I have planned to start learning Altium and this was my first step- i thought i should learn creating libraries (i use other softwares for designing electrical schematics so i had some idea) and i found this video super helpful- Thank you for making this video.
That's one of the things I like the most about Altium -- the shortcuts. They're actually carried over from Altium's predecessor, Protel, which to my understanding could not be used with a mouse. Everything was done on the keyboard. Today it simply speeds up the entire PCB design process which, if you work in the industry, you'll know is very important.
There is a WAY much easier way: down below on the right corner of the screen, there should be some "tabs" like System - Design Compiler - Help - SCH - Instruments - >>. If you click (normal left click, a float menu will show up. Choose "Supplier Search". A new window will appear with a place to input the keyword for search a whole bunch of suppliers (which you can also determine on the options...). Find the part from your favorite supplier. Right click on the part, and choose if you want link and parameters (it will do all this copy-paste thing he did) on an existing component you created, or it will create a new component for you, having to complete it with the pins. Look for the videos of a guy named Robert Feranec. He rules in Altium. :-)
I mentioned this tool in one of my replies to another comment, the problem is that it fills the parameters with tons of information that is rarely useful, and the parameters and footprints, if you have Altium generate them, can be inconsistent between suppliers. I don't like that, personally. I prefer to have full control over which parameters I want and the style used for the footprints. There are many great tools built into Altium, and ultimately it is up to the user to pick and choose which ones he or she prefers and feels most comfortable with.
I saw that, but don't you think it is more productive to let all the parameters be populated and then checking the ones you don't want and removing them by clicking remove?
In the amount of time it would take me to go through all of the parameters that are automatically populated for a single component and remove them manually, I could have already created the 3-6 parameters I really need for my parts and generated a couple of components. This may not be the case for everyone, like I said there are multiple ways to do this, but this video goes over what works for me. If someone finds the built-in tools work better for them, then I most certainly won't discourage him or her from using them.
Hi Paul, yes I do. For several months I was creating component libraries at work using the component wizard. It works very well, but the problem comes when a manufacturer has a different recommended pad layout than the component wizard generates. This can lead to various problems, including your board house complaining that they don't match the manufacturer's specifications. I have had this happen multiple times.
Now, about a year later, I have found myself replacing nearly every footprint generated from the component wizard in order to meet the requirements set by the manufacturer. The footprint mismatches may not be an issue for hobby-level boards, but when it comes to the professional level it makes a huge difference.
Hello, I'm afraid this tutorial does not include simulation models. You will need to find a source for Altium simulation models and add them to the schematic component the way you added the footprint. I'm afraid I have absolutely no experience with simulation in Altium.
+Adam Josserand Ah yes, good question. I will probably cover this in another video, but here's what you do: After starting a new PCB project, open the "Libraries" panel. If you don't see it, go to the bottom right of the screen where you can find the "System" tab. Click it and check "Libraries". Once the Libraries tab is open, click the button that says "Libraries...", and in the new window go to the "Project" tab. Click "Add Library..." and that will allow you to browse for your SchLib and PcbLib files. Hope this helps!
very nice video! I have a question, I am using Altium 09 version and in there when doing the schematic following your video, I couldn't find 'Name Position and Font' in Pin properties as yours (time 10:30 in the video) ? Is there any other way to do it from schematic ?
I'm afraid I have never used Altium Summer 09 (I first started with Altium 14). It is possible that that feature was only added in later versions (I'm using version 16.1 in the video, if I remember correctly) and was not available in 09. What you may be able to do is ask the question on a forum or Q&A board such as www.electro-tech-online.com or electronics.stackexchange.com/
Thanks for your response! I will try to get a new version soon. BTW, do you know where I can find 3D model for SOT108-1? I surfed the 3d Central website you provided, but couldn't find a model for this IC? I got other models though from the website, it is very useful. Second, do you recommend Ultra Librarian software for getting unavailable ICs in the library? if you used it, would you please share your experience with us? Thanks again for the great work you are doing!
