AutoTRAX PCB Design Express (DEX)
Getting Started
What is a PCB?
What is PCB Design?
The Institute for Printed Circuits
What is PCB design software?
What are electronic parts?
Active Parts
Passive Parts
How do I design PCB?
Schematics
What are schematic symbols?
Schematic Symbol Design
What is a schematic node?
What is it PCB net?
Schematic Buses
What is a schematic off-page connector?
What are schematic symbol terminals?
Electronic circuit simulation with SPICE
PCB Design for Manufacturability
PCB Design Guidelines
PCB Signal Integrity
PCB EMC
PCB Layer Stack
PCB Split Power Planes
PCB Thermal Management
PCB Layout
PCB Copper Pour
PCB Test Points
What are footprints?
What are footprint land pattern pads?
What is a PCB silkscreen?
What is a PCB courtyard?
What are PCB vias?
What are PCB blind vias?
What are PCB buried vias?
What are PCB plated through holes?
What are PCB jumpers?
What are footprint reference designators?
What are PCB V-cuts?
What are PCB Mounting Holes?
What all Gerber files?
How are printed circuit boards made?
What is a printed circuit board drill file?
Limitations
Installing DEX
System Requirements
Downloading DEX
Firewalls
Where are the DEX files?
Authorizing Your Copy
Authorizing Your Copy Machine Without Internet Acccess
Getting Your Key Online
Your Account Settings
Removing Your License
Removing DEX
Manually Removing DEX
Quick Start
Running DEX for the First Time
Using This Manual
Project, Parts and Artwork
About AutoTRAX PCB Design Express (DEX)
Tutorials
Sample Projects
The Serial Back-Pack
The DEX UNO
The Amplifier
The Diagram
The CPU Diagram
The Car Harness
The Flowchart Design
The Front Panel
Tutorial Videos
General
Parts
Schematics
PCBs
3D
Graphics
Viewing the AutoTRAX Sample Projects
Demonstration Video
A Simple Resistor Ladder
Web Tutorial
Updating Your Version
Closing DEX
Designs
Line Styles, Fill Styles, and Fonts
Line Styles
Fill Styles
No Fill
Solid Fill
Hatch Fill
Radial Fill
Linear Fill
Fonts
Default Graphics Settings
Drawing Aids
Undoing and Redoing Your Changes
Arranging and Editing Objects
Selecting Items
Selection Settings
Locking Objects
Deleting Objects
Moving Objects to the Clipboard
Clearing Sheets and the PCB
Copying Objects
Pasting Items from the Clipboard
Rotating Objects
Mirroring Objects
Scaling Objects
Aligning Objects
Grouping Objects
Distributing Objects
Reordering Objects
Creating Arrays of Objects
Creating Rectangular Arrays
Creating Circular Arrays
Arranging Terminals on a Symbol
Coordinates
Adding Coordinates
Editing Coordinates
Coordinate Editor
Guides
Vertical Guides
Horizontal Guides
Point Guides
Adding Point Guides
Editing Point Guides
Angled Guides
Adding Angled Guides
Editing Angled Guides
Point Guide Editor
Vertical Guide Editor
Horizontal Guide Editor
Angle Guide Editor
Snaps and the Grid
The Grids
The Origin
Origin Editor
Setting the Snaps per Grid
Rotation Snap
Snapping to Guides
Snapping to Objects
Snap Settings
Symbol and Wire Grid
Measuring Distances and Angles
Dimensions
Adding Aligned Dimensions
Adding Linear Dimensions
Editing Dimensions
Dimension Settings
Graphics
Arcs
Adding Arcs
Editing Arcs
Arc Editor
Blocks
Curves
Adding Curves
Editing Curves
Circle/Ellipse Editor
Curve Editors
Ellipses and Circles
Adding Ellipses and Circles
Editing Ellipses and Circles
Images
Adding Images
Editing Images
Image Editor
Lines
Adding Lines
Context Menu
Editing Lines
Line Editor
Markers
Marker Editor
Notes
Adding Notes
Editing Notes
Note Box Editor
Polylines
Adding Polylines
Editing Polylines
Polyline/Polygon Editor
Polygons
