Building and maintaining CAD libraries: choose library tools that store component and land pattern data in a generic format that can be used with any CAD tool.

Purchasing software tools that automate CAD library construction is the best alternative to quickly building accurate parts. The tool should also store the component and land pattern data into a file that can be used for historical library documentation. This file should contain everything needed to regenerate a CAD library in any CAD format that you wish to use. This eliminates duplication of effort when changing CAD tools. The library documentation should be customized to only parts used. Your library documentation should be generic and should never change or be recreated if you change CAD tools.

Building and managing CAD libraries is not getting easier, but free products are available that will help you.

TOM HAUSHERR is CEO & director of technology, PCB Libraries Inc. He can be reached at Tom.Hausherr@PCBLibraries.com.