Release Notes for Altium Designer Version 15.1
Key feature highlights
Pad & Via Templates and Libraries
xSignal Wizard
Live Drill Drawing
PDF 3D Export
Polygon Pour Improvements
Multi-line PCB Text Support
Union Enhancements
External 3D models for Vault Components
OrCAD 16.x Import Support
Drill Pair Reference
Custom Coverlay Support
Support for Cypress Touch Controls
Test Point Clearance Check
Solder Mask Expansion from Hole
Board Outline Clearance Checking
Schematic Symbol Generation Tool
Version 15.1.16
Build: 63332 Date: 2 June 2016
7492 | Restored the ability to edit holes in the Hole Size Editor mode of the PCB panel. |
7500 | Resolved issue that caused first Interactive Length Tuning to be deleted after adding second one to a net. |
8318 | Resolved issue with memory leaking during compilation of Integrated library. |
8408 | Resolved an issue where items that were added to Vaults were not shown after clicking "Refresh" button. |
7001 | Resolved an Altium Designer access violation error that could occur when opening PCB documents during PCB design collaboration. |
7491 | DRC processing for Board Outline Clearance between complex pads and exterior board edges has been corrected. |
8473 | Resolved an issue with wrong polygon mapping while import board from Eagle. |
8489 | Fixed an issue that leading to crash during BOM report generation. |
8557 | Resolved an access violation error that occurred when importing a PADS Logic ASCII (.txt) file. |
8649 | Restored ability to use "ShowDialogWithCaption" function in the scripts. |
8650 | Resolved issue with BOM generation for fitted/not fitted variants components. |
8651 | Altium Designer no longer crashes when two or more ports are added to multi-channel design simultaneously. |
8653 | Toggle Fitted/Not Fitted works correctly for multi-part variants components (BC:4929). |
8655 | Fixed regression issue with "Place>Directives>Specific No ERC" not picking compiler violation. |
8916 | The issue of special strings with delimiter characters not being interpreted correctly during assembly drawing generation has been resolved. |
9198 | Resolved an issue with Altium Designer's Orcad exporter where an exported library was empty or the exported design caused Orcad to crash. |
12040 | STEP and IDF exports no longer produce faceted edges in circular board cutouts (BC:365). |
Version 15.1.15
Build: 50867 Date: 14 September 2015
7073 | All properties in the State Properties dialog (when configuring a lifecycle definition) are now visible (BC:5630). |
7460 | Fixed issue with compiler warning being incorrectly displayed for broken links between Schematic components and Variants definition in a multi-channel design |
7496 | Polygon pours no longer cause clearance violations after Altium Designer is updated to newest version. |
7497 | The "Convert Special Strings" option no longer gets disabled after starting an Output Job file which is using the PCB document as its Data source. |
7499 | Special strings whose parameter names include '-' are now correctly converted. |
7501 | Access violation in module "TKShHealing.dll" no longer occurs during STEP export. |
7502 | The Text Position property for dimension text is now correctly set to Manual when that text is manually repositioned (BC:5724). |
7522 | Resolved an issue whereby the required lifecycle definition was not being applied during item creation, when the item type had more than one lifecycle definition assigned to it. |
8128 | Length tuning for differential pairs no longer creates violations with the board outline. |
Version 15.1.14
Build: 47215 Date: 22 July 2015
6370 | The Symbol Generator now correctly observes units for default pin lengths during component creation |
6771 | Resolved an issue where opening a PcbDoc containing a Design View could result in the software entering into an infinite loop. |
6843 | Footprint with ".Comment" special string no longer displayed as mismatched after running footprint comparison via "Tools>Update from PCB Libraries". |
6886 | A PCB created in AD14.3 no longer loses relief polygon connections when it is opened in Altium Designer 15.1 and the polygon is repoured. |
6915 | The time taken to compile a schematic project has been reduced (BC:5495). |
6938 | PCB panels whose child PCB designs contain Component refdes, Component comment, and dimension text now produce proper Print and Assembly output to PDF documents (BC:5716). |
