https://blogs.mentor.com/tom-hausherr/blog/tag/reference-designator/

A - Separable Assembly
AR - Amplifier
AT - Attenuator; Isolator
B - Blower, Motor

BT - Battery, Battery Cell - , Solar Cell
C - Cap: Fixed, Variable, Multi-element

CN = CAPACITOR NETWORK

CN should be C. It doesn't matter if the capacitor is fixed value, variable, settable, or multi-element.
CB - Circuit Breaker, Network protector
CP - Connector Adapter, Coupling
D - Breakdown Diode, Zener Diode
D - Diode, Transzorb

TZ for Transzorb. Transzorb is a trade name. These should probably use class letter D as they act like Zener diodes.

D is not used for LEDs, LEDs use class letter(s) DS as they are considered displays.

CR should be D or VR for a breakdown (Zener) diode.

BR should be D. It doesn't matter what the diode configuration is.
DC - Directional Coupler


 

DL - Delay Line
DS - Display, Lamp, LED - , Visual Indicator


 

E - ANT, Terminal, Ferrite Bead Ring, Misc. Electrical Part

E has 32 items it stands for including antenna, terminal, ferrite bead ring, and miscellaneous electrical part.
F - Fuse
FD* - Fiducial
FL - Filter
G - Generator, Oscillator
GN = general network

H - Hardware
HY - Circulator
J - Connector, Jack, Most fixed of pair

J is for the most fixed of a mating pair, it does not matter what the gender/sex is or if there is no gender or has both genders.

JP is not a standard class letter and should not be used. Use J and P or W if a piece of wire.
K - Contactor, Relay (I prefer RL)
L - Coil, Inductor

L is for an inductor or coil. For bead, ferrite bead, ferrite bead ring, or binocular core use class letter E.
LS - Loudspeaker, Buzzer
M - Meter
MG - Motor-generator
MH* - Mounting Hole

MH for mounting hole. I use PTH for plated through hole and NPH for non-plated (through) hole as the opening may be used for other purposes than for mounting.
MK - Microphone
MP - Mechanical Part
P - Conn., Plug, Most movable of pair

P is for the most movable of a mating pair, it does not matter what the gender/sex is or if there is no gender or has both genders. Two mating connectors that are each on the end of a cable would use class letter P. This means that a P can connect to a P but you would never see a J connecting to a J.
PS - Power Supply
Q - Transistor, SCR
R - Res: Fixed, Variable, Multi-element
RT - Thermistor, Thermal Resistor
RV - Symmetrical Varistor

RN should be R. Like for the capacitor it doesn't matter if the resistor is fixed value, variable, settable, or multi-element.

RV is for a varistor but not a variable resistor. For a potentiometer or rheostat use class letter R.

VR is for a voltage regulator but not for a potentiometer or rheostat, these would use class letter R.
S - Switch
T - Transformer
TB - Terminal Board, Terminal Strip
TC - Thermocouple
TP** - Test Point, In-circuit Test Points

TP for test point. People use this non-class letter incorrectly. See the note in IEEE 315, Clause 22.4. You should use the class letter E for a test point item. TP is to be used for maintenance diagrams, for instance when you designate the collector of a BJT as a test point.

TN for tuner? I don't know what is meant by a tuner. The class letter Z is probably what should be used (general network).
U - Inseparable Assembly, IC Pkg.

V = Electron tube
VR - Voltage Regulator
W - Wire, Cable, Cable Assembly(I prefer F,,,)
X - Holder: Fuse, Lamp, Battery Socket

X is for a socket.

Use XF for a fuse holder,

XDS for a lamp or LED holder,

XBT for a battery holder.
Y - Crystal, Crystal Oscillator

Z - Balun, General Network, Phase Shifter

GN for general network? This is already covered by the class letter Z. Why use two letters when one will do?

*These class letters would not appear in a parts list as they are part of a PCB and not an active electronic component.

**Not a class letter, but commonly used to designate test points for maintenance purposes.

Note: The above list is not exhaustive. See the standard list of class designation letters in ANSI Y32.2/IEEE Std. 315, Section 22 and the Index.

LarryJoy

Tom,

This class designation letter (class letter) list looks like it is from IPC-2612-1, Appendix A, which I have made my comments known to the IPC several years ago. I take and use the class letters per IEEE 315, Clause 22, the official list being Clause 22.4.

Here is what the "standard" has to offer versus what you have listed:

I would like to use my own designators – but I have not figured out how to add new one yet.

SWx – single switch

dipswitch: SD – cannot be Sw because a Dipswitch can have many switches in it.

