hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
ALTIUM,20-BUS with DIFFERENTIAL LINE - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: diego.tagnani
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 04, 2020, 11:06:05 am
content: Hi everyone. I have a big problem with an ALTIUM project.I have a hierarchical block with differential ports. It is repeated 12 times.These differential lines must go on connector.The bus joins all the lines of the block with the name SiPM_K or A [1..12]. For the differential lines on the connector use _P or _N.The compiler gives me an error, looks for the twisted pair on the name of the bus net and fails to match the two lines of the twisted pair.I attach the schematics section and error lineCan anyone tell me how I can solve the problem?Thanks for help.

author: veryevil
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 04, 2020, 11:49:02 am
content: Altium must have _N and _P you will need to rename the _K _A to N and P.

author: diego.tagnani
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 04, 2020, 11:56:56 am
content: Hi, thanks for your answer, I know.I tested bus with _P and _N, I had the same problem.In bus line SiPM_P or N [1..12] the name of singol line is SiPM_P1, SiPM_P2, ... and SiPM_P12 / SiPM_N1, SiPM_N2, ... and SiPM_N12. It is not correct for ALTIUM's differential line policy...

author: SerieZ
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2020, 11:51:37 am
content: At the very moment you leave the _P and _N convention for differential pairs at any place it is not going to work so the problem lies for sure on your implementation of the nets, Bus or your hierarchical structure.Looking at it your current schematics I have a very hard time to follow what you are trying to do.Edit: Look into how to correctly set up Harnesses in hierarchical Design, I think that can solve your Problem.

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2020, 06:01:44 pm
content: this has come up beforehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/multichannel-differential-pair-net-naming!/msg3028592/#msg3028592
Remove Silkscreen from pads - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: antoniobeta
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2020, 04:26:09 pm
content: I have notice this post was posted twice for some extrange error, when I try to delete it I get this error:You cannot delete your own topics in this board. Check to make sure this topic wasn't just moved to another board.So please use the post at:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/remove-silkscreen-from-pads-236152/Hello Everyone!I am finishing a design on Altium and I have just encountered a problem.The graphic I want to print on the silkscreen PCB covers some of the pads on the top layer, I know some manufacturers will fix that problem directly on the GERBERS before manufacturing, but I was wondering how could I made that myself on Altium designer 20 so I don’t depend on the manufacturer implementation.Pictures 1, 2, 3 are screenshots of my design so you can see what I mean.I have tried the trim silkscreen tool inside Altium but the result I got is picture 6 (the before is picture 4).Any idea?

author: envisionelec
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 01:05:53 pm
content: Aside from manually generating new artwork, you can make a note on your fabrication drawing to "eliminate silkscreen over any exposed or plated copper surfaces."
Draftsman's Ordinate dimensions issue in AD20 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 11:10:11 am
content: I have an issue with Ordinate Dimentions in AD 20 draftsman.Basically, cannot change any Ordinate Dimentions properties there, for example set both Units (Primary and Dual), that's immediately sliding to Document Properties.It works fine in AD 19.Not sure it's me or AD 20 bug, could you please check in your AD 20?
Single schematic for both through hole and smd? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: aabbcc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2020, 12:27:35 am
content: So I have a project I'm creating where I'm going to need both a through hole and smd variant of the finished project.Is there some convinient way to add like alternative components in the schematic or do you reckon I should treat this project as 2 completely separate projects?

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2020, 06:39:44 am
content: You can create two separate projects if you are worried about stability, for example if you think you will be doing big jumps between Altium versions (say 16 to 19) frequentlyIf not then have a look at Altium Variants, which I think is very stable these days:https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/design-variants-ad

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2020, 07:04:19 am
content: Somewhere around AD14-16 they introduced variants with alternate footprints. So you don't have to put two dummy components in parallel, and there are some exceptions built in to the two footprints, they can overlap.Go to variant dialog, add a new variant if applicable, and select an alternate component. You need the full component (footprint and params, including supplier link if you're using it) in a library already. Or you can edit the params manually, but the footprint field still has to pull from a SchLib it seems.Tim

author: aabbcc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2020, 09:29:38 am
content: Wow, sounds like just what I'm looking for! Will dig into the documentation and give it a go, thanks both of you!
Altium ASCII export - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Tostuk
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 04:40:08 pm
content: I need to get a pcb schematic from an Altium file to EasyEDA. I've downloaded Altium free trial, but I can't seem to find the spot where I can save the file as ASCII (EasyEDA can import Altium's ASCII file). I tried exporting to dxf and then importing the dxf but the polylines came as seperate(). Even if I manually connected the polylines in AutoCAD before importing to EasyEDA.How can I save altium files in ASCII file format?

