We are pleased to share that we have partnered with Taiwan Semiconductor so you can now find CAD models for their entire product catalog on SnapEDA! Taiwan Semiconductor is known for their automotive-grade quality discrete power electronics devices, LED drivers, analog ICs and ESD protection devices. The new CAD models available through SnapEDA include symbols,…
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Find CAD models on every distributor site with the SnapEDA Chrome extension
Have you ever wished you could find CAD models while browsing your favorite distributor sites? Today, we’re thrilled to announce our new SnapEDA Chrome extension which will allow you to find CAD models on nearly every electronic component distributor website across the web. Here’s how it works: While browsing your favorite distributor websites, the Chrome…
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Welcoming Zuken eCADSTAR to the SnapEDA community
Today, we are pleased to announce our collaboration with Zuken to help eCADSTAR users design electronics faster. As part of this collaboration, our ready-to-use symbols, footprints, and 3D models can now be downloaded in the Zuken eCADSTAR format. Additionally, through this collaboration the SnapEDA component search and download experience is now embedded within the eCADSTAR…
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What are anti-pads, and how to create them in Eagle
What is an anti-pad? An anti-pad refers to the area around a plated through-hole, which voids or restricts other signal traces that should not be connected to that particular through-hole. They are often added to avoid short-circuits between neighboring holes. How do we add anti-pads in Eagle? The only way to form a layout closer…
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What are QFN Packages?
QFN (quad flat no-lead) package is an IC component best used for programmable modules and microcomputers. It is also recommended to use this package for PCB designs with size, thickness and weight considerations. It is also known as quad micro leadframe package. Using QFN Packages Pros: Size and weight– It is a thin, compact package…
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Automated vs. Manually-Created CAD Models
Are software-generated CAD models better or worse than those created manually by engineers? What are the pros and cons of each development style? In this post, we list the pros and cons of each type of model, and then share SnapEDA’s development process. Manually-Created CAD Models Manually created models are made individually based on a…
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NC Pins in Integrated Circuits
NC pins, also called unconnected or no-connect pins, are IC terminals with no internal connection and no external function. These are some of the most commonly used pin names for unconnected pins and how you’ll find them in component datasheets:* NC = No-Connect* DNC = Do Not Connect* DNU = Do Not Use What are…
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Using IEEE Symbols
What is IEEE? IEEE (pronounced as I, triple E) stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This is an association that develops design-based, functional standards to follow in the electronics design industry. At SnapEDA, we create symbols based on IEEE 315-1975 standard (as well as ANSI, CSA and IEC approved symbols) and our own internal…
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What is a Solder Paste?
A Solder Paste, also known as Solder Cream, is a material used for mounting and soldering components to printed circuit boards. It is used in reflow soldering commonly for surface mount devices but it can also be used for through-hole components (pin-in-paste). The paste consists of flux and powder solder. The powder solder are tiny…
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What is a Solder Mask?
A Solder Mask (solder resist) is a protective layer applied to your PCB, generally applied on the top of the copper traces, to avoid short circuits due to solder shorting or solder bridging between components. PCB solder resist also gives additional protection to the board, preventing it from corrosion or any harmful environmental agents. The process…