On Thu, Aug 27, 2020 at 3:36 PM Brian <lotha...@gmail.com> wrote: > 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. >
This is basically what I'm thinking, except I was planning to integrate it into the symbol chooser as well (so no need to open cvpcb if you don't desire) > > 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). > Yes, my spec handles this -- a "part" is a mapping of symbol to one or more footprints, each footprint is valid and you can quickly swap them out > > 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. > My first target user profile for this feature is someone working on a design team, but I also think it could be an interesting community project if done right > > 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. > > Happy to have your help! -Jon > > > > 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 <https://github.com/Part-DB/Part-DB-symfony> 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: >> >> 1. Create schematic with generic parts >> 2. Add Manufacturer number to parts >> 3. 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 > > _______________________________________________ > 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