author: Alan-J
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 04, 2020, 11:14:58 pm
content: I'm not sure about the free trial version. In the licensed version, select "File | Save As" from the main menu for each of the individual schematic or PCB files, and then select ASCII from the "Save as type:" drop down list. I've had the same problem in the past trying to pull design data into DipTrace and certainly sympathize ...
Impedance rule isn't applied? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zphaze
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2020, 02:35:22 pm
content: Hi,I just noticed today I was doing my DRCs with "Signal Integrity/Impedance" unchecked.After checking the option, I can only assume the impedance constraint rules I applied to a few nets, simply doesn't seem to be applied.I was expecting Altium would just modulate the impedance width to modulate the impedance.I'm not necessarily trying to have perfect impedance matching (I think for that to happen the fab must control your stackup, and for *now* I want to use a generic stackup).That said, I would expect there is some kind of functionnality to make Altium "decide" of the width of a trace so that it can match the impedance constraint, so that the DRC can pass (I understand there will be incertitudes, but not a >2x factor like I'm getting). I thought setting a rule would be sufficient, but it doesn't seem to have any impact.TL;DR Is there a way to make Altium strictly apply the impedance rule I previously set (by imposing a width)?Thanks!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2020, 03:33:46 pm
content: Do you have planes in the layer stackup? It only calculates impedance to the nearest plane(s). Regardless of what's on the layers. Although I don't recall it producing a result in case of no planes... Those numbers would actually be reasonable for parallel differential pairs with no plane.Planes aren't very nice to use, better to simply calculate the expected trace width and go with it. There's no inter-layer check for grounding copper, so it's down to a visual inspection either way.Tim

author: zphaze
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2020, 04:30:43 pm
content: I have a 4 layer stackup, but the inner "plane layers" are declared as "Signal" because I much prefer working with polygons.Why would we need planes? Since the traces are on the top layer, I'm not sure I understand why Altium would require planesIs there any tools available for manual calculations?

author: Codex
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2020, 06:20:20 am
content: I find Altium impedance tool difficult/impossible to use and it often just does not work correctly or as expected.I use impedance tools like Saturn PCB.https://saturnpcb.com/pcb_toolkit/And you tell the PCB maker that you have controlled impedance on your PCB.
pcb holes wthin component footprint - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2020, 11:03:58 am
content: Is it possible to make a hole within a component footprint? The only way I know to make a hole is to make a pad and make the hole as same size as the pad - if I do this I have to label the pad with a number and that means it doesn't pair with the schematic symbol

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2020, 11:30:26 am
content: Maybe draw the hole on the mechanical layer that contains the pcb outline. You need to standardise the layer for this.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2020, 02:50:11 pm
content: 1. Using pad: don't forget to set unplated. You can use any name you like. Typically '0' for mechanical holes.Note that pad names are paired with pin names, so if you only use counting numbers for pin designators, they'll only connect with counting-numbered pads. You can always edit the pairing on the Pin Map dialog.2. Using regions: place a board cutout region of the desired shape. Preferably also copy its outline to the board outline layer, so it shows up on the drawing.Example: draw the outline on Mechanical 1 (or whatever the board outline layer is). Select the primitives. Tools, Convert, Create Board Outline Region (T, V, B).#1 only allows round or slot holes, or I guess more complicated shapes using the pad library.#2 allows arbitrary shapes. Mind to leave an inner corner radius, and minimum slot width, corresponding to the minimum endmill size used for the operation. Typically 1mm radius. Smaller radii are available, but the board fab will charge a premium as smaller endmills work slower and have shorter lives.Tim

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2020, 02:54:36 pm
content: You can absolutely make a hole using the pad tool in the component library. This is entirely normal for components that need unplated mounting holes.If you need an arbitrarily-shaped milled feature, it doesn't seem like you can fully define that in the PCB lib, at least not in the more modern way that recent versions of Altium favor (by defining a board cutout region), at least as of AD19.1 (it's possible they've fixed this in AD20+). You can use the older keepout method, though. If you need any kind of more complex geometry (board cutouts, edge outline features or whatever), then the best method may be to just draw them as a reference geometry in your PCB footprint, and then after placing the part translate that geometry as necessary into the correct primitives on the correct PCB layer. The translation step might not be necessary in all cases, as long as you have layers set up correctly, not sure on that.
PCB Panelization - Nested Designs? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: klr5205
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 02:19:15 pm
content: I have two different ring-shaped pcbs of different diameters. One can easily fit inside the other. Is there a simple way to nest one inside the other for manufacture, with the center having just a few mouse bites holding it in place? It probably goes without saying that I'm not incredibly experienced with Altium but at least initially when I fired up the panelization tool and nested the boards like I wanted, the larger board's inside cutout feature overrode the smaller pcb leaving pads just floating in space.In typing this it occurs to me that rather than creating an embedded panel drawing with two different files it would be simpler to create one file with both board designs on it routed the way I want, but I've come this far so I might as well see if the hivemind has an even better idea!

