Layer Specific Keepout Layer not working! argh...

[pmurdock]

Ok.. So I've got a part that I want to have a keepout (see attached image).

However no matter what the pads of the of the part create an issue with the keepout AND on all layers mid and bottom layers no tracks can go underneath it because apparently the keepout is for all layers.. Now how would I do a "Layer Specific" Keepout??

I have tried making the fill for the "top layer" and then check the "Keepout Layer" checkbox but that doesn't work! It just changes the color of the fill to a red rectangle with a purple (keepout) outline but when the PCB is updated it leaves all the top layer copper.

any thoughts?

cheers,
Paul

[pmurdock]

Ok.. Here is what the footprint looks like if I Place->Keepout->Fill (then use Top Layer and Keepout checkbox checked)

It seems to think the layer specific keepout layer is a regular fill that interferes with the pads..

any ideas why? It's just a keepout layer NOT supposed to be copper!

cheers,
Paul

[pmurdock]

I wonder if this is a bug in Altium. I'm on latest build 24817

When viewed in 3D it doesn't show the copper - but it does show it in 2D mode as shown in the previous picture.

any thoughts?

cheers,
Paul

[Psi]

Are you after a 'keep-out' that blocks polygon fills?

[pmurdock]

Actually all I want is a component that has a keep out only on the layer that the pads of that smt  component.

From my experiements it seems this is not possible

Can that be correct?

[Psi]

It is possible, but you need to be clear what kind of keep out you want.

[pmurdock]

I think the issue that I'm facing is that my Layer Specific Keepout layer polygon fill overlaps with the pads on the component which is why the DRC is failing. I am currently trying to create a custom shaped polygon that does NOT overlap with any of the pads to see if that works. Will keep this thread updated as to whether that works.

cheers,
Paul

[free_electron]

playing with tag-connect cables ?

as far as i know fills cannot be keepout...
simply dray a line on top layer between the two rows of pads and mark that one as keepout that will prevent any routing through the part

[pmurdock]

Good eye..   yeah - loving that tag-connect JTAG connector.. makes for a quick and easy connection to program the boards.. Have you played around much with them?

So I played around with the Tools->Cutout section and I was able to build a shaped keepout (see attached) but free_electron your suggestion of just drawing a layer specific keepout with just a LINE seems to be the best  route to go. Don't know why I didn't keep it simple as that works dandy.

cheers!
Paul

[pmurdock]

So - another little insight is that I COULD use a larger Layer Specific keepout that overlapped with the pads HOWEVER I needed to allow a rule to allow it - using the following filter:

IsKeepOut AND NOT OnLayer('Keep-out Layer')         

then I can create and Allow Short-Circuit rule to avoid DRC errors.

oh well.. I guess there are many ways to skin a cat.

cheers,
Paul

[stefanh]

I have used 0.1mm keep out traces between all the pads, similar to free_electron suggested.

It works very well and gives the desired effect.

[free_electron]

that's the way i didi it. i've been using tag-coonects ofr over a year. they were introduced at esc and i bought two on the spot. they are so cool.