The SOT108-1 is a version of a SO-14 package. As far as I know its only difference is that it has one beveled edge along the side of the chip that Pin 1 sits on. I believe this model will be suitable, though you'll want to check its dimensions against the datasheet for your exact part: www.3dcontentcentral.com/download-model.aspx?catalogid=171&id=423429 I have not used Ultra Librarian, personally. I generally design my component symbols, footprints, and basic 3D models directly within Altium. Any sophisticated 3D models I will create using SolidWorks. I'm sure there are other 3D modelling tools out there that are cheaper than SolidWorks, if not free. I personally see no need for Ultra Librarian, especially not if you have to pay for it. But that's just my opinion.
hi, awesome video . i have one question .I follow all steps in videos. i had created sch and foot pint library. but i didn't understand How to used custom components in my new project ? please help me thank you
kalpeshpatill102 Ah right. Once you have created your SchLib and PcbLib you will need to add them to your project. To do this, open your project and click on the "Libraries" tab. If you don't see it then click on the "System" tab at the bottom right and select "Libraries". Once you have access to the Libraries tab, open it and click on "Add Library...". From there you can browse for your newly created SchLib and PcbLib files and add them both to your project.
Hello, I have a question. If I only have to do the schematic and then simulation do I have to create a footprint for the parts? Or does the simulation work only with the parts and without the footprints?
Hello, I apologize for the very delayed response. This tutorial does not cover the creation of simulation models. Those are best found from the manufacturer, or perhaps a third-party source who really know what they are doing. I do not use Altium for simulation so I'm afraid I cannot help with that aspect. If you happen to find a good source for Altium simulation models, please feel free to share!
Greate video Thank you so much,, Everything OK, but when I try load the I.C. "Sanyo STK 4050" 3D model from "3D Content Central" in .step format it appears huge and deform on the on the screen, but with other 3D models, not happen that.... How i can fix that trouble?? Than for the help
Yes, you're right, the error it's in the model,,, but I can't find that same model,, I wrote to author of the bad model, but he doesn't reply me, perhaps you know some converter from any 3d format to .step format? thank you, for your help :)
I just looked up the part and downloaded it from 3dContentCentral. You weren't kidding about the STEP file being all screwy! I wasn't picturing anything quite that bad. If you give me a little bit of time I may be able to get (or make) a good model for you. Are you in a hurry?
I'm afraid I do not have much experience with Proteus. There is a wide variety of electronics forums that may be a better place to ask your question. For example, allaboutcircuits dot com or electro-tech-online dot com
Yes, newer versions of Altium seem to have changed this slightly. Instead of opening up the symbol properties as shown in the video, open the SCH Library window and single-click on your component in the list. The symbol will pop up in the editor window, and below the editor window you will find the options to "Add Footprint", "Remove", or "Edit".
You can use letters for pin designators, just make sure your footprint has a pad with the same designation. For example a lot of ICs have an exposed pad on the bottom. I give this the designator "EP" and I add a pin in the schematic with "EP" as the designator.
From 4:00 to 4:40 all manual input or copy and paste. Doesn't make sense to do that on a "COMPUTER". Computer should be more intelligent than that- isn't? . All the information are in digital format already(Digikey's site), so what is the point to use the computer for copy and paste all that info one by one? Are you sure of that if this is the best way populating the component parameter section? Just asking. ;)
+Laszlo Juhasz Do you know of a better way? There very well may be, but this is the most effective one I've come across yet. I find it easiest--It gives you the ability to use your own custom parameters and populate them with exactly the information you want in the BOM.
I'd like to follow up on this. Yes indeed, there is a better way. Altium has a built-in tool that links to distributor websites, which will populate various parameters such as the supplier, manufacturer, part number, etc. You still have to go in and link each component to its part number in the distributor search tool, but you don't need to add the parameters manually. Me, I prefer to have more control over parameter names and what I put into them, so I'll probably stick with the method described in the video. There are other options, however.
