EMA Automates PCB Footprint Generation With New App for Allegro PCB Design

By DE Editors

EMA Design Automation, a full-service provider of mechanical and electrical CAD tools, announced the release of FootprintGen, an app that accurately automates the generation of complex PCB footprint (land pattern) models. Both user-defined and the IPC-7351 standard settings are fully supported across a range of component families.

Footprint creation is a constant challenge for PCB designers, said Manny Marcano, president and CEO of EMA. Todays complex components have upwards of 2,000 pins or more, many with unique pad stack configurations, specific corporate drafting specifications, and manufacturing requirements. FootprintGen simplifies the task and saves designers critical project time.

The process, driven by rules, settings, and component dimensioning forms, accurately builds parts in a consistent and repetitive process. An extensive set of component families are supported including BGA, CHIP, CHIPARRAY, DIP, LCC, LGA, PLCC, QFN, QFP, SOJ, and SOP with additional families added on a continuing basis. FootprintGen supports multiple user settings with user configurable line and text widths for solder mask, assembly, pad, and other layers. Designers can select from D-shape, oblong, or rectangular pad shapes, or they can customize a specific pad shape with rounding or chamfering specifications. Pad stacks are user configurable and can be assigned to unique locations including corner pads or specific row/column positions.

The solution integrates with Cadence OrCAD and Allegro PCB design solutions, complementing existing apps such as SymbolGen.

For more information, visit EMA Design Automation.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.