topic Re: Can I complete a schematic before making footprints and 3d models? in Fusion Electronics Forum

Can I complete a schematic before making footprints and 3d models?

acsann — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 18:24:44 GMT

I am about to start my first PCB design. Will I run into any future problems if I first concentrate solely on the schematic and completely ignore developing footprints and 3d models?

Re: Can I complete a schematic before making footprints and 3d models?

acsann — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 22:34:52 GMT

Come on, man! HA!

All I need to know is - do I bork my library if I complete a schematic before beginning to create footprints and 3D models? If this is a bad idea, please let me know.

Re: Can I complete a schematic before making footprints and 3d models?

edwin.robledo — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 23:49:07 GMT

H1i acsann,

Thank you for participating in the Fusion 360 electronics forum. I strongly recommend that you work using components that have the Symbol and the associated footprint. You can always add the 3D models later and update the design when you're further ahead.
I have noticed some designs that begin with devices with no footprints, and it gets a little confusing down the line.

I hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Re: Can I complete a schematic before making footprints and 3d models?

acsann — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 23:59:39 GMT

Thank you Edwin. I was afraid this was the case. I appreciate your advice.

Re: Can I complete a schematic before making footprints and 3d models?

edwin.robledo — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 14:30:33 GMT

Hi Ascann,

Thank you for your reply, glad to assist. Remember you can add more than one footprint to a device, this is called variants. I recommend that you consider adding variants later in the library editor instead of working with no footprint. It is really easy to switch the footprint variant down the line in the schematic or the board.

I hope this helps.

Re: Can I complete a schematic before making footprints and 3d models?

acsann — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 14:45:31 GMT

Ed

Thank you for that....it really helps to know I do not have to make a final decision on the footprint while designing the schematic.

Again, thanks for helping a new user.

Clark