PCB Libraries Forum : Altium https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ Tue, 05 May 2026 15:52:35 +0000 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:49:36 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.07 30 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/RSS_topic_feed.asp?FID=11 <![CDATA[PCB Libraries Forum]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_images/PCBLForumLogo.gif https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ <![CDATA[Altium : SODF OR DFN]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/sodf-or-dfn_topic3634_post14510.html#14510 Author: dramos
Subject: SODF OR DFN
Posted: 15 Apr 2026 at 11:49pm

Dear Tom and Team,

Yes, I thought the same about SODF and DFN.
So I consider that the footprint I created is correct.

In the other hand, it is my question about the shape of the internal corners of the pad.
On our company, when we create a footprint we build it with Nominal density option and Most density option. The program allows to do it in a very fast and easy way.

In both cases, the value Side and Heel is 0.00. It could be similar to the value 0.00 that we have in the Periphery parameter on a DFN.

Furthermore, there are some SODF components where the lead is below the body, for example the mentioned RB751S40T1G.

Yesterday, when I saw the component that I downloaded I started thinking that perhaps it had sense and It could be done using the new features that Altium developed.

I know that it could be a crazy idea, but I would like to start this discussion with you because in PCBFE you have a big and long knowledge. You've been involved in footprints for decades. In my company there is not a dedicated librarian to share with him this kind of ideas.

Anyway, thanks for your comments.
david



]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:49:36 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/sodf-or-dfn_topic3634_post14510.html#14510 <![CDATA[Altium : SODF OR DFN]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/sodf-or-dfn_topic3634_post14508.html#14508 Author: Tom H
Subject: SODF OR DFN
Posted: 15 Apr 2026 at 10:47am

This package is definitely a SODFL package. 

A DFN is a BTC package where the terminal lead are completely under the package body. 

DFNs do not have terminal leads that protrude outside the package body. 

SODFL:



DFN:



]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:47:30 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/sodf-or-dfn_topic3634_post14508.html#14508 <![CDATA[Altium : SODF OR DFN]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/sodf-or-dfn_topic3634_post14507.html#14507 Author: dramos
Subject: SODF OR DFN
Posted: 15 Apr 2026 at 10:23am

Hi Tom and Team,

I was working in this SOD-523 diode, onsemi part number RB751S40T1G .

Suddenly, I had a doubt with a value because the length of the pin is 0.30mm REF, I was thinking to use +/-0.05mm of tolerance but I said to my self: "how PCBFE resolve this question? and I've gone to the Parts area and bingo! it is ready to download.

After downloading I opened it and It was not similar to a SOD-523, it seems more a DFN component. 



Could we consider this kind of components a DFN and why? 

My first impression has been: the footprint is no correct but then... and why not? 
I attached the downloaded file as well.

My component was more "traditional"



I attached as well my component fpx 

Anyway I am not very happy with my footprint and as now we have a new feature where we can modify the corners of a footprint when the pad is rounded rectangle or chamfered pad. 



Using this feature I created the inner corners of the component squared  and outer corners rounded. the inner corners are under the component and perhaps are more close to s DFN...

What's your opinion?



Thanks for your comments, they are always really appreciated.

Regards,
David
]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:23:33 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/sodf-or-dfn_topic3634_post14507.html#14507 <![CDATA[Altium : Issue Creating New Footprint in Altium Workspace]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/issue-creating-new-footprint-in-altium-workspace_topic3628_post14502.html#14502 Author: dramos
Subject: Issue Creating New Footprint in Altium Workspace
Posted: 08 Apr 2026 at 9:07am

Hi,

I do not know if it could help you but when I create a new footprint using the script I save it locally and then over the new library in the projects panels, right click and choose Import Library option.
My recommendation is click Advance button and reselect where you want to save the footprint (properties panel) and then click Import button in the middle.

Perhaps it is nor really clear, if you do not find the way tell me and I will prepare something with some screenshots.

Regards,
david
]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:07:38 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/issue-creating-new-footprint-in-altium-workspace_topic3628_post14502.html#14502 <![CDATA[Altium : Issue Creating New Footprint in Altium Workspace]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/issue-creating-new-footprint-in-altium-workspace_topic3628_post14486.html#14486 Author: cioma
Subject: Issue Creating New Footprint in Altium Workspace
Posted: 17 Mar 2026 at 12:14pm

We have the same problem, I'd say this is an issue with Altium Designer, please raise a bug on their system an repost here.

