Tagged Questions

1
vote
3answers
106 views

Cannot find SMD resistors in Altium

I just moved from Eagle to Altium. I cannot find SMD resistors in Altium libraries. In Eagle, there are almost all general components. In Altium there are only few resistors. Where can I download the ...
2
votes
0answers
36 views

Altium: Query to target Vias in Pads

Does anyone have a Altium query/selector that targets vias in SMT pads? I'm routing a very dense HDI board, and would like to make rules that exclusively target vias that are inside a component pad ...
2
votes
1answer
126 views

In Altium how do you increase the trace width from a Pour to GND Vias and Pads?

In my PCB layout I have a ground power connector and several pads where I would like thick traces to connect to the ground plane. When I use the polygon pour feature, it will connect these with 4 ...
1
vote
1answer
201 views

How to export Slots in Altium?

I made my first PCB with slots, and Altium is generation two .txt files...one for the drills, and one for the slots...how do I combine them to send it to the manufacture?
2
votes
2answers
297 views

How to complete 3D Export PCB in Altium

I know how to export a STEP file in Altium, but is there a way to export the whole PCB, just as it is displayed in Altium's screen? I mean with the traces, vias, components, etc.
6
votes
1answer
401 views

Techniques to make art with PCB Silkscreen in Altium

I am finishing a PCB and I wanted to add some kind of artwork in my PCB, but not just import an image, I was thinking about placing some lines in the silkscreen, but I didnt wanted it to cover the ...
3
votes
2answers
251 views

Why Altium routes trace to the side of the pad?

I am curious, are there any reasons why Altium tends to route a trace to the side of a pad, instead of the top? The top looks more logical, since it will not disturb other traces in a SOIC for ...
2
votes
1answer
425 views

Altium: Position components following Step/DXF File

I'm new to PCB design and new to Altium. I manage to figure out the following: Create my own footprints for odd parts and using the wizards. Import the board shape from a DXF file. Import the ...
0
votes
1answer
365 views

Altium Camtastic Auto-Rout PCB Border is routing over edge of board

I typically draw rout tool paths by hand, but I though I would give Altium's built-in router a try. The command I am talking about is Rout->Auto-Rout PCB Border within the CAM document mode. The ...
11
votes
9answers
5k views

Looking for a good freeware/open source PCB design software equivalent to Altium

I am familiar with Altium PCB design software in my workplace. But thats an expensive suite to maintain. Is there any decent enough free software which I can use at home for my pet projects? I have ...
6
votes
4answers
2k views

Changing all via and routing sizes at once (Altium Designer, PCB Design)

I have a completed PCB design drawn by Altium Designer. I want to increase via sizes. But there are too much of them, and changing all of them one by one will be a very long and bothersome work. Is ...
1
vote
3answers
761 views

CPU considerations for PCB software (routing) when purchasing a new computer

My company uses Altium Designer for PCB design and the most CPU intensive operation seems to be the autorouting. My question is, when considering a new computer, would it benefit autorouting ...