• The DEX PCB Designer
  • Getting Started
    • Limitations
    • Free but not free or “I’m off to Cancun”
    • Installing DEX
      • System Requirements
      • Microsoft Windows and 4K Monitors
      • Monitor Text Scaling
      • Downloading DEX
      • Firewalls
      • Where are the DEX PCB Designer files?
      • Authorizing Your Copy
      • Authorizing  DEX Without Internet Access
      • Getting Your Key Online
      • File Associations
      • Your Account Settings
      • Removing Your License
      • Removing DEX
      • Manually Removing DEX
    • Quick Start
    • Running DEX for the First Time
    • Using This Manual
    • Project, Parts and Artwork
    • About DEX
    • Updating Your Version
    • Closing DEX
  • Anatomy of a PCB Design
    • Parts
      • Symbols
        • Symbol Terminals
        • Symbol References
        • Symbol Part Values
        • Terminal Magnets
        • Symbol Graphics
      • Footprints (Land Patterns)
        • Pads
        • Footprint Part Reference
        • Footprint Part Value
        • The Placement Point
        • The Courtyard
        • The Silkscreen
        • Footprint Fiducials
        • Adding Graphics
    • Projects
      • Schematics
        • Symbols
        • Schematic Nodes
        • Schematic Wires
        • Inter-Wire Connectors
        • Buses
        • Symbol No-Connects
        • Schematic Graphics
      • The PCB
        • The PCB Border
        • PCB Holes
        • PCB Cutouts
        • PCB Layers
        • Footprints
        • PCB Nets
        • PCB Tracks
        • Vias
        • Copper Pours
        • Keepout Regions
        • Power Planes
        • Split Power Planes
        • PCB Fiducials
        • V-Cuts
    • Graphics
      • Line/Outline Styles
      • Fill Styles
      • Text Fonts and Styles
      • Lines
      • Polylines
      • Arcs
      • Curves
      • Rectangles
      • Ellipses and Circles
      • Text
      • Note Boxes
      • Markers
      • Hyperlinks
      • Coordinates
      • Guides
        • Horizontal Guides
        • Vertical Guides
        • Point Guides
        • Angled Guides
      • The Origin
  • Designing a PCB with DEX
    • Design Your PCB
    • Automatic Backups
    • Restoring Backups
    • Parts
      • What is a part
      • Parts
      • Don't Trust Part Libraries
      • The Parts Catalog
      • Downloading Parts from SnapEDA
      • Virtual Parts
        • Setting The Default Part
        • Creating a Virtual Part
      • Parametric Parts
        • The  Manufacturers Model
          • The Parts Library
          • Searching for Part Prices and Datasheets
        • The Deliverable
        • The DEX PCB Designer Model
        • Datasheet
        • Schematic Symbol
        • Attributes
        • Package Color
        • Type Selection
          • The Part Builder
            • Using the Part Wizard
            • Customizing The Part
              • Customizing The Symbol
              • CustomizingThe Footprint
                • Adding Pads to Parametric Footprints
                • Adding Vias to Parametric Footprints
                • Adding Graphics to Parametric Footprints
                • Adding Copper Areas to Parametric Footprints
                • Editing the Part Value
                • Editing the Part Reference
                • Adding 3D to Parametric Footprints
            • DIP Parts
            • SOIC Parts
            • QUAD Parts
            • BGA Parts
            • Header Parts
            • Axial Parts
            • Radial Parts
            • Chip Parts
            • SOD 323 Parts
            • TO-92 Transistors
            • SOT-23 Transistors
            • SOT-353 Transistors
            • SOT-89 Transistors
            • SOT-143 Transistors
            • SOT-223 Transistors
            • Metal Can Parts
            • Antenna Parts
            • Inductor Parts
          • Antenna
            • Device Overview
            • Antenna Parameters
            • Monopole PCB Antenna
            • Dipole Antenna
            • Inverted-F Antenna 
            • Planar Inverted-F Antenna
            • Slot Antenna
            • Patch Antenna
            • Fractal Antenna
          • Axial
            • Device Overview
            • Axial Parameters
          • BGA
            • Device Overview
            • BGA Parameters
          • Block
          • Block - Crystal
          • Castellated PCB
          • Chip
            • Device Overview
            • Chip Parameters
          • DIP
            • Device Overview
            • Dip Parameters
          • SIP
          • Disc
          • Generic
          • Header
            • Device Overview
            • Header Parameters
          • Inductor
            • Inductor Parameters
            • Device Overview
          • LED
          • Metal Can
            • Device Overview
            • Metal Can Parameters
          • MELF
          • QUAD
            • Device Overview
            • QUAD Parameters
          • Radial
            • Device Overview
            • Radial Parameters
          • SOIC
            • Device Overview
            • SOIC Parameters
          •  SOT-223
          • SOT 23
            • Device Overview
            • SOT-23 Parameters
          • SOD 323
            • Device Overview
            • SOD 323 Parameters
          • SOT 89
            • SOT-89 Parameters
            • Device Overview
          • SOT 143
            • Device Overview
            • SOT-143 Parameters
          • SOT 223
            • Device Overview
            • SOT-223 Parameters
          • SOT 353
            • Device Overview
            • SOT-353 Parameters
          • TO 3 / TO 66
          • TO 220
          • Edge Connector Parts
          • Custom Parts
          • Castellated PCB Parts
          • TO 92
            • TO-92 Parameters
            • Device Overview
      • Creating Parts
        • Creating Parts on Schematics
