Ultra Librarian offers a free download of CAD data for electronic components. Users only need to register and can download the data for all common PCB layout systems. How the download from the world's largest free component library works in practice and what else is offered is described below based on information from FlowCAD.
Fig. 1: Search result using the example "LM317-T" shows all available components and their parameters (list in the image is not complete)When electronics developers design a circuit, new components are often sought and integrated into the new circuit. When selecting which component to use, other criteria must be considered in addition to the electrical properties. In addition to price and availability, the effort required to create a new component in the PCB tool also plays a role. Ultra Librarian now offers direct access to the required CAD models.
After registering once, developers can download the CAD data of more than 16 million components free of charge from ultralibrarian.com for all common CAD tools. After entering, for example, 'LM317' for an adjustable linear voltage regulator, a selection of hits appears. This component is available from various manufacturers and in various designs. A refined search, such as 'LM317 TO220' or 'LM317-T', can be used to quickly reduce the list of results.
Information on general availability and price is displayed in the overview of the various search results. Ultra Librarian accesses the latest data from the various component distributors in the background. For even more information, there are corresponding links to the distributors. Compliance icons show the level of certification of the components according to "lead-free" and "RoHS".
Once the component has been selected, the user can click on 'Models Available', select the desired CAD format and then download the CAD data.
The schematic symbols have been developed in accordance with the internationally valid ANSI standard Y32.2-1975 (reaffirmed 1989) and created with a uniform color scheme. The footprints (PCB pads) are set up according to the IPC-7351B standard, which is supported by almost all PCB manufacturers and assemblers or EMS.
Fig. 2: Selecting the CAD data format before downloadingThedata is offered directly in the respective CAD format without further conversion. Currently 24 formats from different providers are supported.
It is even possible to specify whether the components should be dimensioned based on the imperial unit of measurement inch or in millimeters.
A corresponding 3D STEP model is also offered for more than 80% of the components. These 3D models are optimized for use in PCB tools and can be used for 3D visualization of the PCB. Some PCB tools can also use these 3D models to carry out a collision check between the components.
The number of downloads per user is limited to 50 components per day, which has not yet been a real limit for any developer.
If a component is not available in the online library, developers can make requests. These requests end up in a pool of requests, are processed without obligation and added to the library.
A well-maintained company library
Companies with several developers and PCB designers usually have a central library for components. Over time, the different components and symbols are created by different people. This leads to personal interpretations and drawing styles.
Ultra Librarian offers companies a fee-based revision and standardization of the PCB library as a service. The experienced librarians can apply the valid standards or company-internal rules for the creation of circuit diagram symbols and PCB footprints. All components are then set up according to the applicable standards and the same color scheme. A uniformly verified library offers companies greater security when designing PCBs.
Users of OrCAD Capture also have access to component information directly integrated into the circuit diagram software with the OMNYA Integration Platform developed by FlowCAD.
Service for component manufacturers
Fig. 3: Example of a reference design from ST Microelectronics with parts list and modelsCADdata for PCB design can be createdbasedon data sheets and supplementary information. All geometries and parameters are entered in an environment developed by Ultra Librarian. The symbols, footprints and 3D step models can then be output for all common PCB design tools.
This service is subject to a charge for manufacturers. The advantage is that the CAD data of new components is immediately available to the global design community and components can be quickly and easily integrated into new designs (design-in).
Component manufacturers can also offer the CAD data for download on their own website. This service is also used for special components that have been developed on a customer-specific basis and are only available to certain users or under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) behind a login for selected users.
Now also reference designs
A new feature in Ultra Librarian is the range of reference designs. These are small circuit modules that comprise not just a component, but a complete function group with peripheral circuitry (e.g. AC/DC converter). The reference designs are of course available complete with symbols, footprints, 3D models and the bill of materials (BOM) in the various CAD tool formats. The circuit parts can be easily imported and used in most PCB tools as a hierarchical block with the netlist.
Conclusion
The availability of CAD data is playing an increasingly important role in component selection. With the world's largest online library of CAD data for PCB design software, Ultra Librarian provides the global design community with access to new components and enables rapid design-in.
