Building & Maintaining Your Components and Libraries in Altium Designer

 As the foundation of any schematic design, component libraries provide symbols and linking design data to represent real-world parts being integrated. Keeping these vitally reusable elements well-constructed and maintained is crucial for design efficiency and data integrity.

This guide covers Altium Designer capabilities around developing and managing component libraries to meet engineering team needs as designs scale in complexity.

Library Concepts

Altium’s component management framework features intelligent linking between domains key to reuse:

Symbols - Schematic icon graphical artwork
Footprints - PCB pad and pattern layout models
Datasheets - Technical specifications and parameters
Simulation - SPICE/IBIS mathematical behavioral models
3D - Enclosure visualizations for clearance checking

Unified data lifecycle concepts across these facets help consistency as components get repurposed and design maturation shifts focus from conception to physical realization.

Developing a New Component

To introduce a new part into a project, creation steps link associated elements:

1. Symbol – Schematic documentation artwork
2. PCB Footprint – Board layout pads & patterns 3. Properties – Technical metadata and specifications
4. Models – Simulation behavior and 3D geometries

This unified data linking avoids divergence across design domains enabling continuity from ideation through documentation.

Templates Streamline Creation

Manually recreating every representation template from scratch proves tedious with hundreds or thousands of parts. Component creation templates automate consistency for each facet like:

• Symbol outline geometries
• Default footprint sizes and shapes
• Common property fields and data types
• Simulation models with pre-linked test benches
• 3D shapes aligned to origin anchor points

Check out existing template categories when making new components to leverage Turnkey starting points. Custom templates further industrialize standards.

Here each view retains template consistency while defining specifics:

Unified Part Identifiers

Components take on various faceted representations across tools, but at the core share a common identity - stock part numbers like LM358, 7400 etc.

A Unified Component Model treats identities uniformly through class-based families:

• Integrated Circuits (U)
• Discrete Semiconductors (D)
• Passive Components (C, L, R)
• Electro-Mechanical (X)
• Connectors (J)

This consistency aids design re-use and speeds comprehension navigating projects. Part naming conventions add further richness communicating technical attributes at a glance.

Customizing Parameters Panels

The property fields of component objects (F2) convey technical specifications and implementation details supporting reuse both within and across projects. These parameters may include:

• Electrical characteristics - Value, tolerance power ratings etc
• Physical attributes – Footprint links, 3D model etc
• Lifecycle data - Description, part status, cost
• Supplier details – Manufacturer, vendor links
• Documentation – Datasheets, application notes

While starter templates auto-populate common fields as components get built, creating custom parameters panels dioxide bridled metadata flexibility as dictated by team preferences or enterprise standards.

Version Control Integration

Component development workflows gain tremendous collaboration and continuity benefits integrating with software version control systems managing library file history:

• Concurrent authoring - enables team development
• Revisions logging - tracks changes
• Release versioning - marks maturity milestones
• Branching - controls variant logic
• Auditing - builds integrity

This is amplified further when coupling components into larger modules and database ecosystems.

Data Synchronization

Bi-directional synchronization eliminates friction updating information across domains as component representations diverge. For example:

• Footprint changes propagate updated PCB pad links
• Component family classifications align naming
• Cost rolls up based on latest BoM quantities
• 3D model geometry modifications notify

This contrasts traditional “over the wall” file-based handoffs between disciplines helping continuity from prototype through production release cycles.

Design Reuse - Copying vs Referencing

Duplicating components within a project draws from library originals while retaining freedom to diverge independently as local variants. However directly copying previously defined items for reuse risks content skew over time.

Referencing instead of copying shares common objects across usage instances enabling global consistency improvements by updating source definitions. Intelligence then permeates across all usages.

Enable prefer referencing over copy duplicate on the project preferences to encourage maximum reuse and consistency.

Validating Library Integrity

Performing health checks on component library status helps uncover risk points as integrity degrades from unbounded modifications. Some examples include:

Consistency Mismatch

• Symbol pin mismatch against PCB footprint
• Property field continuity gaps up broken links
• Simulation modelmath misaligned against physical specs

Standards Divergence

• Component naming veers from agreed conventions
• Model parameters units vary from expected
• Lifecycle stages not populated

Executing library validation rules as release checklists avoids looseness degrading reuse confidence.

External Database Linkage

Altium enables externally sourcing component data from centralized DbLib databases acting as a grooming backplane between engineering library developments and enterprise systems feeding manufacturing processes.