1.27

(1N4007)

Symbols

Adding compnents to the library: The Library loader

Libraryloader: Garys@electrosotores.org, GaryS@library : If you get this to work it really works unexpectedly smart...really!

Why?

Open the library loader software (Which you presumably isntalled from https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/pcb-part-library )

Use this loader to automatic go to online participating sites you can cjhoos from.

Found one?... Download a ecad file using the libraryloader software -

But you have to keep track where it downloads to on the PC system.

where should it download to:

here:C:\Users\Public\Downloads

or here: C:\Users\garys\Downloads

Check before you think the loader does not see the downloads- it caught me.

Now in loader window select “Open Ecad Model”...choose your newly downloaded file and then the magic happens.

ALT+tab to designspark and attached to the cursor is your new component complete!

Yes. Incredible. Place it and its done, complete in the library, the works. Only problem is finding it after because it comes with irrelavent strange numbers. So keep track of the numbers.

*************UltraLibararin:garys@electrsotrs:m GaryS@Library1 (could not figure this out)

My experience with the library downloader:

Library:

V9 of software could not connect to the 3^rd party loader – installed v8 Both Versions can run together

Even though they say this 3^rd party software is easy – if it can't connect you are stuffed.

So far I could not find the individual files to up date manually even though it is said you can.

By simply adding the files: “on the relevant part of library Symbol(.DSL)/pcb(DPL)/3D(??)/component(???) simply add file (As I said could not find these files yet)

They also talk off an EWSD (file – don't know what it is but it seem with XP you could copy this file manually to update (Don't know what it is yet)

The files ext from the downloaded “links” zip file containing files for different softwares including DesignSpark PCB – and in there is a “.DSL” and in the main directly is an “.EPW “and “file info”

So we know about the DSL but what about the rest?

I still don't not know how to update manually.

---------===========------------

So finally with V8 we got the 3^rd party loader to connect – I still had to modify the symbol file.

Those crosses and plus signs seem to mean something in the schematic connections...otherwise they don't connect properly...Its not just the X the one with S seems to also mean something - maybe origin.

Truth is I very nearly settled with the KiCad – its just there is something about the interface that's just too flexible...but something still drew me to Design Spark PCB...I don't know what it is yet.

The library explained:

I am sure there are those out there who can use the library sucesfully with the loader and all...if that's the case then no issue for you. These notes is more in a bid to understand and manage the library functions... from my point of view.

I stopped trying to use the library or create from new...I copy existing info , change it for my purposes. Save it in MY LRBRARY and thats it. Easy

This table works in represent the structure / procredure of the library in DOWNWARD STEPS - My test component was : Cap_Comp + Cap_PCBS (PCB symbol ) + Cap_PCBS_package_+ CapSchSymbol

A diffrerent overview:

Folders: Create your own library and create folders you feel best.

Dont even try to create your own from scratch...

Seek the component you are looking for with the search function. You will probably battle.

Remember when in sch or PCB files simply changing value or property it only happens in that file for that component...if updating components it will be over written. DON'T DO IT!

For above reason I created a symbol component only...Whatever is pertinant to a specific component (like terminal designations or function list) or any notes I need to keep – create a SCH symbol (like for terminals I created a table with top saying to: (are you going to another PCB or to the outside worlds? Each terminal can now be drescribed and any notes kept. This happened I after I reopened a project and for the life of me could not figure out what was a specific terminal for.

------------------===========----------------

Still does not work with v9.02...could only get it to work with V8

You will not believe how I battled to get to grips with how the library works.

So, unless you think your observations skills are super...don't read this...if you are like me...rather read this...it will make your life so much easier.

LIBRARY editing– the long answer.

The library is in a folder...true...but that is where it stops. No link or hierarchy or directory...or even a clear descriptive naming convention...unless you create it. If you remember this its already easier...so you see a schematic symbol it floats on its own so does the PCB symbol and the component -

What am I saying? Don't expect to see a nice folder for each component and within that the relevant doc for that component...nada...nicks. Even the name of such library ends with a extension throwing you way off.

The respective extensions are: Schematic symbol = .SSL, PCB symbol = PSL, component = CML

I still don't know what is a CMX, SSX files are yet?

So this is how it works: - and don't over think it...

It seems Design spark PCB uses ROOT FOLDERS to keep all library related info in one place...but that is where it ends

So, If you are like me to organise things such that it is easier to manage and under my control...