        • Editing Parts on Schematics
        • Parts
        • Symbols
          • Terminals
            • Terminal-Graphics
            • Terminal Names
            • Terminal Pin Names
          • Reference
          • Border
          • Value
        • Footprints/Land Patterns
          • Courtyard
          • Placement Point
          • Silkscreen Pattern
          • Pads
        • Creating a New Part
      • Symbols
        • Symbol Borders (Terminal Magnets)
          • Editing Symbol Borders (Terminal Magnets)
          • The Symbol Terminal Magnet Properties Editor
        • Symbol Terminals
          • Adding Terminals
          • EditingTerminals
          • Terminal Magnets
          • The Symbol Terminal Properties Editor
          • No Connection Required
        • Symbol References
          • The Symbol Reference Properties Editor
        • Symbol Values
          • The Symbol Value Properties Editor
        • Symbol Graphics
        • Multiple Symbols
        • Editing Symbols in Schematics
          • Reordering Terminals
          • Adding Graphics to Symbols
          • The Symbol Properties Editor
      • Footprints
        • The Footprint Viewport
        • Editing Footprints
        • The Footprint Properties Editor
        • The Courtyard
          • Editing Courtyards
          • The Courtyard Properties Editor
        • The Footprint Part Values
          • Editing Footprint Part Values
          • The Footprint Value Properties Editor
        • The Footprint Placement Point
          • Editing Footprint Placement Points
          • The Footprint Placement Point Properties Editor
        • The Footprint Reference
          • Footprint Part Reference IDs
          • Editing Footprint References
          • The Footprint Reference Properties Editor
        • The Footprint Silkscreen
          • Silkscreen Rectangles
          • Editing Silkscreens
          • The Silkscreen Properties Editor
        • Pads
          • Pad Shapes
          • Creating Pads
          • Editing Pads
          • The Pad Properties Editor
          • Setting Pad Numbers
          • Automatic 3D Pins
          • Gold Plating
        • Adding 3D objects
        • Adding Graphics to Footprint
        • Customizing a Parametric Footprint
      • PCB Device Types
        • Device Package Types
          • Through-Hole vs. Surface Mount
          • Through-Hole Mounting (THM)
          • Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
          • PCB Device Packages
            • Axial Parts
            • Radial Parts
            • Integrated Circuits
              • BGA - Ball Grid Array
              • BCC - Bump Chip Carrier
              • BQFP - Bumpered Quad Flat Pack
              • BQFP - Bumpered Quad Flat Pack
              • CABGA/SSBGA - Chip Array/Small Scale Ball Grid Array
              • CBGA - Ceramic Ball Grid Array
              • CCGA - Ceramic Column Grid Array 
              • CERPACK - Ceramic Package
              • CGA - Column Grid Array
              • CFP - Ceramic Flat Pack
              • CLCC - Ceramic Leadless Chip Carrier Packages 
              • CLGA - Ceramic Land Grid Array 
              • CQFP - Ceramic Quad Flat Pack
              • CSBGA - Cavity Down BGA
              • CSOP - Ceramic Small Outline Package
              • CSP BGA - Chip Scale Package BGA 
              • DBS - DIL Bent SIL 
              • DFN - Dual Flat Pack, No Lead
              • DLCC - Dual Lead-Less Chip Carrier (Ceramic)
              • DMP - Dual In-line Mini Molded Package
              • DQFN - Depopulated Quad Flat-pack; No-leads
              • EPTSSOP - Thin Shrink Small Outline Exposed Pad Plastic Packages
              • ETQFP - Extra Thin Quad Flat Package
              • FBGA - Fine-pitch Ball Grid Array
              • FCBGA - Flip-chip BGA
              • FCPBGA - Flip-chip Plastic BGA
              • FFP - Flip-chip Fine Package
              • FleXBGA - Flexible Ball Grid Array
              • FLP - Flat Lead Package
              • FPBGA - Fine Pitch Ball Grid Array
              • HBCC - Heatsink Bottom Chip Carrier
              • HBGA - High Performance Ball Grid Array 
              • JDIP - J-Leaded Dual In-Line J-Lead DIP Picture
              • JLCC - J-Leaded Chip Carrier (Ceramic) J-Lead Picture
              • LBGA - Low-Profile Ball Grid Array
              • LCC - Leaded Chip Carrier
              • LCGA - Low-Profile Ball Grid Array
              • LFBGA - Low-Profile, Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array
              • LGA - Land Grid Array
              • LLCC - Leadless Chip Carrier 
              • LQFP - Low-profile Quad Flat pack
              • MCMBGA - Multi Chip Module Ball Grid Array
              • MLCC - Micro Leadframe Chip Carrier
              • MLP - Micro Lead-frame Package
              • MQFP - Metric Quad Flat Pack (high pin count QFP)
              • MSOP - Mini Small Outline Plastic Packages
              • OBGA - Organic Ball Grid Array
              • PBGA - Plastic Ball Grid Array
              • PLCC - Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier
              • POS Package on Substrate
              • PQFP Plastic Quad Flat Pack
              • PSOP Plastic Small-Outline Package
              • QFN Quad Flat No-Lead
              • QFP Quad Flat pack
              • QSOP Quarter Size Outline Package
              • SBGA Super BGA - above 500 Pin count 
              • SO Flat Pack - Small Outline Flat Pack IC
              • SOIC - Small Outline IC
              • SOJ - Small-Outline Package (J-Lead)
              • SON - Small-Outline No-leads (leadless package)
              • SOP - Small Outline Package
              • SSOP - Shrink Small-Outline Package
              • SOT - Small Outline Transistor Plastic Package
              • TBGA - Tape Ball Grid Array 
              • TBGA - Thin Ball Grid Array
