Contents
When to use polygons and ground fills in Eagle?
HOW-TO: Polygons and ground fills for PCBs in Eagle. In Eagle polygons are used to make big copper areas on a PCB that aren’t necessarily traces. We use them all the time to fill blank space on a PCB with copper connected to ground. Less frequently we use them to make large power traces such as with the ATX Breakout Board.
Why does Eagle show drill holes in real mode?
Because displaying different pad shapes and drill holes in their real size slows down the screen refresh, EAGLE lets you change between real and fast display mode by the use of the SET commands: SET DISPLAY_MODE REAL | NODRILL;
What does the pad command do in Eagle?
EAGLE Help. See also SMD, CHANGE, DISPLAY, SET, NAME, VIA, Design Rules. The PAD command is used to add pads to a package. When the PAD command is active, a pad symbol is attached to the cursor and can be moved around the screen. Pressing the left mouse button places a pad at the current position.
What do you use polygons for in Cadsoft Eagle?
In Eagle polygons are used to make big copper areas on a PCB that aren’t necessarily traces. We use them all the time to fill blank space on a PCB with copper connected to ground. Less frequently we use them to make large power traces such as with the ATX Breakout Board. Here’s some notes on how to use and customize polygons in Cadsoft Eagle.
How do you fill a ground plane in Eagle?
EAGLE will not fill in the POLYGON until you run the RATSNEST command. Step 4. Isolate! There doesn’t look like much space between the traces and the ground plane. This might cause issues when manufacturing the boards. So let’s increase the isolation area a little bit by using the INFO command.
Can you drill a square hole with a drill bit?
Square drill bits are rather rare… The square hole will have to be milled. Discuss this with your board shop to see how they would like the hole documented (or if they can/are willing to do this at all.) I am not sure about Eagle software but PADS and Altium use what is called a board cutout to create any geometry of hole or cutout.
Is it easy to make a PCB in Eagle?
Creating PCBs in Eagle is a straight-forward process once you understand how EAGLE works. In fact, most users can get up to speed enough to draw a Schematic and then layout a simple PCB. Making the connections between components is not only fun but can be a form of artwork. Often overlooked is how much space is left wide open.
What does Eagle do when there are two overlapping objects?
In cases like that, EAGLE will pick one of the two overlapping objects, and ask if that’s the one you want. If it is, you have to left-click again to confirm.
How big of a grid do I need for an eagle board?
A 0.05″ grid, and 0.005″ alternate grid is a good size for this kind of board. EAGLE forces your parts, traces, and other objects to “snap” to the grid defined in the Size box.
How are ground fills used to draw polygons?
When using a ground fill over the entire board it is important for it to have the highest rank so other polygons can be drawn. With thermals on, a pin will connect to the polygon through small traces extending from the pin center in 4 directions. Thermals make soldering easier, the part heats faster because the heat is not dissipated as quickly.
How to connect polygons with a trace in PCB Eagle?
You should be able to create vias in the polygons, name them to match the names of the polygons, and then connect with a trace. If a conductor (via or trace) does not have the same name as the fill (polygon here), then Eagle will add space to prevent the signals from shorting together, as happened with the CSN via towards the side of your picture.
How to connect two polygons to the same net?
Give the two polygons the same name. That way Eagle knows they are the same net, and will allow you to directly route other traces of the same net to them. This includes a trace between the two polygons.