Via file explorer (the normal operating system) I created a folder called:

“C:\Users\Public\Documents\DesignSpark PCB Gary” (I included the path for your convenience – the default is C:\Users\Public\Documents\DesignSpark PCB 9.0\Library)

Back to DSPCB ->Click the BOOK icon – that is LIBRARY MANAGER

There are tabs on the library screen....schematic – this keeps all the schematic symbols and if {all libraries] are selected then off-course all will be visible...for any schematic what is indicated on the right in bracket indicates in which other library a symbol might exist...same goes for symbols and components...

NB: When selecting a library it looks like a file (cause its got an extension)...but its actually in there.

Don't get confused if nothing shown ...it is an empty library.

Another thing that confuses the brain is: you select a LIBRARY FOLDER RIGHT...YOU EXPECT THE LIST BELOW...no the first item in that library actually appears (auto selects the first)

Also “ALL LIBRARIES” have it own “ROOT” content – you will know this with no bracketed name on the right side.

So you want to create a new library in ALL libraries (Root) then select all libraries EVEN THOUGH YOU SEE A LISTED ITEM IN THE BOX- when you click new library it will bring up a new window for your new library with complete with where in the directory you want to place it.

It confuses the hell out of you when you don't realise what happens.

1. You click the library folder you want to create a new library in....

2. It goes there but list the first item (ignore this)

3. Click new library – new window – create the new library (remember this is a folder that looks like a file and you must know in which folder to put it)

4. To confirm creation go to FOLDERS – select that library – and you will see your new creation there. Off course you can also delete it here.

Library oddities:

Sometimes the library updates adhoc (as you make the change then other times like when you update a schematic symbol “properties” it only updates when you reopen the symbol.

Explanation: The library has three components...Component, PCB symbol and schematic symbol.

So you are in the components section, RCLICK the PCB symbol(bottom), it opens, you edit and save the changes.

Sometimes the component screen updates your change automatically but other times it does not update automatically.

Rclick ->properties of the components window and magically the new version of PCB symbol appears.

Just so you know.

Another thing to look for: Editing a schematic symbol- At the component connection “ends” is suppose to be a big X. In wiring a shematic - if connecting to this component - when a legal connection is made to the component the X disappears. If this does not happen the software will not know it as a connection.

-----------------==========-------------

Other notes: This is a British product (hang on then why did they do this?) – by default all measurements are Imperial – where a thou is not a thousanth of a mm or a mil is not a millimeter, nope...its an inches measurement...so go to to settings and change units to mm...before you make over sized components.

Failed to load /import a file: This is a big scare!

Because you can have multiple schematics I thought you can have multiple PCB...but you cant...only 1 allowed so it failed to load my files even though when I created them the software did not complain.

For a moment I thought I lost my work until I noticed these 2 files that start with a ~ - one .pcb and one .sch - I renamed them – removing the ~ - and miraculously it opened. I created a new project add these renamed files to the project...voila!

Transfer from Schematic to PCB.

-------------------------------

Report Written: Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Design Path: C:\Users\garys\Desktop\PCB\MM3\MM3_IO.pcb

Design Title:

Created: 2020/02/05 14:46:39

Last Saved: 2020/02/05 14:46:55

Editing Time: 0 min

Units: thou (precision 0)

Net class "Power" was not defined, but has been created. Please check the values in the PCB design.

Net class "Ground" was not defined, but has been created. Please check the values in the PCB design.

Net class "Signal" was not defined, but has been created. Please check the values in the PCB design.

Could not load component "P6KE100CA" package "DIOAD1910W90L670D310" into target design.

Could not add "D3" component "P6KE100CA" package "DIOAD1910W90L670D310" to target design.

Could not load component "R 0.25W 1% MCF 100K" package "Resistor" into target design.

Could not add "R1" component "R 0.25W 1% MCF 100K" package "Resistor" to target design.

End Of Report.

What on earth!

==================================================-------------------------------------------------------

This happens: I create the PCB and see the Processor power rail is not connecting...WHAT A LUCK I NOTICED THIS...A pcb with no connected power rails to the processor and accessories.

Power rail management...you can create your own...easiest ->copy an existing and rename it as a new schematic symbol..but than the trouble starts...it stays a normal net.

It took me 2 hours to figure this out...On the properties of the new symbol..the very right columns says “net” name this to whatever function you need like

+5V...only then will it become a power rail? Really?

How do you know when it is a normal net or power rail connection? When you add a new component and do a connection to en existing net number a notice will popup if you want to connect it to power rail (+5V). If this does not appear..than its a normal net....you have the problem.

PCB editing quick thoughts: getting to grips with the “quirks” of editing : If you don't get this one you will struggle….

