EAGLE 9.6.1 - Creating a New Device

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I'm new to EAGLE, but am using it for a school project. I've never used it before, and I've encountered a few roadblocks. I apologize for the novice questions, I feel like these are probably significantly more straightforward than I'm aware of, but I haven't been able to find the answer to them online.

1) All of the tutorials for how to create a new  Library in EAGLE that I can find are for an older version than 9.6.1. This is an issue because as is shown in the screenshots attached to this question, the interface is a bit different than in the tutorials that I could find since I cannot find a 2D package option, just a 3D package option. Is there a way for me to create a 2D package in 9.6.1, or is there a way to make a 3D package that can interact with a 2D schematic?

2) How to I prepare a schematic for a SPICE simulation? Is it just a matter of defining values for each part in the schematic (besides the boards, I cannot think of how I would go about defining values for those since they don't have one)?

Thank you!

[one-of-the-robs · Accepted solution]

On your first question, the "2D package" is now called "footprint" as that more accurately describes it.

To get a SPICE simulation you need a SPICE model for every component in your circuit, and values defined as needed. You will generally find that a schematic set up for simulation isn't suitable for board layout and vice-versa. This is because connectors, earthing tabs, mounting holes and so on don't want to be simulated, while voltage probes and sources aren't part of what you build.

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much for your reply!

For the SPICE Models, is there a way to create them without using PCBSim or similar software? I cannot find a tutorial that doesn't use one, but I may be looking in the wrong places. If you do need to use a software like that, is there one in particular that you would recommend?

[Anonymous]

Additionally, how do you combine a Footprint and a Symbol in EAGLE (I've been Googling but can't find the answer)? I have my Footprint and Symbol in the same library, but am having trouble combining them for the purposes of using the Device in a Schematic.

[one-of-the-robs]

To combine a symbol with a footprint you need to create a device. In the device editor, "add" your symbol. You can add multiple symbols if it's a multi-gate device, like a 7400 or a relay. Name each gate appropriately. Then assign a package footprint and make the connections.

This is all covered in the installed manual, as well as several of the YouTube videos.

I'll defer to someone more experienced on the SPICE question.

[Anonymous]

Great figured it out, thank you very much!

[jaryanMPHJL]

It has been a while, but I wonder if you could add a bit more.  I have created a new device and somehow added a footprint, but I can't seem to add a symbol.  If I can do that, connect it will be easy.  All I'm trying to make is a 2x2 grid of pads on 0.1" centers, and a symbol for the schematic.

Which YouTube videos do you refer to?  Could you link to one which addresses this?

In what I think is the Device Editor (there is no label on the window) there are icons for Device, Footprint, and Symbol.  My new device now has a footprint, which I see if I select my new device from the list.  I still can't seem to add a Symbol.  If I pick a symbol from the list, it just takes me to a view of that symbol, but neither view seems to have a way to add one to the other.

My footprint seems to be listed in a column called Package, and three of the right-click menu items use the term "package".  Am I to assume that this is equivalent to "footprint" and that someone just didn't do a global search and replace?

Thanks!  I have successfully made a custom PCB with Eagle and had it manufactured, but this process still confuses me.

Steve Ryan