author: klr5205
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 06:11:49 pm
content: Figured it out, but just to close the loop, here's what I did:To start off, I think most of my confusion here was that I forgot to define a route tool layer in the first place. Having done that, the rest becomes pretty obvious.For the purposes of this nested design panel, I created a copy of the larger PCB that didn't have the cutout region. I then placed the area to be cutout on my route path layer. Simple as that. Now when I lay the designs on top of each other using the panelize tool, everything renders correctly. Now just to add some tabs/mouse bites...
Unrouted nets DRC error when routed (fixed) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sean0118
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 04:14:25 am
content: This is fixed, just posting here to save other people time.I started getting really weird DRC errors saying I had unrouted nets which were previously passing DRC. I could also see that they were routed correctly and pressing ctrl+H would select the whole net correctly.After spending half a day I found there were regions with 0 width under the offending traces (see attachment).Deleting these solved the issue, I'm not sure what created them, I think it might have been the teardrop generator as half of them were at T junctions.This is in Altium 17 btw.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 06:26:43 am
content: I did that recently too, must've hit P,R and clicked a few times before canceling out and doing P,T. Oddness I was having was, nothing would select in the area, yet there was a snap point that the cursor would go to, and which other nets would refuse to route through. Solved by looking for suspicious Region's on PCB List.Tim

author: sean0118
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 08:54:37 am
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on April 28, 2020, 06:26:43 amThat sounds like a similar issue, but mine was in a multichannel design though and the regions showed up under the same tracks in every room. I think it must have been something automated in my case, like the teardrop or clean all nets commands...The other weird thing is the regions had the same nets as the tracks, but it still broke them somehow.Altium...

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 10:47:51 pm
content: I've never seen teardropping fail like that, but admittedly that's only out of some thousands of autogenerated regions, and I try to be clean with my trace and pad geometry. Could be some strange edge cases, who knows.Tim
3D step file doesn't appear when compiling an IntLib library - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: OmarCrypps
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 27, 2020, 10:43:44 am
content: Hi everyone,I'm facing some troubles to get 3D step file apprearing on a footprint when compiling intlib libararies. I generally download my libraries from Ultralibrarian which give us the 3D step file, the schematics and the footprint. But when adding the footprint then compiling the Intlib, the 3D model doesn't appear when instlling the compiled library.Can you help me ?

author: sean0118
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 04:20:53 am
content: You can see the footprint in the library but not the 3D model?In the 3D mode (press 3) bring up Vew Config (press L), is 3D bodies /models enabled?
AD20 dxf schematic export ignoring variants and only outputting one page - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2020, 05:31:13 pm
content: Just wondering- bugs or me? This is AD20.0.141. I add AutoCAD dwg/dxf File Schematic to export outputs section of the output job, select Project as a Data source and generate output. I get dxf per schematic page, but it ignores variant selected. (I always get "no variations"one no matter what I actually select in Variant choice)2. If I go through File, export , DXF/DWG and select "All schematic documents in the current project", Altium churns through all pages, tells me it generated x pages, then saves the last one ?! (Still ignoring the variant as well)Both seems to be bugs, but the second one appears to have been around since forever per Altium forums.Any workarounds I should try?And in general how does one generate CAD friendly outputs of schematics and layout layers? Customer request...

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2020, 05:44:22 pm
content: Also tried selecting "choose a different variant for each output" under Variant choice.This added dropdown box to each out to select variant. Except for schematic DXF one..
changing mil to mm shortcut - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2020, 07:49:54 am
content: Hi,when I'm in PCB editor I can press "Q" to change the units to mm and mil, But when I open the rules window, this shortcut would not work! I want to know is there any shortcut so that it can be used to change units in the rules window?