1. If you created a rail to a component and you delete the rail...the component is still on the rail...you have to delete at least the element that was connected to the rail for it to update.

2. You are on a track and want to turn it a particular way. Rclick add corner.

3. But then the fun starts...try and move a created segment and it drags only perpendicular or in parallel. What if you want full control e.g. diagonally an in between – you want to move ONLY ONE END POINT.(like to rotate it from this endpoint) Presuming you have added the corner, look for the end of the track highlighted like a complete rounded end...place the cursor right on this end and drag anywhere you want...not knowing this you will fight with the software constantly. (50Percent of the time it work and the other times it just does not work – I don''t know why yet. But if it works – its a beaut!).

4. And lest you fight with the software for hours...on doing a Pcb and a track does not do what you want it to do...right click “Edit Segment” → Rclick again-> Segment mode...try free..it works so much better. Don't even try the Free hand icon...that thing cant possibly work practically.

5. Also you cant get the perpendicular connection to come in diagonally into a e.g. a PAD...create a corner at the point of “turn”..drag it to the pad and voila it corrects it...anything else is just agony.

6. Last but not least...you have a track and the shit just carries on and on...whatever you do it does not correct. Take a deep breath...Select the track (complete – that is + the shift key) - select delete corner and start over. Easiest.

7. And another - to get rid of a corner – just drop it on another...it only works sometimes.

8. Change the track layer in transit – Rclick and change laye.r To see the current – see bottom right info bar.

Menu->Rclick on the top menu.

A significant one is the editing bar in PCB: PCB design and in schematic Schematic design.(the editing icons on the side)

User interaction preferences: Menu->Settings->Preferences and in the designs

Design preferences: Menu->Settings->Design Technology.

Select the icon to draw a line – before you do anything – Rclick and select free mode.

PCB: Can I not draw a line freely? Any way I want!

Select track->Rclick: edit segment->Rclick-.Segment mode->free. That's the best you gonna get. See “PCB editing quirks” up there somewhere.

Handy hint: Double click (or press enter on kboard) anywhere or on a pad and you are I track mode.

Just wait - Then check bottom right corner what layer you're in...if need to change: Rclick-> “change layer”...then start drawing your track. Nice!

Want to know how long your track is: dx / dy see screen bottom right.

Handy hint: Menu->preferences->interaction->Show nearest node (cool feature)

For some reason Copy/duplicate does not exist in this free version

CTRL + C → copy

CTRL + X → cut

CTRL + V -> paste

Don't do this-: Rclick- properties; Component->component-> change - Unless you know what you are doing...this changes some values in the component and the others stays the same. If you know what you are doing altering here is fine and it can even be saved back to the library.

Rather disconnect the component and add the new one

**If I could make a suggestion to the team is this “change” should SIMPLY select a new component - not what it does at the moment.

Shortest answer: Copy and modify it from an existing similar component .

Menu->library(book icon) → save to library → make sure each is selected symbol (ssl), pcb (psl) and component(cml), BE SURE to save it to the library of your preference.

OR

If in Schematic ->Insert a component closest to what you need. Select component(changes colour) ->Rclick-> “change component in library. ->COMPONENTS AND SYMBOLS

It opens up then immediately “save as” your component.

Change the details as required.

Then save again (with your updated changes).

If Schematic symbol and/or PCB symbol is different to what you need there is a longer procedure . (or if you maintain your own library)

Ag, lets do it here quickly.

In your new component right click on the schematic symbol and edit.

Immediately save as your new schematic(Surprisingly there is no “save as” – but here it will give an opportunity to rename and direct to folder - Don't forget to save to the correct library).

Do the changes (I did say it best if selected a similar component, YES?)

Same with PCB component.

ONE MORE STEP(This can kill you as a beginner!!!)

Menu-> ADD Package...your previously saved PCB symbol will be listed ...name and select new.

Finally go back to the original component screen...properties (Rclick)...link to your new package, gate (schematic symbol) and descriptions. Done.

Handy hint:

1. Step 1: Open library

2. Comp->Copy to ->rename to new comp

3. PCB symbol->(only if it does not exist yet)Copy to->rename to new

4. Sch symbol- >(only if it does not exist yet)Copy to new->rename to new

5. Each is now open under different tabs-> do the editing for Sch and PCB and save

6. Component ->complete connections to new Sch and PCB and update descriptions accordingly.

7. *Above method ensures no confusion

Note to the team: Component properties → gate: My own created symbols library are not listed correctly under my specified library – it is listed under default library. If I disable the default library it proves the symbols library (gate) is in my library.

