can't create aliases - in fact, everything CDF related seems squiffy

[SteveW]

I'm playing with CDFs for the first time in a while, and can't remember how to do stuff...
For a start, how am I supposed to create aliases? It's greyed out in the menu, and I can't find an alternate route.

Also, anyone got ideas how to do QFNs and DFNs? Are they just tiny PLCCs? What do you do about the big white pad in the middle?

Likewise, 4-way respacks.

Although, I also can't generate any new parts. I've tried reverting to an ancient CDF file, but nothing gets better.  Can someone remind me of the bleeding obvious, before I scream?

[Jason]

Not at my machine right now. But it looks like you're in rvsetup.  Try in rvgerber.

[Mike]

Aliases are probably a bad idea unless you know the parts will be completely identical (in which case why bother with a different CDF).
If all parts have a separate CDF (e.g. 0805 R, 0805 C, 0805 LED etc.) you have scope to tweak parameters as required for differemt body colour etc.

Don't worry about centre pads - vision only cares about the extremeties, so treat QFN the same as a QFP

[SteveW]

Not at my machine right now. But it looks like you're in rvsetup.  Try in rvgerber.

You're right - and rvgerber does allow me to delete aliases - but not create new ones. I'm still baffled.

[SteveW]

Aliases are probably a bad idea unless you know the parts will be completely identical (in which case why bother with a different CDF).

New toolchain invented R_0402 and the like, instead of previous R0402. I was trying to avoid fixing it in the source, so an alias struck me as a quick hack. Turns out, not so much...

>Don't worry about centre pads - vision only cares about the extremeties, so treat QFN the same as a QFP

Cheers. Is anyone placing things like 0.4mm pitch QFNs with great success? I think I'm resigned to hand inspecting and nudging at the moment.