PCB Library Elements Include:
Symbols, Footprints and Parametric Data
Library Types
Symbol Concentric Libraries - Difficult to Maintain and Collaborate
Integrated Libraries - Integrity Checks
Database Libraries - Collaboration and Version Control
A365 Managed Components - Version and Revision Control
Component Panel - Library Priorities
Access and Excel DBLib Database Libraries
Do NOT sync Access files to Share Point, One Drive, Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc . . .
Access and Excel files have File Locks
Access files should only be used on Local Networks (LAN) and Personal Drives
Microsoft Access was not designed to work on WAN (Cloud Drives)
MySQL Databases
MySQL can be used on WAN (cloud), Local Networks (LAN) and Personal Drives
Cloud hosting (WAN) be used to create a robust shared library for remote users.
MySQL is the most popular Free Open Source Database
Version Controlled Libraries
A365 Managed Components - Revision Controlled Libraries
Migrating DBlib Database Libraries to A365 Managed Components
An A365 Project can be used to create a Git Version Controlled DBLib Library
Do NOT add hundreds of files to an Altium Project - Use TortoiseGIT
Footprint Libraries
Footprints should have consistent Mechanical Layers !
My Preferred Mechanical Layers M13, M15.
M13 Component Outline - Use Layer Type Component Outline.
M15 Courtyard - Use Layer Type N/A (Use a Crosshair Target)
Overlay (Silkscreen) Polarity Dots (Tip: Use Justified Text Lower Case o)
Parametric Data
Use consistent descriptions for Capacitors, Inductors and Resistors.
Use Supplier 1 and Supplier Part Number 1
Copy and Paste from Websites (Clean and Trim Data)
Duplicate Part Numbers (User Alerts)
Use Parts Make Like to quickly make similar components.
BOMs
Excel BOM Templates - Part Numbers with Leading Zeroes (Format Excel Template as Text)
Octopart Upload BOM
Adding Line Numbers to BOM Templates
Altium ActiveBOM - Sorting and Line # Tips
Alternate Parts and Supply Chains
Pay close attention to the critical parts.
Examples: Connectors, ICs, Crystals, Oscillators, RF Components.
Parting Advice
Focus on your current project and let the library evolve.
Migrate parts in your projects to a central library for reuse.
Download Parts
http://pcbparts.blogspot.com/p/downloads.html
Contact Parts for Technical Sup[port or a FREE No Obligation Demo.
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