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Changing Density Levels In V2021

Printed From: PCB Libraries Forum
Category: PCB Footprint Expert
Forum Name: Questions & Answers
Forum Description: issues and technical support
URL: https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2926
Printed Date: 07 Oct 2024 at 1:18am


Topic: Changing Density Levels In V2021
Posted By: SquareBill
Subject: Changing Density Levels In V2021
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2021 at 4:13pm
I can't seem to generate footprints for the IPC density levels as I used to. After entering component mechanical info in 2018, I could export the Nominal version, switch the density level on the fly and recalculate for the Least version.

It appears now that I need configuration file for the Least version and re-enter all of that info (or open it from the appropriate library and recalculate.

Please tell me I am wrong and I'm just missing something. It would seem that you should be able to open the terminal density dropdown and specify which level you wanted.

Thanks,
Bill


Replies:
Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2021 at 4:59pm
There are three ways to generate different Density Levels. 
  1. Globally: in Tools > Options > Console > Density Level (suffix) > Select from dropdown
  2. Locally: in the Calculator, open the Terminal Density Level panel and change the Density Level
  3. Batch Build: If you select a Row in the FPX file or multiple rows and select the Batch Build option you can change Density Levels in the dialog box that pops up
Changing the Density Level in the Tools > Console Options does not have any affect on your personal Options. 

However, changing "Global" Options will not apply to any footprint that is currently open. If you open Tools > Options and make changes, you must reopen the footprint from FPX for the changes to apply.

Making changes in the Local Options requires you to select the Calculate button to apply the changes.

i.e.: you do not need to create multiple .opt files, but you can if you want. 

Let us know if you have any questions. 


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Posted By: SquareBill
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2021 at 7:12am
Thanks Tom. I'll try method 1. But for method 2 I don't see the option to switch density levels.
I am using V2021.03 and in the Terminal Density Level dropdown I have the following options:

BGA, Collapsing Ball, >0.20 and <0.55 (to the right is a small expandable picture, but no option to change anything by clicking, right click, double click, etc.)
Pad Size Adjustment
Solder Mask Excess
Paste mask Excess
Courtyard Excess

Am I missing something?

Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2021 at 7:22am
For Method 2, open the "Terminal Density Level" panel on the left side. 

BGA 3-Teirs are associated with the pad size reduction per the Ball Diameter. 

i.e.: there really isn't a normal 3-Tier pad size for BGA's like other terminal leads. 



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Posted By: SquareBill
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2021 at 8:55am
Gotcha, 
I assumed it would still allow for generation of a separate footprint to capture differences for settings in Drafting options.

Thanks Tom.

Bill


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