I have a private branch that stores symbols and footprints in a MySQL database, and I’ve been chewing on the idea of enhancing cvpcb to provide the “real-world parts” glue that KiCAD currently lacks. My approach is in line with Jon’s, I think: to have the database also contain symbol-to-real-part-to-correct-footprint mappings (not embedded in KiCAD symbol data, but stored alongside in the DB), which cvpcb could them query and present as choices to the user (no need to add a part-number field to each symbol in the schematic; rather, the real-part selection process is integrated into cvpcb). Then cvpcb can use this selection to pick the correct footprint, also in the database.
A tangent goal would be to enhance pcbnew to use the database information when swapping footprints. For example, to choose among several pitch options for a through-hole resistor (to make room for routing on few layers, maybe). Obviously this requires data to work, and in my case I have my homebrew RDBMS schema set up the way I came up with in my own personal vacuum, which I gradually build up with data each time I make a DigiKey order on some project or other. An external database maintained by a community would certainly be an advantage over my setup. At any rate, all that to say this is a direction that interests me greatly (HOW MANY TIMES have I had to rework a board because a TO-220 part’s pinout was wrong??), and I have ideas and time to contribute to this effort. Cheers, -Brian PS: My current database schema has the following: - a table containing KiCAD symbols - a table containing KiCAD footprints - a table containing uniquely-identified real-world parts (e.g. a 270-ohm 5% 2-watt through-hole resistor) - a table that links each real-world part to a symbol - a table that links each real-world part to any number of applicable footprints - tables of manufacturer and vendor info - inventory statistics (which is why I started the DB in the first place!) > On Aug 27, 2020, at 2:22 PM, Jon Evans <j...@craftyjon.com> wrote: > > > Hey Martin, > > This is a concept I've been working on in the background (managing libraries > through a database, including footprint assignments but also > fields/properties) > > The way I was thinking about approaching it is not just a filter in CvPcb, > but actually a new type of library (including a new part chooser). > It would pull the underlying symbols and footprints from existing libraries, > but would connect to a database (local or on a remote server) that has all of > the information about which parts use what symbol and footprint, and what > other properties to bring in (manufacturer part number, etc) > > There is a draft spec: > https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qXwFPbYOwFXRNvjRN5BttRX_4esEDdYDt1cOpOmNc8A/edit?usp=sharing > > I have not put a lot of time into this yet because V6 feature freeze is right > around the corner, and this would be for a later release. > > Best, > Jon > >> On Thu, Aug 27, 2020 at 2:17 PM Martin Marmsoler >> <martin.marmso...@gmail.com> wrote: >> Hi, >> >> I wrote already in the Forum, but did not get an answer. Hopefully I'm >> getting here more attention :) >> >> I’m thinking about how the footprint assignment can be more >> “intelligent”/faster. I’m not talking about simple parts like resistors/ >> capacitors without extra requirements, but diodes, inductors, connectors, >> integrated circuits. >> >> For example diode: >> The most of the time the same symbol for a diode is used, but the footprint >> changes. But before selecting a footprint you search for a diode which fits >> your needs (at the distributor, manufacturer, …). After you selected the >> exact part, only a few footprints are still available (for diodes in the >> most time only one). >> >> For inductors it is the same, but many times the footprints are generic, but >> the 3D model matches not always. For example they have a different heigth. >> (I think this is currently not doable, because there is no 3D model assigner) >> >> So it would be nice if in cvpcb exist a filter which filters only these >> matching footprints. >> >> Where to store the information which partnumber matches with which footprint? >> Maybe this information can be stored in a database >> found this: Part-DB Looks pretty good to do the job. >> So CVPCB access this database and assigns automatically the footprint (and >> the 3d model which matches) >> >> The database contains many parts which have footprints (or only the path >> (preffered)) as attribute >> >> So at the end the workflow looks like: >> >> Create schematic with generic parts >> Add Manufacturer number to parts >> Let CVPCB Assign automatically footprints >> >> What has to be done: >> # create database with KiCad footprints inside (script) >> # Add parts to the database >> # Add new filter button to CVPCB >> - implement db access >> - search in symbol if a manufacturer number field exist and use this >> value >> - access the database and search for the part >> - assign footprint to symbol (if in the database only the path is >> stored, what to do if the footprint does not exist) >> # Add settings where the url to the database is stored. >> What do you think about something like that? >> >> >> This is the forum post: >> https://forum.kicad.info/t/automatic-assignment-of-footprint-and-3d-model/24497 >> >> Is there a timeplan for v6/ feature freeze date? >> >> Cheers, >> >> Martin >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~kicad-developers >> Post to : kicad-developers@lists.launchpad.net >> Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~kicad-developers >> More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp > _______________________________________________ > Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~kicad-developers > Post to : kicad-developers@lists.launchpad.net > Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~kicad-developers > More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp
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