Adding Polygons
Editing Polygons
Rectangles
Adding Rectangles
Editing Rectangles
Rectangle Editor
Shapes
Creating Shapes
Editing Shapes
Shape Editor
Text
Adding Text
Editing Text
Text Editor
Colors
The Color Swatch
RGB
HSL
The Color Wheel
Artworks
Adding Artwork to the Library
Setting The Default Artwork
Parts
What is a part
Part
Tutorials
Overview of Parts
Parametric Parts
Creating a Capacitor
Creating a part for an ATMEGA16U2
Importing 3D Models To Use in a PCB Part
Automatic Generation of 3D model PCB Header
Renumbering Pads for PCB parts
Create a PCB Footprint by Tracing From a PDF
Creating a Part for a Button Battery
Creating a Custom SOT223 Transistor
Add a Thermal Pad to a Footprint
Creating a Power Mosfet Part
Creating round, rectangular and polygonal pads and offsetting pad holes
Creating a custom potentiometer part
Creating a part with 4 schematic symbols (Split part)
Customizing a parametric footprint
Capturing Pin Details from a PDF
How to modify a placed part using the library
Don't Trust Part Libraries
The Parts Catalog
Downloading Parts from SnapEDA
Setting The Default Part
Virtual Parts
Creating a Virtual Part
Parametric Parts
The Manufacturers Model
The Parts Library
Searching for Part Prices and Datasheets
The Deliverable
The AutoTRAX Model
Datasheet
Schematic Symbol
Attributes
Package Placement Point
Package Silkscreen
Package Courtyard
Package Reference
Package Value
Package Color
Pads
Type Selection
The Part Builder
Using the Part Wizard
Customizing The Part
Customizing The Symbol
CustomizingThe Footprint
Adding Pads to Parametric Footprints
Adding Vias to Parametric Footprints
Adding Graphics to Parametric Footprints
Adding Copper Areas to Parametric Footprints
Editing the Part Value
Editing the Part Reference
Adding 3D to Parametric Footprints
DIP Parts
SOIC Parts
QUAD Parts
BGA Parts
Header Parts
Axial Parts
Radial Parts
Chip Parts
SOD 323 Parts
TO-92 Transistors
SOT-23 Transistors
SOT-353 Transistors
SOT-89 Transistors
SOT-143 Transistors
SOT-223 Transistors
Metal Can Parts
Antenna Parts
Inductor Parts
Package Symbols
Arial
Device Overview
Antenna Parameters
Axial
Device Overview
Axial Parameters
BGA
Device Overview
BGA Parameters
Block
Block - Crystal
Castellated PCB
Chip
Device Overview
Chip Parameters
DIP
Device Overview
Dip Parameters
SIP
Disc
Generic
Header
Device Overview
Header Parameters
Inductor
Inductor Parameters
Device Overview
LED
Metal Can
Device Overview
Metal Can Parameters
MELF
QUAD
Device Overview
QUAD Parameters
Radial
Device Overview
Radial Parameters
SOIC
Device Overview
SOIC Parameters
SOT-223
SOT 23
Device Overview
SOT-23 Parameters
SOD 323
Device Overview
SOD 323 Parameters
SOT 89
SOT-89 Parameters
Device Overview
SOT 143
Device Overview
SOT-143 Parameters
SOT 223
Device Overview
SOT-223 Parameters
SOT 353
Device Overview
SOT-353 Parameters
TO 3 / TO 66
TO 220
Edge Connector Parts
Wizard
Custom Parts
Castellated PCB Parts
TO 92
TO-92 Parameters
Device Overview
Creating Parts
Creating Parts on Schematics
Editing Parts on Schematics
Parts
Symbols
Terminals
Terminal-Graphics
Terminal Names
Terminal Pin Names
Reference
Border
Value
Footprints/Land Patterns
Courtyard
Placement Point
Silkscreen Pattern
Pads
Creating a NewPart
Symbols
Symbol Terminal Magnet Editor
Symbol Borders (Terminal Magnets)
Editing Symbol Borders (Terminal Magnets)
Symbol References
Symbol Values
Symbol Value Editor
Symbol Terminals
Terminal Magnets
Symbol Terminal Editor
Adding Terminals
Terminal Graphics
Terminal Names
Terminal Pin Names/Numbers
Terminal Connection Points