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2020, 12:14:58 pm
content: Pretty sure Design Rules take what ever units your PCB is using, so nope?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2020, 04:30:50 pm
content: Use Ctrl+Q inside dialog windows

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2020, 05:31:02 pm
content: Thanks

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2020, 05:32:26 pm
content: Gets me every time. Still wondering why not keep it consistent?!
Red arrow vs green arrow from Output to Output container - using variants - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: VermontEE
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2020, 12:52:58 pm
content: I have a design that has a number variants. These are not variants of a footprint but a variant of a populated value, i.e. 0.10Ω vs 0.12Ω. When attempting to create the outjob, the arrow that routes from the output to the output container is red rather than green. A search for "outjob red arrow" gave this explanationWhen defining variant usage at the individual output level, if the chosen variant does not allow the variation of fabrication outputs and the variant is specified for use with a fabrication-based output, the variant entry in the OutJob will be red, and a hover-tip used to flag the situation. Generation of output using the chosen variant will proceed as though the setting [No Variations] had been chosen. In other words, the base (non-varied) design will be used as the source of the output instead.https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/preparing-multiple-outputs-in-an-outputjob-ad?version=18.1If I go to Project->Variants and click on a variant then click on Edit Variant, the check box for 'Allow variation of fabrication outputs' is checked So I don't think this is issueWhy is the arrow red? How do I fix it?

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2020, 12:20:20 pm
content: Do you get any warnings/errors when you compile the project?Also, try resetting your Project Error Reporting (in Project Options), compiling again, and seeing if any warnings/errors pop upSounds like something is broken in your variant
Asking for mini PCIe full-height PCB model  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: OmarCrypps
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 20, 2020, 03:15:52 pm
content: Hi everyone,I'm looking for mini PCIe full-height PCB model for my PCB design. I know that there are a lot of reference designs in Atium Live but I don't have Altium Live credentials. Could someone send me an Altium IntLib of mini PCIe full height card ?Regards,Crypps.

author: sean0118
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2020, 06:07:26 am
content: Have you checked Digikey? They sometimes have 3D models available you can import into your Altium library.edit: wait, you want the whole card? Not just the PCIe connector?
Altium Designer 20 - SVNDbLib Pin Mapping - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Elec27
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 24, 2020, 10:09:49 am
content: Hello,I converted some Intlibs to SVNDbLibs and I am wondering if there is a Pin Map feature in database libraries like in Intlibs?What do you do if you have eg. two dual transistor components which have the same package, but different pinouts?In Intlibs it was easy, because I could change the Mapping between Schematic Pin Designator and Footprints Pin Designator.My solution would be to create multiple footprints with changed Pin Designators. Is there a better solution?Kind Regards
Download Altium Webiner - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: maxpayne
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2020, 01:16:30 pm
content: I was not able to download video from the Altium webiner page with IDM. It says about some kind of protection.https://resources.altium.com/webinars/altium-academy-virtual-session-spice-simulationsDo you follow any other method for downloading webinar from Altium site ?

author: eliocor
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 17, 2020, 04:33:07 pm
content: Video DownloadHelper

author: maxpayne
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2020, 11:09:33 am
content: Quote from: eliocor on April 17, 2020, 04:33:07 pmIts working great !
Programmatically set project parameters [SOLVED] - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ribster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 09:32:40 am
content: Hello allI have made a script that automatically alters all the parameters in each sheet of a project.Programmed in VBS, works great.Now i want to add this metadata onto my PCB.I cannot access the schematic parameters from my PCB, but i can access project parameters.I can set them and couple them from my PCB, which is great.Now: how do i access these values from VBS ?Can't seem to find a good starting point for this.Kind Regards

author: Ribster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 06:51:30 pm
content: I found some piece of code in Pascal (Or is it Delphi ?)https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/373311/how-can-i-change-the-project-parameters-in-altium-designer-with-a-delphi-scriptSo i converted this to VBS and it works!For future reference:Code:Sub setProjectParameter(PARAMNAME, PARAMVALUE)' Get pcb project interfaceDim workspace ' As IWorkspaceSet workspace = GetWorkspaceDim pcbProject ' As IProjectSet pcbProject = workspace.DM_FocusedProjectDim paramFoundparamFound = 0If pcbProject Is Nothing ThenShowMessage("ERROR: Current project is not a PCB project")Exit SubEnd IfIf pcbProject.DM_ParameterCount > 0 ThenDim paramNumFor paramNum = 0 To pcbProject.DM_ParameterCount - 1Dim projParameterSet projParameter = pcbProject.DM_Parameters(paramNum)If projParameter.DM_Name = PARAMNAME ThenparamFound = 1Parameter = pcbProject.DM_Parameters(paramNum)Parameter.DM_SetValue(PARAMVALUE)End IfNextEnd IfIf paramFound=0 Then'Create parameterCall pcbProject.DM_AddParameter(PARAMNAME, PARAMVALUE)End IfEnd Sub
Changing the schlib reference of PCB footprint models - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Chromatic
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 16, 2020, 03:13:18 pm
content: Hi,I am working with Altium DesignerThe company I am working for is changing its name; few years ago, the person who created the libraries decided to put the name of the company in the lib files name. Now I am to find a way to correct this with a more decent name... well, at leat not including the company name !I have noticed when changing the library names, for every schematic component, the associated footprint refers to the old PCB libraryQuoteIs there a way to clean this up? Or should it be considered as legacy and will be there for ever ?Thanks for your feedback