Our workaround is importing PCBL footprint (running a script) into a local PCBLib library, making a copy of "template" footprint in A365 workspace and then manually selecting and copying all the footprint data from local PCBLib to A365 workspace footprint and then committing it. Don't forget to copy footprint name, description and height as well.
]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:14:33 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/issue-creating-new-footprint-in-altium-workspace_topic3628_post14486.html#14486 <![CDATA[Altium : Issue Creating New Footprint in Altium Workspace]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/issue-creating-new-footprint-in-altium-workspace_topic3628_post14485.html#14485 Author: laurence.donkers
Subject: Issue Creating New Footprint in Altium Workspace
Posted: 17 Mar 2026 at 4:45am

Hi everyone, 

I'm having an issue when using the Footprint Expert import scripts on a newly created footprint in my company's Altium365 Workspace.

My current workflow is this:
  1. In the Altium Explorer panel, I navigate to our Footprint models folder and click
    "(+) Add Footprint..."
  2. This creates a new item ID (PCC-###) and opens up a new Footprint libary file based on our workspace's footprint template
  3. I run the script generated by FPE by using File > Run Script... > From File etc.
  4. The footprint is generated properly within the new Footprint library file, but when I open the PCB Library panel, the script-generated footprint is added as a separate footprint within the file.
  5. If I try to "Save to server", I get a warning that two footprints are included in the file (since Altium workspace is set up to operate with max. one footprint per file)
  6. Since this is a workspace footprint library file, Altium actually grays out the "Add" and "Delete" buttons in the PCB Library panel, so it can't be manually deleted.
  7. If I choose to release as a single footprint, it actually deletes the script-generated footprint and keeps the template!
  8. I can work around this by then opening the newly released footprint library file and repeating the generation from script and then I can save it. However this is really not ideal, since the process has to be repeated.

Could the generated scripts be modified so that if it detects a workspace footprint file it replaces the currently open footprint, rather than creating a new one within the same file? 
]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:45:44 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/issue-creating-new-footprint-in-altium-workspace_topic3628_post14485.html#14485 <![CDATA[Altium : Circular Connector Origin]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/circular-connector-origin_topic3580_post14341.html#14341 Author: dramos
Subject: Circular Connector Origin
Posted: 24 Nov 2025 at 1:55pm

Hi AGONZ67,
We are using in the next way, the center of the component is the copper center.
In the courtyard mechanical layer we place another center mark that is the center of the rectangle of the courtyard.
Waiting your comments, this is an interesting discussion.
Regards
david
PS: the attached pic are related to 2137160001 Molex connector
uploads/15739/con1.png
uploads/15739/con2.png
]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:55:43 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/circular-connector-origin_topic3580_post14341.html#14341 <![CDATA[Altium : Circular Connector Origin]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/circular-connector-origin_topic3580_post14340.html#14340 Author: Tom H
Subject: Circular Connector Origin
Posted: 24 Nov 2025 at 9:42am

I've never heard of IPC providing any guidance on land pattern origin or drafting outlines for silkscreen (IPC says no silkscreen is preferred), assembly, component, terminal, origin target. 

IPC left this up to the PCB designer preference. 

However, most assembly pick & place machines use the center of gravity for the origin. 

If a PCB designer places the origin for the 14-pin DIP footprint, then the assembly shop must take the time to calculate the center for their pick and place line. This is very time consuming.

You should discuss footprint origins with your assembly shop. You provide the X,Y coordinate list for all the footprints in your PCB layout. What does assembly prefer?

]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:42:56 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/circular-connector-origin_topic3580_post14340.html#14340 <![CDATA[Altium : Circular Connector Origin]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/circular-connector-origin_topic3580_post14339.html#14339 Author: AGONZ67
Subject: Circular Connector Origin
Posted: 24 Nov 2025 at 8:36am

Does IPC specifically state a location? 

I don't have the spec handy, but a search produces the following results. "According to the According to the IPC-7351 standard, theorigin for a circular connector's land pattern should be at the centroid(center) of the part's body." 

We are about to have this discussion and would like to know if there are established IPC specs stating something to the effect of, "origin of through hole circular connectors shall be 'pin one', or 'centroid' ?

]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:36:39 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/circular-connector-origin_topic3580_post14339.html#14339 <![CDATA[Altium : Circular Connector Origin]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/circular-connector-origin_topic3580_post14338.html#14338 Author: Tom H
Subject: Circular Connector Origin
Posted: 24 Nov 2025 at 8:23am

Normally, the footprint origin is the Center of Gravity. 

However, some designers put the origin on Pin 1. We did this in the 1980s and 90s to keep all the pad locations on a 0.10" grid to make routing traces easier. 

But then the metric system came along and gridless routing. 

]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:23:07 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/circular-connector-origin_topic3580_post14338.html#14338