Creating a component in Altium Designer involves accessing the Components panel, specifying the component type, and then filling in the necessary details within the component editor. This process allows you to define all aspects of a part, from its schematic symbol and PCB footprint to its parameters and supply chain information.
Here are the fundamental steps to create a new component in Altium Designer, based on the referenced procedure:
Steps to Create a New Altium Component
The process is straightforward and guided within the software interface.
Step 1: Open the Components Panel
The first action is to access the dedicated panel within Altium Designer where components are managed.
- In Altium Designer, open the Components panel. This panel serves as your central hub for browsing, managing, and creating new electronic components.
Step 2: Select the Component Type
Altium supports various types of components. You need to specify what kind of component you are creating.
- In the Create new component dialog, you must select the type of component you wish to create.
- This is done by clicking on the desired type presented in the dialog.
- After selecting the type, you confirm your choice by clicking OK. The selected type determines the structure and available options for your new component.
Step 3: Complete the Component Details
Once the type is selected, you are taken to the component editor interface where you define the component's properties.
- You will need to complete the fields in the component editor. This is where you add critical information about the component, which typically includes:
- Defining the Schematic Symbol.
- Associating one or more PCB Footprints.
- Adding essential Parameters (e.g., Value, Tolerance, Manufacturer, Part Number).
- Linking Datasheets or other relevant documentation.
- Specifying Supply Chain information (suppliers, part numbers, pricing).
Filling out these fields accurately is crucial for proper design functionality, documentation, and manufacturing.
By following these steps, you can successfully define and create a new component within your Altium Designer environment, making it available for use in your schematic and PCB designs.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Altium 365 Documentation on Creating New Components.
