In an ongoing effort to provide you with a reliable resource for component information, we are excited to announce the latest updates and additions we have been working on to make your life easier. This month’s release includes support for the open-source KiCad tool, UI updates, Ultra Librarian for OrCAD plug-in features, and a record number of new parts added. As we work to build and strengthen relationships with manufacturers, distributors, CAD vendors, and individual PCB designers, we encourage you to reach out with any additional suggestions that will help us provide you with the best experience possible.
Support for KiCad
You asked we delivered. After receiving numerous requests for KiCad support, Ultra Librarian is excited to announce the new KiCad export option. KiCad is an open source PCB software solution allowing users to develop schematics with their schematic capture program and PCB layout. You can now export schematic symbols, PCB footprints, and 3D STEP models from the Ultra Librarian database in the KiCad format. This export option is available on both the Ultra Librarian Online Access portal and the Ultra Librarian for Digi-Key portal. Learn more by visiting our KiCad PCB Libraries page.
Model Availability Notifications
Our online search engine has been updated to display all the relevant information you need in just one click. When searching for part pricing you will now see a notification in the top right corner under the Manufacturer | Datasheet link option. This notification allows you to quickly see if there are CAD models available for that part. In an effort to unify the two search options, notifying you of available CAD models will enable quicker, more strategic component decisions.
Ultra Librarian for OrCAD
Our partnership with OrCAD provides pre-built components exactly where PCB designers need them the most – inside their CAD tool. As the plug-in continues to grow in popularity, we are continuously working to upgrade our services and enhance the user experience. Our goal is to provide all the component information and data you need to make smart component decisions and easily design them into your schematic. The latest update offers an improved user experience, new features, and new parts to choose from.
With timelines shortening and products becoming more complex, it is increasingly important for you to make informed component decisions in a timely manner and get straight to designing. Component decision making is largely based on electronic functions and specifications but can also include reviewing pricing, inventory levels and even manufacturer information. With our latest update to the Ultra Librarian for OrCAD plug-in, users can now find even more information to make the best component decisions for each design. In addition to obtaining pre-built CAD models, users can now search for other pertinent component information including stock levels, pricing, and electronic specifications – just like our Online Access portal. Want to learn more about Ultra Librarian for OrCAD? Experience the next generation of PCB libraries with a 90-day free trial for Ultra Librarian for OrCAD. Click here to learn more.
New Parts Added This Month
Our component library is growing at exponential rates. Our latest upgrade to the database offers, even more, pre-built components to choose from than ever before, with a grand total of 12 million pre-built parts available to you. New symbols, footprints, and 3D model have been added to represent a single component with multiple views for logical, physical, and 3D. This addition of several million parts includes some of the latest parts from manufacturers including Analog Devices, AVX, Cypress, Freescale, Infineon, Linear Technology, Samtec, Samsung, Texas Instruments, Vishay, and more.
Commitment to Quality
Providing you with quality parts you can use is our top priority. With your feedback in mind, parts found within our database have been reviewed and updated based on user feedback. In Addition, new parts added have gone through our testing and analysis process to ensure they adhere to our current quality standards. All parts found in the Ultra Librarian database have been built based on industry standards and adhere to IPC-7351B and ANSI Y32.2-1975. As a standards-based library, you can feel confident in placing pre-built parts from the Ultra Librarian directly into your design, learn more about our rigorous building and testing methods on our Library Standards page.
Our goal in every development upgrade is to provide you with the single most reliable source for all your electronic component decisions. Ultra Librarian was developed specifically to help increase productivity by providing PCB designers like yourself with the resources needed to make quick yet strategic component decisions and get straight to design. As always, we are interested in your feedback, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions on how to make Ultra Librarian the best resource for your needs, please feel free to contact us.