Deleting will break the actual connections on the schematic causing the nets around it to be affected. Rather “disconnect from net first” (Rclick). Only the component will now be affected. Replace with new and viola...done!

Handy hint: Menu->Settings->Default

ZOOM in much more...it will align better.

Since a component is linked to a schematic symbol and a component symbol ...one of these was deleted or changed. Do a edit in library and window will show which is missing.(schematic or PCB symbol)

If all looks normal than its some other component.

Select any other part /circuit of the “hidden” component – This seems to make the software aware of the “other circuit”. Presumably some part of the component is visible. If not you will have to move the front one – just drag it out the way. (Lclick mouse drag)

Download the exe file. Run it and it will give an option for which folder...IF YOU RUN MORE THAN ONE VERSION YOU WIL SCREW UP BADLY HERE.

Select the correct folder

Run the exe and done.

I had version 8, installed Version 9.02 and then installed Trial 9.03 and after that updated 9.03 (in that sequence). Operating system Windows 10. home (Bought the PC with it!)

Only issue is after trial install the default version that opens is Trial..it used to be 8...I am sure just pointing it correctly in windows will fix it.

I did not mind though because I have a short-cut pinned to menu-bar to open the version I normally work in. Open via previous files and I'm on the go.

If you know what's happening in the different libraries than they all work well together.(I can see different libraries for different versions...don't ask!)

To simplify I open a new file from existing open project...it complains about multiple projects but opens a new different instance of the newly selected file. (Version 9.0)

What do I mean “to simplify”

If multiple DSpcb software versions exist the wrong(different) version of the software(depending on where the operating system points to) – might open. Above method forces the same (version) software to open the file.

Basic project info pertaining to the Sch and/or PCB layout: Open the respective Sch or PCB (the window where the layout is active on the screen).Menu->Lclick file-There are properties for each Sch and PCB.

---========---

Add a file to the project: Menu->Project->other file->all files. You can create new e.g. a text file while you are in the open list – it works beautifully.

Tested with .png (picture) file – it works fine...opens it with the default system app.

---==============--

I made my own “drawing notes” file: Create a symbol that looks like a table->add the respective texts. Works well for terminal functions (Using the library is not practical for each terminal in the project – they all serve different functions.

Menu -> view → interaction bar → layers.

First response: The interaction window (see above) has a tab...components. Its easy to select from there...if component already used.

Short answer: If one of the default library folders already serves that purpose for you. Library icon (the book) → folders → on the right hand side a tick bow to en/disable.

This will kill you if it is unselectable and you don't know why or how:

Select interactive screen ->layers->Rclick-colours->settings and highlights->PCB checkmark changes everything.

None-Invisible

Yes tick = selectable

Coloured Square = visible but unselectable

Before you do anything, SELECT THE PAD FIRST...then do the measurement.

BTW – in the measrue window you can also see the angle from which you are measuring.

When a component is created the S (I guess source?) is placed at the spot to measured from.

Select the pad first (maker sure only the pad and not the complete component)

Menu → Measure – MAKE SURE NOT TO BRING THE POINTER INTO THE BOARD WORKING AREA.

In the measure panel towards the top – find the coordinates.

Just Lclick on it...

For highly populated areas or overlapping component sometimes it does not want to work (frustratingly the software selects something else). Find a part where the component is distinctly separate and select that, the software will then zone in on that layer/component from then on. Also: The rate of success for correct component selection is much higher by selecting on its pads. One can even rotate just from selecting a pad. Cool hey.

Only way I could find was to “click” new library...From the existing lbrsary list that appears: RCLICK on the one you want to delete and delete it.

The software will not know its gone.

Don't even try the “reindex” feature – you will wait for ever – I never succeeded in waiting it out.

Did you know you can even print schematics so it comes out with the drawing details as in electrical drawings:

Menu->library (the book icon)-> find: “fr A4” – there are various ones available. I best liked the one that starts with: DS_A4xxxxxxxxxxx

Top edit: Zoom into that right hand corner then select add text ...left click next box etc...

To save as your own template: Save that template as per normal to schematic(if it is a schematic library)

The find window has a election of search criteria and the default is: “starts with”. So it will only look for text that starts with your search content.

Change it to “contains” meaning any where in the text.

There are other search criteria, this suffices to explain the differences.

Lastly searching for a final text like Terminal is unlikely to succeed in the library: try the short version. Example: One will never find “light emitting diode” in the library, but LED is there.

Sch: Can I join 2 power rails – so its only one?