EditingTerminals
Capturing Pin Details from a PDF
No Connection Required
Editing Symbols in Schematics
Reordering Terminals
Adding Graphics to Symbols
Symbol Editor
Multiple Symbols
Splitting Symbols
Symbol Graphics
Capturing Terminal Names From a Datasheet
Footprints
Courtyards
Editing Courtyards
Pads
Pad Shapes
Creating Pads
Setting Pad Numbers
Automatic 3D Pins
Gold Plating
Footprint Editor
Footprint Reference Editor
Footprint Value Editor
Courtyard Editor
Silkscreen Editor
Placement Point Editor
Pad Editor
Placement Points
Silkscreens
Silkscreen Rectangles
Footprint Part Values
Footprint Part Reference IDs
The Footprint Viewport
The Footprint Reference
Editing Footprint References
The Footprint Placement Point
Editing Footprint Placement Points
Adding 3D objects
Adding Graphics to Footprint
Customizing a Parametric Footprint
3D Packages
Spice Models
Bipolar Transistors (BJT)
Capacitors
Diodes
Voltage and Current Sources
Voltage Sources
Independent DC Voltage Sources
Independent Sinusoidal Voltage Sources
Independent Pulse Voltage Sources
Independent Single Frequency FM Voltage Sources
Independent Piece-Wise Linear Voltage Sources
Independent Exponential Voltage Sources
Current Sources
Independent DC Current Sources
Independent Pulse Current Sources
Independent Sinusoidal Current Sources
Independent Single Frequency FM Current Sources
Independent Piece-Wise Linear Current Sources
Controlled Sources
Current Controlled Current Sources
Current Controlled Voltage Sources
Voltage Controlled Current Sources
Voltage Controlled Voltage Sources
Inductors
Junction Field Effect Transistors (JFET)
MESFETs
MOSFETs
Resistors
Switches
Transformers
Transmission Lines
Lossless Transmission Lines
Lossy Transmission Lines (LTRA)
Lossy Transmission Lines (URC)
Custom
Suppliers
The Find Parts Dialog
Saving Your Part
Projects
Project
Schematics
Schematics
Adding Parts
Using the Menu
Using the Library Panel
Adding Resistors
Hierarchical Design
Sub-Systems
Ports
Adding Ports
Editing Ports
Port Editor
Referencing a Sub-System
Adding a Sub-System
Editing a Sub-System
Sub-System Editor
Refactor
Wiring Parts Together
Adding Wires
Automatic Wiring
Automatic Jumpers
Wire and Bus Junctions
Editing Wires
Using Buses
Adding Buses
Editing Buses
Beveling Wire to Buss Connections
Inter-Wire Connectors
Adding Inter-Wire Connectors
Editing Inter-Wire Connectors
Inter-Wire Editor
Marking a Terminal as No Connection Required
Nodes and Nets
Nodes
Schematic Node Editor
Schematic Node ID Editor
Wires
Style Guide
Wire Settings
Renumbering Parts
Reference Designators
Standard Reference Designators
Saving Designs for Re-use
Port Name Editor
Bus Editor
The PCB
Creating Projects
Setting The Default Project
Schematic-PCB Cross Selection
Saving Projects
Opening Projects
The PCB
Viewing the PCB in 3D
Fiducial Editor
Copper Pour Editor
Keep-Out Editor
No-Mask Editor
PCB Border Editor
PCB Cutout Shape Editor
PCB Hole Editor
Pcb Polyline Cutout Editor
Track Editor
Split Power Plane Editor
V-Cut Editor
Via Editor
How PCBs Are Made
Design for manufacturability
PCB Standards
Panelised PCBs
Creating a PCB Panel
PCB Breakaway Panels
Tab Routed Arrays
Adding V-Grooves
Adding Fiducials
Adding Tooling Holes
Assembly Rails
The Panel Header
The Panel's Pick and Place File
Viewing the PCB
Semi-Transparent PCBs
PCB Internals
The PCB Border
Creating a Rectangular PCB
Creating a Circular/Elliptical PCB
Creating a Polygonal PCB
Adding Holes to a PCB
Adding Cutouts to a PCB
Adding a Rectangular PCB Cutout
Adding a Circular/Elliptical PCB Cutout
