Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1337116
42 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2021 ere are inevitably instances where pre- made eCAD model content might not be read- ily available. For these scenarios, users have one of two options. First, users can request model content be constructed; turnaround time is typically less than 24 hours. is is pres- ently a free service. Second, PartQuest has a robust part-builder capability. Whether a sim- ple op amp or significantly more complex flat- pack with multiple terminal groups, the "Cre- ate Footprint" capability guides users through easy-to-follow wizards and templates (includ- ing tool tips) to create content that is correct by construction. Whereas library content management is tra- ditionally conducted via desktop authoring tools, Siemens has added a new dimension, allowing users to create cloud-based projects to manage library content sourced from the cloud. is valuable functionality is a light- weight library management tool for storing and managing library data. Content stored in projects can be quickly downloaded for use on desktop capture-and-layout tools, either in bulk, or on a single part basis. We are particularly conscious of industry standards. For example, footprints created in PartQuest are constructed according to the IPC-7351B standard, which establishes requirements for surface mount device (SMD) pad dimensions in PCB footprints. e part builder footprint wizards also support the JESD30I standard (for package outline, ter- minal types, and terminal position classifica- tions), and the JEP30-P100 JEDEC standard (for shape definitions and the terminal vertical dimensions). PartQuest is evolving to meet the needs of the PCB design community. In fact, later this year, the solution will add support for multi- generation footprints based on customer- defined custom rules. Here's why this enhance- ment helps PCB designers: While manufactur- ing technology has evolved a great deal over the past decade, the IPC-7351B standard has not. For example, the land pattern used for a part deployed within a mobile handheld device with expected life span of about three to five years will need to be miniaturized for future versions featuring smaller form factors. Alter- natively, if this exact same part is deployed on a high-end mission-critical type product, the reliability requirement may stretch to 15–20 years. Because it enables rule customization during the footprint creation process, users can achieve low-density footprints with larger pads, thereby supporting longer term reliabil- ity requirements. Although access to high-quality eCAD model content is important, its value is dra- matically reduced if the content is incompat- ible with the authoring tools. For this reason, this solution integrates with the Siemens Xpe- dition and PADS Professional flows. is inte- gration allows PCB designers to simply search for the component they need, select it by click- ing on the part, then drag-and-drop the part to the desktop authoring environment. is task can be completed one part at a time or, by organizing selected parts utilizing projects in bulk, which enables quick drag-and-drop functionality. In the final analysis, today's PCB design com- munity requires tools that eliminate pain points associated with component data throughout the product creation process. e digital trans- formation underway in the component ecosys- tem is still in its infancy. We envision a world where electronic components are represented by standards-based digital twins that encom- pass physical, electrical, thermal, and assembly data, all sourced by component manufacturers and directly consumable by downstream tools used during each phase of the product creation process. We've made tremendous progress, but much more work lies ahead. DESIGN007 Matt Walsh is a product manager for Electronic Board Systems, Siemens Digital Industries Software.