kicad-developers team mailing list archive

[Tomasz Wlostowski <tomasz.wlostowski@xxxxxxx>]

On 28.04.2017 23:04, Jakub Kozdon wrote:
> Hi Tom,
> 
> Can not build on Linux (LMDE2 3.16.0-4-amd64) see log.
> 
> KiCad master build like a charm.
> 

Looks like an issue with Python bindings. Can some Python gurus here
look at this?

Cheers,
Tom

> Jakub
> 
> Dne 25.4.2017 v 17:23 Tomasz Wlostowski napsal(a):
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I've pushed the branch [1] containing a rewrite of the pcbnew's
>> connectivity algorithm. By this algorithm, I mean:
>> - computing the ratsnest and checking if all connections are complete
>> - propagating net codes from the pads to the tracks/vias
>> - removing unconnected copper islands in zones
>>
>> Compared to the old algorithm, it introduces several new
>> features/improvements:
>> - no limitations in via/zone connections - you can have loose (stitching
>> vias), overlapping copper zones or zones connecting pads/vias without
>> direct track connections.
>> - items no longer loose their nets when not connected to any pad.
>> connecting to a new pad causes automatic net code propagation.
>> - the algorithm makes zero assumptions about connectivity of the items,
>> vias in particular. This removes another obstacle importing designs from
>> other tools (neither Eagle nor Altium make difference between stitching
>> and 'ordinary' vias).
>> - ratsnest can be calculated between any sort of copper items (not only
>> pads). This is a must-have if we want to have copper arcs or arbitrary
>> copper shapes in the future.
>> - show local ratsnest works for the GAL
>> - marking missing connections between overlapping objects on different
>> layers
>> - free via placement tool
>>
>> The branch also contains a bit of refactoring of the base pcbnew code:
>> - hidden DLISTS behind iterators. Now you can use ordinary C++11 range
>> based for to iterate over board's primitives. This is the first step
>> towards cleanin up the storage model.
>>
>> As with all new stuff, there are some still some issues to sort out:
>> - the legacy autorouter is currently disabled, as it relies a lot on the
>> old connectivity algorithm's data model. We're working to migrate it to
>> the new one alongside porting it to the GAL canvas.
>> - there's no automated via stitching tool yet. I'm waiting to review
>> Heikki's patches for the automagic via stitcher.
>> - the message panel does no longer show the 'links' and 'nodes' counters
>> as the new ratsnest has no direct counterpart for these. Is there any
>> purpose for these counters other than diagnostics/debug?
>> - some code formatting/cleanup may still be necessary
>>
>> @Heikki - once again, the sooner you'll publish your entire via
>> stitching code, the higher the chance you'll get it integrated in Kicad.
>> We can help with that.
>>
>> I encourage you to check out the branch, build it and test with your
>> designs. In particular, if you tried zone stitching with single-pad
>> components, try replacing them with vias and check if the board
>> connectivity is correctly resolved and there are no DRC errors.
>>
>> I'll send some boards demonstrating the new features soon.
>>
>> Your feedback will be greatly appreciated!
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Tom
>>
>> [1] https://github.com/twlostow/kicad-dev/tree/tom-connectivity-apr24
>>
>> PS. The final branch will also support per-net rat line visibility and
>> colors as a bonus ;-)
>>
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> 
>