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2020, 12:20:11 am
content: You should be able to1. switch to the new libraries by selecting the components and using the property panel. it will ask you something like (do you want to update the ID?) say NO.2. Updating components from the library to update the associated footprintIf you can send some examples documents (redacted, just a few components) i can make a how-to video tomorro.
Altium Designer - SVNDbLib locked file - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Elec27
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 09, 2020, 02:38:19 pm
content: Dear fellow engineers,I created some SVN Database Libraries and am sharing them with other engineers.We also have the file locking option enabled, which prevents others to edit files, if another AD instance already opened it.Unfortunately, if this option is enabled, no one can edit the SVNDbLibs even when no one has opened them. We only have the libraries installed.If this option is disabled, the libs can be edited.Does anyone know what the problem here is?

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2020, 05:00:32 pm
content: I'd recommend leaving SVN in the last decade and using git. You can easily setup a gitea server, use all the project management features to work on your library, host projects on it.
Altium stuck at creating project - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: blueskull
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 12, 2020, 02:56:17 pm
content: Has anyone encountered Altium getting stuck at creating new projects? I can open, view, modify and save projects.If I really want, I can copy an old project file to create projects, but I can't create brand new projects from file menu.It was working just a few days ago, but it suddenly stopped working today.I'm using Altium 20.0.13, Windows 10 18363 64-bit with EN-US locale.Tried to reboot and purge Altium preference files, performed a fresh activation and configuration, with no help.I can see the create new project window, but once I click create, Altium hangs, and the new folder appears in Explorer, with no contents.Altium ceases to respond to anything, including clicking of the red close button. I can only close it in task manager.Any suggestion? Should I perform a clean re-installation or should I do what?

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2020, 02:09:00 am
content: Do you have networked template files?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2020, 02:43:00 am
content: Pretty common to get those sort of issues in apps if you have worked with files over the network and that server has suddenly disappeared.

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2020, 01:07:47 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on April 12, 2020, 02:56:17 pmSame hereQuote from: blueskull on April 12, 2020, 03:27:43 pmAround 15 seconds to create a new empty project (only project file is created), 2nd new project - no delays

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2020, 03:40:02 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on April 13, 2020, 02:10:07 pmI have a general issue sometime ago, but has solved with firewall settings.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/are-altium-services-down/The project creation is not impacted at all
Altium: Measure Primitives (RP) measurements display location - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2020, 03:52:38 am
content: I'm using Altium 19.The Measure Primitives tool inReports -> MeasurePrimitivesreturns the X, Y, and direct distances between two items at the closest point. Additionally, a popup window includes other information.With items that are parallel at a 45 degree angle to the sheet, some of the displayed information gets overwritten. See the attached example.I could not find settings for the orientation of the blue and yellow X, Y and distance rendering location by either searching their instructions or by settings in Altium.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2020, 08:30:34 pm
content: Probably a bug that you cannot fix yourself. The popup window gives you the clearance distance 26mil, that should be what you need right?