6960 | Resolved an issue where a new project being created from a template would point to the wrong OutputJob file. |
7022 | Resolved an issue when unique identifier errors appeared after updating a modified schematic symbol using the "Tools >Update Schematics command". |
7070 | Resolved an issue with Undetectable Short Circuit in Schematic when Blankets are used |
7085 | Resolved an issue where the designators were incorrectly placed in the generated PDF output if they were on a mechanical layer in an embedded board array (BC:5714). |
Version 15.1.13
Build: 46088 Date: 2 July 2015
4814 | Altium Designer no longer crashes on start, in environments utilizing a roaming profile (BC:5218). |
6410 | Several fabrication and assembly output issues concerning TrueType special String conversion, location, and justification, have been resolved (BC:5521). |
6566 | Invalid files nor longer generated during export to Parasolid (BC:5650). |
6574 | The PCB can now be exported in PDF3D format, directly in the Project folder. This fixes the issue where a blank PCB was being created, that overwrote the existing PCB document. |
6577 | Fixed issue with non-editable via sizes during routing. |
6587 | Availability of Component State validation has been restored in OutputJobs. |
6590 | An issue with Altium Designer licenses not being recognized when using Private License Server v14.0.0.33 (or earlier), has been resolved. |
6607 | The MCAD collaboration standalone license no longer needs to be re-activated every time Altium Designer starts. |
6672 | All cell data is now loaded properly when opening older CmpLib files in Altium Designer 15.1 (BC:5601). |
6050 | Multiline strings with CR LF now display correctly in PDF3D export. |
6601 | An issue with the Symbol Wizard window not being movable, has been resolved. |
6768 | The Component Template (CMPT) Editor is now compatible with Altium Designer 15.1. |
Version 15.1.12
Build: 45129 Date: 2 June 2015
6292 | Restored the possibility to change lifecycles when working with versions of Altium Vault earlier than 2.5. |
6317 | Undo of component layer flip no longer modifies the component's Flipped On Layer property. |
6409 | Resolved an issue when managed project was invisible in Altium Designer when it was created in repository which URL had "/" at the end. |
6427 | Resolved an issue when generation STEP file from output job was impossible. |
6239 | False violations of Board Outline Clearance rule no longer occurs for primitives on Mechanical layers. |
6277 | Resolved an issue with schematics where the compiler did not highlight an error for components which have duplicate designators (BC:5449). |
6349 | Altium Designer no longer crashes when rendering a solder mask for pads, after switching from 2D to 3D. |
6351 | Altium Designer no longer crashes when user removes polygons imported from Camtastic. |
6369 | Restored the ability to change all selected cells at Next State column in Batch. |
6376 | Extruded 3D Body objects converted to STEP in Altium Designer Versions 15.0 and earlier now retain their shapes in Altium Designer Version 15.1 (BC:5467, BC:5511). |
6013 | Resolved an issue with component rotation during Eagle import with non US regional settings. |
6040 | Objects selected in PCB Layout using the Board Insight panel now correctly update the PCB Inspector panel. |
6284 | Added the option to display mechanical layers in board planning mode. |
6310 | Fixed crash during sequential repour of overlapped polygons. |
6439 | Resolved an issue with SchLibGenerationTool when data copied from Excel was pasted into the first several cells of the wizard, and the other cells were pre-selected (BC:5506, BC:5491). |
Version 15.1.9
Build: 44146 Date: 8 May 2015
6266 | Altium Designer no longer hangs after setting 3D Body height in 3D mode. |
6256 | Explode polygon to free primitives now works properly. |
6190 | F1 now works properly for newly added dialogs. |
6077 | Import of an OrCAD 16.3 DSN using Import Wizard no longer misses multiple pages. |
6041 | Multiline text is now properly converted to strokes and polygon during generation of certain export formats. |
5030 | Functions InNamedUnion('Name') and InUnion(ID) are now available in scripting system and rule queries. |
