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Step models for PCB footprints

Carvey

Hello

We are considering adding 3D step models to our PCB footprints.

Where does one find these 3D models in order to do this?

I found a place on the web that has 3D models for download but they have a different file extension than .stp.

I downloaded one and tried to map to an existing PCB footprint but the step molel packager didn't see the model extension .skp that it was created in.

I know of a 3rd party software program avaliable to help do this but not everyone will be able to afford to purchase it.

Any ideas on how to accomplish this?

Thanks,

Carvey

 

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  • Ok, to find missing step files, you need to write a custom Report.  This ends up being saved as a *.txt file you may want to keep in a subdir from your company Allegro lib dir.

    To start:  these are the properties I will put in the custom report.   This shows when you start Editing Properties for the Drawing on a DRA file in Allegro.

    Symbol C:/svn/hardware/Libraries/AllegroFootprints/IND_Murata_LQW15A.dra
   DFA_DEV_CLASS = CHIP
   PKGDEF_STEP_FILE = IND-MURATA_LQW15A.step, 727672, 1564445470, 0, 0.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000, 1677451

    To put this in a report, >Tools >Report
     

     

    On the right, you see the save button.  I have a shared directory with my allegro library for the <report>.txt files.  But, if there's a config to set the path to these reports, I can't find it.  Save the *.txt file that configures a custom report.

    Back in the Reports window, you have a Browse button on the UI to reload it in the future.

  • in reply to RFinley

    SnapEDA is another really good site for STEP files. Along with UltraLibrarian.com - to find footprints without STEP file association, that's in the STEP mapping popup. You can filter the listing so it only shows the footprints without STEP models mapped. Long story - if you want to get into STEP file mapping and make it work, 1st get a 2D/3D mechanical tool to help with STEP files. AutoCAD is one, but there are any number of useful FREE mechanical modeling tools. You just need to learn them. But this makes it easy to import a STEP model and change things around - e.g. the origins. But being able to create them and map ANY footprint you develop and generate a 'proven', 'proper' CAD library around the 3D models you should know a good 3D mechanical tool to do it. I'm envious if you can make it happen.

  • in reply to CadAce2K

    At least I get to share how to diagnose weirdness with DFA rules.

    yeah, missing steps is there.  But, good luck keeping that UI open when you have to go off and fix the footprint and can't remember the name. 

  • in reply to RFinley

    So true! Here's a tip for CADENCE: Please, Please, Please make that pop-up window larger, something along the lines of the Constraint Manager. The window is way too small for the amount of information utilized for STEP mapping. Please?

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