hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Component value on 3D view - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: maxpayne
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2016, 08:52:14 am
content: How to render resister or other components value in Altium 3d as shown below ?

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2016, 09:01:44 am
content: You need a separate footprint with 3D model, or a footprint not containing the 3D model.Then you need to create a 3D model for all the different values, and include it either in the footprint or the PCBDoc file. I think it is a lot of work to do.If I may suggest, rather write the package size, like 0603 or 0805 on it. I do that for bigger packages.

author: hamdi.tn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2016, 09:07:08 am
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on January 20, 2016, 09:01:44 am+1a lot of painkiller to do thati know that AD can't render copper layer on the generated 3D STEP files, am not sure if it can render texture on extruded 3D model. if it can you maybe able to automate that with a script that assign a texture file with the value on it to each component , script are pain in the ass too. So yeah not an easy task.

author: maxpayne
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2016, 09:18:14 am
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on January 20, 2016, 09:01:44 amI was thinking if there is any automated process to do so that I am missing. Anyway your suggestion is good to write the size.Is there any software where I can write text, extrude it, export as 3D step and import in Altium in order to put 3d text on components ?

author: hamdi.tn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2016, 09:20:37 am
content: Quote from: maxpayne on January 20, 2016, 09:18:14 amif you choose to just put the size don't bother doing it yourself, most package are available with the size written and extruded onwww.3dcontentcentral.com

author: maxpayne
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2016, 09:23:32 am
content: Quote from: hamdi.tn on January 20, 2016, 09:20:37 amThanks Hamdi. But I prefer to have freedom so that I can write my own text

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2016, 10:35:45 am
content: BTW, In general, it doesn't make sense to do it. There is the 3 digit mark, the 4 digit mark and the EIA-96 mark, all will look different.
Altium: how to display schematic variants - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: pBoev
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2016, 03:34:16 pm
content: Hi all,I'm new to Altium and I'm trying to switch between the different variants of a project. The project already has several variants but I cannot display the different schematics in Altium. I can see the variants in the Variations dropdown menu and can see which components are DNF-ed in the Variant Management window. I've also seen copies of the different schematics with some of the components crossed out so I think the variants are configured correctly. However, whenever I select a variant from the dropdown menu, only the name of the schematic changes and all components appear as fitted.I've tried it both on Altium Viewer and Altium Designer and it's the same with both. I've also tried compiling and recompiling before and after selecting a variant but to no avail. It seems like an easy thing to do but it appears I'm doing it wrong.Any suggestions?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2016, 03:35:59 pm
content: Look for the little tabs at the bottom left of the schematic view. (These are present when the project has been compiled.)Tim

author: pBoev
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2016, 03:44:53 pm
content: Thank you!
Keyboard shortcut to navigate through schematic pages? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RFRFGFT
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 08, 2016, 02:43:11 pm
content: Is there a keyboard shortcut to navigate between pages of a schematic?I'm coming from a DxDesigner background and I'm very used to being able to move through a schematic with PageUp/PageDown. I haven't been able to find a similar shortcut in Altium.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2016, 03:41:36 pm
content: different philosophy.dxp -> System ->Design insightenable first three options ( Document insight and design insight and connectivity insight )no need for hotkeys. point to a wire and a popup will come telling you on what documents that signal is used, including a small graphical preview of that page with the same signal highlighted.simply click and it throws you on that page.

author: RFRFGFT
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 08, 2016, 03:50:45 pm
content: I'd like to be able to browse through the schematic with no particular path tracing without taking my eyes off the page or having to click on a tab with the mouse.I like to go through and look at the schematic at a high level for general formatting, etc.
opening component for editing from schematic? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RFRFGFT
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 11, 2016, 05:34:42 pm
content: Is there a way to open a component for editing (moving pins, etc.) from the schematic vs. having to find it in the library and open it from there?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2016, 05:48:28 pm
content: DOUBLE CLICK COMPONENT. BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF NEW WINDOW : UNLOCK PINS
altium print outline problem  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: parasbhanot
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2015, 02:18:25 pm
content: hello everyone ,I am trying to print Pcb for home etching in altium 16 by File > fabrication output > Final. But the only problem is that in my output pdf file outline of IC-atmega 32 is appearing . Since i have used polygon pour ,So every pin of this ic is getting short. Is there any way to remove this outline ?i have attached my output pdf file.Thanks in advance

