in schematic mode.2. I'm placing all of the mechanical dimensions and fab notes on Mechanical 13. Is this the appropriate layer?3. The layer stackup seems... limited in the PCB doc. Is there a way to make it look similar to the one in Draftsman? In PADs and Eagle I made my own using a graphics program and imported

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2017, 02:40:59 pm
content: draftsman. that creates all the elements you need. do not clutter up the actual pcb document with gunk.

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2017, 06:52:47 pm
content: @free_electronWhat about Text Strings on the PCB drawing showing a layer description like the attached image?I've always triple annotated the layers.1. Layer type embedded in file name. (i.e. PROJECT_TOP_COPPER_RS74X.GTL)2. Layer type specified in extension. (*.GTL, *.GTS, etc)3. Layer type specified with a text string outside of the board dimensions in PCB file.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 04:28:30 pm
content: draftsman will do all that.

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2017, 06:22:28 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on April 17, 2017, 02:40:59 pmYep. I always hated to see PCB design files with frame and title box cluttering them up...AFAIK this was drawn in a special PCB file, then they would copy it into each real PCB file as they went.And usually when this is done - to add injury to insult, half of the stuff being put into the PCB file is manufacturing spec.It really shouldn't be a requirement to edit a PCB file to a new revision just to change the soldermask colour for a batch of PCBs!Anyway +1 for draftsman!
Specifying custom file names in gerber file outjob? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2017, 06:56:06 pm
content: When generating gerber files I've always like to specify the file type in the file name as well as the extension. Is this possible using the Outjob feature, or at least the gerber file export in AD17?For example:PROJECT_BOTTOM_COPPER_RS274X.GBLPROJECT_BOTTOM_PADMASK_RS274X.GBPInstead of:PROJECT.GBLPROJECT.GBP

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2017, 05:43:12 am
content: I'm pretty sure it's not, but you could script it very easily in python, and just have a manual step in the file folder after generation.
Parameter sweep in Mixed Sim - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2017, 02:38:04 am
content: I am trying to sweep a voltage source's AC phase but the parameter does not show up in Mixed Sim Parameter Sweep Setup dialog, only DC parameter seems to be available for VSIN voltage sources. How do I set up the simulation to sweep V5 phase ?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2017, 03:14:15 am
content: Use a SPICE .param statement:https://www.seventransistorlabs.com/Images/AltiumSweepPhase1.pnghttps://www.seventransistorlabs.com/Images/AltiumSweepPhase2.png(Set the parameter in the simulation configuration dialog.)Tim

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2017, 05:01:51 am
content: Sorry cant figure out from your reply/screenshots how to do it. Is an Altium tutorial on that ?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2017, 06:14:45 am
content: These are the dialog steps.https://www.seventransistorlabs.com/Images/AltiumSweepPhase3.pnghttps://www.seventransistorlabs.com/Images/AltiumSweepPhase4.pngIt's just SPICE: whatever expression is in the curly braces, is evaluated at compile time. You can use expressions and parameters instead of constants, and then you can sweep the parameter.Tim

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 02:22:41 am
content: I see. So you create a Global parameter, select it in the Parameters Sweep and also assign it (in curly brackets) to the component you want to sweep (in my case a voltage source).Did that and it worked, thanks for the tip!
Bulk attribute change of pad properties in PCB library - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 06:08:18 pm
content: I downloaded a connector footprint and model from Samtec. It's a 100-pin connector and each pad has a solder mask expansion value of 0.05mm.Because this is a fine-pitch part the overall gap between the solder mask areas is just under 4mils. This is throwing flags when I run the DRC.I feel that the simple solution would be to update the footprint so that there isn't a soldermask gap between the pads by editing the pads so that the expansion value comes from the design rules.Is there a way I can update all of the pads at the same time, or do I really need to go into the properties of all 100-pins individually and update this value?

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 07:07:04 pm
content: Select one of the pads. Then with the pad still selected right click your mouse and a pop-up will come up. At the top of the pop-up select "Find Similar Objects". The Similar Objects window will then pop up.Make sure you change the right column settings for the X and Y pad sizes to "Same" (if the part has more than one pad size and you don't want to change the others).At the bottom of the window select "Apply". All pads will then get selected and the PCBLib Inspector window will pop up.In that window click the button next to "Solder Mask Override". Once you click that button active you can go down to Solder Mask Expansion and change it to whatever you like. Hit return and all the solder mask expansions will be changed to the value that you entered.