Add the new power rail...now this is important: Which one do you want remaining.

Click on the one to be replaced and thencreate the track to the new rail.

A message box appears do you want to make the two into one,..and it will also confirm which is the remaining.

Dragging from the new to existing will replace the new rail.

I say new only to make it easy to understand... this is the case for any two rails.

Handy hint: Power rails can render a complete board useless. Be careful. Deleting a rail does not disconnect the track from the rail. Delete the complete track and reconnect to new. And re-check the result.

Select and carefully drag it ONTO (onto is the keyword) a next corner. Sometimes it frustrates but if it works it works great.

On the track place cursor where you want to start edit from.

Rclick, Rename

Select the proposed multiple items for group.

Rclick->Group

Check boxes:

Tight group = locked grouped.

Can be in only Sch or only PCB or in both.

Interactive window(on side)->select group tab->double click on the group and it will select/highlight in edit window. There is some time delay, so be patient, it’ll come.

PCB component building – neat trick

Select the relevant “reference” pad(s) ->Rclick and via “type in coordinates” select a round number. This way managing the left and right components is much easier by also typing in their coordinates.

Unless you have a calculator brain you done have to round the pad coordinates- just add/subract.

That's until one can figure out how the built-in coordinates feature really work.

When selecting multiple components one can say auto left / right or top /bottom align.

Working in Absolute and Relative Modes

I tried this feature...sorry its easy in the manual...but in the software makes no sense.

I'm not even going to try andexplain my experience in the software...all I dare to say is: It seems to stay locked on absolute.

You know this should be easy.

Absolute is the software origins and no one shul be able to change this.

Abs means we work from this origin.

By default when we create a new board ourt of the box it creates the new PCB smack in the middle of this space. (One can change it to whatever in the settings)

Selecting rel immediately take Left/bottom of your board as origin. Done. Whatever we measure now measures from there.

Rclick on a component three option

Set X as origin,

set Y as origin

Set as origin (Both X&Y) click on a component

*Offsets can be added

Now whatever we work from uses this as a base.

Optional one can say when the component deselected it reverts back to board origin or stays on the component origin – until changed by the user. There done.

------------------============--------

From manual:

Two origins are maintained for the coordinates system, these are displayed at the bottom of the screen on the status bar.

The status bar shows the mode as Abs or Rel for Absolute and Relative, the Coordinates and the
Units (as previous above).

 

The Absolute (Abs) origin is fixed at the bottom left hand corner of the drawing area defined by the design area or border.

The Relative (Rel) origin can be set to any point within the design. The co-ordinates reported will always be relative to this position.

Orange text = my notes:

For Relative function - Logically it should be:

Set a new origin first and from this everything should measure.

Setting the Relative Origin

Menu->Settings
To use the Relative co-ordinate system, select the Relative Coords option from the Settings menu. From the
dialog you have to select the Use Relative Coordinates check box to toggle to the Relative mode.

You can enter the Origin position as an X and Y co-ordinate.

Naming convention must be relevant to the component

I found the current libraries to be extremely liberal with the space (dimension and not realistic. The pad dimensions is spot on but the package outlines is way out. My PCB design is premium on space so have to refine the library.

A header is 2mm wide where does 2.78mm come from? Other terminals is much worse.

This glossary of terms covers common phrases in PCB manufacturing. Some of these topics are covered further in our free DFM guide.

Active Components: Semiconductor devices that can change its basic characteristics in a powered electrical circuit, such as amplifiers, transistors, diodes and rectifiers.

Annular Ring: The width of the conductor pad surrounding a plated drill hole.

Artwork: Printed circuit design.

Aspect Ratio: The ratio of the board thickness to the smallest-hole diameter of the printed circuit board.

Assembly File: A drawing describing the locations of components on a PCB.

Automated Test Equipment (ATE): Equipment that automatically tests and analyzes functional parameters to evaluate performance of the tested electronic devices.

Ball Grid Array (BGA): A SMD package in which solder ball interconnects cover the bottom surface of the package.

Bare Board: A PCB not yet populated with electrical components.

Base Copper Weight: see Copper Foil

BBT: Bare Board Test. Electrical testing of unpopulated PCB.

Bill of Materials (BOM): A comprehensive listing of all subassemblies, components, and raw materials that go into a parent assembly, showing the quantity of each required to make the assembly.

Built-In Self Test: An electrical testing method that allows devices to test themselves with specific added-on hardware.

CAD: Computer Aided Design. Computer software used to design electrical circuits.

CAM: Computer Aided Manufacturing. Use of computers to manufacture products.