author: Christe4nM
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 27, 2015, 07:06:32 pm
content: If you use File > fabrication output > Final Altium prints the layers form a pre-selected set. This apparently includes the layer with your IC's outline.Instead do as follows:- File->New->Output Job File- In the new file you have a table where you can specify what you want. Now look for the line that says "Documentation Outputs" and click below on the line that says "[Add New Documentation Output]"- From the drop-down menu select "PCB prints"->"your_file_name.PcbDoc". A new line is created for you PCB prints.- Right click on this new line and select "Page Setup". A pop-up window opens. Make sure the top right corner saysScale Mode: "Scaled Print"andScale: 1.00. Adjust other parameters to your liking. - click close- Right click on the "PCB prints" line again, now select "configure". A pop-up window opens. This is where you can specify which sets of layers you want to be put into your PDF's pages. There are a number of sets of layers. Each one has a title in a grey block. Below that grey block the layers that are printed are specified. Each set is printed on a single page.- In your case: Right-click on one of the 'grey blocks' and select "Delete". Do this for every single one except Top Layer and/or Bottom Layer (depending on which ones you need)- In the remaining sets: remove all but Multi-layer, Top Layer (if it's the Top Layer set) or Bottom Layer (if it's the Bottom Layer set)- If you use the Bottom Layer set, make sure the 4th box (Mirror) is ticked.- Click OK- To the right of the screen there is a PDF output container (as Altium calles it). Click in it to select it.- In the line with your PCB prints output, all the way to the right is a circle (Enable column). Click that to link it to the PDF output- In the PDF output container, click "Change".- In the pop-up window, click "Advanced" (lower right corner)- Check in the bottom-left section that the line that says "PCB page size and orientation source" is set to "Page setup dialog"- If desired specify a folder where you want to PDF to be placed in. Other wise, you find it in your project folder, in a sub-folder called something like "project_name outputs"- In the PDF output container, click "generate content"DoneEdit: Altium is very powerfull and lets you make it work as you want it to. Yet you need to take a few steps to tell it how you want it. Once you get the hang of the output job files it's quite simple.

author: parasbhanot
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2015, 03:20:15 am
content: Problem SolvedThank you very much.
tracks terminated in squares, not semi-circles - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dreamer1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 09:46:27 pm
content: Is it possible to do what the title says in altium 14+?

author: armandas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 10:04:34 pm
content: No, tracks are always rounded.

author: Dreamer1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 10:06:48 pm
content: How can I accomplish what I need?

author: dave_k
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 10:18:11 pm
content: Put a square pad at the end with zero hole size ...

author: armandas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 10:23:57 pm
content: Quote from: Dreamer1 on September 06, 2015, 10:06:48 pmMaybe you should start by telling us what is it that you need?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 10:40:05 pm
content: Kind of Devil's Advocate here:Produce outputs.Find the aperture definitions in the gerbers.Edit them to produce square tracks (or octagonal, or..).YMMV if this looks bad on some places. It will absolutely reduce clearance around diagonal traces.Tim

author: sean0118
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 05:54:03 am
content: Yeah, I ran into the same problem. It's surprising that Altium doesn't have an option for square ended tracks.If you're using an 0402 SMD package the two rounded ends of the tracks can nearly touch in the centre. It seems the only way around it using the GUI is to place a fill instead of a track?

author: sean0118
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 06:11:36 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on December 17, 2015, 05:56:50 amBecause just going to the edge of the pad is dodgy, square ends would be much nicer.
Altium .drl file - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jerry507
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 04:10:27 pm
content: I'm using Altium 10 and I've always been using the ASCII drill file it generates. I decided to look at the binary drill file (.drl) just for fun and I was surprised there was nothing in it. The txt file opens in camtastic and shows all my pretty drills, but nothing in the drl file.Any idea what is going on? There doesn't seem to be any option I've missed to generate that...

