PCB Technical - PCB design software component library

In a potential production environment, PCB layout is only an expanding part of the design mystery. The UI mode in the CAD tool should allow you to easily understand the source, schematic and package. But beyond that, you should know which applications your CAD tools can be used for: Is your component update automatic or manual? What is the information in the creative cloud or external database?

Just like the conventional PCB component library has now been digitized, the components required by the PCB can be easily found. Manually searching for supplier information and component data tables is equivalent to searching the card catalog in a. Some people may like the old method of finding the information you need, but this reduces productivity and puts you at risk of obsolescence before it goes into production.

1. Keep the component library up to date

There are many companies that compile as many of their components as possible into component libraries. This includes PCB design software companies, who develop their own libraries for their software platforms. All the information in the component needs to be associated with layout, analysis, simulation and bill of materials tools.

Since all components are concentrated in a large database, an excellent PCB design software package should be included to search for components, allowing you to quickly find the components you need for your design. Furthermore, your search function should be more than just a search engine; your search function should make it easy to find suitable alternatives. This makes it easy to update the old design when newer components are available.

Considering the number of tools and processes that require information in the component library, you and its related management tools should be adaptable and sync data across your design tools. Not every PCB design software package has these features. When the component information is up to date, you will get the most benefit from the design tool.

Although many companies do a good job of compiling database components for PCB designers, not all companies have it as a mission to maintain this goal. The information is up to date. We are not just talking about component specifications, symbols, models or packaging. A truly complete component requires the latest supplier and life cycle information. Keeping this information up-to-date in a large component database means that your components need to be updated frequently.

2. Realize the source of pain

When your PCB design software lacks the basic tools to manage components, you have to adopt temporary strategies to manage component information. Another option is to continue to return to the puddle and purchase new component information management functions as soon as obstacles are encountered. You might save money on the front end, but lose more due to reduced productivity and design delays.

The large number of components available for PCB means that part search, variant support, and supplier data updates become invaluable. Part search not only allows you to find the key components you need, but it can also be combined with supplier information, allowing you to identify obsolescence and control component procurement. When a component approaches the end of its life cycle, you need to find suitable replacements before the equipment becomes obsolete.

Without these basic functions, you will not be able to manually search the library to find the components you need. Without regular supplier information updates, your design will face the risk of becoming obsolete before it enters production, forcing you to redesign immediately and postpone the release of new products. You may be lucky and avoid this situation with temporary management strategies, but why risk delaying production and wasting time for redesigns?

3. Component management in a unified environment

Combining the component library with layout and analysis tools in one interface ensures that your work efficiency remains high. You have no reason to move between separate modules to complete simple design and data management tasks. Most PCB factory design packages do not contain important components and data management functions, and will force you to limp back to the software company every time you encounter obstacles.

Your bill of materials should always contain the most content. Date supplier information. When your library is linked to component supplier information, you will be able to spot obsolete or nearly obsolete components before moving to production. This simplifies the manufacturing process, helps your manufacturers and assemblers to purchase components, and prevents redesigns due to obsolete or unavailable PCBs.

Although it may seem unnecessary to constantly update your library at first, the updated component information saves a lot of time in the backend. After updating the component information, you will have the latest components, including current symbols, packages and models, at your fingertips. Using the best data management tools to work in a unified environment ensures that all this information is shared across the organization.

4. Manage component information in Altium

When working in a unified design environment, you can rest assured that the information in the component library can be seamlessly imported into the layout and simulation tools. These component libraries contain thousands of components, and each component has the latest 3D STEP model, SPICE model, symbol and package. Your design tool can only provide you with the best results if it has access to the latest information.

When you are ready to enter the manufacturing phase, you need to generate a bill of materials and other deliverables. Your manufacturer. Your component library can access the latest supply chain information, help you acquire components, plan manufacturing schedules, and help you keep your budget. The days of searching for updated component purchasing information on the Internet are over.

Your component library will be kept up-to-date, allowing you to know if components are out of date before you need to redesign your circuit board. When updating old boards, the component library in Altium can help you choose suitable replacement components, so that you can easily upgrade the old design and overcome component obsolescence.

If you are looking for a PCB design software platform that can help you implement the best component management strategy throughout your organization, you need a PCB design software package like Altium. The extensive component library includes all the standard components needed to build a high-quality PCB. You can also add custom components to all your projects and manage component data.