Default Component Library: M N and L Versions?

Making your own components and patterns, organizing and using libraries.
Post Reply
Message
Author
tms8c8
Posts: 6
Joined: 03 Aug 2020, 08:04

Default Component Library: M N and L Versions?

#1 Post by tms8c8 » 03 Aug 2020, 08:09

Hi all - longtime DipTrace 2.x user, recently upgraded to 4.x. I'm trying to learn my way around the new libraries and I noticed that there are several versions of standard components / footprints. For instance, under "Cap Chip Inch" in the component library, there is a "CAP_0402_M", "CAP_0402_N" and "CAP_0402_L". I've seen these designations elsewhere and I'd like to know what they mean.

I can check the pattern dimensions and see how they're different relative to each other but I'd like a little more info on why they exist and what the letters mean.

Alex
Technical Support
Posts: 3894
Joined: 13 Jun 2010, 23:43

Re: Default Component Library: M N and L Versions?

#2 Post by Alex » 04 Aug 2020, 02:34

M/N/L (most/normal/least) are versions of the same patterns for different component density.

tms8c8
Posts: 6
Joined: 03 Aug 2020, 08:04

Re: Default Component Library: M N and L Versions?

#3 Post by tms8c8 » 04 Aug 2020, 12:28

Got it! Makes sense.

Thank you.

Dave8266
Posts: 49
Joined: 20 Mar 2020, 16:57

Re: Default Component Library: M N and L Versions?

#4 Post by Dave8266 » 04 Aug 2020, 19:56

Note that if you are planning to hand-solder SMD components with an iron, the pad size option (M/N/L) that you select can make a significant difference in how easy the parts are to solder!

Post Reply