4887 | Fixed issue with wrongly formed thermal connections when certain settings were used (BC:5450). |
Version 15.1.8
Build: 44021 Date: 4 May 2015
4300 | Pad and Via Solder Mask Expansion can now be applied from the hole edge, as well as from the Pad/Via's copper shaped edge. |
4588 | "Bikini Coverlay" is now supported, enabling proper surface film outputs for flexible sections, including expansions. |
4555 | A Board Outline Clearance (Manufacturing) rule has been added to the PCB Layout Editor to constrain the proximity of objects to various types of board edges. |
4936 | When a via instance's layer span property is required, users can now specify a drill pair and optionally access the Drill-Pair Manager. |
4992 | Provided the possibility to generate 3D PDF of PCB-assemblies. |
4554 | Added Smart Union management, a new Union mode on the PCB panel that allows the designer to review and manage Union types, Unions, and Union primitives. |
4649 | Drill Drawing layer is now live, displaying drill symbols once a drill table has been placed or when the drill symbols have been configured for display. |
4779 | Added a new "Pad and Via library" feature that allows for the creation of reusable pad and via templates. |
1606 | The PCB Layout Editor's String object has been enhanced to support multi-line text, by allowing carriage returns to be embedded in the text and resizing of the String's bounding rectangle. |
4553 | Altium Designer now checks dependencies during polygon repours and provides correct pour order when modifying a shape. |
4938 | Provided one way synchronization between Tasking Pinmapper tool and Altium Designer. |
4594 | Developed xSignals Wizards which helps to create rules for configuration of length matching rules. |
4581 | Polygons can now be automatically named (both initially and upon subsequent changes) according to a user defined naming template. |
4771 | Created a Schematic symbol generation tool that reduces time spent on functional symbols creation. |
5356 | Developed the possibility to change Layer Color in one output outjob file instead of changing the color in all of them (BC:101). |
5448 | In response to several BugCrunch items, a 3D Body's 3D Color property can now be optionally used to override the colors of its STEP Model (BC:154, BC:1255). |
5097 | ODB++ supports arc only cut-outs now (BC:5158). |
5378 | Component rotation is now correctly exported to dwf/dxf formats (BC:4977). |
4682 | Visibility of the comment field on placement from DBLib restored to legacy behavior (BC:4994). |
4921 | Resolved an issue where square selectors were not showing after flipping the board (BC:5104). |
5190 | Resolved an issue where a BOM is added to a publishing destination and the Excel file is created but the file size is zero bytes (BC:973). |
4514 | Fixed an issue with saving menu customizations between sessions (BC:4957). |
3986 | When deleting multiple sub-parts of a component in the schematic library editor, the selected components are always the ones that are deleted (BC:4768). |
5383 | Ability to set "Not Fitted" for group of selected component has been added (BC:3028). |
5456 | It is now possible to switch between 2D and 3D views asynchronously (press 2 or 3), or synchronously (press Shift+2 or Shift+3) (BC:5253). |
5516 | TSaveDialog/TOpenDialog can be invoked from the script (BC:5326). |
5358 | Resolved an issue with parameters updating if "Auto Position" was disabled in .SchLib (BC:839). |
5724 | Resolved an issue with Altium Designer hanging when attempting to import large Allegro design data. |
5263 | Access Violation error no longer occurs after OrCAD schematic file import. |
4917 | This will allow users who are editing routes or examining trace or x-signals to easily get to the length tune the trace. |
4576 | DXF importer no longer causes freezing when DXF files with many splines are imported. |
5221 | Release-process into Altium Vault no longer fails due to missing folder generation. |
5227 | The legacy “Use Transparent Layers” option is now automatically disabled in place of new layer transparency system. |
4748 | Resolved an issue where cross-junction was converted to cross-over after any component or segment of a sketch had been dragged. |
3593 | Resolved an issue with dimensions changing incorrectly after a file had been imported from AutoCAD to PCB. |
