For some libraries, like AD, I know all the parts are from Analog Devices and they are listed by their part number. In this way, I know just what I'm getting when I select one of those parts. However, in other libraries such as _connectors.eli, I don't know for sure if the footprint associated with some part will match the part I have, or alternatively, what part to go buy so that it will fit the footprint associated with the part in the library. It would be nice to consistently have something in an additional field in cases where the exact part may not be obvious. I notice that the _crystals.eli library has a "Datasheet" additional field, filled in with a web link to the data sheet, and that will usually serve the purpose of letting us know just what part(s) the associated footprint (pattern) was designed for. Even nicer (for me, at least) would be a "MPN" (Manufacturer's Part Number) additional field.

Similarly, in pattern libraries that are obviously specific to one or a very few parts, it would be nice to have pointers to just what parts those are. If I have a particular DB-15 connector from, say, AMP, I'd like to have a reasonably easy way to find out if a pattern already exists for it (and perhaps also if that pattern is already attached to a particular component I could then use in my schematic). This is usually not a problem for "generic" patterns like 0805, or TSSOP-16, but it is for connectors, especially, and also for some other components.

A bit off-topic, but I'm surprised that I can't find some existing library components/patterns for the high-density 15-pin DB connector used for VGA cables. Did I just miss them?

Cheers,
Tom

Tom,

Thank you for the suggestion, but what should we do if several manufacturers make the same part? I think, you can add custom additional field for certain components only and put manufacturer part numbers there.

I see DB-15 connector in standard libraries, but it has 2 rows, but as I know VGA connector has 3 rows by 5 pins. I'm afraid, you should create custom pattern in Pattern editor.

Eventhough most people call the VGA connector a DB-15, its correct name is DE-15 or DB15HD or ???, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-subminiature

Thanks, Alex.

One problem is that, for example, two connectors may look practically the same but have subtle differences in their pattern. It that case, it would be nice to know at least one manufacturer (and part number) for which the pattern was built. Even in the case where really equivalent parts are available from two or more manufacturers, it would be helpful to have a pointer to at least one of those. Often on manufacturers' web sites you can find a list or search for a part that is equivalent to some other manufacturer's part number. So for example if the component (or pattern, perhaps) shows part number xxx.yyy from manufacturer A, if I go to manufacturer B's website and search for xxx.yyy, it may say that www.zzz from B is equivalent. Without having that xxx.yyy number, it is like looking for a needle in a haystack, especially with connectors.

Of course, you already do deal with this problem for integrated circuits. In that case, for example, I can find the LM/MC 79L05 listed under several different manufacturer's libraries. That seems like a reasonable way to take care of the problem. I guess I did find in DipTrace that I can search for all components that use a particular pattern, so if there were component libraries for each of several different connector manufacturers (e.g. Amphenol, AMP, Molex, FTI, Samtec...), I could then find specific parts that used any particular pattern. In fact, I've started to build such component libraries for my own use, and posted the start of a Samtec one to the forum. As you say, I always have the option to build my own patterns, which I'm happy to do, but it does take time and if I can save that time by re-using an existing pattern, I'm even happier than if I have to build it myself!

I don't need the VGA DB-15 right now, but if I do before someone else builds one, I'll try to upload it so others can have it too.

Cheers,
Tom