Create a Footprint using IPC Compliant Footprint Wizard – Part 2

In the previous tutorial we explained how to create a footprint using Altium IPC Compliant Footprint wizard. IPC Wizard uses some default values to generate a footprint such as: pad shape type, overlay line width, create courtyard in mechanical 15 layer, and so on.
If you want to make some specific adjustment and change default values on your footprint you can follow the next few steps from this article in order to achieve it.

This tutorial is related to our previous tutorial Create a Footprint using IPC Compliant Footprint Wizard – Part 1. Please read it if you haven’t and, as for this tutorial, here are the 8 steps that will help you.

1. After you fill out all package dimensions and choose Board density Level, click on the Next button from the bottom right corner on SOIC Solder Fillets Window. See image below for the details.

2. The next step is to set a SOIC Component Tolerances. Manufacturers of electronic’s components usually specify the maximum and minimum value for almost all package dimensions. Component tolerance ranges are calculated by subtracting the minimum from the maximum value. If you don’t want to use calculated component tolerance, uncheck it. You can set:

a) Tolerance on the overall width of the component, including leads
b) Tolerance on the inner distance between the heels of the opposing rows of leads
c) Tolerance on the width of the component leads

After this, click on the Next button. See image below for the details.

3. The next step is to set a SOIC IPC Tolerances. IPC defines tolerances for a number of standardized SM package types. These tolerances are determined by Altium wizard in order to calculate a PCB footprint. If you don’t want to Use Default Values, uncheck it. Here you can set:


 

a) Fabrication Tolerance Assumption
b) Placement Tolerance Assumption
c) Courtyard Excess

Click on the Next button. See image below for the details.

4. In SOIC Footprint Dimensions window, you can modify and review Pad Dimensions (Size), Pad Spacing and choose Pad Shape (Rounded or Rectangular).

Click on the Next button. See image below for the details.

5. The next step is to review and/or modify a Courtyard, Assembly and Component Body Information. Here you can check and add information on your footprint:

a) Add Courtyard Information (by default it is on Mechanical Layer 15 with Line Width 0.05mm)
b) Add Assembly Information (by default it is on Mechanical Layer 13 with Line Width 0.1mm)
c) Add Component Body Information (by default it is on Mechanical Layer 13)

Click on the Next button. See image below for the details.

6. The next step is to review and/or modify a Footprint Name and Description or you can just check Use suggested values box


 

Click on the Next button. See image below for the details.

7. The next step is to review and/or modify a Footprint Destination of the file. Altium allows you to generate a footprint in the Existing PcbLib File from your PC, New PcbLib File and Current PcbLib File (In our example it is D:\SOIC.PcbLib). Here you can specify where to produce 3D STEP model. Wizard allows two options, Embedded to a footprint or in External File.

Click on the Next button. See image below for the details.

8. The last step is to click on the Finish button and close it. See image below for the details.

Altium IPC Compliant Wizard will create a footprint and generated footprint will appear on the window like on the image below.

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  • Create a Footprint using IPC Compliant Footprint Wizard – Part 2
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  • Create a new Integrated Library, add Schematic and PCB library
  • Create a new PCB Project, add Schematic and PCB document
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  • How to compile an Integrated Library .LibPkg and generate .IntLib
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  • Replace, update and remove schematic sheet document template