So, delays in any sort of complex hardware project often feels unavoidable. But sometimes, the bottleneck factors are just hiding in plain sight. Likewise, one of the most overlooked issues lies in your PCB footprint library.
Now, that hits the mark! Incomplete, inconsistent, or any outdated libraries extensively slows down your entire ECAD workflow. Meanwhile, without a proper PCB library creation services, even experienced engineers can waste their efforts and time redoing the following tasks:
- Footprinting
- Fixing symbol errors
- Resolving tool mismatches
Hence, allow me to show you exactly how focusing on certain factors helped us turn a 6-month delay into a 3-week success story.
The Pain: “Why is everything taking so long?”
So, it started with one of our long-term clients working on a medical wearable device. Obviously, there were tight deadlines and high compliance standards to meet. Plus, it goes without saying that everything needed to move very fast.
However, there was a problem! Every time they opened a new design file, hours were lost hunting down the missing parts. Also, many of the components, especially connectors, were reused without any sort of validation.
On the other hand, their previous vendor had patched together an Eagle PCB Molex library from multiple sources. As a result, there was no structure or no version control – Just a mix of legacy symbols and outdated footprints.
As they kept going, a new design review brought fresh errors to the table. For instance, sometimes a resistor pad that was too small, or a header with the wrong pin order & placements.
Moreover, the worst part? The engineering team had no idea that the PCB libraries were holding them back.
The Story: Our Deep-Dive Into A Major Library Disarray
Now, we stepped in with some clear goals to be met: First and foremost, streamlining the design process by fixing the foundation and the component library.
So, here’s what we found:
- Firstly, half of the symbols in their express PCB component library didn’t match the actual datasheets.
- Then, there were three different versions of the same footprint used across projects.
- Meanwhile, the team spent nearly 40% of their layout time verifying parts instead of building designs.
Afterwards, we rolled up our sleeves to troubleshoot the situation at the earliest.
Likewise, we initiated by centralizing the parts into a structured system by utilizing our team practices from PCB library creation services. Then, every symbol and footprint was cross-checked with the manufacturer’s data. Also, we cleaned up and standardized the naming conventions on the board.
Eventually, for frequently used connectors and packages – We rebuilt everything from scratch! This time, with proper pin mapping and 3D model integration.
Subsequently, it included custom fixes for the Eagle PCB library, especially for their legacy Molex and Samtec parts. As they are problematic for having inconsistent documentation.
The Result: From Six Months to Three Weeks
Now, once the libraries were fixed, something amazing happened! Yes, I mean it.
- The schematic entry process increased by 2x.
- Then, PCB layout cycles were cut in half!
- Most importantly, no more last-minute footprint changes during reviews.
Consequently, the entire board went from layout to production in just three weeks! Instead of the six months delay which they originally estimated.
Therefore, by investing in best in class PCB libraries, the client didn’t just save time.They were able to meet their launch date, cut QA overhead, and avoided costly reworks extensively.
The Offer: Don’t Let Your Library Slow You Down
Additionally, most teams treat libraries as an afterthought matter — until it starts to cost them serious time and money.
Hence, that’s why our PCB library creation services solve these common problems.
So, here’s what you get from it:
- Firstly, accurate & verified component symbols along with footprints.
- Secondly, clean, reusable assets tailored to Eagle PCB library, Altium, KiCad, and many more.
- Thirdly, migration support for existing express PCB component library setups.
- Then, quick turnaround on high-priority builds, including Molex and custom connections.
- Lastly, a full integration support for your Eagle PCB library workflows.
So, let the Gighz team help you build a library that works for your process and not against it.
Bottom Line
Summing up, great hardware always starts with great libraries. So, now that you are tired of redoing footprints, chasing errors, or handling missing parts, it’s time to change how you operate.
Likewise, our team can definitely turn your problematic part libraries into streamlined, and production ready assets. Solely, for you to build your PCBs faster, smarter, and with great confidence.
Therefore, don’t let your PCB libraries be your project’s weakest link – Let’s clean it up, and lock it down.
Contact us at info@gighz.net for a free consultation today.
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