
Parametric and faceted search capabilities allow you to find and place the parts you need efficiently and quickly. As the software evolved over years, the component management methodologies traveled a long way, from simple discrete libraries of schematic and PCB models, through database libraries, to the Workspace components providing representation of design components to a wider product development arena, along with cutting-edge and easy-to-use features for unparalleled collaboration during the entire design process.Ĭomponents stored in a connected Workspace that provides a single source of up-to-date and standardized component data for your entire design team. The component that you buy and solder onto the board is the real component, but that component has to be modeled in each of the electronic design domains in which you want to use it.ĭepending on what type of design implementations you plan to perform, your component could include a symbol for the schematic, a simulation model for the circuit simulator, an IBIS model for signal integrity analysis, a pattern or footprint for PCB layout, and a 3D model for visualization, 3D clearance checking, and export to the mechanical CAD domain.Įffective management of component data is essential for electronic design, and the management of components used in a design has always been a fundamental element of the Altium design software. While it might not be exciting, the components become a valuable resource for your company, and it is essential that they accurately represent the real-world component. However, a large part of the work, and to many designers, the more tedious part, is creating the components. The rewarding part of product development is coming up with cool ways of solving those engineering challenges and connecting those components to craft your unique design. That's too slow - especially given that I can't even copy the full paths.An electronics design is a collection of connected components. In Altium, I know how to get the pin mapping and the full paths of the libraries used - but I don't want to have to then look for matching files in the tree or Windows's explorer. In DesignSpark, we right click on a component in the schematic, "Edit component" and in this view we can modify everything about the component from pin mapping to schematic symbol, and PCB footprint - regardless of where the library is.


Everything seems to be all over the place (especially regarding libraries).

I am having a terrible time trying to learn how to use Altium - compared to RS DesignSpark PCB.