CAM Files: The files used for manufacturing PCB including Gerber file, NC Drill file and Assembly Drawings.

Ceramic Ball Grid Array (CBGA): A ball grid array package with a ceramic substrate.

Chip-on-Board (COB): A configuration in which a chip is directly attached to a printed circuit board or substrate by solder or conductive adhesives.

Chip: The individual circuit or component of a silicon wafer, the leadless form of an electronic component.

Component Side: The Side of a PCB on which most of components are mounted.

Coating: A thin layer of material (conductive, magnetic or dielectric) deposited on a substance surface.

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE): The ratio of dimensional change of an object to the original dimension when temperature changes, expressed in %/degree C or ppm/degree C.

Copper Foil (Base Copper Weight): Coated copper layer on the board. It can either be characterized by weight or thickness of the coated copper layer. For instance, 0.5, 1 and 2 ounces per square foot are equivalent to 18, 35 and 70 um-thick copper layers.

Corrosive Flux: A flux that contains corrosive chemicals such as halides, amines, inorganic or organic acids that can cause oxidation of copper or tin conductors.

Curing: The irreversible process of polymerizing a thermosetting epoxy in a temperature-time profile.

Curing Time: The time needed to complete curing of an epoxy at a certain temperature.

Dry Film Solder Mask (DFSM): Layer applied to a PCB to aid in the soldering process and protect the copper from oxidizing over time.

Dielectric: A property of materials which characterizes their level of insulation towards electric current.

DIP / DIL: Dual in-line package with two rows of leads from the base in standard spacing between the leads. DIP is a through-hole mounting package.

Ceramic Dual In-line Package (CERDIP or CDIP)

DIL : Dual In Line-> (Gary) – I use DIP as it has always been for IC (and the P does not refer to plastic since that is a prefixed like PDIP or CDIP etc. I will use DIL for what it is – anything that has two rows – including an IC but to avoid confusion DIL I will use for anything else.

IC packages:

Device Package Type Package Drawing Pins SPQ Length (mm) Width (mm) Height (mm)

Double-Sided Assembly: PCB assembly with components on both sides of the substrate.

DRC: Design rule check. Computer aided analysis by a technician to verify that a design is manufacturable.

Dry - Film Resists: Coated photosensitive film on the copper foil of PCB using photographic methods. They are resistant to electroplating and etching processes in the manufacturing process of PCB.

Edge Connector: A connector on the circuit-board edge in the form of gold plated used to connect other circuit boards or electronic devices.

Edge Clearance: The smallest distance from any conductors or components to the edge of the PCB.

Electroless Deposition: The chemical coating of a conductive material onto a base material surface by reduction of metal ions in a chemical solution without using electrodes compared to electroplating.

Electroplating: The electrochemical deposition of reduced metal ions from an electrolytic solution onto the cathode by applying a DC current through the electrolytic solution between two electrodes, cathode and anode, respectively.

ESR: Electro-statically applied Solder Resist. Fine particles of solder resist material are charged and sprayed onto an oppositely charged board for an even application.

Fine Pitch: Surface-mount components with a lead pitch of 25 mils (0.5mm) or less.

Finger: A gold-plated terminal of a card-edge connector. Also see Gold Finger.

Flux: The material used to remove oxides from metal surfaces and enable wetting of the metal with solder.

FR4: Flame Retardant laminate made from woven glass fiber material impregnated with epoxy resin.

Functional Test: The electrical testing of an assembled electronic device with simulated function generated by the test hardware and software.

Gerber File: Data file used to control a photo plotter so a pattern may be printed. For PCBs, Gerber files are used by designers to specify their circuit design so a manufacturer may produce it. Each layer of a PCB requires its own Gerber file.

Ground Plane: A conductive plane as a common ground reference in a multilayer PCB for current returns of the circuit elements and shielding.

GI: The woven glass fiber laminate impregnated with polyimide resin.

Gold Finger: The gold-plated terminal of a card-edge connector. Also see Finger.

HDI: High Density Interconnect. A method of producing printed circuit boards with very small connections between layers and narrow electrical traces. Facilitates much denser circuit designs allowing products to be miniaturized.

In-Circuit Test: Electrical test of individual component or part of the circuit in a PCB assembly instead of testing the whole circuit.

Hole Density: The number of holes per unit area on a PCB.

Interstitial Via Hole: An embedded through-hole with connection of two or more conductor layers in a multilayer PCB.

Laminate: A composite material made by bonding together several layers of same or different materials.

Lamination: The process manufacturing a laminate using pressure and heat.

