gEDA-dev: footprint cleanup

[ldoolitt at recycle.lbl.gov]

On Tue, Aug 29, 2006 at 05:43:05PM +0200, Levente Kovacs wrote:
> On Tue, 29 Aug 2006 15:55:28 +0200
> "Timmerman, Bert" <bert.timmerman at corusgroup.com> wrote:
> 
> > What we possibly need is a footprint generator for the next generation
> > smd footprints, one that generates newlib files.
> > 
> > Another EUR 0.01
> 
> I give my HUF 1 for this approach too. :-)

You have two examples, with different strengths:
qfp-gui, and footgen.  Learn and use both of those,
then come back with something that combines their
best features.

I wish for more per-part attributes in the PCB
database.  Right now it has:
  refdes
  package
  value
There are lots of things that could be added,
like manufacturer, supplier, tolerance, etc.
For my work, I have used package:value as an index
into a larger database.  If that concept is kept,
what PCB needs is
  refdes
  footprint style
  footprint parameters
  part name
  part name modifiers
I think the separation into footprint and part is
important.  If a footgen-like program is used, keeping
parameters around for the footprint would be nice.
It would allow changing toe length late in the design.
The part name modifiers would at least include the
extant "value" concept.  If left extensible, it could
also handle manufacturer, supplier, orderable part number,
or local database ID.  The point of the part name and
its modifiers is for creating a useful BOM.

   - Larry