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How do I create my own components?

This tutorial requires:

DesignSpark PCB V11.0.0

DesignSpark PCB provides 'Wizards' to allow you to create your own components. This makes the process quick and simple especially when you can use existing schematic and footprint symbols.

The steps detailed below are:

> Select a schematic symbol.

> Select a PCB footprint.

> Map the schematic to the footprint.

> Assign values.

The process is simple and quick to use but covered in detail below. In the simplest case, if you have the required schematic symbol and PCB footprint only the component wizard is required.

For this example, we will create the component "onsemi PN2222ABU NPN Transistor" RS Stock No 739-0555

1. Launch the library manager

Launch the Library Manager from the displayed icons or use the shortcut CTRL+L then select the component tab and click the "Wizard..." button.

You can now work through the "Wizard" steps, the key ones are explained in detail:
1. Select the "Normal Component" which has a Schematic and PCB footprint symbol.

2. Add details

We now add the details highlighted for the component.

The "Package" is defined in Help as.

3. Select symbol

Next choose a schematic symbol. If you know which one you wish to use, then select the library and the symbol.

If you wish to search the available options, follow these steps:

  1. Click "Find Symbol" which will open a new window.

  2. Enter the search term, to get the most hits use "contains" and the minimum text to define the symbol.

  3. Click "Find" to produce a list of matching items.

  4. Click on the likely candidates and the symbol will appear in the main window to review provided "Preview" was checked.

  5. When a symbol meets your requirements click "Close" to return to the main window. In the main window click "Next" to continue with that symbol.

  6. Repeat the process for the PCB footprint and click next to continue with the selected footprint.

  7. Now we map the schematic symbol pins to the footprint by assigning the pins. It is easier to do this in the component editor so as a temporary assignment click the "Assign 1-to-1" button.

  8. You can associate values like part number, dimensions, etc. with the component properties and they can be useful later in your Bill of Materials.

  9. At the final screen select the library where you wish to save your component and ensure the check box "Edit the component now" is checked to launch the editor when you click "Finish".

The Component Editor is now launched for the final steps to complete the component.

You can now perform the required pin mapping and have visual confirmation of the assignment.

Note if the symbol images are not shown full size, right click and select "View All".

4. Now we map the pins to the pads.

The "Schematic Terminal" numbers are fixed, so use these as a reference starting point, also for simplicity keep "Component Pin" numbers the same as shown.

Provide a "Schematic Symbol terminal Name" to match the assigned terminal number. These are all updated real time for the highlighted entry row.

Now update the "PCB Symbol Pad number" to match the top-down view of the footprint.

Save these by clicking the "Save" icon.

Finally update the "Values" associated with the component if required. You will recall these were added in the component wizard, but you may wish to review them. Right click on the window and select "Properties".

A second window opens. Select the "Values" tab and then select an entry to add or edit and then click the "Edit..." button. A further window opens where you can add a value, in this case "onsemi" is added as the value for the manufacturer.

Edit other values as required, click "OK" to close each window and then save the component.

5. The component is now ready to use in your design.

Please note that in many instances the component will already be available from an online PCB Parts Library and this is the quickest route to obtaining a component, even if not available it can be requested, or a similar component downloaded and then the values edited to meet your requirements.

RS DesignSpark is the go-to platform for students, makers, hobbyists and professional design engineers, providing design resources such as the award winning DesignSpark PCB and DesignSpark Mechanical CAD software. Join the community today at https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/register
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