              • TDFN - Thin Dual Flat No-Lead Plastic Package
              • TEPBGA - Thermally Enhanced Plastic Ball Grid Array
              • TQFN - Thin Quad Flat No-Lead Plastic Package
              • TQFP - Thin Quad Flat Pack
              • TSOP - Thin Small-Outline Package
              • TSSOP - Thin Shrink Small-Outline Package
              • TSOT - Thin Small Outline Transistor Plastic Package
              • TVSOP - Thin Very Small-Outline Package
              • TVSP - Thin Very Small Package
              • UFBGA - Ultra Fine-Line BGA
              • UTDFN - Ultra Thin Dual Flat No-Lead Plastic Package
              • VFBGA - Very thin Fine-pitch Ball Grid Array
              • VQFB - Very-thin Quad Flat Pack
              • VSO - Very Small Outline
              • VSSOP - Very Thin Shrink Small Outline Package
              • VSP - Very Small Package
              • XQFN - eXtremely Thin Quad Flat package; No leads
              • XSON - eXtremely thin Small Outline package; No leads
              • Advanced and Emerging IC Packaging Types
      • 3D Packages
      • Spice Models
        • Bipolar Transistors (BJT)
        • Capacitors
        • Diodes
        • Voltage and Current Sources
          • Voltage Sources
            • Independent  DC Voltage Sources
            • Independent Sinusoidal Voltage Sources
            • Independent Pulse Voltage Sources
            • Independent Single Frequency FM Voltage Sources
            • Independent Piece-Wise Linear Voltage Sources
            • Independent Exponential Voltage Sources
          • Current Sources
            • Independent DC Current Sources
            • Independent Pulse Current Sources
            • Independent Sinusoidal Current Sources
            • Independent Single Frequency FM Current Sources
            • Independent  Piece-Wise Linear Current Sources
          • Controlled Sources
            • Current Controlled Current Sources
            • Current Controlled Voltage Sources
            • Voltage Controlled Current Sources
            • Voltage Controlled Voltage Sources
        • Inductors
        • Junction Field Effect Transistors (JFET)
        • MESFETs
        • MOSFETs
        • Resistors
        • Switches
        • Transformers
        • Transmission Lines
          • Lossless Transmission Lines
          • Lossy Transmission Lines (LTRA)
          • Lossy Transmission Lines (URC)
      • Custom
      • Suppliers
      • The Find Parts Dialog
      • Saving Your Part
    • Projects
      • Project
      • Creating Projects
      • Setting The Default Project
      • Saving Projects
      • Opening Projects
      • Schematics
        • Sheets
          • Setting Sheet Sizes
          • Schematic Sheets
          • Text Sheets
          • Hierarchical Layout
          • Sub-Systems
            • Adding New Sub-Systems
            • Opening Sub-systems
            • Adding Terminals to a Sub-system Reference
            • Editing Sub-Systems
            • Sub-Systems Names
            • Using Sub-Systems
              • Adding Sub-Systems References
          • Graphical Sheets
            • Page Borders
            • The Grid Reference
            • The Title Block
            • Sheet Settings
            • Page Scale
            • Customizing Sheet Colors
            • Customizing Symbols
            • Customizing Schematic Wires
            • The Wire and Bus Settings Popup
            • Customizing Schematic Joins and Cross-overs
            • Customizing All Schematic Wires
        • Schematics
        • The Schematic Wiring Grid
        • Schematic Error Properties Editor
        • Adding Parts
          • Using the Menu
          • Using the Library Panel
          • Adding Resistors
        • Hierarchical Design
          • Sub-Systems
            • Ports
              • Adding Ports
              • Editing Ports
              • Port Properties Editor
              • Port Name Properties Editor
            • Referencing a Sub-System
            • Adding a Sub-System
            • Editing a Sub-System
            • Sub-System Properties Editor
          • Refactor
        • Wiring Parts Together
          • Adding Wires
          • Wire and Bus Junctions
          • The Node Properties Editor
          • Node Junction Properties Editor
          • Editing Wires
          • Using Buses
            • Adding Buses
            • Editing Buses
            • Bus Properties Editor
          • Bus ID Properties Editor
          • Beveling Wire to Buss Connections
          • Inter-Wire Connectors
            • Adding Inter-Wire Connectors
            • Editing Inter-Wire Connectors
            • Inter-Wire Properties Editor
          • Marking a Terminal as No Connection Required
          • Nodes and Nets
          • Nodes
            • Schematic Node Editor
            • Schematic Node ID Editor
          • Wires
          • Style Guide
          • Wire Settings
        • Renumbering Parts
        • Reference Designators
        • Standard Reference Designators
        • Saving Designs for Re-use
      • Circuit Simulation
        • The Art of Virtual Electronics: Mastering Simulation with SPICE
          • Navigating the SPICE Environment
          • What is SPICE
        • Electronic circuit simulation with SPICE
        • Simulation Samples
          • Bridge Rectifier
        • Adding Circuit Elements
          • Adding a Resistor
          • Adding a Capacitor
          • Adding an Inductor
          • Adding a Transformer
          • Adding a Diode
          • Adding Transistors
            • Adding a BJT Transistor
            • Adding a JFET Transistor
            • Adding a MOSFET Transistor
            • Adding a MESFET Transistor
            • Adding a Switch
          • Adding Transmission Lines
            • The Lossless Transmission Line
            • The Lossy Transmission Line
        • Adding a Custom Device
        • Adding Voltage and Current Sources