Legend: A format of printed letters or symbols on the PCB, such as part numbers and product number, reference designator or logos.

LPI: Liquid Photo-Imageable solder mask that uses photographic imaging to control a thinner mask deposition than the dry film solder mask.

Minimum Conductor Width: The smallest width of any conductors, such as traces, on a PCB.

Minimum Conductor Clearance: The smallest distance between any two adjacent conductors, such as traces, in a PCB.

Multilayer PCB: Circuit boards consisting three or more layers of printed circuits separated by laminate layers and bonded together with internal and external interconnections.

NC Drill: Numeric Control drill machine used to drill holes at exact locations of a PCB specified in NC Drill File.

Net list: List of parts and their electrical connection points which are connected in each net of a circuit.

Node: A pin or lead to which at least two components are connected through conductors.

NPTH: Non-plated trough-hole. A hole drilled through a circuit board which is not used for electrical connection and thus not copper plated.

Pad: The portion of a conductive pattern for connection and attachment of electronic components on the PCB. Also called Land.

Passive Components: Simple electrical components which to do not vary the basic parameters of a circuit.

PCB: Printed Circuit Board. Also called Printed Wiring Board (PWB).

PEC: Printed Electronic Component.

Pick-and-Place: A manufacturing operation of the assembly process in which components are selected and placed onto specific locations according to the assembly file of the circuit.

Pitch: The center-to-center spacing between conductors, such as pads and pins, on a PCB.

Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC): A component package with J-leads.

PTH (plated-through Hole): A plated hole used as a conducting interconnection between different layers or sides of a PCB either used as connection for through-hole component or as a via.

Plating Resist: Material deposited as a covering film on an area to prevent plating on this area.

Reflow Soldering: Melting, joining and solidification of two coated metal layers by application of heat to the surface and pre-deposited solder paste.

Resist: Coating material used to mask or to protect selected areas of a pattern from the action of an etchant, solder, or plating.

Route (or Track): A layout or wiring of an electrical connection.

RF (radio frequency) and wireless design: A circuit design that operates in a range of electromagnetic frequencies above the audio range and below visible light. All broadcast transmission, from AM radio to satellites, falls into this range, which is between 30KHz and 300GHz.

Screen Printing: A process for transferring an image from a patterned screen stencil to a substrate using a paste forced through by a squeegee of a screen printer.

Silk Screen (Silk Legend): Epoxy-ink Legend printed on PCB. The most common colors used are white and yellow. See Legend.

Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC): An integrated circuit with two parallel rows of pins in surface mount package.

SMOBC: Solder mask over bare copper. The application of a solder mask directly on a circuit board rather than the copper first being plated in another alloy.

SMD: Surface Mount Device. Electrical component connected to the surface of a board rather than through a hole.

SMT: Surface Mount Technology. Technology associated with placing SMD components.

Solder: Tin alloy which is melted then solidified in order to establish an electrical and physical connection between an electrical component and the PCB. There are both leaded and lead free varieties.

Solder Bridging: Solder connecting, in most cases, misconnecting, two or more adjacent pads that come into contact to form a conductive path.

Solder Bumps: Round solder balls bonded to the pads of components used in face-down bonding techniques.

Solder Mask or Solder Resist: Coating to prevent solder being deposited on chosen areas of a board.

Solder Wick: A band of wire removes molten solder away from a solder joint or a solder bridge or just for desoldering.

Temperature Coefficient (TC): The ratio of a quantity change of an electrical parameter, such as resistance or capacitance, of an electronic component to the original value when temperature changes, expressed in %/degree C or ppm/degree C.

Test Point: A specific point in a circuit board used for specific testing for functional adjustment or quality test in the circuit-based device.

Testing: A method for determining whether sub-assemblies, assemblies and/or a finished product conform to a set of parameters and functional specifications. Test types include: in-circuit, functional, system-level, reliability, environmental.

Turnkey: A type of outsourcing method that turns over to the subcontractor all aspects of manufacturing including material acquisition, assembly and testing. Its opposite is consignment, where the outsourcing company provides all materials required for the products and the subcontractor provides only assembly equipment and labor.

UL: Underwriter's Laboratories. A popular safety standard for electrical devices supported by many underwriters.

Via: A plated-through hole used for interconnection of conductors on different sides or layers of a PCB.

Wave Soldering: A manufacturing operation in which solder joints are soldered simultaneously using a wave of molten solder.

PCB design calculator

GERBV :Gerber file viewer – opensource

Level B Pad Diameter: Minimum Hole Size = 0.75mm; Pad Diameter = 1.35mm