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2020, 10:56:55 pm
content: You need to zoom in a bit more, so that the items you are trying to measure take up more screen space

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2020, 11:25:34 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on April 01, 2020, 08:30:34 pmI'm afraid you are right about it likely being a bug. Oh well.The popup at least has the distance, although it would be nice for it to include the X and Y distances as well.Quote from: ANTALIFE on April 01, 2020, 10:56:55 pmWhile zooming in helps sometimes, in practice I'm making screen shots of the measurements that also include the designators or names of the relevant nets. This limits how much I can zoom in, otherwise the shot would be way too big. As the popup contains the distance, which is actually all I need, then I can just capture that in the context of the layout.
Extract 3D STEP file from Altium Library - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Evan.Cornell
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2020, 06:58:49 pm
content: Hello, Coilcraft has Altium library available here:https://www.coilcraft.com/altium/CoilcraftPCB.zipI do not have Altium, but I would like 3D STEP file model of UA8013-ALD. Can anyone check this library and extract the STEP file for me?Thanks!

author: Deni
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2020, 07:25:33 pm
content: It's not in that library, sorry

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 21, 2020, 08:43:27 pm
content: Coilcraft normally put the 3d model right on the product webpage.The model is not shown on webpage for UA8013-ALD so I would guess that Coilcraft don't have one.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2020, 02:45:32 am
content: It's a black cube, what's it matter..?Tim

author: Evan.Cornell
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2020, 11:35:17 am
content: Thanks for checking. I always like to have the mfg supplied STEP if possible, but in lieu of that, "black cube" it is!

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2020, 12:05:32 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on March 22, 2020, 02:45:32 amI find accurate STEP models are a great cross check not only for mechanical fit (hitting other components or case) but also for catching footprint balls up.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2020, 10:00:09 pm
content: Hmm. How often do you find a download that doesn't disclaim "for display only" or somesuch?A lot of them are fortunately close to the drawings, but rarely if ever are they actually guaranteed to be.Tim

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 25, 2020, 01:31:24 pm
content: Its a cross check.In the rare case something is amiss - investigate.
altium 19 component search / libraries - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2020, 02:12:05 pm
content: Ive been using Altium 19 recently and having a little trouble with the component search system - I used altium 16 before and the search was relatively fast and easy, but altium 19 the search function (in schematic - place part - file based libraries search) is very slow and slows the whole computer down while it runs, it also doesn't give any indication which library it's searching like it did in Altium 16, so you don't have any idea how far it is through the search AND it doesn't give you any option to stop the search like it used to.Am I missing something? I feel like I am supposed to be using this in a different way because this is not working well at all. The speed thing I guess might be an issue with the computer or the setup, but I can't wrap my head around the other things

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2020, 02:22:13 pm
content: Hello,Are your libraries on a fast drive? (SSD)How many libraries do you have?David

author: vixo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2020, 02:37:55 pm
content: they're all on the local SSD. There are about 130

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2020, 07:42:37 pm
content: Are any of the SVN or DB libraries?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2020, 08:28:25 pm
content: You can try blocking altium in the outgoing firewall and seeing if that speeds it up at all.Under win10 open Resource Monitor, go to Disk tab, select Altium exe. Then it will tell you what files it is accessing.
Put room inside room - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zphaze
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2020, 11:19:49 pm
content: Hi,In my schematics I have a .schdoc block (block1) that is inside another .schdoc (block2) block. The top level schdoc contains block2 of course.When transferring this into PCB mode, it create two rooms (one for block1 and one for block2).I cannot seem to be able to place block2 inside block1.What I'd like to do is to be able to move block2_room so that block1_room (which is contained inside block2_room) moves along with it.It seems rooms cannot be put into unions sadly.Is there any way?Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2020, 04:07:00 am
content: Nope, rooms cannot be nested in PCB. You could rearrange the block2 room into a donut around the block1 room, if that gets you the rule enforcement you want. If you're using rooms because you have a multichannel design and you want to replicate the layout across channels, then pick whichever level you're actually repeating at and eliminate the other room. If you just want to be able to move blocks around on your PCB while you lay out, then maybe unions would be better. Regardless, moving chunks of stuff around in the PCB is just going to be annoying once things start getting close together. Or maybe that's just my experience because I'm pathological about optimally compact layouts. In any case, both unions and rooms kinda suck in Altium, sorry. I'd love to see proper support for some sort of self-contained group of selectively editable objects, like blocks in AutoCAD, but
Strange PCBLIB/SCHLIB issue - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zphaze
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2020, 05:45:22 am
content: Hi,I have this strange thing happening with Altium. It is extremely frustrating, I spent hours on this (hours!).I have a .schlib and a .pcblib in my project.Now say I have a footprint "FP_Z", and a schematic defining a component "COMP_X".FP_Z being used by many other components (such as a 0603 generic capacitor footprint).- Now let's say I open my project, launch Altium, and decide to go inside my pcblib and change (modify)the existing FP_Z footprint (for example add overlay lines).- After modifying it, I save the .pcblib- I go inside the schlib, go in the component COMP_X click "Refresh Preview" to show the new footprint is being added correctly.- Refresh preview doesn't work, so I delete the FP_Z footprint from COMP_X and re-add it manually. My changes still don't appear.- I go back inside the .pcblib and duplicate FP_Z to FP_Z_Duplicate and also add a new footprint XXX just to see if I will see it.- I save the pcblib, go back inside the schlib, and when trying to import a new footprint, neither FP_Z_Duplicate nor the XXX footprint are showing.So basically it's as if I cannot update my schlib and add newly added or updated footprints.The only way I see to make it work is to copy all footprints, add a new .pcblib, paste all the footprints, save, and re-add manually one by one all the components.This package costs around 7000$... and we're wasting precious hours on this. Is there any suggestion?TL;DR it's as if the .pcblib, when adding a footprint from a .schlib, doesn't match what the .pcblib really contains when opening it with the PCB editor.Thanks (p.s. tried with AD19 and AD20)

