PCB library management is necessary to ensure the successful development of PCBs. A strong library is needed to avoid problems like footprint and symbol mismatch errors, unavailable or obsolete parts specified in the design, wasting the time of engineers, and incorrect library models leading to manufacturing errors. These are some of the problems that can occur if the PCB library is not managed well.

Requirements for the Successful Management of PCB Library

A shared common library helps reduce errors and avoid redundancy. It makes parts usage visible across the organization. Libraries must be built to specifications at the first instance itself. It should have built-in rule checking and verification tools. The library should be connected to the supply chain data through the component distributor connectors or internal systems. Mechanical integration can be assured only when the 3D models are part of the land-pattern and footprint build processes. It must comply with the IPC-7351 like industry standards. Internal standards should be applied to ensure project consistency.

The Importance of Managing PCB Library Properly

If you have been designing PCBs for some time, you must have collected a significant amount of design data related to the schematics, proprietary components, and arranged boards. Keeping track of information related to all these things on your computer or a network drive leaves you to certain risks. Even if one file in this library is renamed or moved, it will affect all your projects. You are vulnerable to making serious and expensive mistakes in other projects. You will find the errors and damages when it is too late. Proper PCB library management helps you avoid these issues.

Streamline the Whole PCB Development Process

By creating libraries, you will streamline the whole library management process. You and your team members will avoid making mistakes. There will be no need to keep track of the file structure. You will spend less time on backing up your data on the drive, network or cloud. By just creating a backup of the individual libraries, you can create reliable backups.

The software for this purpose has built-in tools to create libraries. The information will include the design data that you can reuse in new projects. This data will be accessible to you immediately. If it is stored in the cloud, you can access it from anywhere. This data is not limited to component libraries only but also includes proprietary components, schematics,and data of finished boards. It will improve your collaboration with the team members. Your data will be protected from accidental changes.