One of the most common questions we are asked is how we handle slotted holes in various PCB design tools. Because each tool handles slotted holes differently, we’ve created guides for each format so you can learn how to properly import the slotted holes, how they’re represented, and how to properly communicate the presence of…

Q: How does SnapEDA generate slotted holes in Eagle? A: Although there is no tool to directly create slotted holes in Eagle, there is an official method to recommended by Eagle. In 2018, SnapEDA adopted this method of creating slotted holes. As described in the article, SnapEDA parts have slots represented on Layer 46 (Milling…

Q: The footprint I downloaded should have slotted holes in Allegro – why aren’t they appearing? A: SnapEDA defines slotted holes for Allegro footprints using the layer Board Geometry > Ncroute-Path. Q: How can I ensure that my PCB fabricator accurately makes the slots? A: When sending your design to manufacturing, provide the NC Route…

Update: SnapEDA now supports native slotted holes in KiCad! Important Note: Instructions below are outdated, unless you’re using an older version of KiCad (pre-V4) or in cases of irregular slots for square/round pads, where the hole measures greater than the pad shape. —————————————————————————————————————– Q: How does SnapEDA define slotted holes in KiCad? A: Our current…

Update: SnapEDA now supports native slotted holes in Altium! Learn more here. The article below is now outdated, but if you have the former .lia files, please refer below. ———————————————————————————————————– Q: Why does the slotted hole in the footprint I downloaded appear round? A: Due to a limitation of the Altium file format supported on…

D-Sub connectors, also known as D-subminiature or DB connectors, are electrical connectors commonly used in communications. They consist of two or more parallel rows of pins (in male connectors) or holes (in female connectors). The name D-Sub comes from their characteristic D-shaped metal shield, which has two important functions: it provides mechanical strength and ensures…

NOTE: These instructions are no longer necessary since we now support Altium’s native .IntLib format. Learn more here. For versions 13.0 and older: Go to this link to download and install the PCAD ASCII importer. Go to this link to download and install Accel importer. NOTE: These 2 importers are what you are going to…

In electronics, linear voltage regulators are commonly used to stabilize voltages. Regardless of the input voltages or load conditions, they will provide fixed output voltages, thus protecting devices from fluctuating outputs, which can cause inefficient performance or even damage. When designing a power supply for an application that requires a small difference between its input…

We are excited to announce that millions of electronics parts on SnapEDA can now be imported into Proteus. Proteus is one of the most requested formats on SnapEDA. SnapEDA’s new Proteus format provides solder mask, solder paste, and custom pad shapes, along with courtyard and silkscreen definitions. Also, when importing the footprints, the import log…

Fiducial reference points are necessary in a circuit board if you are going to assemble your PCB using automated pick and place machines. Automated assembly machines require incredible precision to accurately place a 0201 size resistor or a 2mm x 2mm chip-scale micro BGA. A fiducial is the reference point on the PCB for assembly…