TDK’s DC-DC converters are now accessible through schematic symbols, PCB footprints, and 3D Step models.
The engineers at Ultra Librarian announced a partnership with TDK for a new reference design, with a goal of “concept to design in under 15 minutes.” The design references focus on TDK’s μPOL 5 – 40 Watt embedded DC-DC converters.
Ultra Librarian helps engineers and designers search for verified parts in their database to use in projects and systems. A verified part from the company signifies that the component has passed the automated and manual testing processes. A total of 34 tests can give the user confidence that the part will meet their specifications. Design rule checks, gate and pin swap data, and pin type validation tests are run on the parts. Symbols and characters are also checked to ensure that no attributes have unacceptable characters and that the schematic symbols match the PCB footprints. Parts also run through a gauntlet of “clean up” activities before verification, including an arrangement of pin by number or function. Symbol and component names are standardized with full uppercase letters and spaces are removed for uniformity. IPC standardization shows the user nominal, minimum and maximum sizes. Components in Ultra Librarian’s database are also spot-checked to make sure that the automated intake processes are correct.
The Ultra Librarian website is split into three sections. PCB designers can pull in symbols, footprints and 3D models for their designs from a CAD neutral library. Integrated circuit manufacturers can build libraries for their parts in a variety of CAD formats using a “build once, target everywhere” mentality. CAD vendors like OrCAD can preview, download, and use schematics and symbols all in the Ultra Librarian environment. Industry standards come from IPC-7351B for PCB footprints, ANSI Y32.2-1975 for schematic symbols, and ISO10303-21 for 3D STEP models.
TDK’s μPOL DC-DC converters are “designed to power modern microprocessors, microcontroller, ASIC, FPGA, DSP and advanced digital logic devices.” The company already boasts an extensive Application Guide that helps customers to decide which component will suit their automotive, energy, consumer electronics, or information communication technology needs. There’s a link on the TDK component page to head directly to the Ultra Librarian site and start designing in that environment with the TDK parts. All of the μPOL converters are available in Ultra Librarian’s eight CAD formats: Altium, Cadence, Eagle, KiCad, OrCAD Cloud, PADS, Pulsonix, and Quadcept.
These types of arrangements are great win-win announcements for the two companies. TDK is gaining exposure to a customer base that downloads more than 100,000 parts per month. Engineers and designers can now find TDK products easier, and integrate them into more projects and systems. Ultra Librarian gets a chance to build their catalog and give their users more options for more components from more manufacturers. On one level each company is getting a competitive advantage, and giving their users the opportunity to save time while building better assemblies. When a designer has a preferred part from a preferred manufacturer it’s almost muscle memory to start with that specific component, in this case a DC-DC converter, when building a new product.
