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Using the Digikey Open Parts Library components

posted on February 28, 2018

TL;DR: Digikey created a library for open parts library components and we made a video (below) showcasing how to pull that into your design

One of the exciting thing in open source projects is the beginnings of broader adoption. Not only is it rewarding for the project members who have put in hard work on a software project they believe in; for the users of the project, it means there will be broadening support from the community.

We hadn’t announced it on here, but Digikey started supporting the KiCad project. This was both a monetary donation (announced at FOSDEM) and also in terms of internal support. What that means for users is there are now component libraries pre-built for components listed on the Open (Common) Parts Library.

The “atomic” part refers to the fact that the schematic symbol and footprint are tied together. If you select the symbol for your schematic, no updating is required when you import components from your netlist into your layout. There are reasons for and against doing it this way, both of which I discuss in this video. Watch to see how you can add the library to your next project:

Also, as mentioned in the video, we started selling KiCad apparel and all proceed will benefit the software development process. Read more about the donation here, if interested.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Atomic, Digikey, Open Parts Library

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