author: gulftown17
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 06:03:38 pm
content: I dont know if this is still revelant, but I have exactly the same problem. Have you figured it out? I know that Altium produces GD1 and GG1 as drill drawing and drill guide, which in theory should be enough for PCB fabrication house to manufacture the board, but I would rather have a nice .DRL file like other programs make. I can see the drl file when I open up the excellon .txt document, but for example it cant be read using KiCad.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 05:02:25 am
content: Last one I generated has gibberish in it something like...Code:T€T€#v 2 s k  €#v 2 s k  €#v 2 s k  €#v 2 s k  €#v 2 s k € €# €7 8 €7 8 €7 8 €7 8(which is thoroughly botched by the forum, but you get the idea).Tim
AD14, selecting top overlay in specific area - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 09:51:14 am
content: Hi all,I am just about to finish my first layout in AD14 and doing "a final touch". I am trying to select (and then delete) top overlay component primitives (silkscreen) in some specific area. When I do "find similar" it selects all similar primitives including my company logo etc. Which I don't want to.On the other hand when I display only a top overlay and use even "select all from layer", it selects whole components but no primitives. For that reason my filter "(Layer = 'TopOverlay')" and Apply to Selected does not work.Could somebody give me a hint how to select a Top/Bottom overlay in a specific area?Thanks in advance !PS: Yes, I googled and experimented but without any luck.PPS: Yes, it may be faster to do it manually than asking on the forum but I am learning a new tool and may use these principles in future.

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 10:14:18 am
content: All right, I found a method using"InRegionRelative(0,0,3000,1200) and (Layer = 'TopOverlay')"Is there a simpler / different way ?

author: ludzinc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 10:19:47 am
content: Select, inside area. Done.

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2015, 10:58:18 am
content: Quote from: ludzinc on November 25, 2015, 10:19:47 amI would not ask if this worked for me

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2015, 06:51:25 pm
content: So you're trying to select primitives that are parts of components? In PCB Inspector, is "Lock Primitives" selected for the components in question?AD is a little funny about primitives, as you've seen sometimes they get filtered and sometimes they don't. There are also some options in PCB filter for free/'in component' primitives that you could play with.

author: Warhawk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 07:59:29 pm
content: Quote from: ajb on November 30, 2015, 06:51:25 pm- Yes exactly. And yes, primitives are unlocked. I can select them manually or even do multiple selections holding shift (and click)Quote from: ajb on November 30, 2015, 06:51:25 pmI will check it out tomorrow. Thanks for the tip.
How to make air gap? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rozeh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 01:45:34 pm
content: GuysI'm trying to design Air Gap on my PCB but I don't know how to do it? any hint,clue,idea,...?Thanks

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 02:25:13 pm
content: Design rules? Gapping what? Clearance/creepage?

author: rozeh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 03:42:29 pm
content: Thanks T3sl4co1l for your answers to my questionsI'm talking about something like these holes on PCB:Is it clear?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 03:45:51 pm
content: Ah, routed slots are made with a Region object. Set its property to "board cutout". Make sure the cutout appears on the Board Outline layer (usually Keep-Out) as well.Check with your board house to see what minimum width and inside corner radius is reasonable. Usually the milling bit is 1mm, so a 1.1mm or larger slot is no problem. Smaller slots can be made (even between SOIC pins for minimum leakage), but they will probably add cost.Tim

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 04:58:00 pm
content: the easiest way is to draw a line on a mechanical layer with the width of the slot. for example a 2 mm wide line.once you have drawn the line or lines : select them.Tools - convert - Selected objects to Board cutout

author: Richard Head
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 12:31:09 pm
content: The board house I use suggests using overlapping pads (multilayer) with the end pads dictaing the start and finish of the slot. The slots end up plated internally unless otherwise stated. If you don't want it plated then it will be routed after plating the board.
AD 15, solder mask expansion on tracks - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: linux-dude
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 03:11:32 pm
content: Hi,I've been scratching my head for quite a while, maybe someone have solved this.I'm trying to figure out a way to make solder mask expansion on *tracks* controlled via rules.I have set up a rule that for a specific class set solder mask expansion to 20mil. But for that value to be enforced, i must first route the track and then select every track in the class and in the Track Property dialog | Solder Mask Expansion, enable "Expansion From Rule". I've tried to change default track to have this option enabled, but all new traces are created with the option disabled. Is there a way to force AD to enable "Expansion From Rue"?Thanks in advance

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 07:48:00 pm
content: Don't know offhand.You can set defaults from the Preferences dialog. Apparently not everything can be persistently changed from the TAB dialog.Better selection might help. Try S (Select), S, C, P, N, etc.Might also consider using polygons, and drawing soldermask patterns on top of that. Rather an anti-solution, but can be good for fatter routes.Tim

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2015, 10:01:22 pm
content: If you've set expansion from rule in the default PCB primitives and it's not actually affecting new traces, I'd call that a bug.As a slightly easier workaround, perhaps you could use a net class plus a query to select all of the tracks that need expansion and apply it all at once.