          • Adding Independent Sources
          • Adding Dependant Sources
        • Adding Instruments
          • Power Supples
            • Adding a Power Supply
            • Power Supply Properties Editor
          • Function Generators
            • Adding a Function Generator
            • Function Generator Properties Editor
          • Charts
            • Adding a Chart
            • Chart Instrument Properties Editor
          • Oscilloscopes
            • Adding an Oscilloscope
            • Oscilloscope Properties Editor
        • Always Add a Ground
        • The Analysis Probe
        • The Spice Reference Manual
          • Introduction
            • Types of Analysis
            • Analysis at Different Temperatures
            • Convergence
          • Circuit Description
            • Circuit Elements and Models
              • Transistors and Diodes
                • Introduction
                • Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs)
                • BJT Models (NPN/PNP)
                • Diode Model
                • JFET Models (NJF/PJF)
                • Junction Diodes
                • Junction Field-Effect Transistors (JFETs)
                • MESFET Models (NMF/PMF)
                • MESFETs
                • MOSFET Models (NMOS/PMOS)
                • MOSFETs
              • Transmission Lines
                • Lossless Transmission Lines
                • Lossy Transmission Line Model (LTRA)
                • Lossy Transmission Lines
                • Uniform Distributed RC Lines (Lossy)
                • Uniform Distributed RC Model (URC)
              • Voltage and Current Sources
                • Independent Sources
                  • Exponential
                  • Independent Sources
                  • Piece-Wise Linear
                  • Pulse
                  • Single Frequency FM
                  • Sinusoidal
                • Linear Dependent Sources
                  • Introduction
                  • Current-Controlled Current Sources
                  • Current-Controlled Voltage Sources
                  • Voltage-Controlled Current Sources
                  • Voltage-Controlled Voltage Sources
                • Non-Linear Dependant Sources
              • Capacitors
              • Coupled (Mutual) Inductors
              • Inductors
              • Resistors
              • Semiconductor Capacitor Model
              • Semiconductor Capacitors
              • Semiconductor Resistor Model
              • Semiconductor Resistors
              • Switch Model
              • Switches
            • Combining Files. .include lines
            • Device Models
            • GENERAL STRUCTURE AND CONVENTIONS
            • SubCircuits
            • Title Line, Comment Lines and .end line
          • Analysis and output Control
            • DC or Small-Signal AC Sensitivity Analysis
            • DC Transfer Function
            • Distortion Analysis
            • Fourier Analysis
            • Initial Conditions
            • Noise Analysis
            • Operating Point Analysis
            • PLOT Lines
            • Pole-Zero Analysis
            • PRINT Lines
            • SAVE Lines
            • Analysis Options
            • Simulator Variables
            • Small-Signal AC Analysis
            • Transfer Function Analysis
            • Transient Analysis
      • The PCB
        • How PCBs Are Made
        • PCB Standards
        • Viewing the PCB
        • Viewing the PCB in 3D
        • PCB Error Properties Editor
        • The PCB Border
          • Creating a Rectangular PCB
          • Creating a Circular/Elliptical PCB
          • Creating a Polygonal PCB
          • Adding Holes to a PCB
          • Adding Cutouts to a PCB
          • Adding a Rectangular PCB Cutout
          • Adding a Circular/Elliptical PCB Cutout
          • Adding a Polygonal PCB Cutout
          • PCB Border Properties Editor
          • Semi-Transparent PCBs
        • PCB Holes
          • PCB Cutout Shape Properties Editor
          • Pcb Curve Cutout Properties Editor
          • Pcb Arc Cutout Properties Editor
          • Pcb Polyline Cutout Properties Editor
          • PCB Hole Properties Editor
        • PCB Layers
          • PCB-Layers
          • Editing the PCB Layers
          • Split Power Planes
          • Editing Split Power Regions
        • Panelised PCBs
          • Creating a PCB Panel
          • PCB Breakaway Panels
          • Tab Routed Arrays
          • Adding V-Grooves
          • Adding Fiducials
          • Adding Tooling Holes
          • Assembly Rails
          • The Panel Header
          • The Panel's Pick and Place File
          • V-Cut Properties Editor
        • PCB Internals
        • Nets
          • Adding Nets
          • Editing Nets
          • Track Settings
          • Default Track Via Settings
        • Tracks
          • Changing a track segments layer index
          • Jumpers
          • How to Balance the Length of Several PCB Tracks
          • Track Properties Editor
          • Track Junction Properties Editor
          • Keep-Out Properties Editor
        • Split Power Plane Properties Editor
        • Routing
          • Manual Routing
          • Interactive Routing
          • Track Jumpers
          • Swapping Layers
          • Teardrops
          • Manually Routing a Track
          • Setting All Track Widths
          • Copper Pour Regions
            • What is PCB Copper Pour
            • Copper Pour on a Single Sided PCB Made Using a CNC Cutter
            • Adding Copper Pour Regions
            • Copper Pour Properties Editor
            • PCB Copper Pour and Warped PCBs
            • Editing Copper Pour Regions
            • Copper Pour Settings
          • Electra
            • Running Electra
            • The Electra Autorouter
            • Initializing-Electra
            • Differential pair routing
