Hi everyone,


I'm an electronics engineering student currently studying real-world PCB design workflows.


I'm particularly interested in how engineers create schematic symbols and PCB footprints from datasheets for components used in KiCad, Altium, or similar tools.


I’m trying to understand whether this step is still a significant time-consuming part of the workflow or if most teams already have efficient processes for it.


Before going further with a small project idea, I’d really appreciate feedback from people with hands-on experience in PCB design.


I’ve also prepared a short anonymous survey (~3 minutes) for anyone willing to share their experience:
https://forms.gle/sr985BwrrkvYq1x98


Even a simple response like “this is not a problem anymore” would be extremely helpful.


Thanks a lot for your time.

 

i use KiCad and do this all the time... make symbols (for schematics), footprints (for PCB layout) and 3D models (unless i quickly find one i like). i do not see this ever going away.
new parts are constantly appearing so no library is ever complete. and i do not find it appealing to be at the mercy of others to create something. on occasion i got burned for not using own or at least personally verified libraries - and that is when it gets expensive, specially if using PCBA.

 

just did your survey. you need to state the questions way better.


examples:

Usage if 95%+ accurate?*
not sure what you mean there. if library is not accurate, of course it needs to be fixed or discarded... nobody sane would knowingly use inaccurate libraries.

Price for 20 components/month?*
what does that even mean? 20pcs of some 0603 resistor? or 20 different parts with at least quantity of 1 (per month)?

What would prevent usage?*
what does that mean? are you asking what would cause one to choose an alternative product? brand, performance, price, availability, etc. if it is a prototype (small quantity) i may be interested in assembling the boards myself... maybe. but as soon there is even small quantity involved (50 parts) this is waste of my time, i want PCBA.

 

I went to digikey.com or most vendors. Found the part I want. ISO121 Not all parts have the CAD files but most do. See the red arrow. That points to CAD models.

Next, download the files. Or I can go directly to Ultra Librarian or some other source. The next page asks what CAD program and I type KICAD. The footprint is simple and there are many places to get this footprint. 16-SSOP is very common. There may be a version for hand soldering with longer pads and a version for machine soldering.
I do not like this Symbol but I can live with it or modify it.

For much of you work the files exist or you can copy something almost the same.
If you really want to know, give us a part number and I can walk you through it.

 

if you are doing this on behalf of some PCB manufacturer, here is something else you can add to that survey.

because i am not a patient type... so things that make me instantly lose interest and go elsewhere include any and all of the unnecessary questions.

just look at this form, it is a prime example of how to lose a client:



i used to have to put up with that nonsense, but times have changed. i no longer want to state ANY of my info (name, phone number, email, type some message and solve captcha) just to submit file for quoting.
i can submit all of that later... when placing order... if and when it comes to that.

i would make an exception for large orders where price difference, assembly time etc may be worth the wait. but most of my orders are small (usually around $500-1500) and i have no time for that.
i do expect instant online quote, not something that humans need to go through, before emailing me in a day or two.