kicad-developers team mailing list archive

[Vesa Solonen <vsolonen@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Fri, 6 Aug 2010, Alex G wrote:

> I've been struck by Kicad's lack of all but the most basic footprints.
> As such, I have started drawing some footprints, and would like to get
> them into the official Kicad release ASAP.

I might put some prerelease directory for unchecked libraries, but I fear 
no symbol-footprint associations will get there. Maybe I'll spend my 
sunday pondering the library structure. Any ideas from everybody are 
appreciated. In short form, please.

> Here's a short list of the footprints I'm currently working on
>
> TDFN-EP 6, 8, 10, and 14 pin
> This is a 3x3mm package, and I also have a basic 3D model for it
> More info on this package at:
> http://pdfserv.maxim-ic.com/package_dwgs/21-0137.PDF

This is definitely something to be added to the generating script for:
http://www.uni-c.dtu.dk/~univind/kicad/oaa_smd_qfn.brd

> Sharp S202S02 - Solid-State relay
> I have a beta 3D-model and footprint for this.
> More at:
> http://www.parallax.com/Portals/0/Downloads/docs/prod/compshop/400-00053Datasheet.pdf
>
> Molex Micro-fit connectors
> Nothing yet here, but am plannig to get footprints and 3D models for the
> entire line (SMD and throughhole; single-row and double-row).
> (Luckily, Molex provides 3D models for these).
> http://www.molex.com/molex/common/staticLoader.jsp?fileName=/cmc_upload/0/000/0-8/368/w-b-matrix/wtb-matrix.html&pageTitle=Introduction&chanName=family&channel=products&key=microfit_30

With these I'm happy with hand drawn stuff, but for the connectors I'd 
suggest working with Oyvind. Just in case a scripted way can be developed 
easily enough. I've used those SSRs with just very rudimentary fooprint, 
so I thank you in advance :)

> As you may tell by now, I am the definition of noob.
> I draw the footprints with Inventor, export them as IGES, import the
> IGES in FreeCAD, export it as .obj, and finally import that into Wings 3D.
> I'm not very good with applying colors, so help from someone with more
> experience is greatly appreciated.
>
> I've been hearing some fuss about a scripted approach to generating
> footprints. Does anyone have examples on that?

Please take a look at http://www.uni-c.dtu.dk/~univind/kicad/

> Then, how do I get the files to the right place? Can I just attach them
> to the emails, or should I rather upload them to a public place and only
> send the link?

Kicad-newlib on Launchpad for bigger work, but ocassional stuff is fine on 
the list or even directly to me. Ping on the list first is a good 
practice.

> There's also a question on 3D-modles for packages that don't have
> protruding pins, such as TDFN. Should I draw the pins on the model, or
> will a rectangular box do? This is more a matter of aestethics. I'm not
> lazy, just trying to avoid extra work if it has no meaning.

Again I'd like to point you to Oydvind's work.

> I've been hearing discussions about a format change for library files. I
> think that getting the footprints in properly with the current format,
> and then converting them if/when that happens is the best choice. Having
> to import several libraries in each project is time consuming, and it
> would be nice to have them in the default install.

I'm leaning towards incomplete newlib as a branch in release library. Just 
a bunch of symbols with coherent style, footprints and 3D without 
association data. When file format features get ready, we'll start 
actual component specific data gathering for pin/part swap etc. When the 
branch is strong enough we may chop the old trunk away. Any objections to 
that?

-Vesa