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2020, 07:41:52 am
content: What gets placed on the board in an actual design?Libraries are cached, they can get out of sync in some cases. Try Programs and Settings, Altium, Change Settings/Uninstall, reset / clean installation (I forget the exact option).If you have customized user settings I suggest going to Tools/Preferences and saving them beforehand.Tim

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2020, 12:25:47 pm
content: I posted a batch script a while back for easily clearing your cache.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/altium/svndblib-cache-seems-not-working/msg2534745/#msg2534745

author: zphaze
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2020, 01:44:31 am
content: I did something similar as well.Basically delete the C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Temp -> *.pcbcf *schcfPerhaps deleting the __Previews folder in the project folder also work.I had a terrible night where I was dreaming Altium ate my lunch and I woke up in fear.

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2020, 06:20:02 pm
content: Altium ate your lunch, now it is going after your dog.
Multilayer vias missing copper in middle layers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: plazma
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2020, 10:00:32 pm
content: I exported the gerbers and compared to the layout. Top to bottom vias seem to be missing annular rings in middle layers.In the picture left picture is from ViewMate gerber viewer. Right is AD20 with via properties visible. There should be the same 0.7mm dia annular rings in every layer.How do I fix this or is there a setting for this?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2020, 10:15:26 pm
content: Try it with "simple" stack for the via setting, see if it makes a difference.Try a different gerber viewer, how does it show up in camtastic for example?

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2020, 10:26:23 pm
content: may or may not be related but removing annular rings where they are not needed is a thinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non_functional_pad

author: plazma
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2020, 10:31:01 pm
content: Tried two other gerber viewers and they show the same.If this is a matter of non-functional pad removal then there should be a setting for it.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2020, 11:01:55 pm
content: If going back to "simple" stack doesn't do it, could try restoring them:https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/removing-unused-pads-and-adding-teardrops-adIf you turn off multi-layer do they normally show up on a layer? I don't think I've ever had that off so I can't recall. It should show up in the 3D view in altium though.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2020, 07:29:04 am
content: NFP is a setting in Gerber generation. It's recommended to be used, and is on by default.Tim

author: plazma
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2020, 10:55:55 am
content: Thanks for the replies.There is a setting "Include unconnected mid-layer pads" in Gerber Setup.
How to export schematic PDF of variant? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: plazma
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2020, 09:34:16 pm
content: In CircuitStudio it was easy. Generate Outpouts --> Documentation --> schematic Prints --> Configure --> Type documents to " Physical Documents".How do you print a variant schematic in Altium Designer? I need to have the DNF or red cross markings visible.While writing this I found it out. With Smart PDF you have to select "Current Project" instead of "Current Document".Then you get the Structure settings 4 clicks forward. There is an option for "Use physical structure" and you can select the varialt. Only took over an hour to find it