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 08:25:14 pm
content: That did the trick. Thank you!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 08:36:11 pm
content: Hmm, is this a surface mount pin array connector? I footprinted a one of those once...Tim

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2017, 01:47:03 pm
content: I've always been quite fond of the Samtec connectors.This is the one I've started working with.https://www.samtec.com/products/lshm-150-04.0-l-dv-a-n-tr

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2017, 08:34:05 pm
content: Ah, basically a gull-wing part; use TSSOP dimensions.I've been known to shave pad width and soldermask web width to get those to pass.I also prefer rounded rectangle shape pads, which probably strengthens the soldermask a little bit. Or something.Mind that, having done so, some board fabs may remove soldermask webs that are strictly under their limit. Which may be a gross limit like 4 or 6 or 10 mils. Needless to say, you can't afford to do that with fine pitch components.I've seen excellent results from quality domestic and qualified overseas fabs.Tim

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2017, 11:33:47 am
content: AND.... in case you don't know.... Samtec provides great 3D step models for just about every connector they make.
Selection border for new components - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Zornor
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 02, 2017, 12:33:50 pm
content: So, i needed a plate to plate connector and came up with something like this (4 headers considered by altium as the same component).So when i'm tring to select multiple items inside this component (for example 2 SMBs) it moves the connector. So my question is: can you set a specific selection border for new components

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2017, 02:50:56 pm
content: S, I (Select, Inside), draw rectangle.Alternately, lock the larger component so it doesn't get selected or moved while working around it.Tim

author: Zornor
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 03:18:34 pm
content: Not exactly what i wanted to do, but it works too. Thanks for response

author: HWgeek
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2017, 10:16:44 am
content: Quote from: Zornor on April 02, 2017, 12:33:50 pmSome assumptions-Just a thought, since your connector is actually four connectors, which you buy individually don't make it one connector.Rather place the individual conns on the board and make a union of them. This way your bom will be correct and no one needs special knowledge (it's not one connector, it's 4!) to assemble the board.Also if you need board to board connectors, check out samtec, they have some small footprint high pin count parts.Other wise the previous post is spot on, you have on big part so lock it down in order to select parts under it. Btw you will need a drc rule to avoid parts under/inside your big connector.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

author: Zornor
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 11, 2017, 08:47:09 pm
content: Well, i united them in 1 part for ease of later reuse and to not mess up the sizes and placement on the mezzanine. As for DRC check, I've added a 3d body for that "part" containing 4 separate areas for every single PLD, and the DRC rules check passes successfully. I've considered samtec and probably will use them in next project.
Complex schematic symbols (large FPGAs) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 08:21:52 pm
content: I'm working with a large FPGA (324 pins). My goal is to have schematic symbol for each bank, power, programming, etc. Drawing these as independent objects in the schematic library is easy. But after putting it into a schematic, everything moves as one thing.My goal is to have each bank able to be moved and positioned independently so it can be positioned properly on a schematic. Is this possible in Altium?

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 08:40:31 pm
content: You need to make them all as separate gates. I'm not familiar with Altium, but it is obviously possible. Look at how any of the standard 74xx logic is done and do the same.

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 09:02:03 pm
content: I think I just figured it out. I found the "New part" under the Tools menu. This adds multiple parts to a schematic symbol with each part able to be moved and placed independently.
Unable to connect a single trace to several op amps. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Plasmateur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2017, 12:54:16 am
content: I am attempting to connect two single traces to three different op amps for the purposes of powering them from a single source.Is this a limitation of CircuitMaker or do I need some kind of passive power distribution component?

author: Dubbie
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 06, 2017, 01:07:29 am
content: Do you have the connections in your schematic?

author: Plasmateur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2017, 05:33:12 am
content: I was able to fix the problem. Thank you!

author: Plasmateur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2017, 11:59:12 pm
content: Sorry for not updating with what the solution was.I was fairly new to this program. The problem was somehow I was not connected to a net at the start of my trace. By not initially being connected to a net, attempting to "branch off" a trace would not work as soon as I connected the second branch point.
Changing footprint of VCC and GND - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: willie_phistterbut
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 03:15:29 pm
content: I'm quite new to Altium, but I used Eagle a while back. I'm trying to layout my power and ground to a header or a 9v connector. Just wondering if I could change the footprint used for VCC and GND to be the same header, but split pins. Couldn't find this topic, sorry if it's a repost. Cheers.