Adding a Polygonal PCB Cutout
Editing the PCB Border
PCB Layers
PCB-Layers
Editing the PCB Layers
Solder Mask Differences
Split Power Planes
Editing Split Power Regions
Pads
Adding Pads
Editing Pads
Vias
PCB Sheet Editor
Setting All Track Widths
Fiducials
Adding Fiducials
Adding A Fiducial
Automatically Addding Global Fiducials
Adding Global Fiducials
Adding Fiducials to a Footprint
Fiducial Properties Editor
Fiducial Settings Editor
Fiducials in the Pick and Place File
Renumbering All Fiducials
Nets
Adding Nets
Editing Nets
Track Settings
Tracks
Changing a track segments layer index
Jumpers
Routing
Manual Routing
Manually Routing a Track
Electra
Running Electra
The Electra Autorouter
Initializing-Electra
Differential pair routing
Length Constrained Autorouting
The Electra View
Using Electra Interactively
Electra Router Settings
The Electra DO Commands
Importing Electra Route File
Route Report
Automatic Routing
Keep Out Regions
Adding Keep Out Regions
Editing Keep Out Regions
Router Settings
Manual Router Settings
Internal Router Settings
Snap To Pad
Auto-Layout
An Insight into PCB Auto-Layout
Copper Pour Regions
Adding Copper Pour Regions
Editing Copper Pour Regions
Copper Pour Settings
The Solder Mask
Adding Solder Mask Cutouts
Editing Solder Masks
Changing a Solder Mask Cutout's Shape
Rectangular Cutouts
Elliptical/Circular Cutout
Polygonal/Curved Cutouts
Setting The Solder Mask Margin
Solder Mask Viewing Options
Adding Solder Paste to a Solder Mask Cutout
Adding Solder Mask Cutout to Footprints
Pad Solder Mask Cutout
Solder Mask Cutouts by Combining Shapes
Adding Solder Paste
Solder Paste
Adding Solder paste to SMT pads
Adding Solder paste to no mask areas
Adding custom solder paste areas
Viewing the solder paste
Checking Your PCB Design
Unrouted Tracks
Minimum Track Width
Track Intersections
Track to Track Clearance
Track to Pad Clearance
Track to Via Clearance
Track to Hole Clearance
Track to Cutout Clearance
Track to Keepout Clearance
Track to Border Clearance
Minimum Pad hole Diameters
Minimum Pad Annular Ring Size
Pad to Pad Clearance
Pad to Via Clearance
Pad to Hole Clearance
Pad to Cutout Clearance
Pad to Border Clearance
Minimum Via Hole Diameters
Minimum Via Annular Ring Size
Via to Via Clearance
Via to Hole Clearance
Via to Cutout Clearance
Via to Keep Out Clearance
Via to Border Clearance
Hole to Hole Clearance
Hole to Cutout Clearance
Hole to Border Clearance
Cutout to Cutout Clearance
Cutout to Border Clearance
Courtyard to Courtyard Clearance
Courtyard to Holes Clearance
Courtyard to Cutouts Clearance
Courtyard to Border Clearance
Silkscreen to Pad Clearance
3D
Adding 3D objects
Adding Internal 3D Objects
Adding External 3D Objects
3D Models
Creating Complex Shapes
Drilling
Viewing the PCB in 3D
The 3D Viewport Menu Commands
Floating the 3D Viewport
3D View Control
The 3D Viewport
Importing a 3D Model
3D Exporting
Exporting a STL File
Export a Wavefront OBJ File
Exporting a Collada 3D File
Exporting and Rendering with POVRAY
Multiple 3D Viewports
Moving, Rotating and Scaling 3D Objects
Automatic Backups
Restoring Backups
Sheets
Setting Sheet Sizes
Schematic Sheets
Text Sheets
Hierarchical Layout
Sub-Systems
Adding New Sub-Systems
Opening Sub-systems
Adding Terminals to a Sub-system Reference
Editing Sub-Systems
Sub-Systems Names
Using Sub-Systems
Adding Sub-Systems References
Graphical Sheets
Page Borders
The Grid Reference
The Title Block
Sheet Settings
Page Scale
Customizing Sheet Colors
Customizing Symbols
Customizing Schematic Wires
The Wire and Bus Settings Popup
