How do I make round (circles) traces?

[Qrper]

I want to make a round pcb, got that done, no problem. However, I'd like to have a round trace .250 wide that goes around the circumference of the pcb, like a tire on a wheel.

I need the round traces to provide a good RF ground around some connectors.

I'm up for suggestions

mike

[Alex]

You can create traces with arcs in DipTrace. When you create a new trace manually, press M key one or more times to select a mode with arcs and S key to choose most appropriate segment style.
But if you need so wide trace, consider using full size copper pour ("depending on board" in copper pour properties) and add round shape on the route keepout layer to forbid pouring in the middle of the board. You should get something like that.

Screenshot from 2024-09-19 10-10-30.png (141.91 KiB) Viewed 3440 times

[mike_s]

Very functional but NOT intuitively obvious or common sense to a user -

[Qrper]

Thanks... will give it a try... much more complex than I was thinking. I know I can make arcs but for the life of me can I make perfect circles.

mike

[Flux]

Will this work? Try drawing an unfilled circle on the assembly layer. Set the the dimensions to the size needed, Set custom line width to the thickness you want for the copper area. Change it to the signal layer.

[Qrper]

Flux!
That actually worked great! A little fine tuning here and there, but I think that's most doable. Thanks for the tip

mike

[ViaTech]

To create circular lines around the circumference of a PCB in CAD software, you can follow the following general steps:
1. Set tracking width: First, specify the desired tracking width. Design rules or tracking attributes for 250 inches. This will ensure that all traces you create will follow this width.
2. Draw a circular trajectory: Use the arc or circle tool in the PCB layout editor to create a circular path along the circumference of the PCB.
Adjust the radius of the circle or arc to match the desired distance from the PCB edge. Ensure that the tracking is placed in the position you need relative to the connector.
3. Create a polygon (if needed): If your CAD software does not allow the use of tracking tools to create a perfect circular trace, you can use the Polygon Pour tool to create a circular copper fill around the edge of the circuit board, simulating circular tracking. Set the width and shape of the polygon to achieve the desired effect.
4. Increase grounding vias: In order to establish a good RF grounding, vias can be placed at certain intervals around the circular wiring to connect it to another layer of grounding surface.