These unified data services allows single points of truth while still enabling local design freedoms and file portability. Related data advantages include:

Common Supply Chain Linkage – Shared component selection systems
Global Parameter Commitments – Centralized specifications management
Organization Level Access Controls – Permission based access
Change Process Workflow Integration – ECR/ECO systems

This industrial scale consolidation builds integrity as scale and team interdependencies grow.

Hardware Catalog Alignment

Publishing sanctioned components into hardware catalogs ensures standardized parts availability while avoiding duplicated efforts recreating existing approved symbols, footprints and data models.

Common catalogs traditionally spanned:

Discrete Semiconductors – Diodes, transistors etc
Passive Components – Resistors, capacitors, inductors etc
Integrated Circuits – Microcontrollers, regulators, flash etc
Electro-mechanical – Connectors, buttons, sensors etc

Yet as design ecosystems converge around system modules like Bluetooth, Ethernet and USB, associated software stacks join interfacing physical elements as integral components reusable across products.

Catalog continuity across hardware and firmware assets keeps accessibility universal.

Template Based Documentation Outputs

Synchronized documentation drawing from centralized component data meets downstream production needs ranging from fabrication, assembly, test and repair procedures leveraging data linkages.

Draftsman templates automate publishing packs compliant to formats like IPC-2581 while eliminating redundancy manually pushing documentation deliverables.

Lifetime Persistence

Engineering knowledge retention perseveres through library assets reverberating institutional wisdom. components encapsulate complex constraints balancing considerations around:

• Electrical functionality against environmental survivability
  *Cost savings versus long term maintenance
• Manufacturing scale through standardization

Continued cultivation of library assets pays compounding dividends over time as products build upon foundations.

Unified Library Management Practices

Maintaining integrity requires sound principles as component foundations scale:

Conventions – Standardized identification schemes
Templatization– Governed models guiding creation Convention
Change Processes – Controlled revision release procedures
Validation Checks – Automated integrity auditing
Tool Integrations – Unified database linkages

Just as schematic principles administer electrical connectivity, library philosophies govern reuse sustainability across operational contexts from engineering through field servicing.

In Summary

Electronics hardware fundamentally manifests from component library elements - symbols, footprints, specifications and integrations which indelibly influence realization processes from design through maintenance.

Shaping these seeds for success demands care around consistency, clarity and continuity through tools integration and team workflows. Holistic lifecycle thinking guards integrity as designs transition from concepts to fielded products earning returns multiplying initial efforts.

Maturation pathways stand on library pillars upholding or hindering system longevity through change. Well constituted foundations uphold innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions around working with component libraries in Altium Designer:

Q: What are some naming convention best practices for component identifiers?

A: Some ideas - standardized prefixes by type (R, U, J etc), parametric semantic encodings conveying values/sizes, consistent manufacturer abbreviations, lifecycle suffix indicators.

Working with a Board Shape Object on a PCB in Altium Designer

 Defining the exact size and shape of your printed circuit board early in the layout process ensures proper planning for manufacturing and assembly. Altium Designer's PCB editor enables creating Board Shape objects which drive fabrication documentation outputs, 3D modeling and component placement boundary checking.

This guide covers core concepts around defining and interacting with board shapes along with shape-driven features advantageously leveraging the defined profile.

Adding a Board Shape Outline

To initially specify the desired board profile, access the Board Shape object through:

PCB Editor » Place » Board Shape

Upon placement, define the desired shape through polygon vertex points - rectangle, irregular outline etc. The shape links back to the properties panel for adjustments.

For standard form factors, start with templates like common credit card sizes or circular watch formats. Custom profiles enable any conceivable contours and cutouts using line draw, rectangle, polygon or arc primitives.

Board shapes dynamically update if component or routing overflow needs demand adjustments.

Linking to Mechanical CAD Outlines

While PCB Editor shapes define electrical boundaries, often enclosure or assembly profiles originate from a mechanical CAD tool.

MCAD Co-Design extensions help synchronize separate mechanical and electrical development environments through:

• One-time import of enclosure profiles and space reservations
• Automatic PCB re-shaping when 3D models update
• Documentation outputs mapping both electrical and mechanical profiles

This unified workflow ensures proper clearance gaps, component placements and connector orientations aligned to physical product industrial design.

DRC Validation Against Board Profiles

One primary purpose of board shapes is enabling automated checking that layout elements fit properly within defined fabrication and assembly profiles.

The Design Rule Check (DRC) panel validates:

• Component body overflow
• Silkscreen expansion overflow
• Copper and mask expansion overflow
• Hole alignment margin

Errors display specific overflow amounts simplifying quick correction through placement adjustments or additional shape contouring:

Continuous validation ensures part outlines, connectors and other protruding features fit within planned profiles.