            • Length Constrained Autorouting
            • The Electra View
            • Using Electra Interactively
            • Electra Router Settings
            • The Electra DO Commands
            • Importing Electra Route File
            • Route Report
          • Automatic Routing
          • Keep Out Regions
            • Adding Keep Out Regions
            • Editing Keep Out Regions
          • Router Settings
            • Manual Router Settings
            • Internal Router Settings
        • Pads
          • Adding Pads
          • Editing Pads
        • Vias
          • Via Properties Editor
        • Fiducials
          • Adding Fiducials
          • Adding  A Fiducial
            • Automatically Addding Global Fiducials
            • Adding Global Fiducials
          • Adding Fiducials to a Footprint
          • Fiducial Properties Editor
          • Fiducial Settings Editor
          • Fiducials in the Pick and Place File
          • Renumbering All Fiducials
          • Fiducial Editor
        • PCB Sheet Editor
        • Auto-Layout
        • The Solder Mask
          • Adding Solder Mask Cutouts
          • Editing Solder Masks
          • Changing a Solder Mask Cutout's Shape
            • Rectangular Cutouts
            • Elliptical/Circular Cutout
            • Polygonal/Curved Cutouts
          • Setting The Solder Mask Margin
          • Solder Mask Viewing Options
          • Adding Solder Paste to a Solder Mask Cutout
          • Adding Solder Mask Cutout to Footprints
          • Pad Solder Mask Cutout
          • Solder Mask Cutouts by Combining Shapes
          • No-Mask Properties Editor
        • Adding Solder Paste
          • Solder Paste
          • Adding Solder paste to SMT pads
          • Adding Solder paste to no mask areas
          • Adding custom solder paste areas
          • Viewing the solder paste
        • Checking Your PCB Design
          • Design Rules
          • Unrouted Tracks
          • Minimum Track Width
          • Track Intersections
          • Track to Track Clearance
          • Track to Pad Clearance
          • Track to Via Clearance
          • Track to Hole Clearance
          • Track to Cutout Clearance
          • Track to Keepout Clearance
          • Track to Border Clearance
          • Minimum Pad hole Diameters
          • Minimum Pad Annular Ring Size
          • Pad to Pad Clearance
          • Pad to Via Clearance
          • Pad to Hole Clearance
          • Pad to Cutout Clearance
          • Pad to Border Clearance
          • Minimum Via Hole Diameters
          • Minimum Via Annular Ring Size
          • Via to Via Clearance
          • Via to Hole Clearance
          • Via to Cutout Clearance
          • Via to Keep Out Clearance
          • Via to Border Clearance
          • Hole to Hole Clearance
          • Hole to Cutout Clearance
          • Hole to Border Clearance
          • Cutout to Cutout Clearance
          • Cutout to Border Clearance
          • Courtyard to Courtyard Clearance
          • Courtyard to Holes Clearance
          • Courtyard to Cutouts Clearance
          • Courtyard to Border Clearance
          • Silkscreen to Pad Clearance
        • Creating Complex Shapes
        • Drilling
      • Units
        • The Origin
        • Manufacturing Your PCB
          • Design for manufacturability
          • Plotting Your PCBs
          • True-type fonts
          • Previewing Your Gerber Files
          • Generating Gerber Files
          • Generating Drill Files
          • Creating a Pick and Place File
          • Manufacturing Settings
          • Your Bill of Materials
            • Items in a Bill of Materials
          • Putting It All Together in a Zip File
    • Artworks
      • Adding Artwork to the Library
      • Setting The Default Artwork
    • Graphics
      • Arcs
        • Adding Arcs
        • Editing Arcs
        • The Arc Properties Editor
      • Blocks
      • Curves
        • Adding Curves
        • Editing Curves
        • Circle/Ellipse Editor
        • The Curve Properties Editor
      • Ellipses and Circles
        • Adding Ellipses and Circles
        • Editing Ellipses and Circles
        • The Ellipse Properties Editor
      • Groups
        • Group Properties Editor
      • Hyperlinks
        • Adding Hyperlinks
        • Editing Hyperlinks
        • The Hyperlink Properties Editor
      • Images
        • Adding Images
        • Editing Images
        • The Image Properties Editor
      • Lines
        • Adding Lines
        • Context Menu
        • Editing Lines
        • The Line Properties Editor
      • Markers
        • The Marker Properties Editor
      • Origin
        • The Origin Properties Editor
      • Notes
        • Adding Notes
        • Editing Notes
        • The Note Box Properties Editor
      • Polylines and Polygons
        • Adding Polylines
        • Editing Polylines
        • Adding Polygons
        • Editing Polygons
        • The Polyline/Polygon Properties Editor
      • Rectangles
        • Adding Rectangles
        • Editing Rectangles
        • The Rectangle Properties Editor
      • Shapes
        • Creating Shapes
        • Editing Shapes
        • The Shape Properties Editor
      • Text
        • Adding Text
        • Editing Text
        • The Text Properties Editor
      • Using Graphic Symbols Fonts
      • Colors
        • The Color Swatch
        • RGB
        • HSL
        • The Color Wheel
    • Adding 3D Shapes
      • Boxes
        • Adding Boxes
        • Box Properties Editor
      • Cones
        • Adding Cones
        • Cone Properties Editor
      • Cylinders
        • Adding Cylinders
        • Cylinder Properties Editor
      • Spheres
        • Adding Spheres
        • Sphere Properties Editor
        • Donuts
          • Adding Donuts
          • Torus Properties Editor
      • Model 3D Properties Editor
    • Drawing Aids