author: linux-dude
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 10:08:21 am
content: Thanks for your replies.I finally gave up on this. Either a bug or me missing something. I learned to use filtering better, so it wasn't so bad after all

author: Richard Head
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2015, 12:07:09 pm
content: On Protel you create a keepout layer. Altium may be similar.
Alternate Part variant keeps updating PCB  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DutchGert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2015, 02:01:53 pm
content: Hey guys,I have a weird problem that I don't understand when using Alternate Part variants in Altium 16.I have an FPGA design where I want to use variants to choose between different variants of the same pin-compatible part (Zynq Z-7010 and Z-7020 in CLG400 package).The only difference between the parts is one of the banks of the FPGA that is N.C. in the Z-7010 part and has usable I/O in the Z-7020 part. PCB wise the parts use exactly the same footprint.What happens is that when I select the alternative part, Altium correctly switches between the two selected components when I select the corresponding variant. However, each time I update the PCB from the schematic it reconnects a lot of the pins of the part... Afterwards everything is still the same and connected correctly (as expected) but it keeps finding changes and updating the PCB each time I "Import changes from ..."Does anyone have an idea what is going on here and how to solve it? Thx
Flex PCB meander with Altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Jad_Electronics
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 15, 2015, 07:38:11 pm
content: Hello Everyone,does anybody know what is the best practice to realise a meander in your flex pcb, is there some tool in Atlium to do that, or a third party tool to calculate how much of a bending angle you can achieve with your meander?thanks in advancegreetingsAmjad
Cycle corner style not work, when I press SHIFT + SPACEBAR - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jimcooper
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 17, 2015, 03:53:55 am
content: Hi ALLI have a issue on design PCB.I can't change corner style(press SHIFT + SPACEBAR) during interactive routing on Windows 10 OS, but it work on Windows 7 OS.My Altium Designer version is 15.Does anyone have same issue? How to fix it?

author: snoopy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2015, 06:09:31 am
content: Go into PCB preferences -> Interactive routing. Make sure "restrict to 90/45" is not enabled.cheers
Bad connection between track and pad - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rozeh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 01:30:57 pm
content: Hi guysI have problem to draw some tracks. look at this image:For example in this image, one of the pads is connected very well but there are three pads with poor connections as you can see. What's the problem? how to figure out this problem?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 01:39:14 pm
content: You have clearance rule violations. Solve those and the problem will go away. Altium stops at that edge because the design rule checker says : can't go there, it's too narrow.

author: rozeh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 01:53:25 pm
content: How to solve it?Why the pads of the MCU are loaded with plus sign?

author: rozeh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 02:04:26 pm
content: This is the result of design check rules:

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 02:25:56 pm
content: http://techdocs.altium.com/display/ADOH/Design+RulesAttached: open the ZIP, place the .rul file in your project folder, and follow the instructions above to import design rules. The built-in defaults are a bit too basic. This should be a better start.Tim

author: rozeh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 04:34:58 pm
content: ThanksBefore applying the rules:After:And its rule check:

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 04:54:02 pm
content: Quote from: rozeh on November 10, 2015, 01:53:25 pmBecause those are violations against The design rules. you are most likely violating clearance rules

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 04:56:28 pm
content: type <D><R> ( Design - Rules )A window will open.Look in the list for clearance rules and set those correctly per layerLook in the list for width rules and set those properly

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 06:19:36 pm
content: You didn't import the rules correctly. I have 24 items on the report, from the project I exported the rules from (http://seventransistorlabs.com/Images/AltiumRuleCheckReport.png).Also, check that the rules are ticked for batch processing (T, D):http://seventransistorlabs.com/Images/AltiumRuleCheck.jpgTim

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2015, 02:36:23 am
content: For a design rule to help you find those, rather then having to just look closely,http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/electronics-videos/altium-design-secret-23-advanced-setting-of-the-width-rule/62909/AV sync is a bit weird in the video, but you dont see a person talking, so its not that bad.
How can I change the width of several selected tracks? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rozeh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 04:48:02 pm
content: GuysI got a bunch tracks on my PCB and want to change their widths at once but I don't know how to do it. How can I do it?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 04:52:06 pm
content: Open the PCB inspector panel. all properties can be changed there.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 06:28:28 pm
content: And select them by hand, or with the Selection menu (press S), e.g. N (Net), P (Connected Copper), S (Same Layer) or C (Connection). Maybe add a filter (PCB Filter panel) to query only traces (since several of those options will select pads, vias and other shapes as well).Or if it's more general, build a query. Example:IsTrack AND (Width = 20)IsTrack AND OnTopLayeretc.Tim

