The DEX PCB Designer
Getting Started
Limitations
Free but not free or “I’m off to Cancun”
Installing The DEX PCB Designer
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
Common PCB Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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 Supplies
Adding a Power Supply
Power Supply Properties Editor
Connecting a Power Supply to a Circuit
Function Generators
Adding a Function Generator
Function Generator Properties Editor
Connecting a Function Generator to a Circuit
Charts
Adding a Chart
Chart Instrument Properties Editor
Connecting a Chart to Wires
Oscilloscopes
Adding an Oscilloscope
Oscilloscope Properties Editor
Connecting an Oscilloscope to Wires
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
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