author: pigrew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 04:57:28 pm
content: Quote from: willie_phistterbut on April 07, 2017, 03:15:29 pmYour question is unclear to me.Are you asking about the footprint, or the schematic symbol?Maybe you are confusing power ports (the net symbol on the schematic) with headers/connector components?What do you mean by split pins? Maybe you can post a sketch of what you want?
Altium wowed me today - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2017, 03:47:30 am
content: Interesting development with Altium in Canada. First they seemed to make a 180 degree turn and now face the customers in Canada directly, and not explicitly via authorized resellers in Canada as it used to be. A message that was sent talked about purchasing their products directly. They also assigned individual account managers to manage relationships even with small clients. Perhaps this also may mean direct tech support. It was a joke working with the reseller's tech support, they were useless. Hopefully reaching to Altium tech support directly will make a change.Secondly, and most bizarre, their offer of 1:1 CAD:USD rate until April 30th. Wish I had that offer when I was buying, that would save me thousands of Canadian tughrics.

author: Auciele
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2017, 07:56:08 am
content: Same kind of message here in France:Quote(trad.: "I am delighted to announce that all Altium Designer sales and technical support will now be led directly by Altium.")no currency win-win however

author: Fgrir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2017, 01:10:13 pm
content: Quote from: Auciele on April 05, 2017, 07:56:08 amI am certain they would offer you a 1:1 EUR:USD deal if you asked

author: nns
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 05, 2017, 06:30:39 pm
content: Quote from: Bud on April 05, 2017, 03:47:30 amWe're also in Canada and were contacted by Altium directly for our renewal this year. However there was no mention of the 1USD:1CAD deal. Was that in the original email, or was it a separate offer you noticed somewhere?

author: beenosam
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2017, 06:38:31 pm
content: Quote from: nns on April 05, 2017, 06:30:39 pmI got the e-mail as well. I think it was just a general e-mail to their newsletter subscribers.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 06:43:37 am
content: I am not a subscriber their newsletter, the info came in a personalized email but it appeared to be a mail list. Anyway, another email today saying promotional price is in place with 50% off. What is going on? That would be a heck of a deal were i a new customer.

author: Kelbit
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 06:32:50 pm
content: I'm adopting more of a wait-and-see approach. There were positives and negatives to the reseller thing, but our rep was always responsive to concerns (since CAD Microsolutions didn't have a huge number of customers). Not sure how it's going to pan out now that we deal directly with corporate - feels like we've lost leverage.
[SOLVED]Altium direct-connect leaves slivers around pads & vias ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: smoothVTer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2017, 08:34:43 pm
content: Using Altium v16.1.12When making a ground pour, I have all my rules set to "Direct Connect" and my polygon pour settings are set to "Pour Over Same Net Objects":When a Gerber export is done, I notice that ground vias ( which I've connected the ground pour to, by net ) have tiny little slivers around them. These slivers are apparent in Altiums CamTastic view as well as any other external Gerber viewer ( such as gerbv ). For example, in the image below, there's a non-GND via all the way on the right side of the image, and directly to the left of this is a via on GND. There are slivers of copper missing from around the via periphery:Does anybody have an idea as to the source of these missing copper slivers and how to fill them in?Do PCB manufacturers already know how to handle this kind of malformed gerber data and if so, is it really a problemthat requires fixing?

author: dimkasta
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2017, 08:40:18 pm
content: These are thermalsLook for the setting that removes/adds them on vias

author: smoothVTer
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2017, 09:08:25 pm
content: Ah yes ... that did the trick.For reference with anyone else having this problem, my error was that I had originally set the default via-connect style as in the picture below:But the correct setting for direct-connect for all other vias not part of the higher priority rules is:Altium users: remember to set your default connect styles for all other vias using the ALL/ALL keywords.
Can reference location for pads be changed from center to corner?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: BMF
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2017, 10:43:12 pm
content: Is there an Altium feature or technique that allows pads to be referenced in location by their corner instead of their center? Most mechanical drawings use corner references for pad locations so being able to use that data directly would be convenient and less error prone. I most often like to drop pads of correct size near their correct location and then use XY coordinated to get them into position. Of course for evenly spaced pads I just array them.

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 12:45:39 am
content: No way that I know of.You get used to recalculating pad centre positions from drawings in your head after a while....

author: logictom
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 07:47:58 am
content: You could modify the PCB library footprint and set the reference point in the corner but this would require doing this for every component, otherwise I don't know of any way to do this.

author: Mattylad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 08:25:25 pm
content: The drawings that show pads dimensioned like that are because they are done by someone that does not know how to dimension footprints, usually a mechanical draftsman.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 09:30:56 pm
content: Yes.But you don't want to.The pad center is used for trace connections, so you'd have all the traces connecting to one corner. How bizarre.Tim