EMA Design Automation, a 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 in a fraction of the time compared to typical manual methods. Both user-defined and the IPC-7351 standard settings are fully supported across a broad range of component families.

“Footprint creation is a constant challenge for PCB designers,” said Manny Marcano, President and CEO of EMA. “Today’s 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.

FootprintGen integrates seamlessly with Cadence® OrCAD® and Allegro® PCB design solutions, complementing existing apps including SymbolGen. Using FootprintGen, PCB footprint models can be verified and correlated to the schematic symbol models, immediately identifying any errors or discrepancies.