• The AutoTRAX DEX PCB Designer
• Getting Started
  • Limitations
  • Free but not free or “I’m off to Cancun”
  • Installing The AutoTRAX 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 AutoTRAX DEX for the First Time
  • Using This Manual
  • Project, Parts and Artwork
  • About AutoTRAX DEX
  • Updating Your Version
  • Closing AutoTRAX 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  AutoTRAX 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
  • 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
  • iOS, iPadOS and macOS
  • Running DEX on macOS
  • Installing Parallels for Mac Desktop
  • Running DEX on iPads
  • Running DEX on iPhones
  • 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