Storing footprints in library by case code

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   Hi all,

I am currently working on an easy and consistent way to set up our new parts library. At the moment I am evaluating the Library Expert which I hope to utilize to create the majority of the footprints by simply downloading the parts from the POD.

After downloading, I export the footprints according to their PCBL name with a "_LE" suffix to distinguish them from the few footprints that were created manually and add them to the footprint library.

Now I was wondering if it makes sense to store the footprints by the manufacturer + internal case code instead of the PCBL name. My thoughts are:

- When reviewing the component, it is easier to check that the correct footprint has been assigned. When using the name created by the LE tool, one would have to open the Library Expert tool, find the component, check the name of the footprint and compare it with the footprint assigned to the component in the library. When using the manufacturer's case code, one would only have to check the case code in the datasheet (which is opened anyway during the review). 

- When using the PCBL name, different parts in the POD from different manufacturers may end up with the same PCBL name but different footprints (due to manufacturer's recommended pad dimensions). I assume the manufacturer + case code is unique (except for some rare exceptions like this one https://www.pcblibraries.com/Forum/beware-of-ti-case-code-package-dimensions_topic2329.html)

Am I missing something? Are there any other pro's or con's? Would there be a way to batch-create the footprints from an *.fpx using the manufacturer + case code as name?

Best regards,

Jelle

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JelleD Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New User Joined: 01 Apr 2020 Status: Offline Points: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote JelleD Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Storing footprints in library by case code Posted: 20 Apr 2020 at 8:59am
	Hi all, I am currently working on an easy and consistent way to set up our new parts library. At the moment I am evaluating the Library Expert which I hope to utilize to create the majority of the footprints by simply downloading the parts from the POD. After downloading, I export the footprints according to their PCBL name with a "_LE" suffix to distinguish them from the few footprints that were created manually and add them to the footprint library. Now I was wondering if it makes sense to store the footprints by the manufacturer + internal case code instead of the PCBL name. My thoughts are: - When reviewing the component, it is easier to check that the correct footprint has been assigned. When using the name created by the LE tool, one would have to open the Library Expert tool, find the component, check the name of the footprint and compare it with the footprint assigned to the component in the library. When using the manufacturer's case code, one would only have to check the case code in the datasheet (which is opened anyway during the review). - When using the PCBL name, different parts in the POD from different manufacturers may end up with the same PCBL name but different footprints (due to manufacturer's recommended pad dimensions). I assume the manufacturer + case code is unique (except for some rare exceptions like this one https://www.pcblibraries.com/Forum/beware-of-ti-case-code-package-dimensions_topic2329.html) Am I missing something? Are there any other pro's or con's? Would there be a way to batch-create the footprints from an *.fpx using the manufacturer + case code as name? Best regards, Jelle



Tom H Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 05 Jan 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Status: Online Points: 5718	Post Options Post Reply Quote Tom H Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 Apr 2020 at 9:14am
	The PCB Libraries footprint name is derived from the unreleased IPC-7351C. But IPC-7351 is only a guideline and not an official world standard. Many companies are switching over to: MfrName_MfrPartNumber if the footprint is unique to a single Part Number, like a connector. MfrName_MfrCaseCode if the footprint is related to many part numbers. You can have many duplicate footprint names in an FPX file and Batch Build will only create 1 footprint because the CAD tool can only have 1 unique footprint name. When you sort the library, it will sort by the Mfr. Name. And you can easily and quickly know if the footprint is already in your library before you enter all the package dimensions. The con is that for Standard parts, you must manually edit the Footprint Name in the FPX file. If you edit the part dimensions and update the FPX file, you will be warned to update the Footprint Name and you just select the "No" option to maintain your naming convention.
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