pcb-rnd knowledge pool

Abstract: Demonstrate using the route radius setting to get curved knee at 45 degree trace joints. Also demonstrates "rubber band keeps middle line angle" and teardrops.

  Recent refinement of the pcb-rnd rubber band code has allowed a radius to be specified (other than the default of zero radius) when routing tracks.

The hotkey key sequences:

    {r r +}

and

    {r r -}

are used to alter the radius used for bends in the track being routed. These settings can also be adjusted in the preferences dialog.

With this capability, free-form, artistic trackwork is easier without needing other vector drawing utilities for copper, silk and outline layer features.

The following creation was done quickly and easily in pcb-rnd without needing to use any svg or similar vector artwork as a preliminary source of contours, thanks to the new radiused rubber band feature:

DJ Delorie's teardrop code is a longstanding plugin available in pcb-rnd.

Beyond the merely artistic, this "banana mode" ability is also of interest to those routing RF and high speed signals on their PCB.

DRC can auto enforce clearances around other features while rubber banding as well, as seen in the videos below.

Here is the angle preserving rubber band mode .

Here is the bendy knee support in action.

And here is the teardrop effect being applied with the ":" key, followed by the

   teardops()

command.