Part and Decal atributes

[ltrakal]

Ok I created a lot of decals already, but never a part. Now should I create a part for each decal? And are the parts and decals attributes related or not? Where should I put stuff like component heigth? In the decal attribute or in the part attribute? Is for the IDF translation that I need that. And what is the reason to have parts and decals? Isn't this confusing? So is the height attribute in the decal the one for export thru IDF?
and the part attribute is just for information?

Thanks

[randychase]

Whew! Let's see...

First, think of the library as a large database. There are "buckets" of data called Decals, one called CAE, and one called Part Types.

Think of the Decal as the mechanical definition of the part. Consider an SO-14 device. The decal defines the outlines, pads, text, etc.

Now consider that in a typical company, they use various logic devices, such as an 74HC04. This device requires it's own CAE decal for the schematic, it has it's own part name, manufacturer, costs, etc. All these are attributes of the part type.

Then this part is linked to the Decal SO-14. So we have one SO-14 decal and maybe hundreds and hundreds of part types that use it.

The huge advantage there is your database is just a link. Instead of a 1000 different SO-14s, you have one. And if you need to update it, all the parts are also updated.

You can't use a decal on a board. You are using a part that references a decal. You can also create parts that are the same name as the decal. You can create a part called SO-14 for example and use it. If you made a decal, you have to make a part or you will not see the device when you try to use it on a board.

[ltrakal]

Nowww I understand..The CAE data is the schematic symbol and the Part data is all the attributes in the schematic for that component, could be a company part numebr for that part with all the diferent suppliers, but don't you create that in the schematic? So there should be a way to link the part data on the library with the part data of the schematic and my database?
So if I have a part number 55v255, this part number has a decal assigned and all the attributes in the part are the ones for my BOM list? And it has a symbol that they called CAE to do my schematic? Sop the attributes that I need for my decal is only the geometry height?

Thansk a lot for your perfect answer dude.

Laszlo

[ltrakal]

what should i put in my footprient field in my schematic program? the decal name or the part name?

[randychase]

Which schematic program are you using?

In Logic, IIRC, the footprint field would be the pcb decal.

But, the netlist references the part type normally.

[ltrakal]

well i'm using orcad right now, so i need to put the decal name i guess..

thanks randy