author: jmarkwolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 07:18:18 pm
content: Another method is to select the tracks in question, right click on the selected tracks, select "Find Similar Objects", select any further distinguishing criteria in the "Find Similar Objects" dialog box, then change "Any" to "Same" on the "Selected" line, hit "Apply" and "OK", and edit the "Width" field to change the selected tracks to the desired width.Kinda roundabout, but is a very useful feature when you get used to it.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 08:48:29 pm
content: Quote from: jmarkwolf on November 10, 2015, 07:18:18 pmIt's probably a good way to introduce oneself to the query system.Recognize that every object has a list of parameters, and that you can filter based on those parameters. The "Similar" dialog is just giving you a list of parameters to select from that object.Once you know all the parameter names and syntax, entering queries directly is much faster, plus you can query for things that don't exist, or can't be right-clicked on at least. It takes some memorization though.Tim

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 08:56:46 pm
content: another good panel is the PCB panel and the PCB list panel. there you can drill down to anything belong to the board. you can generate queries from there. you can even select blocks of data : copy them to excel , manipulate them in excel and paste em back !
How to make this thingy? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rozeh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 02:03:02 pm
content: GuysI want to make some-things like these on some of my tracks to solder on them:How to do it?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 02:09:30 pm
content: Put traces on the solder mask layer.Mask is inverted by default, so any positive shape present on that layer is an opening in the mask.Note that, if you ever move the (copper) traces, you have to move the soldermask objects as well. It may be easier to simply set the soldermask property of the trace(s) (but, you can't generate a segmented or striped pattern, like shown; that has to be drawn by hand).Speaking of PCB things, if you want to make those spark gaps (under the CM choke) as well, I'd suggest making that as a separate component and footprint, then put one in parallel with each side of the choke. It'll be constructed in exactly the same way: some copper shapes, soldermask opening, PCB cutout, and pads to connect to the nets.Tim
Trace and pad.... same net..... but poor connection - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mikekoz13
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2015, 05:07:58 pm
content: Hi all-I have a trace with net XY and it runs very close to a pad with the same net of XY. The trace literally barely grazes the pad. This does not show up as a disconnect when running design rule check but it is an extremely poor, unreliable connection. The design clearance rule is set to "Different Nets" so there is no clearance error. If I change the rule to "Same Net" I get a ton of errors (obviously).How do I set up a rule to flag this? I've played around with the rules with no luck.Thanks for any help.

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2015, 05:05:16 pm
content: http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/electronics-videos/altium-design-secret-23-advanced-setting-of-the-width-rule/62909/AV sync is a bit weird in the video, but you dont see a person talking, so its not that bad.
How to know that all of components/connections/... are connected? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rozeh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2015, 05:11:35 pm
content: Hi guysAs you can see the title, I want to know thathowcan I check all of the components/connections/... to assure that they are connected and everything is ok?After puting a resistor at my circuit and trying to update the PCB I got this message:The awful point about my designing is that I got such warnings/errors several times ago but disregarded them. now I want to check my PCB again and see what problems are there but I don't know how to do it.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2015, 06:59:21 pm
content: The ECO will be unable to update if the footprint is missing pins, or if they are called out incorrectly in the footprint dialog.And the footprint won't work at all, if it can't find the location (library installed globally, or in project, or specified by name, or..).Tim

author: rozeh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2015, 05:14:17 pm
content: Thanks TimThis option was a bit helpful for me:tools > check unrout rule
Altium Issue: Components are flipped when imported to PCB. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bkish
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 10, 2015, 10:46:28 pm
content: I have come across an issue when importing my schematic design into the PCB design. I sometimes will flip the board inside of the PCB editor, to get a better idea of how components are laid out. If I have the board flipped in the PCB editor, (Using View > Flip Board) and forget that the board is flipped, when I go to (Design > Import Changes from Name.prjpcb) then the footprints for the components actually import Flipped.What I mean by this is that while the silkscreen is on one side of the board, the 3D model of the part actually goes through the board, and pokes out the other side, as if the footprint was oriented "Upside down". Or another way to think of it, is instead of the part pointing away from the board, it points inward to the board. It is almost if you were to lay a part flat on the table, then completely flip it over, so now the part is going through the table/board.This is something that is not immediately noticeable unless you are looking for it, and in 3D view as some parts have identical footprints, but the pins function will change. It has huge adverse effects with the pin layout of the board, as all of the pins will be incorrect for the part. Often times I will layout parts of the board just the way I want them, just to find out that the pad is actually flipped, then I have to re-do all of the work because the pin functions are flip-flopped.I was wondering if anyone else experienced this problem or if there is a solution for this.

