Hi John, On Tue, Aug 16, 2011 at 7:24 AM, John Hudak <jjhu...@gmail.com> wrote: > "I always add the options "skip-m4" and "use-files" because I don't > want any of the M4 generated footprints, ever. But this may be due > to personal prejudice." > This brings up another issue I am having....As a neophyte to this tool > set (but not to EDA tools in general), what is the deal with m4 > files? I've read through a lot of stuff in this area, dating from > 2003 through now, and I still don't know if m4 files are good/bad? to > be used/avoided?
I'd guess the majority of the community don't use it, but there are certainly some who rely on it. > I am attempting to put a EDA workbench together in a reasonably > integrated way. Part of this is to create a (local) big symbol library > so that it can be used and managed. What I don't want to do is grab > component and footprint libraries that are old, brittle, or cause > gschem or PCB to die. > From my perspective, all of the inconsistent information is very > confusing. Quite simply, where is the 'best' symbol and footprint > library and the best way to create compatible symbols and footprints? Sorry, there is no agreed 'best' way. Various members of the community use the tools in widely varying ways. The tools are flexible enough to work well for for applications ranging from AC power wiring looms to ASIC layout. > (After going through 3 different methods of generating symbols, it > seems that creating one graphically within gschem is the one least > laden with holes...true?) I sometimes use that method, but my current work is with FPGAs and I find the best way for making the symbols I need is DJboxsym: http://vivara.net/cgi-bin/djboxsym.cgi This tool is very convenient for my FPGA work, but when I'm working with BJTs, FETs, diodes and triacs I use the graphical route. Stephen Ecob Silicon On Inspiration Sydney Australia www.sioi.com.au _______________________________________________ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
