kicad-developers team mailing list archive

[jp charras <jp.charras@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Le 24/09/2015 14:38, Maciej Sumiński a écrit :
> Hi Jean-Pierre,
> 
> On 09/24/2015 01:53 PM, jp charras wrote:
>> Orson,
>> 
>> Could you have a look at these few issues:
>> 
>> - When the number of layers is increased (for instance from 2 to
>> 4 layers), the tracks drawn on the new layers (for instance usung
>> the legacy mode) are not displayed in OpenGl mode , until the
>> board is saved, Kicad closed and reopened.
> 
> I have tried to reproduce the problem, but I failed. This is what I
> did (revision 6212):
> 
> 1a) start in OpenGL canvas or b) start in legacy canvas 2) create a
> new board (2 layers by default) 3) use Layers Setup dialog to
> increase the number of layers to 4 4) switch to legacy canvas 5)
> draw a few tracks on inner layers 6) switch to OpenGL canvas, new
> tracks are visible

After investigations:
If you increase layers count on OpenGL canvas, there is no issue.
If you increase layers count on legacy canvas, add a trach or pcb text
on a new inner layer, and then switch to OpenGL, there is a visibility
issue (tested with demo "interf_u.kicad_pcb")

> 
>> - Microvias layers are incorrect: currently, it is created from
>> the top to the bottom layer. This is incorrect. It can be
>> discussed, but a microvia is usually created between 2 adjacent
>> layers, and in Pcbnew, it is restricted to an external layer to 
>> the near inner layer. Change it needs adding code in DRC and to
>> manage uvia sizes and holes diameter depending on the number of
>> layers and their thickness. And this option makes sense for
>> microvias on pads, which are really restricted to the external
>> layer to the near inner layer.
> 
> I have never used microvias before, so I should not argue about
> the constraints. I see the described issue now, it will be fixed.
> 
>> - blind/buried vias cannot be inserted (always an error
>> message). When inserting a blind/buried via, the target layer
>> choice should be shown (and/or the dialog to choose the layer
>> pair should be accessible in GAL mode). My preference is just
>> show the target layer choice (see legacy mode).
> 
> There are two ways to insert vias in legacy mode: - based on the
> currently selected layer pair (Layer Pair dialog) - picking the
> target layer on every insert (as you mentioned)
> 
> At the moment GAL offers only the first method, but I agree the
> second one seems to be more convenient. I will add it, but I guess
> it has to wait until the stable release happens, so it can be
> merged.
> 
> What is the error message? I might be missing some information
> here.

Sorry, my bad.

When I encountered this "issue", the currently selected layer pair was
Front+back, and the error message was "Only through vias can be placed
between front and bottom layers".
Therefore no bug.

I don't know what is the best way in this case:
- Show this message.
- Place a through via.
- Place a blind/buried via which is on all layers (which is what
happens in legacy mode).

> 
>> Remark: I like the way blind/buried vias are shown in GAL mode.
>> Perhaps a similar way could be used for microvias ( which are in
>> fact just blind/buried vias with a specific size)
> 
> Good point, it should not be very hard to modify.
> 
> Regards, Orson
> 


-- 
Jean-Pierre CHARRAS