Resist2D
2D PCB layer resistance calculation
I am starting a new topic, targeting high frequency PCB design. The Gerber Viewer will be a base for it. But for now, my targets are more abstract and more related to general electrotechnic or electromagnetism. I have already realized that the equation system solving is going to be the main difficulty, due to the size of the unknown variable set. So I am learning.
My first milestone, I am happy to share, is a 2D resistance solver, which could be used to calculate the current flow and voltage build-up on a PCB trace or plane.
Important Update:
The program is now available as open-source on GitHub. You can find the program's source code and more information on its GitHub repository
This simple program reads a bitmap (e.g. png) representing the PCB copper shape (white), test electrodes (red and blue) and performs 2D resistance calculations.
The result is a current density map and a voltage drop map (animation). Moving mouse pointer over the image gives the numerical output in the actual point.
The program also shows the total resistance value, between the 2 terminals.
To keep it simple for me, all values are to be scaled to the particular physical constraints.
I assume the resistance of the 2D square, perfectly connected at the opposite edges, to be 1.
I also assume that the voltage across the test points is also 1. The software is to be download in two versions. 32-bit and 64-bit.
The reason for this is that the equation solving part, for now, is a straightforward Gaussian elimination, suitable only for relative small amount of variables,
limited by n² storage requirement. To make it a bit better, 64-bit version can access much bigger memory, available now on the standard PC.
The program starts with preloaded demo.
»» Resist2D_64.exe 64 bit Windows ««
»» Resist2D_32.exe 32 bit Windows ««
For a secure download, the exe files are signed using my certificate (Rafal Powierski).Example input bitmaps...
Download all examples: RMatrixExamples.zip
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Copyright © ZofzPCB 2015, Updated:
The software is provided FREE ($0.00) of charge.
Disclaimer:
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND THE AUTHOR DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH REGARD TO THIS SOFTWARE INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.