Yes, there is a WAY much easier way: down below on the right corner of the screen, there should be some "tabs" like System - Design Compiler - Help - SCH - Instruments - >>. If you click (normal left click, a float menu will show up. Choose "Supplier Search". A new window will appear with a place to input the keyword for search a whole bunch of suppliers (which you can also determine on the options...). Find the part from your favorite supplier. Right click on the part, and choose if you want link and parameters (it will do all this copy-paste thing he did) on an existing component you created, or it will create a new component for you, having to complete it with the pins. Look for the videos of a guy named Robert Feranec. He rules in Altium. :-)
I'm afraid you are mistaken, this is how I created all of my libraries for several years using the old DXP platform. When Altium changed to X2 the process changed slightly, but overall is the same. All you have to do to add new components is open the library, simply go to Tools -> New Component in the schematic library editor, or Tools -> New Blank Footprint in the pcb library editor.
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One of the best explained Altium tutorials on internet. Really appreciate the shortcuts you told, makes life easy.
I appreciate the feedback! I will be sure to include the shortcuts in my next video as well then, knowing that they were helpful to the viewers.
I have planned to start learning Altium and this was my first step- i thought i should learn creating libraries (i use other softwares for designing electrical schematics so i had some idea) and i found this video super helpful- Thank you for making this video.
I was exactly trying to do the 555. Thanks mate!
also thank you for the video, the point you mentioned about the connection point of the pin, solved my problem
What Jamie245100 said. So hard to find decent tutorials that cut to the chase. Thanks!
Super helpful! Thanks a bunch! The tutorials on Altium's website were pretty worthless.
I'm glad you liked it! I agree-- Altium has lots of information and tutorials but it's very dense and doesn't make it any easier to learn.
Many Thanks .. super awesome .. it's help me a lot .. other tutorial not help me much as yours
Very helpful, thank you!
This is sooo good, you are a great teacher, thanks!
Keep it up, nice video, thank you for sharing it :)
Excellent video, thanks for sharing!
thank you very much!
Very helpful indeed. Thanks a lot.
This was incredibly helpful. Thanks so much!
I'm glad you found it helpful!
I agree. Especially for those shortcuts!:)
That's one of the things I like the most about Altium -- the shortcuts. They're actually carried over from Altium's predecessor, Protel, which to my understanding could not be used with a mouse. Everything was done on the keyboard. Today it simply speeds up the entire PCB design process which, if you work in the industry, you'll know is very important.
Great Tutorial, thanks a lot!
Very useful for a beginner
Nice video!!
Thanks.
hi, your video is awesome! you helped me a lot... I'll follow you!
Very helpful. Thanks :)
There is a WAY much easier way: down below on the right corner of the screen, there should be some "tabs" like System - Design Compiler - Help - SCH - Instruments - >>. If you click (normal left click, a float menu will show up. Choose "Supplier Search". A new window will appear with a place to input the keyword for search a whole bunch of suppliers (which you can also determine on the options...). Find the part from your favorite supplier. Right click on the part, and choose if you want link and parameters (it will do all this copy-paste thing he did) on an existing component you created, or it will create a new component for you, having to complete it with the pins. Look for the videos of a guy named Robert Feranec. He rules in Altium. :-)
I mentioned this tool in one of my replies to another comment, the problem is that it fills the parameters with tons of information that is rarely useful, and the parameters and footprints, if you have Altium generate them, can be inconsistent between suppliers. I don't like that, personally. I prefer to have full control over which parameters I want and the style used for the footprints. There are many great tools built into Altium, and ultimately it is up to the user to pick and choose which ones he or she prefers and feels most comfortable with.
I saw that, but don't you think it is more productive to let all the parameters be populated and then checking the ones you don't want and removing them by clicking remove?
In the amount of time it would take me to go through all of the parameters that are automatically populated for a single component and remove them manually, I could have already created the 3-6 parameters I really need for my parts and generated a couple of components. This may not be the case for everyone, like I said there are multiple ways to do this, but this video goes over what works for me. If someone finds the built-in tools work better for them, then I most certainly won't discourage him or her from using them.
Really helpful! Many thx
Thanks helped a lot!!
btw whats the shortcut to set the line width? I couldnt do it without actually placing the line first.