4959 | An issue has been corrected where the layer stack region split line start/end locations self-modified when the user switched in and out of board planning mode. |
5076 | Behavior of the PCB Panel's Layer Stack Regions editor has been corrected when PCB Layout Editor is in Board Planning Mode. |
5081 | Resolved an issue where the parameter location was changed after updating components from a library. |
4520 | Ctrl+C command for 3D mode works now. |
4485 | The default footprint is now indicated in the Libraries panel, and used when placing a component. |
4583 | Double-clicking on Layer Stack Chart no longer invokes Length Tuning Dialogue. |
4885 | Duplicated Menu Shortcut Accelerators were changed to unique. |
4433 | Multipart components in xDxDesigner are now treated properly, creating corresponding parts instead of individual components. |
5435 | Access check added when saving the BSDL_FileMap.Txt file. |
5412 | Gerber outputs no longer lose layers when generated for embedded boards. |
5219 | Fanout procedure now follows room and net rules. |
4932 | FSO of Pins of SchLib parts with multiple parts works properly now. |
5351 | Moving groups of objects is restricted to the area of visibility now. |
4758 | IDX import no longer relays on regional date and time format anymore. |
5481 | Resolved an issue when placement of DXF was wrong after it was exported via Output Jobfile. |
5191 | Resolved an issue where columns were lost after copying the OutJob file from one project to another with the “Include parameters from PCB” setting. |
5065 | Resolved an issue where components rotated incorrectly after PCB file had been exported to AutoCAD. |
5347 | Resolved an issue when Pad names were incorrect and Net information was missing in ASCII file after PADS import. |
4580 | Live Highlighting when the board is flipped now works correctly. |
5146 | Pads with the same JumperID but different nets are reported as short circuits now. |
3992 | Fabrication output for a vault-managed, panelized PCB design now produces a warning message when the panel PcbDoc and referenced PcbDocs are not members of the same project. |
5343 | Violation description for component clearance has been updated to be more informative. |
5413 | Fixed a bug with snap to board axis when snapping to embedded board edge. |
5345 | Fixed several issues with pre-defined stackups in layer stack manager. |
5426 | Testpoint flag is updating now during layer change. |
4614 | Resolved an issue where Polygon Hatch does not pour correctly when individual Poly to Via Rule is set. |
4436 | Compile Names Expansion setting for Ports now functions correctly. |
3939 | PDF output has been corrected when PCB designs contain rounded rectangle pad shapes. |
4924 | Resolved an issue where arcs were importing incorrectly from Altium Designer to AutoCAD .dwg. |
5534 | The Grid Manager's Snap To Object Hotspot setting now avoids snapping to board outline vertices when the Snap To Board Outline option is not activated in Board Options. |
4378 | Issue with disappearing 3D bodies when moving designators in 3D mode has been resolved. |
5703 | Resolved an issue where duplicate component IDs not caught during compilation resulted in incorrect schematic to PCB updates. |
4901 | Unnecessary & Time Wasting "Analyzing Nets" has been optimized on large designs. |
5239 | xSignals no longer crashes after placing or removing free pads. |
5625 | Issue with placing manual junction at the position of cross-over has been resolved. |
5362 | Error after trying to generate A4-size for PCB has been resolved. |
5646 | Resolved issues with creating schematic component from Sheet using Sheet Actions ->Create Component from Sheet. |
4222 | Export of square and slot shaped pad holes to Autocad DXF/DWG files have been corrected. |
5113 | An odd behavior of PSON in IPC Batch Wizard is fixed. |
5722 | Resolved a regression issue when evaluating special string values (document parameters, current date/time) when generating a BOM. |
5430 | Resolved an issue with pushing update from net list to PCB. |
5316 | Resolved an issue with NoERC markers causing slow project compilation. |
5354 | SimView.DLL access violation error no longer occurs while simulating Mixed Sim. |
4792 | Fixed an issue with displaying international characters in a BOM report. |
