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Measurement Tool

Printed From: PCB Libraries Forum
Category: PCB Footprint Expert
Forum Name: Product Suggestions
Forum Description: request new features
URL: https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1213
Printed Date: 21 Nov 2024 at 10:42pm


Topic: Measurement Tool
Posted By: pweddle
Subject: Measurement Tool
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2013 at 2:01pm

Can you add a measurement tool that would snap to center to center and from edge to edge? This would be nice to have. I am finding discrepancies between my Altium wizard import of the footprint of what it is supposed to be and what I am actually receiving.

Example:

If I build a resistor array convex (or concave) and I put in all the parameters. My import footprint is giving me a pad size that my normal and max pin widths will protrude over the edge of the pad. For the software not to do this, I am forced to insert the normal pin width and only the +tolerance. The -tolerance needs to be 0.00. This fixes the issue for me. So now, my confidence has dropped a bit in the software and I am going back to double check all of the footprints that I just made. Is this an Altuim import issue or is it a calculation thing that needs to be adjusted in the software?

The measurement tool would be great in being able to measure what is being built / calculated in the library expert vs. what I am actually getting in Altium.

Thank you,

Phil


Replies:
Posted By: Jeff.M
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2013 at 3:09pm
Agreed that this would be a nice enhancement (we’ll try to add it in the next full version update – 2014) but I’m not sure a measurement tool will enhance this particular experience.
IPC has both positive and negative recommended protrusions that are used to generate a calculated footprint.
It isn’t uncommon for a footprint to be smaller than the terminal extents in toe, heel or side dimensions.  It depends on the terminal type, selected environment and any rules that may be applied.
To try to adjust the lead size to achieve a preconceived dimension diminishes the purpose of having a calculator.
If you want to conform to a manufacturer’s suggested footprint just use the provided option for directly entering a footprint.
For other elements you can query any shape, line or pad stack to view it's dimension.
No footprint you import into any tool should deviate from what is generated by or what you see in the calculator.
If you are finding this isn't the case please submit another post with enough specific information that would allow us to reproduce the issue.


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