author: DutchGert
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2015, 03:29:51 pm
content: I noticed something similar: sometimes when I Import from schematic it places the components itself on the top layer (correct) but the silkscreen text mirrores on the bottom.... Wtf
Designing matrices of parts - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: johndoe1395
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 12, 2015, 03:30:29 am
content: HelloI'm fairly new to Altium and I've been trying to design 10x10 led matrix pcb. How do I go about making the schematic? Do I have to actually add 100x of the component in the schematics and then connect them or is there a better way?Also as I understand, in Altium you can connect 2 pins in a pcb only if they are connected in the schematic too. Is there any way to circumvent this?Thanks for your time!

author: rs20
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2015, 03:37:58 am
content: I would use sub-sheets, or whatever they're called.Main sheet contains 10 references to the "column" sheet using a sheet symbol, and the column sheet contains 10 LEDs (or, if the circuitry is complex enough, the column sheet could contain 10 "pixel" sheets).Still a little bit of wiring, but 20 objects is a lot better than 100!

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2015, 03:33:09 pm
content: If you do the hierarchical sheet setup as rs20 suggests and have room generation enabled, you can then layout one column on the PCB and then duplicate that layout to all of the other columns. Altium calls this "multi-channel design", and it's a big help for repetitive layouts.
How to 3D model a complete system of boards ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: snoopy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 12:15:14 pm
content: HelloWhat's the best way to model a set of boards to see if everything fits in an enclosure ?Do I export a step file of each board and then import them into another CAD package or can I do it in Altium ?cheers

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 01:08:42 pm
content: Well, I do it like you and import the step files to Solidworks and then see, if it fits the housing.It works well for me, since I do the enclosure / housing design anyways in Solidworks.

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 01:13:37 pm
content: You can do it in Altium just add the 3d bodies and place them according to where they will go (requires some tongue-in-cheek technique and patience):Probably not a full featured experiences in comparison to tools made for this, but it's enough for my needs.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 03:57:17 pm
content: export step for sub assembliesthen make a new pcb file holding only the step files : load step files but do NOT embed them , link em ( click on the 'file' button as opposed to the 'embed' button. )that way if you alter the step file altium detects a file operation and can reload on the fly.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 04:57:01 pm
content: There's a plugin for SolidWorks that allows you to work collaboratively on the same PCB from SolidWorks and Altium, which *looks* pretty nice the last time I saw a demo, but of course requires AD, SW, and the co-design license, so it's not a cheap solution.The method free_electron describes works fairly well, or if you're designing a PCB that needs to accommodate a finished plug-in board, you can link the step file for the plug-in board into the PCB design file for the main board rather than a separate PCB file.

author: snoopy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 04:15:10 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on December 09, 2015, 03:57:17 pmYes this seems to work but after loading three boards one board disappears and becomes invisible !! Quite bizarre.cheers

author: snoopy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 08:14:12 am
content: Quote from: snoopy on December 12, 2015, 04:15:10 amOk it's working better today but the auto update has trouble with large boards and bombs out. Also I got an "out of memory" error with nearly 8 gigs of free memory left in the system !! Altium seriously needs to take advantage of 64 bits !!cheers
A few basic questions - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: holographicpencil
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 08:58:51 pm
content: Hello There,I am attempting to make my first PCB in Altium and have run into a few problems.Basically I need a board that has a 100 Pin Header on it which I can successfully draw which then will split these 100 traces into two other 60 pin headers. Some of the traces go to both of the headers and some just go to one. I will make the wiring looms up once the PCB is made so as long as the traces go to the correct headers its easy to get them going to the right place. The board is completely passive with no components on it except for the three headers.Basically it would seem that in this case it would be easiest to do this without a schematic as I can just route the traces so they look tidiest to any pins in the correct header. Is there a way to do this as I cant seem to work out how or do have to make a schematic first?Would appreciate any input anyone may have.Regards,Jack Williamson

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 09:41:55 pm
content: altium will refuse to let you connect pins that do not belong to a net.hit shift-r on the keyboard until you see 'ignore obstacles' in the command status bar.that will you wire violations. you can then afterward make a schematic and run a compare.what you are trying to do goe sin against what altium is designed for : not letting you create incorrect connections.