Customizing Schematic Joins and Cross-overs
Customizing All Schematic Wires
The PCB
Units
The Origin
Manufacturing Your PCB
Plotting Your PCBs
True-type fonts
Previewing Your Gerber Files
Generating Gerber Files
Generating Drill Files
Creating a Pick and Place File
Your Bill of Materials
Items in a Bill of Materials
Putting It All Together in a Zip File
Manufacturing Settings
Design Rules
Text Document Sheets
Adding Text Document Sheets
PDF Sheets
Printing and Plotting
Printing
Plottings
Print Menu
Watermarks
Text Watermarks
Picture Watermarks
Circuit Simulation
Simulation Samples
Bridge Rectifier
Adding Circuit Elements
Adding a Resistor
Adding a Capacitor
Adding an Inductor
Adding a Transformer
Adding a Diode
Adding Transmission Lines
The Lossless Transmission Line
The Lossy Transmission Line 1
The Lossy Transmission Line 2
Adding Transistors
Adding a BJT Transistor
Adding a JFET Transistor
Adding a MOSFET Transistor
Adding a MESFET Transistor
Adding a Switch
Adding a Custom Device
Adding Voltage and Current Sources
Adding Independent Sources
Adding Instruments
Adding a Power Supply
Adding a Signal Generator
Adding an Oscilloscope
Adding a Chart
Always Add a Ground
The Analysis Probe
The Spice Reference Manual
Introduction
Types of Analysis
Analysis at Different Temperatures
Convergence
Circuit Description
Circuit Elements and Models
Transistors and Diodes
Introduction
Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs)
BJT Models (NPN/PNP)
Diode Model
JFET Models (NJF/PJF)
Junction Diodes
Junction Field-Effect Transistors (JFETs)
MESFET Models (NMF/PMF)
MESFETs
MOSFET Models (NMOS/PMOS)
MOSFETs
Transmission Lines
Lossless Transmission Lines
Lossy Transmission Line Model (LTRA)
Lossy Transmission Lines
Uniform Distributed RC Lines (Lossy)
Uniform Distributed RC Model (URC)
Voltage and Current Sources
Independent Sources
Exponential
Independent Sources
Piece-Wise Linear
Pulse
Single Frequency FM
Sinusoidal
Linear Dependent Sources
Introduction
Current-Controlled Current Sources
Current-Controlled Voltage Sources
Voltage-Controlled Current Sources
Voltage-Controlled Voltage Sources
Non-Linear Dependant Sources
Capacitors
Coupled (Mutual) Inductors
Inductors
Resistors
Semiconductor Capacitor Model
Semiconductor Capacitors
Semiconductor Resistor Model
Semiconductor Resistors
Switch Model
Switches
Combining Files. .include lines
Device Models
GENERAL STRUCTURE AND CONVENTIONS
SubCircuits
Title Line, Comment Lines and .end line
Analysis and output Control
DC or Small-Signal AC Sensitivity Analysis
DC Transfer Function
Distortion Analysis
Fourier Analysis
Initial Conditions
Noise Analysis
Operating Point Analysis
PLOT Lines
Pole-Zero Analysis
PRINT Lines
SAVE Lines
Analysis Options
Simulator Variables
Small-Signal AC Analysis
Transfer Function Analysis
Transient Analysis
Independent Sources for Voltage or Current
Exponential Sources
Importing Files
Importing Your AutoTRAX EDA Designs
Importing Your AutoTRAX EDA Library
Importing AutoCAD DXF Files
Importing Eagle Projects
Importing Eagle Libraries
Importing Gerber Files
Importing 3D
Exporting Data
CNC
Creating a CNC File
CNC Viewer
Creating a DXF File
Creating a PDF File
Creating a IDF File
Creating a SVG File
Creating a Spice Deck File
Creating a Net List File
Saving to an Image File
Exporting 3D to Collada
Creating a STL File
The User Interface
The Application Layout
The File Menu
Ribbon Menu
Quick Access Toolbar
Auto-Repeat command
Halloween with AutoTRAX
Themes
The Workspace Setttings
Workspaces
The File Settings
The Color Bar
The Status Bar
The Ribbon Menu