      • Undoing and Redoing Your Changes
      • Arranging and Editing Objects
        • Selecting Items
        • Selection Settings
        • Locking Objects
        • Deleting Objects
        • Moving Objects to the Clipboard
        • Clearing Sheets and the PCB
        • Copying Objects
        • Pasting Items from the Clipboard
        • Rotating Objects
        • Mirroring Objects
        • Scaling Objects
        • Aligning Objects
        • Grouping Objects
        • Distributing Objects
        • Reordering Objects
        • Creating Arrays of Objects
          • Creating Rectangular Arrays
          • Creating Circular Arrays
      • Coordinates
        • Adding Coordinates
        • Editing Coordinates
        • The Coordinate Properties Editor
      • Guides
        • Vertical Guides
          • Adding Vertical Guides
          • Editing Vertical Guides
          • The Vertical Guide Properties Editor
        • Horizontal Guides
          • Adding Horizontal Guides
          • Editing Horizontal Guides
          • The Horizontal Guide Properties Editor
        • Point Guides
          • Adding Point Guides
          • Editing Point Guides
          • The Point Guide Properties Editor
        • Angled Guides
          • Adding Angled Guides
          • Editing Angled Guides
          • The Angled Guide Properties Editor
      • Snaps and the Grid
        • The Grids
        • The Origin
        • The Origin Properties Editor
        • Setting the Snaps per Grid
        • Rotation Snap
        • Snapping to Guides
        • Snapping to Objects
        • Snap Settings
        • Symbol and Wire Grid
      • Measuring Distances and Angles
      • Dimensions
        • Adding Aligned Dimensions
        • Adding Linear Dimensions
        • Editing Dimensions
        • Dimension Settings
        • Dimension Properties Editor
    • Text Document Sheets
      • Adding Text  Document Sheets
    • PDF Sheets
    • Spreadsheets
    • Printing and Plotting
      • Printing
      • Plottings
      • Print Menu
      • Watermarks
        • Text Watermarks
        • Picture Watermarks
  • Sample Projects
    • The Serial Back-Pack
    • The DEX UNO
    • The Amplifier
    • The Diagram
    • The CPU Diagram
    • The Car Harness
    • The Flowchart Design
    • The Front Panel
  • The User Interface
    • Themes
    • DPI
    • The Application Layout
      • Themes
      • The File Menu
      • Ribbon Menu
      • Quick Access Toolbar
      • Auto-Repeat command
      • The Workspace Setttings
      • Workspaces
      • The File Settings
      • The Color Bar
      • The Status Bar
    • Application Themes
      • Pumpkin (Halloween)
    • Ribbon Menu
      • The 3 Ribbon Layout Modes
      • Searching for Commands
      • Popup Settings
        • The Add Parts Popup
        • The CAM Settings Popup
        • The Copper Pour Settings Popup
        • The Cutouts Popup
        • The Design Rules Popup
        • The Dimension Settings Popup
        • The Fiducial Popup
        • The File Settings Popup
        • The Layout Settings Popup
        • The Page Settings Popup
        • The Router Settings Popup
        • The Selection Settings Popup
        • The Shapes Default Popup
        • The Snap Settings Popup
        • The Tracks Popup
        • The Track Via Settings Popup
        • The Undo Popup
        • The Wire and Bus Settings Popup
        • The Workspace Popup
      • Menu Shortcuts
    • Viewports
      • Part Design Viewports
        • Symbol Viewports
        • The Footprint Viewport
        • The Part 3D PCB Viewport
      • PCB Design Viewports
        • Schematic Viewports
        • The PCB Viewport
        • The 3D PCB Viewport
      • Text Viewports
      • PDF Viewports
      • Spreadsheet Viewports
      • Diagram Viewports
      • Cross Cursors
      • The Diagonal Cursor
      • Arranging Viewports
      • Rulers
      • The Origin Box
      • Tabbed Viewports
      • Tiled and Cascaded Viewports
      • Zooming In and Out
      • Smart Panning
      • The Viewport Context Menu
      • Switch Between Schematic and PCB Views
    • Panels
      • Properties Panel
      • Part Builder Panel
      • Navigator Panel
      • Layers Panel
      • Checklist Panel
      • Design Rule Checker Panel
      • Library Panel
      • Route Panel
      • Settings Panel
      • Parts List Panel
      • Project Panel
      • System's Information Panel
      • Source Panel
    • Color Bar
    • Status Bar
    • Dialog/Control Grids Views
      • Grouping
      • Auto Filter Row
      • Columns
      • Column Header
      • Column Header Context Menu
      • Column Header Panel
      • Customization Form
      • Data Row
      • Filter Button
      • Fixed Panel Divider
      • Footer Cell
      • Footer Context Menu
      • Group Expand Button
      • Group Footer
      • Group Panel
      • Group Panel Context Menu
      • Group Row
      • Group Row Check Box Selector
      • Group Row Context Menu
      • Multiple Row Selection
      • Header Panel Button
      • Zoom Button
      • Preview Section
      • Row Cell
      • Row Indicator Panel
      • Row Separator
      • Sort Glyph
      • View Footer
      • Summaries
      • Data Navigator
      • Find Panel
      • New Item Row/Card
      • Filter Panel
      • Filter Panel Close Button
      • View's MRU (Most Recently Used) Filter List
      • Edit Filter Button
      • Filter Editor
      • Column's Filter DropDown
      • View Caption
      • Filter and Search
      • Advanced Filter and Search Concepts
  • Tutorial Videos
    • Tutorial Videos - General
    • Tutorial Videos - The User Interface
    • Tutorial Videos - Parts
    • Tutorial Videos - Schematics
    • Tutorial Videos - Simulation
    • Tutorial Videos - PCB Design
    • Tutorial Videos - Graphics
    • Tutorial Videos - 3D
  • Background Theory
    • Part Design
      • What are electronic parts?