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2020, 09:46:57 pm
content: When Smart PDF prompts you to create an OutJob... tick it.More specifically, you can create an OutJob file from new, or from project settings like this, and set up whatever outputs you like. Usually you'll have two output containers to run: one for all the PDFs (schematics, PCB prints, mech drawings..) and one for all the files (Gerbers, ODB++, BOM, IPC, STEP..).Or one for each kind of file output (e.g.: SCH PDF, SCH file (AutoCAD?), PCB PDF, PCB files, ASSY PDF, ASSY files), but how you do that, and why, is an advanced topic.Tim
Polygon pours inside room? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zphaze
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2020, 12:04:08 am
content: Hi,I'm doing a multi-channel design.Basically I have 12 rooms that will repeat the exact same subcircuit on the PCB.Now, I find rooms quite good at what I want them to do (being able to repeat a circuit).But I wonder... if I use polygon pours inside a room (even inside the top layer), when I try to move the room, the room components/traces move except the newly created polygon pour!Is there a way to associate a polygon pour to a room?Because since this is a 4 layer board, I would like to be able to add ground pours (on layer two) and power pours (layer 3) to the room, so that I could just repeat this all over 12 times.Is this possible or do rooms only apply to basic stuff like traces and components?Thanks!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2020, 05:07:09 am
content: You won't have a solid ground plane under everything? Alarm bells ringing...I do find it annoying when using polys for heatsinking and low inductance connections, though. I don't know of anything offhand, perhaps the room and polys can be put into a union? Or if rooms can't be unioned, maybe it's enough to union with something that does move with it, a component say.Tim
Creating an asociative PCB copy from one to another project - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Andi86
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 17, 2020, 12:39:58 pm
content: Hello EEVBlog community,as I am fairly new to Altium designer I hope my question isn't too trivial. I looked for an answer in the Altium help, but could not find a fitting solution to my problem.A co-worker of mine is designing a board (Project A), which consist of hierarchically schematic sheets and a PCB. I now want to copy only a part of that PCB to my project (Project B) in an associative way, so that if my co worker changes something on his PCB, my PCB can be updated automatically. I uploaded an image as attachment to clearify the situation.So far I found three options regarding design reuse:1. Multi board, which is close, but as I understood it, would always result in multiple PCB files and therefore multiple physical PCBs which is unwanted.2. Device sheets, which would allow to make an associative copy of the underlying schematics but has no link to the layout of Project A.3. Snippets, which creates a loose copy, meaning that I would have to make a manual copy, every time my co worker edits his PCB (and remembers to write me an email about it...)Is there any other way to encounter this problem?Many thanks in advanceAndi

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2020, 01:43:35 pm
content: there is no way to do that.
Are Altium services down?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2020, 03:42:24 pm
content: What you can see there?https://monitoring.live.altium.com/

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2020, 04:13:25 pm
content: Just imposible to use AD... very slow...Workaround:Block Altium in Windows Firewall
Top Paste layer, how to reduce size for stencil - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: djoshi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 09, 2020, 04:34:36 pm
content: Hi AllI am very new to this forumI am in process of create a PCB using Altium. I also need to create the stencil file. If i am correct this is the "Top Paste" layer.How do I reduce the size by 10%?I am aware of the PasteMaskExpansion rule, but there i need specify an value such as -0.03.Is there way to do it by percentage of the actual pad?Thank YouRegardsDJ

author: Pseudobyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2020, 09:14:37 pm
content: you could script that in...but yes currently you would need to do the math yourself. Unfortunately the rule doesn't support % based reductions.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 02:50:13 pm
content: There are other tools that can do this as a post processing step, I think in the past I used Pentalogix Viewmate, but IIRC the free version doesn't support exporting back to gerber, so it's only useful if you're making the stencil yourself.FWIW, you can probably set all of the paste mask sizes in your library to whatever suits you, it's a bit of a pain, but once you know what works for a given package in your assembly process it shouldn't be something you have to mess with again. If you choose to later on send the design to a CM, I would expect them to tweak the stencil to suit their workflow anyway and wouldn't stress about whether or not your paste mask works for anyone but you.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 03:01:07 pm
content: stencil manufacturers can do that for you.contraction is not normally handled at board level as it heavilty depends on the thickness of the stencil used.
Delete key not working - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MordorGuy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 11:26:05 am
content: Altium 20.0.11/12I have a problem in which delete key stopped working, I can cut traces, click edit-delete but physical key does nothingShift+DEL works but its annoying to click that muchIn schematic everything is workingIs there a solution for this?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 11:29:42 am
content: Reboot your machine, sometimes a key or keys just stops working in windows apps.A reboot always fixes it for me.

author: MordorGuy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 11:38:49 am
content: Unfortunately neither version update nor PC restart didnt help.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 11:53:48 am
content: hm.. Does the delete key work in other apps?Can you use the delete key in Altium to delete characters from text strings?

author: MordorGuy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 12:00:38 pm
content: Yes, it works, and combination shift+DEL works for deletingAlso numpad + and - doesnt work to scroll through layers

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 01:33:32 pm
content: Did you disable a shortcut menu, by any chance? (Right click toolbar area, see list of available toolbars?)Tim

author: MordorGuy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 01:48:13 pm
content: Yes, the toolbar "PCB shortcuts" was disabled and nothing worked, thanks for your help