author: holographicpencil
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 10:16:52 pm
content: Thanks for your response.That works well. So once I have it satisfactorily routed is there a way for Altium to make a schematic from the PCB? I know this is exactly reverse to how the software is designed to work but doing things in a completely reverse way seems to be the story of my life.... (haha).If it cant make a schematic it is no problem realistically because I can work it out manually very simply. However will Altium sill output the files for manufacture correctly or will it get just angry?ThanksJack W
Copying Component Placement? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: David
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2015, 09:51:56 pm
content: Hi all,Something that has been bugging me for a while and I cannot find a solution. I have multiple parts of my PCB design which I would like to be the same. Is there anyway to select a component placement and apply it to another set of components?

author: Zman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 02:21:10 am
content: the most natural way is to use Rooms and Hierarchies :http://techdocs.altium.com/display/ADOH/Creating+a+Multi-channel+Designplace your repeating schematics on to a separate sheet(s), make copies of them OR use Repeat(), then system will create several PCB rooms for you, each assigned to a particular sheet. Then at PCB layout stage you can "Copy room formats" between them.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 03:55:23 am
content: You can also copy locations (T, O, F, load a file), but the refdes and locations have to match. If it's worth going to the trouble of this, you'll probably update the refdes in the file by hand, and move the original group out of the way first (because your new load will be right on top of them..).If it's not too many, you can just line them up by hand, on the grid or by snap. Select the group, save the selection (CTRL+1 or other number), place, then recall selection (ALT+1) and move away (click and drag or M,S, click).Or you can find them in the PCB List Panel, sorted appropriately (and you might want to filter by selection and by type = Component, so you don't have to pick them out of the full list), and copy+paste the X1, Y1 coordinates.And there's probably stuff by Paste Special or other means.If all else fails, using List and Excel (or just popping up some good old fashioned scripts) to match up components, and adjust the coordinates for each so you have them going exactly where you want them, first time every time, is very powerful. Many added steps of course, but almost unlimited possibilities.Tim
PCB edge plating in Altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: babi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 11:29:57 am
content: I am designing a PCB to fit into a 44 pin PLCC socket. The edge of the board must be plated like this:Do normal manufacturers offer this kind of edge plating? How can I add this kind of edge plating to my pads in Altium?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 11:55:18 am
content: In the case shown that's opposite to the usual way called "castellations", where you half route off a plated hole:http://www.viasystems.com/documents/technology/application-note-castellated-holes.pdfYou want edge plating with the holes routing out the edges to form the contacts (not sure if there is a common name for this?)Not all manufacturers will do edge plating, but most decent ones will.You normally specify this as a detailed note on your geber files. There isn't a way to do it in Altium itself AFAIK.

author: babi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 12:20:51 pm
content: Thanks Dave.I know about castellations, but I'm afraid if I use castellation instead of edge plating, the board won't fit into the PLCC connector. Do you have any ideas?

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 02:23:17 pm
content: it looks like these would be done with through-plated slots that are then routed through and holes drilled between them. This sounds like it would require multiple drilling/routing stages, so you will almost definitely have to communicate this with the manufacturer.

author: babi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2015, 07:46:38 am
content: Thanks. Yes, it seems I have to design a plated slot and have the manufacture drill the extra copper.

author: Zman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 02:32:05 am
content: some manufactures call these "half-holes" as it is a normal plated round hole which is cut in a half by routingyou can do the same with routing and have flat edges, yesjust need to specify routing paths for plated and non-plated spots in different layers and explicitly tell about this to manufacturer
Just got an invite to submit a Circuit Studio wish list to Newark - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jmarkwolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 03:02:02 pm
content: If you have some favorite features you'd like to see included in the next release, contact your reseller today.I said I wanted an integrated Gerber viewer/editor, and an option to lose the ribbon menu and change the user interface to drop-down menus.

author: ehughes
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2015, 12:28:23 am
content: How about a $495 PRice tag!

