Introduction
Engineering teams need access to the latest electronic components to build innovative products. However, sourcing parts can be time consuming when engineers must search through multiple vendor websites or even call suppliers directly. Integrated component libraries streamline the process by aggregating parametric data, pricing, and availability for millions of parts from hundreds of suppliers in one place. Read on to learn how integrated libraries make electronic parts sourcing efficient.
Benefits of Integrated Component Libraries
Integrated component libraries offer significant benefits over traditional electronic parts sourcing:
Streamlined Search and Discovery
Engineers can search for parts across hundreds of suppliers in one place instead of visiting individual websites. Parametric filters make it easy to pinpoint components based on required specifications.
Automated Inventory and Pricing
Real-time quantity and pricing from distributor APIs means engineers always see current inventory levels and accurate cost data. There's no need to manually verify stock or price.
Manufacturer Parametric Models
Manufacturer part numbers link to parametric models from the component manufacturer instead of generic approximations. Models contain the exact dimensions and specifications for more accurate system modeling.
Actionable Data
Libraries integrate directly with design tools like Altium and KiCad, so engineers can view inventory and pricing and download models without switching between systems. Parts data becomes actionable within the tools engineers already use.
Compliant Documentation
Parts datasheets, safety documentation, lifecycle status, and compliance certifications are included for each component, ensuring engineers choose components that meet requirements.
Key Capabilities
To maximize benefits for engineering teams, integrated component libraries should provide key capabilities:
Comprehensive Parts Database
A large database aggregation parts from hundreds of suppliers ensures engineers can find the components they need. Leading libraries contain over a billion parametric parts from major authorized distributors.
Intuitive Parametric Search
Engineers rely on parametric search to filter databases by attributes like voltage, tolerance, package type, and other specifications. Advanced semantic search understands industry synonyms to return more relevant results.
Real-Time Inventory and Pricing
Integrations with distributor APIs provide real-time inventory quantity, location, and pricing down to the orderable sell unit for accurate sourcing decisions. Cached data quickly becomes outdated.
Manufacturer Models
Linking manufacturer part numbers to parametric models from the component maker instead of generic models ensures accurate representations for virtual prototyping. Models contain manufacturer-verified dimensions and specifications.
Design Tool Integrations
Native CAD tool integrations avoid data silos by making parts data actionable within the EDA tools engineers use daily. Team workflows are streamlined by eliminating data translation and switching between systems.
Compliance Documentation
Datasheets, materials declarations, safety documentation, lifecycle status, and compliance certifications are attached to each component. Engineers can easily validate parts meet requirements.
Integrated Libraries on the Market
Several providers offer integrated component libraries and sourcing platforms. Here are some popular options:
Octopart
Octopart aggregates parametric data for over 750 million parts from 450+ suppliers and provides native integrations with OrCAD, Altium, and KiCad. Real-time API connections get live quantity and pricing. Search is enhanced by industry synonym matching and part number prediction.
SiliconExpert
SiliconExpert hooks into distribution APIs to populate its database of over 1 billion parts. An AI-based search engine handles part number variations and industry jargon. SiliconExpert integrates with Altium and provides a standalone parts chooser desktop app.
SnapEDA
In addition to part search, SnapEDA allows manufacturers and suppliers to upload CAD models which engineers can download. It contains over 2.5 million user-uploaded 3D CAD models. The parts database integrates natively with Altium, Eagle, OrCAD, and KiCad.
Supplyframe
Supplyframe consolidates parametric component data along with semiconductor datasheets and part package footprints. Unique capabilities include patent search and parts list price analysis. Supplyframe integrates tightly with Altium tools.
SamacSys
SamacSys features a database of over 1 billion electronic components aggregated from manufacturer and distributor databases. It provides native integration with CAD tools like Eagle, Altium, and KiCad for direct data access. The browser-based interface enables sharing workspaces and sourcing lists.
Choosing the Right Library
With several solid options available, how should engineering teams choose? Key considerations include:
- Tool integration - Select a library that integrates natively with your design tools for streamlined workflow.
- Supplier coverage - Prioritize libraries with more supplier connections to access more components.
- Database size - Look for a database with at least 500 million parts for sufficient depth.
- Sourcing features - Real-time inventory and pricing APIs are vital for accurate decisions.
- Usability - Will engineers find the interface intuitive and the search effective? Prioritize ease of use.
Teams should take advantage of free trials to evaluate alternative libraries directly within their existing environments before deciding. Leverage platform capabilities like shared parts lists and workspaces to get feedback from colleagues as well. Consider requiring specific libraries to enforce consistency.
Integrating Libraries into Workflows
Once selected, teams should develop processes to fully leverage integrated libraries:
Set Standard Platforms
Mandate use of the chosen integrated library platform to ensure engineers have access to the same comprehensive, up-to-date component data. Discourage one-off component research that leads to fragmented information.
Train Engineers
Make sure engineers understand library capabilities and how to execute parametric part searches to find approved components quickly. Cover platform features that simplify collaboration like shared parts lists.
Develop Naming Conventions
Establish part name conventions that uniquely identify components and include key attributes like voltage, tolerance, and package. Consistent naming makes it easier to cross-reference designs.
Create Component Guidelines
Provide guidelines for things like standard manufacturers, component grades (industrial, military, etc), and packaging. Set defaults to drive standardization and optimize inventory where possible.
Integrate with Procurement
Procurement can allocate approved suppliers by part type and manage enterprise contracts. Integrating libraries with ERP ensures engineers have visibility into preferred sources.
Automate Compliance Checks
Add library search and download to design review checklists to validate engineers are selecting components with complete compliance documentation. Use platform APIs to automate checks.
Conclusion
Sourcing components efficiently is crucial for delivering innovative products on schedule. Integrated component libraries streamline search, provide real-time supplier data, and integrate into EDA tool environments - creating one version of component truth for engineering teams. By implementing platform standards, training, naming conventions, guidelines, and procurement integration, teams can fully leverage integrated libraries to enhance part selection and sourcing. The result is faster design cycles and shorter time to market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the main benefits of using an integrated component library?
Answer: The main benefits are:
- Streamlined part search across hundreds of suppliers
- Real-time inventory quantities and pricing
- Manufacturer parametric models for accuracy
- Native EDA tool integration for efficient workflow
- Compliant part documentation to meet requirements
Question: How can we choose the right integrated library provider?
Answer: Key selection criteria are:
- Integration with your EDA tools
- Number of supported suppliers
- Size of the parts database
- Sourcing features like live APIs
- Usability and effectiveness of the search
Evaluate shortlisted options directly in your engineering environment.
Question: Should every engineer use the same library platform?
Answer: Yes, mandating a standard integrated library ensures all engineers work from a consistent set of approved, up-to-date component data instead of separate spreadsheets or websites. It streamlines collaboration.
Question: How can we leverage libraries to improve documentation?
Answer: Integrated libraries attach things like datasheets, compliance certificates, and safety documents to components. Mandating library use for search and download helps validate documentation requirements are met.
Question: How do libraries integrate with procurement systems?
Answer: Libraries can align to supplier contracts and preferred sources defined in ERP systems. Engineers see real-time contract pricing and can filter searches by approved sources. Procurement gets usage data.
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