Map of Multisim footprint to physical footprint data, standard industry packages

[soundcommand]

(Newbie question so it may be stupid).  I have been using ExpressSCH and ExpressPCB to date. Though they are a bit primitive, doing component footprint selection in layout is simple. You pick from their packages that give the physical dimensions.  I am evaluating MultiSim and am confused on footprint thus this post.

There may be a decoder ring somewhere, and I will be suitably humbled if it is on a page in the manual, but I unfortunately have not found it.   How do you easily map RES900-300x200, or CAPR500-700X300X600 to their physical dimensions in inches?  I am used to just looking for a electrolytic cap with .2 inch leads, or a 1/2 watt resistor with .5 lead spacing, or a TO-126 package.  Where do you find how do you map CASE77-08 to TO-126?  Etc.

[NatashaB]

Hi soundcommand,

I have separated your post into 2 separate (but related questions):

1. How do you find the Multisim-to-Ultiboard footprint mappings (ex: how do you know CASE77-08 maps to TO-126)

This mapping is saved in the Select a Footprint dialog.  To access the mapping:

1. Go to Tools > Database > Database Manager.  Find the component you wish to see the mapping for, and select Edit
2. Go the the Footprint tab and select Add from Database
3. The Footprint column is the package name that Multisim uses.  If you scroll to the right, you will see the Ultiboard footprint column.  This is the name of the land pattern in Ultiboard.  So, knowing that CASE77-08 is the Multisim footprint, scrolling to the right shows an Ultiboard footprint of TO126.  Note: If no Ultiboard footprint is specified, then the Multisim/Ultiboard footprint names are the same.

2. How to interpret RLC footprint dimensions, and how to view dimensions on footprint

Most RLC components in the database (including the ones you mentioned) follow the IPC-7351 naming convention, as outlined here.  As per the standard, all units are in mm.  For axial resistors, the format is RES + Pad Spacing - Body Length X Body Diameter.  To view the dimensions in inches annotated on the footprint:

1. Place the footprint in Ultiboard (in this case, the footprint has the same name in Ultiboard, RES900-300x200)
2. Double-click on the footprint and select the Part tab
3. Now change the dimensions to inches
4. Click the arrow beside Dimensions to choose to view Horizontal Pitch and Pads

Let me know if I missed anything.

Message Edited by NatashaB on 11-16-2009 02:55 PM

[Saand]

But, we cant see the image while selecting the component, the footprint listing which provided in the component placement pop-out screen is just list. If we want to see the dimensions right on designing using multisim how can we view it? and how can we see the image of land pattern while selecting the component in to the schematic? 

 If there are no options to view those landpatterns while selecting the components, then it could be draw back of Multisim.. because every cad tool has provision of displaying the landpattern and dimension while selecting the components from the database.. I hope the help from the NI Team.. 

thanks in advance...

Saand

[dbur]

I agree that showing more details of the footprint when in the Multisim footprint selection window would be very useful.  As far as I can tell, to see details and dimensions you have to go all the way into UB to look at the part, which has always been an inconvenience.  MS should have a footprint details button that opens up a viewer/browser to see all details of the footprints.

David B