Introduction
Engineers migrating from Eagle PCB design software to Altium Designer face the crucial task of researching component libraries. While Altium includes thousands of ready-to-use components, you will still need to find models for many custom, uncommon, or obsolete parts used in your Eagle designs.
This article provides guidance on efficiently finding, evaluating, and converting component models when migrating from Eagle to Altium Designer. Follow these best practices to accelerate your library research and make the transition smooth and successful.
1. Identify Missing Components
The first step is analyzing your Eagle designs and generating lists of components that lack Altium models. Here are some methods to identify these missing models:
- Use automated conversion - Use the Eagle to Altium converter to initially convert components. It will list unmapped parts.
- Compare library listings - Manually cross-check Eagle library listings against Altium standard libraries.
- Check error reports - When opening an imported Eagle design in Altium, the error report lists missing models.
- Visually inspect schematics - Scroll through imported schematics and visually identify components with missing models.
Once you have a list of unmatched components, you can begin targeted research for just those missing models rather than blindly searching.
Table 1: Where to Find Lists of Unmatched Components
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Automated Conversion | Eagle to Altium converter reports |
| Library Listings | Cross-check Eagle vs. Altium listings |
| Import Error Reporting | Errors highlight missing models on import |
| Visual Inspection | Scroll schematics and note missing models |
Spend time upfront accurately identifying the missing component models you need. This focuses your research efforts.
2. Leverage Manufacturer Model Search
For any integrated circuit, module, connector, or other manufactured component, the first place to check for models is the manufacturer website. Here are some tips for leveraging manufacturer component libraries:
- Consult manufacturer component pages - Manufacturer websites often provide Altium models for download.
- Check model release notes - Release notes sometimes list Altium support directly.
- Contact manufacturer support - Many manufacturers will provide Altium models on request.
- Request custom models - For uncommon or obsolete parts, custom Altium models may need to be commissioned.
- Search manufacturer forums - Fellow engineers may share tips on finding models in forums.
- Look for GitHub repositories - Some engineers share hard-to-find models on GitHub.
Table 2: Places to Find Manufacturer Component Models
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Websites | Component download pages |
| Release Notes | Model support listings |
| Manufacturer Support | Direct email requests |
| Commissioning Models | Paid custom model creation |
| Manufacturer Forums | Tips from fellow engineers |
| GitHub Repositories | Shared open source models |
Check thoroughly for manufacturer-provided or recommended models before attempting to create custom component models yourself. This will yield the highest quality results.
3. Leverage Third-Party Model Libraries
Beyond manufacturer website listings, there are large third-party libraries where you may find Altium component models for Eagle parts:
- Octopart - Extensive database of manufacturer models across the industry.
- Ultra Librarian - Paid service to generate custom models.
- Altium Content Vault - Repository of models shared by the Altium user community.
- Third-party repositories - GitHub, Dropbox, Google Drive libraries from open source sharing.
- Forums and groups - Fellow engineers share and request hard to find models.
- Miscellaneous web searches - Occasionally direct Google searches will uncover models.
Always be sure to carefully evaluate any third-party models you locate against manufacturer datasheets to ensure accuracy before using.
Table 3: Third-Party Sources for Altium Component Models
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Octopart | Massive component model database |
| Ultra Librarian | Paid custom model service |
| Altium Content Vault | Open community model sharing |
| Forums and Groups | Peer-shared component models |
| Web Searches | Direct Google model queries |
Check community model repositories in case another engineer has already created a model and shared it publicly.
4. Create Your Own Component Models
For rare or obsolete components with no existing Altium models, creating custom models is the only option. Here are best practices:
- Start from datasheets - Ensure your model matches the manufacturer datasheets.
- Use standard templates - Build on standard generic component templates in Altium.
- Match Eagle accurately - Reproduce all Eagle model parameters and behaviors.
- Get dimensions right - Measure and match Eagle exact dimensions and footprints.
- Simulate for validation - Perform simulations to validate model functionality matches datasheets.
- Design reviews - Have peers review custom models to catch errors.
- Share back to the community - Contribute quality models you create back to open source repositories.
Table 4: Best Practices for Creating Custom Altium Component Models
| Practice | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Datasheets | Ensure model adheres to datasheet specs |
| Standard Templates | Customize only necessary parameters |
| Match Eagle | Reproduce Eagle model behaviors |
| Exact Dimensions | Match Eagle footprints dimensionally |
| Simulate for Validation | Verify operation versus datasheets |
| Design Reviews | Peer checking for errors |
| Open Source Sharing | Contribute models back to community |
Creating high quality custom component models requires rigor, testing, and peer reviews. But the effort enables a successful Eagle migration.
5. Organize Models Effectively
As you research models for migration, you will accumulate Altium model files in various formats from disparate sources. Here are some tips for effectively organizing this model library content to ensure availability during design conversion:
- Local file folders - Logically organize model files in local folders by manufacturer or function.
- Shared network drives - For team access, publish organized model files on shared drives.
- Online source control - Manage and share models using version control systems like SVN or Git.
- Altium model libraries - Import organized models into Altium standard or custom model libraries.
- Altium Content Vault - Publish organized model downloads in the open user community vault.
- README documentation - Provide documentation detailing model sources, version info, and usage notes.
Table 5: Model Organization and Sharing Methods
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| File Folders | Local computer organization scheme |
| Network Drives | Team access on corporate servers |
| Source Control | SVN or Git for version and collaboration |
| Altium Libraries | Import into standard or custom libraries |
| Altium Content Vault | Publishing to community model vault |
| README files | Documentation on model details and usage |
Use both local and team methods to organize and provide access to component models during Eagle migration.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about researching and managing component models when migrating from Eagle to Altium Designer:
Q: How can I compare Eagle and Altium libraries most easily?
A: Use automated conversion tools to generate lists of unmatched components. Visually scanning schematics also helps identify mismatches.
Q: What are some manufacturer websites where I can find Altium models?
A: Most major semiconductor manufacturers like TI, STMicro, NXP, etc. provide models. Check connectors, modules, and discrete manufacturers too.
Q: When should I commission paid custom models versus make my own?
A: For simple models, DIY is fine. For complex ICs or modules, commissioning ensures you get expertly created models.
Q: What details should I include in my model documentation?
A: Source web links, version numbers, notes on any inaccuracies or limitations, and usage examples are helpful to include.
Q: How can I share models with my team most easily?
A: Shared network drives or online source control repositories like SVN provide team access. Altium Content Vault publishes externally.
Conclusion
Migrating from Eagle to Altium Designer involves significant upfront effort researching and organizing component model libraries before design conversion can begin. Following the best practices in this guide will help streamline this research process, ensure high model quality, and set your migration up for success.
The key is having a well-defined process combining automated conversion, targeted manufacturer research, leveraging community sources, custom model creation, rigorous validation, and robust library organization. Invest time up front in these areas - it will pay back manifold in accelerated migration work and more reliable Altium Designer implementation.
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