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2015, 12:49:07 am
content: On Circuit Maker you can minimize the ribbon. Can't you do that in Circuit Studio?

author: jmarkwolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2015, 11:47:46 am
content: Quote from: miguelvp on October 21, 2015, 12:49:07 amI don't want to minimize it, I want to change it back to the traditional drop-down.
Altium Stimulus problem - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ilik
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2015, 09:42:08 am
content: altium 10's stimulus rule works perfectly well for Signal Integrity analysis. i set up frequency,and set signal to periodic and it simulates. but in altium 14 i do exactly the same but altium ignores my stimulus rule and keeps it's default (60ns period ) single pulse. tried everything. nothing helped. any suggestions?
Multipart components in multichannel designs possible? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: exmadscientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2015, 04:27:02 am
content: Is there any way to do what the title says: use one section of a multi-part component, such as a dual or quad op-amp, in a multichannel design? It seems ludicrous that I've got to copy and paste at least four times just because I want to use a quad op-amp, but as far as I can tell that's what's required.Is there any way to ease the pain? I don't even want to use rooms -- I'll settle for guaranteed schematic consistency between channels.
Circuit Studio PCB file format conversion - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jmarkwolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2015, 12:35:05 am
content: I am pleased that Circuit Studio v1.1.0 now reads Altium PcbDoc files (as well as SchDoc's, Lib's and projects), but apparently only writes it's own CsPcbDoc file format.When I design a board for customers I usually give them the Altium schematic and PCB databases (many of my customers have Altium).Now that I'll be using Circuit Studio I won't have the option to give them Altium PCB files.Has anybody investigated the native Circuit Studio PCB file format?I'm wondering how big a task it would be to create a utility to translate Circuit Studio PCB files to Altium format. Are such files typically encrypted somehow?

author: jmarkwolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2015, 11:40:56 am
content: I made the change because I won't have access to Altium when I retire, and I can't justify the cost of Altium for part time consulting when I do.All the customer ultimately needs is the manufacturing files. Supplying the design databases was just a nice gesture/bonus.I'm surprised you didn't ask why customers with Altium are having outside contractors doing their designs?

author: PM33AUD
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 07, 2015, 03:52:25 pm
content: http://www.element14.com/community/community/manufacturers/altium/blog/2015/07/24/importing-altium-circuit-studio-files-to-altium-designer-and-vice-versaYou shouldn't have any problems with CS to AD or the other way around (provided the AD file is saved as binary 5.0 format, which you've probably already been doing!). Unless, maybe, they are very behind on their AD updates.The biggest fear I have is that CS 'goes away' and they stop supporting import or export options for it. But I guess that's the risk folks will have to consider. For me, it's a moot point considering the price difference is ~$6k.I'm in a similar boat RE: the PT consulting work. I can also relate to your last comment.
Diff pairs around vias? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Robert.Adams
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2015, 03:22:23 pm
content: Hello all,I'm trying to use differential pairs in Altium (v 15.1.15) for the first time and I'm having a hard time getting them to get past a via. I've attached an example image below. I've tried the rule wizard in the differential pair pane to set max gap high (150 mils) and also tried setting the max uncoupled length very high (> 1000 mil).I'm sure I'm just missing something simple, like the rule is not applied to my differential pair somehow but I can't figure it out with the Altium docs. Can anyone help identify the problem with this?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2015, 03:27:23 pm
content: Try routing each one separately, then doing the majority span with differential routing, then clean up again with single mode, or by moving traces.I view combo modes (differential, multi/bus routing) as tools to speed up connectivity -- a quick and dirty method, to be cleaned up later.Tim

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2015, 09:12:20 pm
content: Quote from: Robert.Adams on September 20, 2015, 03:22:23 pmWhen activating differential pairs, Altium still uses all its autorouting algorithms. One of these algorithms is "loop removal". If you look at the first two track segments (of each differential pair) you can see that a loop will be formed when the track is forced around each side of the via. This then clashes with the "loop removal" algorithm.One fix would be to manually place the first track segment (of each differential pair) directly southwards from the via (which by the way will shorten each route which is what you want).Then can then follow T3sl4co1l advice above to complete the differential pair route.
The pads of resistors are invisible when I print it out. Why? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rozeh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2015, 04:56:25 pm
content: Howdy fellasI was working on my project(a PCB) and it's about done but I have problem. When I print my PCb out, the pads of two resistors are invisible while I can see them in program. this is what I have in the program:And this is what I got when I print it out:This is the setting of these pads:What's the problem in your opinion?

author: tboy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2015, 05:28:08 pm
content: I assume that your print out is of the top copper. In your pad definitions you have 2.54mm for the bottom but the top is 0. Therefore there is no pad to print. Either use the Simple Pad Stack with 2.54mm pad diameter or make the the Top Pad definition the same as you Bottom Pad in the definition you have. A Simple Pad Stack is probably what you want.

author: rozeh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2015, 12:14:11 pm
content: Great! Thanks tboy.