      • Passive Parts
      • Active Parts
      • Virtual Parts
      • What are schematic symbols?
      • What are schematic symbol terminals?
      • Schematic Symbol Design
      • The Part's Datasheet
      • What are footprints?
      • What are footprint land pattern pads?
      • What is a PCB silkscreen?
      • What is a PCB courtyard?
      • What are footprint reference designators?
      • PCB Transformers
      • PCB Potentiometers
      • USB PCB Sockets
      • PCB Switches
    • Schematic Design
      • Schematic Symbols
      • Schematic Virtual Parts
      • Schematic Wires and Nodes
      • What is a Schematic Node?
      • Schematic Node Names
      • What is a Schematic Off-page Connector?
      • Schematic Off-page Connectors
      • Schematic Buses
      • Graphics in Schematics
        •  Line Styles
        • Fill Styles
        •  Text Fonts and Colors
      • Multiple Symbols for a Part
      • Schematic Sub-systems
      • Schematic Dangling Wires
      • Foward Annotation
    • PCB Design
      • PCB Back Annotation
      • What is a PCB?
      • What are PCBs Made Of
      • What is FR-4
      • What is PCB Prepreg
      • What are Copper-Clad Laminates
      • What are Flexible PCBs
        • How are What are Flexible PCBs Made
      • High Density Interconnect (HDI) PCBs
        • 1+N+1 HDI
        • 2+N+2 HDI
        • Any-layer HDI
      • Silkscreen Printing
      • What is PCB design software?
      • What is PCB Design?
      • How to Specify the Design of a PCB
      • PCB Cost and Design Complexity
      • PCB Design Rules
        • Minimum Traces and Spaces
        • Annular Rings
        •  Design Rules for Component Placement
        • PCB Clearance Rules
      • PCB board sizes and shapes
      • Design of PCB Layers
      •  PCB Layer Configurations
      • PCB Layer Stack
      • PCB Power Planes
      • PCB Split Power Planes
      • Design for Testability
      • What are Panelized PCBs
        • What are PCB V-cuts?
        • What are PCB Mouse-bites?
      • What is PCB Component Placement
      • How to avoid Avoid Mechanical Stress in PCBs
      • PCB Layout
      • What are PCB Electrical Requirements
      • PCB Design Guidelines
      • PCB Signal Integrity
        • What is PCB Signal Integrity
        • How to ensure PCB Signal Integrity
        • PCB Differential Pair Routing
      • PCB Design Guidelines for EMI and EMC
        • PCB EMC
        • PCB routing guidelines to reduce EMU and EMC
      • PCB Thermal Management
      • PCB Copper Pour
      • PCB Test Points
      • What is it PCB net?
      • What are PCB vias?
        • What are PCB buried vias?
        • What are PCB blind vias?
        • Automatic Sizing of PCB Vias
        • Via Sizes
        • Recommended PCB Via Sizes
        • PCB Via Size for Track Width
        • Microvias
          • How a Microvia Can Help with the Trace Routing
          • Recommended Microvia Sizes
          • How are Microvias Made
      • What are PCB plated through holes?
      • What are Castellated Holes on a PCB?
      • What are PCB jumpers?
      • What are PCB Mounting Holes?
      • PCB Bow and Twist
      • PCB Design for Manufacturability
      • Understanding Manufacturing Tolerances on a PCB
      • PCB Finished Hole Size Tolerances
      • Nominal Hole Size versus available Drill Bit Sizes
      • PCB Drill Bit Size Tolerance
      • PCB Drill Bit Wear
      • PCB Hole Cleaning (Desmear)
      • Plating of PCB Holes and the Copper Balance
      • The Final Surface Finish of the PCB
      • What are Gerber files?
      • Gerber File History and Future
      • What is a printed circuit board drill file?
      • What is ODB++
      • What is IPC-2581
      • Automated Pick and Place
        • Part Placement Using  Pick and Place
        • Pick and Place CSV Files
        • How do Pick and Place Machines Work
        • How does Pick and Place Machine Vision Work
        • Pick and Place Machine File Format Standards 
      • How are printed circuit boards made?
        • Solder
        • Hand Soldering
        • Reflow Soldering
        • Wave Soldering
        • Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold
        • The PCB Build-Up
        • Acceptability of Printed Boards : IPC-A-600
      • PCB Manufacturers
        • PCB Manufacturer's Capabilities
        • PCB Manufacturers in Africa
        • PCB Manufacturers in Canada
        • PCB Manufacturers in China
        • PCB Manufacturers in Europe
        • PCB Manufacturers in the India
        • PCB Manufacturers in the Middle East
        • PCB Manufacturers in the South America
        • PCB Manufacturers in the UK
        • PCB Manufacturers in the USA
      •  PCB Testing
        • PCB Visual Inspection
        • PCB Automated Optical Inspection
        • PCB In-Circuit Testing
        • PCB Boundary Scan Testing 
        • PCB Functional Testing
        • PCB In-Circuit Emulation
        • PCB Thermal Testing
        • PCB Environmental Testing
        • PCB Reliability Testing
        • PCB Electrical Testing
        • PCB X-ray Inspection
      •  The Institute for Printed Circuits
    • Spice Simulation
      • Devices
        • Resistors
        • Inductors
        • Diodes
        • Bipolar Junction Transistors
        • JFET
        • MESFET
        • MOSFET   
        • Switches   
      • Transmission Lines
      • Voltage and Current Sources
        • Independent Sources
        • Linear Dependent Sources
      • SubCircuits
    • From Concept to Creation: Mastering PCB Design
      • Introduction to PCB Design
        • What is a PCB and why is it important?