5361 | Fixed an issue with layer mapping in PCB Print output settings dialog. |
4755 | An issue that resulted in a blank file when generating a pdf from an outjob file for a SimView document has been fixed. |
3562 | A problem in the SimModel editor dialog when specifying the pin mapping for components with hidden pins has been fixed. |
5028 | Wrong behavior of DPAK in IPC Wizard is fixed. |
4622 | Resolved an issue where the wrong DuplicatedID warning appeared when repeated sheet symbols were used. |
4914 | Thermal relief generation had been improved. |
4483 | The Gerber X2 Apper Function attribute syntax has been improved. |
4482 | The Gerber X2 FileFunction attribute syntax has been improved. |
5723 | Issue with Schematic compiler producing intermittent crashes when compiling integrated library has been resolved |
5023 | Allegro importer does not crash anymore on large designs. |
3906 | Resolved a problem with generating large sized PDFs from Schematic documents containing JPEG images. |
5348 | Issue with incorrect import of NC Drill table from Allegro has been resolved. |
5357 | Resolved an issue with creating unrolled nets when importing ORCAD designs. |
5318 | Altium Designer no longer crashes when compiling a project that has many error and warnings. |
5363 | Generating Gerber files no longer crashes when PCB document contains an Embedded Board Array that references a PCB document that does not exist. |
5145 | Resolved an issue with component clearance checking on imported designs. |
4763 | Restored the possibility to copy and paste symbols between components in a Schematic library. |
5465 | Resolved an issue for Preview in Print Job where selecting multiple PCB or Schematic documents caused Access Violation or empty preview. |
4620 | Resolved an issue when some components were excluded from the Pick and Place file. |
5359 | Pins will no longer disappear from SchLib component when importing them from PADS. |
5110 | Special strings with parameters containing "-" or "." symbols are now processed properly. |
5243 | Ability to create separate net classes for buss sections when pushing updates from Schematic to PCB has been added. |
5447 | Provided possibility to update all extensions at once. |
5326 | Added support for spline, parabola and ellipse edge types to region/polygon/board outline shapes when collaborating with SolidWorks. |
5228 | Fabrication and Assembly Testpoint Style rules now contain properties for controlling clearances between testpoints and neighboring Pad/Via object holes. |
5017 | Component type can now be defined directly in pcblib. |
5077 | Extension&Updates section shows detailed information and updates released by Altium, without requiring an active Portal session. |
4679 | Developed the possibility to autocomplete an expression for scopes based on xSignal and xSignalClasses named in the Query Helper. |
4465 | Added ability to suppress updating specific parameters from database when generating BOM report |
5355 | Compiler now detects mismatches between project variants and actual Schematic documents and reports warnings. |
5341 | Added an prompt to have user restart Altium Designer after installing an extension. |
5349 | DRC units window has variable size now. |
5063 | Net change for a pad is now automatically propagated to all pads with the same Jumper ID. |
4486 | Added an optional 2:6 inches (4:5 mm) precision for Gerber X2 output. |
4484 | Added heuristics for Gerber X2 attribute assignment. |
4492 | Arcs on all objects are now approximated correctly. |
4753 | Board outline export supports preserving arc segments now. |
4466 | Schematic annotation now uses a 2 unit scanning grid, supporting correct annotation when designators are slightly out of alignment. |
5290 | Added a drop-down list which shows templates for working nets or those which are bigger or less than the allowed size. |
4795 | Provided importing support for the latest 16.x Orcad schematic document and libraries. |
4984 | Provided support for creating planar capacitive sensor patterns on PCB, for use with the range of Cypress CapSense controllers. |
4515 | Added an ability to round up Schematic internal coordinates to compensate for rounding problems when switching from imperial to metric units. |
4450 | Resolved an issue where arcs were flipped when DWG file was imported into a PCB. |