To address this SnapEDA created the search engine focused on CAD models, as well as its own patented verification technology to optimise the quality of each model. With the sheer number of components a project can have, the process of creating and verifying each component can be tedious and error ridden. With the addition of SnapEDA models, engineers will now be able to design-in these parts in mere seconds,” said Natasha Baker, Founder and CEO of SnapEDA. “With the current constraints in the global electronic component supply chain, we’re pleased to be able to support the Seeed and ShenZhen open parts libraries, which are helping engineers streamline part selection and manufacturing.
Once they click the Symbol, Footprint and 3D model link, a viewer will popup allowing engineers to preview the models, and download instantly. To get started with the new SnapEDA integration, engineers should visit the Downloads section on the Seeed’s OPLs. By downloading ready-to-use CAD models for the parts they select, engineers can save weeks of time, and reduce costly prototype iterations during the manufacturing process. In addition to preventing delays, engineers can save money since the components in these libraries are sourced from Seeed’s affiliated partners network and/or are purchased in bulk.ĭuring the design and manufacturing stage, the addition of the SnapEDA CAD models to the OPLs makes them more valuable. This is especially helpful given the current global component shortage affecting the electronics industry. It contains a wide selection of over 150,000 commonly used parts, from integrated circuits (ICs) to passives, to cut costs and reduce the turnaround times for turnkey PCB assembly.ĭuring the parts selection stage, the OPLs save engineers time and reduce delays, since the parts are carefully selected to ensure they are widely available in the local supply chain, eliminating the need to import parts and undergo lengthy and costly customs clearance processes.
The OPLs are a collection of commonly used components, designed to be used with the Seeed Fusion PCB Assembly (PCBA) service, that are widely available in the supply chain. And if you want to add functionality, you can get coding or put a bounty on it to make it happen.Seeed, a PCB manufacturer, has announced that it is adding SnapEDA computer-aided design (CAD) models to the Seeed and ShenZhen Open Parts Libraries (OPLs), making it easier for electronics designers to move from idea to fabrication. Kicad has a silly, unbelievably unintuitive workflow, but you can do a fair bit more with it. Honestly, at this point for anything hobby, I’d still pick Eagle, with kicad a runner-up.
On the other hand, if you want to do virtually ANYTHING complicated within the realm of IC design, Cadence is one of the two, maybe 3 suites that can actually handle your design requirements. They’ve done better in recent releases, but the UI is straight up arcane. For example, if you’re doing IC design, Cadence is one of a very few players in the market. I don’t have any experience with diptrace, so unfortunately I can’t comment, but I do generally feel like if you’re shopping based on user experience, you’ve already eliminated every player in your parametric search for a cad package.
It’s not like either is native or pretty. But the UI under windows is equally crappy, so whatever.
My thought is, yes, the UI under mac sucks.