How do I view footprints from the Master Database?

[DrPR]

I have used several PCB design programs, and all come with pre-defined libraries. All have had significant errors in these libraries (about 5% of the components have errors, in my experience). These components are often created by people in sweatshops who get paid on a per piece basis, so the emphasis is on speed and not accuracy. Consequently, the default part libraries are of limited value. I ALWAYS check every dimension, but I can't do this with Multisim/Ultiboard.

I found a NTJD4401NT1G transistor in the Master database in Multisim. The Detail Report says the package is

ON Semiconductor / SC-88-6(CASE 419B-02W)

The footprint shown in the report has the correct number of pins, but I can't select it to examine the dimensions or pin numbering.

I placed a part in design, right clicked on it and selected "Properties." The "Edit Footprint" button is grayed out.

I switched to Ultiboard and opened the "Place/From Database" dialog. I selected the "Ultiboard Master" database, and looked in the "Surface Mount Technology" section "Transistors & FETs" and in the "FETs," "TO" and "Transistors" subsections. The

ON Semiconductor / SC-88-6(CASE 419B-02W)

footprint isn't listed. The NTJD4401NT1G part is also not listed (none of the parts in the Multisim database are listed!).

The Database Manager and Place/From Database functions do not have a search engine to allow me to search through the entire database to see if the footprint is listed in some other part of the database.

How can I check the footprints of parts in the Master database? The inability to do this pretty much makes the Master database useless.

Phil

[JasonF]

Hi Phil,

The easiest way to do this would be to simply transfer the component from Multisim to Ultiboard in a schematic.

When the transfer dialog comes up you will see your reference designator with the land pattern name. For example the component you are trying to check would be: 

Part Q1       Add Q1 as SOT65P210X110-6N

You can then either get the dimensions from the place dialog in Ultiboard or continue with the transfer and check the dimensions manually. 

However you can also match up the package name (ON Semiconductor / SC-88-6(CASE 419B-02W) with the land pattern name (SOT65P210X110-6N) through Multisim however it is a slightly slower process.

1. Place the component or select it in the database manager (you should be able to search using the filter button in the database manager)

2. Properties > Edit Component in Database

3. Go to the Footprint tab and select Add from Database

At this point the footprint for that part should be selected. If you look at the Ultiboard Footprint column you will see the land pattern name in Ultiboard.

Regards,

Jason