When you enter the line tool you can press "Tab" and it will bring up the properties for the line. The option to change the width is in that window.
Awesome. Many thanks :)
Great video and easy to follow! Keep it up! How do you know if a pin is input or output? Does the data sheet say it?
Thanks!
Yes it does.
Abhineet Tomar is correct, the datasheet should give you this information.
Great Video. Thank you! Do you have any thoughts on simply using the PCB component wizard for generic components instead?
Hi Paul, yes I do. For several months I was creating component libraries at work using the component wizard. It works very well, but the problem comes when a manufacturer has a different recommended pad layout than the component wizard generates. This can lead to various problems, including your board house complaining that they don't match the manufacturer's specifications. I have had this happen multiple times.
Now, about a year later, I have found myself replacing nearly every footprint generated from the component wizard in order to meet the requirements set by the manufacturer. The footprint mismatches may not be an issue for hobby-level boards, but when it comes to the professional level it makes a huge difference.
Good to know! Appreciate the feedback, thank you. Take it easy
I'm very happy to help!
now the customized component has done....will this component run well during simulation process?
Hello, I'm afraid this tutorial does not include simulation models. You will need to find a source for Altium simulation models and add them to the schematic component the way you added the footprint. I'm afraid I have absolutely no experience with simulation in Altium.
so after you make the library how do you add that library to a pcb project?
+Adam Josserand Ah yes, good question. I will probably cover this in another video, but here's what you do: After starting a new PCB project, open the "Libraries" panel. If you don't see it, go to the bottom right of the screen where you can find the "System" tab. Click it and check "Libraries". Once the Libraries tab is open, click the button that says "Libraries...", and in the new window go to the "Project" tab. Click "Add Library..." and that will allow you to browse for your SchLib and PcbLib files. Hope this helps!
very nice video!
I have a question, I am using Altium 09 version and in there when doing the schematic following your video, I couldn't find 'Name Position and Font' in Pin properties as yours (time 10:30 in the video) ? Is there any other way to do it from schematic ?
I'm afraid I have never used Altium Summer 09 (I first started with Altium 14). It is possible that that feature was only added in later versions (I'm using version 16.1 in the video, if I remember correctly) and was not available in 09. What you may be able to do is ask the question on a forum or Q&A board such as www.electro-tech-online.com or electronics.stackexchange.com/
Thanks for your response! I will try to get a new version soon.
BTW, do you know where I can find 3D model for SOT108-1? I surfed the 3d Central website you provided, but couldn't find a model for this IC? I got other models though from the website, it is very useful.
Second, do you recommend Ultra Librarian software for getting unavailable ICs in the library? if you used it, would you please share your experience with us?
Thanks again for the great work you are doing!
The SOT108-1 is a version of a SO-14 package. As far as I know its only difference is that it has one beveled edge along the side of the chip that Pin 1 sits on. I believe this model will be suitable, though you'll want to check its dimensions against the datasheet for your exact part: www.3dcontentcentral.com/download-model.aspx?catalogid=171&id=423429
I have not used Ultra Librarian, personally. I generally design my component symbols, footprints, and basic 3D models directly within Altium. Any sophisticated 3D models I will create using SolidWorks. I'm sure there are other 3D modelling tools out there that are cheaper than SolidWorks, if not free. I personally see no need for Ultra Librarian, especially not if you have to pay for it. But that's just my opinion.
Great! thanks for the swift response
hi, awesome video . i have one question .I follow all steps in videos. i had created sch and foot pint library. but i didn't understand How to used custom components in my new project ? please help me
thank you
kalpeshpatill102 Ah right. Once you have created your SchLib and PcbLib you will need to add them to your project. To do this, open your project and click on the "Libraries" tab. If you don't see it then click on the "System" tab at the bottom right and select "Libraries". Once you have access to the Libraries tab, open it and click on "Add Library...". From there you can browse for your newly created SchLib and PcbLib files and add them both to your project.
thank you . it is working .