        • Brief history and evolution of PCBs
        • Modern applications and importance in today's technology.
      • Electronics Basics
        • Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws, passive & active components
        • Introduction to digital and analog circuits
      • Introduction to Design Software
        • Overview of the DEX PCB Designer
        • Setting up your first PCB design project
      • Schematic Capture
        • Understanding schematics and their significance
        • Drawing and annotating schematics
        • Component libraries: creation and management
      • Component Selection
        • Criteria for choosing components: specifications, cost, and availability
        • Understanding datasheets
      • PCB Layout and Design
        • Layer management in multi-layer PCBs
        • Placement strategies for components
        • Routing: techniques, guidelines, and best practices
      • Signal Integrity and Grounding
        • Importance of signal integrity in PCB design
        • Minimizing EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)
        • Proper grounding techniques
      • Thermal Management

        • Identifying PCB potential hotspots
        • Techniques to dissipate heat: thermal vias, heat sinks, etc.
        • Thermal simulation tools
      • Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Testability (DFT)
        • Getting your PCB manufactured: Choosing vendors, understanding turnkey solutions
        • Avoiding common pitfalls
        • Best practices to ensure efficient manufacturing and testing
      • Prototyping and Validation
        • Assembling the first prototype
        • Testing and troubleshooting
      • Documentation and Communication
        • Preparing a Bill of Materials (BOM)
        • Generating and understanding Gerber files
        • Creating comprehensive assembly instructions
      • Standards and Compliance
        • Introduction to industry standards: IPC, RoHS, etc.
        • Ensuring your PCB meets regulatory requirements
      • Advanced Topics
        • Introduction to flex and rigid-flex PCBs
        • High-speed design considerations
        • RF (Radio Frequency) and microwave design principles
      • Conclusion and Future Trends
        • Reflecting on the journey from concept to creation
        • Future advancements and trends in PCB design and technology
    • Line Styles, Fill Styles, and Fonts
      • Line Styles
      • Fill Styles
        • No Fill
        • Solid Fill
        • Hatch Fill
        • Radial Fill
        • Linear Fill
      • Fonts
      • Default Graphics Settings
    • 3D
      • Adding 3D objects
      • 3D Model Download Sites
      • Adding Internal 3D Objects
      • Adding External 3D Objects
      • Sources of 3D Electronic Part Models
      • STEP 3D Models
      • Adding STEP 3D Models
      •  COLLADA 3D Files
      • 3D Models
      • FreeCAD
    • Importing Files
      • Importing AutoCAD DXF Files
      • Importing Eagle Projects
      • Importing Eagle Libraries
      • Importing 3D
        • XGL
        • VRML
        • WRL
        • DAE
    • Exporting Data
      • CNC
        • Creating a CNC File
        • CNC Viewer
      • Creating a DXF File
      • Creating a PDF File
      • Creating a IDF File
      • Creating a SVG File
      • Creating a Spice Deck File
      • Creating a Net List File
      • Saving to an Image File
      • Exporting 3D to Collada
      • Creating a STL File
    • The Origin
    • Design Units
    • Snap to Grid
    • PCB Design Grids
    • Snap to Guides
    • Snap to Objects
    • Aligning Objects
    • Distributing Objects
    • Dimensions 
  • Scripting
    • Python
      • IronPython
    • The Python Scripting Panel
    • Classes
      • Design
        • Sheet
        • Part
        • PCB
          • Footprint
          • FootprintReference
          • FootprintPartValue
          • Net
          • Pad
          • Pcb
        • Schematic
          • Node
          • Symbol
          • SymbolReference
          • SymbolPartValue
      • Graphics
        • Box
        • Ellipse
        • Image
        • Line
        • Text
      • Geometry
        • Point
        • Vector
      • Viewports
        • Viewport
        • Viewport3D
  • Getting Support
    • Reporting Problems
    • Contacting Us
    • Sending Feedback
    • Adding to Your Wish List
    • Find Out About Your Version
    • What's New
    • Subscribing to the NewsLetter
    • The DEX Website
    • Getting the Latest Version
    • Downloading Older Versions
    • Getting Daily Tips
  • What's New
    • Why are there so many, frequent changes?
    • What's New in 2024
    • Roadmap
    • DEX on iOS and macOS
  • Appendix
    • Resistor Color Codes
    • Capacitor Color Codes
    • Extras
      • Downloads
      • YouTube Tutorial Videos
      • Saturn PCB Design Toolkit
      • Reference Gerber Viewer
    • The Software License
      • Refund Policy
    • The IPC
    • Solder
    • Disaster Recovery
      • Restoring Previous Designs
      • Update the Graphics Card Driver
      • Reinstall .NET
      • Restore Points
      • Preventing Disasters
    • Acknowledgments