Dimension-Driven Fabrication Drawings

Dialing in precise board dimensions upfront allows draftsman tools like Dimension objects to automatically populate fabrication drawing outputs.

Electrical and Mechanical CAD profiles stamped onto documentation removes ambiguity for enclosure engineers integrating boards into products.

Layer-based Contour Profiles

In addition to governing overall shape, outline constraints sometimes require tighter control over specific layers:

• Topside copper requirements for shields or high current
• Internal polygon pours needing containment
• Non-rectangular edge plating or gold thickness

Selective layer-based shapes in conjunction with board-level rules provide added control over fabrication needs:

Non-Rectangular Selected Layers

3D Model Collision Checking

Real-time 3D clearance checking leverages board shape contours when test fitting models of chassis, brackets or components during interactive placement. Collision highlights help find gaps needing adjustment.

This augmented reality-style visualization facilitates conversations with mechanical engineers when co-designing interdependent electronics and enclosures.

Thermal Analysis Across Natural Convection

Board geometries factor into cooling behaviors under natural convection across various orientations. Extended FloTHERM co-simulation tools calculate positional temperature maps accounting for chassis standoffs, enclosure ventilation, component placements and board shapes exporting thermal simulation results to mechanical teams.

Physics-driven thermal modeling based on exact board and enclosure geometries helps predict and mitigate hot spots.

Panelization Support

Manufacturing panel utilization targets balancing board quantities for economy of scale against material waste. Panelizing multiple PCB outlines across fabrication panels allows finding break-even points.

Panel templates predefine arrangement and spacing with automatic board instance replication.

Quantities, spacing and tooling strip requirements dial to match targeted production volumes and fabrication shop capabilities.

Adjusting Corner Radii and Chamfers

Fabrication capabilities determine what degree of pointed tips or corner sharpness prove manufacturable based on minimum bend radii of material laminates. Designers must comply with corner rounding limits.

Minimum Corner Radii

Check board shop technical guidance on bending capabilities across various layer compositions and thicknesses used in multilayer builds. For example, a 6-layer 1.6mm thick board may allow 0.8mm radius minimums.

Edge and Corner Chamfers

When defined board outlines include extended pointed protrusions, chamfering edges by beveling 45 degree angles on corners helps alleviate fracturing stresses during handling and assembly.

Silkscreen Expansion Planning

Accommodating varied production tolerances ensures critical graphical markings fit properly. The Mask Expansion rule governs silkscreen margins allowing for common +/-10 mil alignment deviations translating to 20mil expansion corridors around board edges.

Draftsman Annotations for Fabricators

Supplementary communication beyond formal drawings aids fabrication clarification:

• Notes detailing phase ramps or controlled cool downs
• Application-specific requirements like thermal relief under gold edge plating
• Approved vendor listings per material specification
• Images depicting layer build instructions
• Batch change documentation for consecutive runs

Callouts reduce ambiguity on unique processes protecting product quality.

NC Machine Output Support

Board cutting machine tools fabricate complex outlines using numerical control programming instructions.

The NC Drill output generator documents profiles through G&M codes parsed into drill files leveraging modern automated capabilities:

• Non-rectangular geometries
• Non-circular holes - slots, ellipses etc
• Contoured routing around edges
• Cutouts spanning multiple tools

In Summary

Early binding to board geometry through a well defined Board Shape sets in motion accommodations spanning fabrication, assembly, electrical interfaces and mechanical integration points.

Embellishing shapes with additional intelligence - like selected layer rules, corner chamfers or dimension callouts - plants seeds for preventing realization woes once physical transitions begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I have a challenging board outline with cutouts or non-rectangular contours, what capabilities should I validate with fabricators?

A: Check options around extended NC machine programming files output, corner chamfering support, applicable corner radii limits and bent radius capabilities across targeted layer materials and lamination stackups.

Q: Our products span a family of shapes - circular, rectangular, curved. Can draftsman templates help?

A: Absolutely, standardizing fabrication drawing templates with predefined layers stack legends, title blocks, and dimensioning styles will accelerate documentation across custom board geometries. Shape variations then simply import to standard template packs.

Q: What impacts could a very densely packed board outline with minimal edge clearance introduce?

A: Lack of edge margins could risk insulation resistance violations if conductive layers spread too close under thermal cycling mechanical stresses. Manual assembly or inspection access also gets hindered losing perimeters for hand-solder touch up or debugging probe points. extinction strategies often thrive on environmental change, helping species take advantage of altered ecological circumstances. Some examples of how extinction opens new possibilities over time:</li></ul>

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