The Home Ribbon Page
The Help Ribbon Page
The Panels Ribbon Page
The Symbol Ribbon Page
The Schematic Ribbon Page
The Footprint Ribbon Page
The PCB Ribbon Page
The Route Ribbon Page
The View/Snap Ribbon Page
The Edit Ribbon Page
The Add Ribbon Page
The Parts Ribbon Page
The Layout Ribbon Page
The Simulate Schematic Page
The Tools Ribbon Page
The 3D Ribbon Page
The 4 Ribbon Layout Modes
Popup Settings
The Add Parts Popup
The CAM Settings Popup
The Copper Pour Settings Popup
The Cutouts Popup
The Design Rules Popup
The Dimension Settings Popup
The Fiducial Popup
The File Settings Popup
The Layout Settings Popup
The Page Settings Popup
The Router Settings Popup
The Selection Settings Popup
The Shapes Default Popup
The Snap Settings Popup
The Tracks Popup
The Track Via Settings Popup
The Undo Popup
The Wire and Bus Settings Popup
The Workspace Popup
Menu Shortcuts
The Panels
The Checklist Panel
The Part Builder Panel
The Project Panel
The Properties Panel
The Properties Popup Panel
The Spice Model Properties Popup Panel
The Library Panel
The Layers Panel
The Design Rules Checker Panel
The Navigator Panel
The Settings Panel
The Source View Panel
The Parts Bin Panel
The Netlist Panel
The Parts List Panel
The Route Panel
The System Info. Panel
Viewports
Cross Cursors
The Diagonal Cursor
Arranging Viewports
Rulers
The Origin Box
Tabbed Viewports
Tiled and Cascaded Viewports
Zooming In and Out
Smart Panning
The Viewport Context Menu
Switch Between Schematic and PCB Views
Dialog/Control Grids Views
Grouping
Auto Filter Row
Columns
Column Header
Column Header Context Menu
Column Header Panel
Customization Form
Data Row
Filter Button
Fixed Panel Divider
Footer Cell
Footer Context Menu
Group Expand Button
Group Footer
Group Panel
Group Panel Context Menu
Group Row
Group Row Check Box Selector
Group Row Context Menu
Multiple Row Selection
Header Panel Button
Zoom Button
Preview Section
Row Cell
Row Indicator Panel
Row Separator
Sort Glyph
View Footer
Summaries
Data Navigator
Find Panel
New Item Row/Card
Filter Panel
Filter Panel Close Button
View's MRU (Most Recently Used) Filter List
Edit Filter Button
Filter Editor
Column's Filter DropDown
View Caption
Filter and Search
Advanced Filter and Search Concepts
Themes
Getting Support
Reporting Problems
Contacting Us
Find Out About Your Version
What's New
Subscribing to the NewsLetter
The AutoTRAX Website
Getting the Latest Version
Downloading Older Versions
Sending Feedback
Adding to Your Wish List
Getting Daily Tips
The Users Forum
Using Graphic Symbols Fonts
What's New
Roadmap
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Appendix
The Software License
Refund Policy
File Associations
The IPC
Through-Hole Mounting (THM)
Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
Through-Hole vs. Surface Mount
Device Package Types
Packages
Solder
Disaster Recovery
Restoring Previous Designs
Update the Graphics Card Driver
Reinstall .NET
Restore Points
Preventing Disasters
Scripting
The Scripting Panel
The DEX API
The Window Variable
The Design Variable
Design Structure
Design
Schematic Sheets
Symbols
The Symbol Reference
The Symbol Value
Nodes
The Pcb
Footprints
The Footprint Reference
The Footprint Value
Nets
Graphical Objects
Lines
Rectangles
Ellipses and Circles
Text
Images
Geometry
The ui Variable
Built-in variables
pcb
Python
An Informal Introduction to Python
Comments
Control Statement
The If Statement
Loops and Iterations
The For Statement
The While Statement
Functions
CookBook
Save Parts List
.NET Integration
The Python Tutorial
Acknowledgments