PCB Libraries Forum : Footprint Expert 24.01 Released!! https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:47:59 +0000 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 10:49:54 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.07 360 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3341 <![CDATA[PCB Libraries Forum]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_images/PCBLForumLogo.gif https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ <![CDATA[Footprint Expert 24.01 Released!! : Version 24.01 was just released!!Fixes...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/footprint-expert-24-01-released_topic3341_post13343.html#13343 Author: Nick B
Subject: 3341
Posted: 13 Dec 2023 at 10:49am

Version 24.01 was just released!!

Fixes & Enhancements:
  • Options:
    • Recommended for existing users – Create a new Option file from scratch. Do not use your existing .opt file.
    • Updated the Internal Defaults to IPC-7352 Guideline
      • Removed Fab & Assy tolerances and changed all negative solder joint goals to 0.00
      • Note 1: this update might create SMD pad sizes smaller by an average of – 0.01 to 0.03 mm
      • Note 2: there will be a V23.opt file for users who want the original (IPC-7351) version
      • But you can still use your original .opt file if you don’t want to update to IPC-7352
      • Note 3: if you want to use the new IPC-7352 options to upgrade to the new mathematical model for pad stack calculations, you should recreate your Master Option file from scratch by selecting “File > New (Internal Defaults)” then “File > Save As > New Name.opt”
      • Note 4: V24 installs into a separate folder to allow you to run V23 and V24 side by side to copy your existing Options to a new Option file
    • Redesigned all the Terminal Options GUI
      • Major rewrite for all Grid Array component families – BGA, CGA and LGA
    • Added the ability to enter 1 for pad size and placement
      • 3 = 0.001
      • 2 = 0.01
      • 1 = 0.10
  • CAD Tools:
    • Allegro – translator dug in pad stack definition for mask layers
  • FP Designer: 
    • Moving a calculator footprint to FP Designer and selecting “New” pad stack created an error message
  • Calculators:
    • Batch Build was only creating one footprint
    • BGA pad trimming caused a discrepancy between the actual pad size and the displayed pad size
    • Through-hole pad stack calculations were updated
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