How can ratlines be removed?

Making PCB Layouts, Manual routing, Auto-routing, Copper pouring, Updating from Schematic, Manufacturing Output
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electrowiz
Posts: 3
Joined: 11 Jan 2019, 04:49

Re: How can ratlines be removed?

#1 Post by electrowiz » 23 Jun 2022, 04:34

This question can be interpreted a few ways:
1) How do I resolve unconsumed ratlines?
Ratlines are typically "consumed" when there exists a copper connection between the two nodes. The connection can be made with a trace or a copper pour. If a copper pour is not "updated", then it will usually show unconsumed ratlines. Going to "objects" --> "update all copper pours" should fix the problem.

2) How do I make ratlines invisible?
From the "objects" tab (not the "objects" menu) un select the check boxed called ratlines. They will no longer be visible.

3) The connection should not exist
If you actually want to delete the ratline, what you are saying is that you don't want the two nodes on the same net. For that I would adjust the schematic so the nodes are connected to wires that have different net names.

Probably #1 is what you are asking.

allenpitts
Posts: 52
Joined: 29 Sep 2017, 13:03

Re: How can ratlines be removed?

#2 Post by allenpitts » 30 Aug 2022, 03:20

Hello electrowiz and the DipTrace forum,

Pardon me while I pat my self on the back for searching and finding the answer
to my question which is the same as the question by artemisclark: How can
ratlines be removed?
But this question causes me to question my understanding of ratlines and
the function of ratlines.
It is conjectured that ratlines are a sort of reminder that two nodes need
to be connected either by a trace or a copper pour, right? Is there some
other function of ratlines?
Are ratlines obviated by making the connection between the nodes and
thus putting the nodes on the same net?
Thanks.
Allen Pitts
Dallas Texas

Tomg
Expert
Posts: 2024
Joined: 20 Jun 2015, 07:39

Re: How can ratlines be removed?

#3 Post by Tomg » 30 Aug 2022, 05:34

My understanding is that a ratline is only a graphical representation of a net connection. It is a placeholder and indicator showing where a copper connection is needed. If you remove a ratline, you have removed the net connection it represents; making a copper connection unnecessary. If you have removed the only ratline that exists for a particular net (and there are no other traces connected to that net), then you have removed that net entirely.
Tom

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