Hello, I have a question. If I only have to do the schematic and then simulation do I have to create a footprint for the parts? Or does the simulation work only with the parts and without the footprints?
Hello, I apologize for the very delayed response. This tutorial does not cover the creation of simulation models. Those are best found from the manufacturer, or perhaps a third-party source who really know what they are doing. I do not use Altium for simulation so I'm afraid I cannot help with that aspect. If you happen to find a good source for Altium simulation models, please feel free to share!
Greate video Thank you so much,,
Everything OK, but when I try load the I.C. "Sanyo STK 4050" 3D model from "3D Content Central" in .step format it appears huge and deform on the on the screen, but with other 3D models, not happen that.... How i can fix that trouble??
Than for the help
Francisco Pastor that sounds like an error in the model. You may need to search for another model that's actually correct
Yes, you're right, the error it's in the model,,, but I can't find that same model,, I wrote to author of the bad model, but he doesn't reply me,
perhaps you know some converter from any 3d format to .step format? thank you, for your help :)
I just looked up the part and downloaded it from 3dContentCentral. You weren't kidding about the STEP file being all screwy! I wasn't picturing anything quite that bad. If you give me a little bit of time I may be able to get (or make) a good model for you. Are you in a hurry?
Scratch that, I see you beat me to it!
Hi! Dear, how to made HT12E and HT12D and MC230 IC in Proteus
I'm afraid I do not have much experience with Proteus. There is a wide variety of electronics forums that may be a better place to ask your question. For example, allaboutcircuits dot com or electro-tech-online dot com
There is no "model" option when I click sch library and my part 25:32
Yes, newer versions of Altium seem to have changed this slightly. Instead of opening up the symbol properties as shown in the video, open the SCH Library window and single-click on your component in the list. The symbol will pop up in the editor window, and below the editor window you will find the options to "Add Footprint", "Remove", or "Edit".
what if we use a letter for the designation
?
You can use letters for pin designators, just make sure your footprint has a pad with the same designation. For example a lot of ICs have an exposed pad on the bottom. I give this the designator "EP" and I add a pin in the schematic with "EP" as the designator.
thanks!!!!!
You're welcome!
ALTIUM My Channel
From 4:00 to 4:40 all manual input or copy and paste. Doesn't make sense to do that on a "COMPUTER". Computer should be more intelligent than that- isn't? . All the information are in digital format already(Digikey's site), so what is the point to use the computer for copy and paste all that info one by one?
Are you sure of that if this is the best way populating the component parameter section?
Just asking. ;)
+Laszlo Juhasz Do you know of a better way? There very well may be, but this is the most effective one I've come across yet. I find it easiest--It gives you the ability to use your own custom parameters and populate them with exactly the information you want in the BOM.
I'd like to follow up on this. Yes indeed, there is a better way. Altium has a built-in tool that links to distributor websites, which will populate various parameters such as the supplier, manufacturer, part number, etc. You still have to go in and link each component to its part number in the distributor search tool, but you don't need to add the parameters manually. Me, I prefer to have more control over parameter names and what I put into them, so I'll probably stick with the method described in the video. There are other options, however.
Yes, there is a WAY much easier way: down below on the right corner of the screen, there should be some "tabs" like System - Design Compiler - Help - SCH - Instruments - >>. If you click (normal left click, a float menu will show up. Choose "Supplier Search". A new window will appear with a place to input the keyword for search a whole bunch of suppliers (which you can also determine on the options...). Find the part from your favorite supplier. Right click on the part, and choose if you want link and parameters (it will do all this copy-paste thing he did) on an existing component you created, or it will create a new component for you, having to complete it with the pins. Look for the videos of a guy named Robert Feranec. He rules in Altium. :-)
this is not the correct way to create a library. you will not be able to a components to your library.
I'm afraid you are mistaken, this is how I created all of my libraries for several years using the old DXP platform. When Altium changed to X2 the process changed slightly, but overall is the same. All you have to do to add new components is open the library, simply go to Tools -> New Component in the schematic library editor, or Tools -> New Blank Footprint in the pcb library editor.