Mechanical parts with ICs (Heatsinks), OrCAD CIS, PCB Editor

Two questions (1 OrCAD, 1 PCB Editor):

1. Is there a way to associate a nonelectrical component with an electrical component?

Example: I want to use an Aavid Thermalloy 507002b00000 heatsink with a component in a TO-220 package. Obviously, the heatsink has no electrical properties, and wouldn't appear on the schematic. However, I would like it to be included when I generate a [CIS] bom. Is there any way to do this?

2. Is there a way (in a CIS database) to associate a part number with more than one footprint? For example, a component in a TO-220 package could have three potential footprints: "vertical" (standing in the board), "flat" (bent leads, tab bolted to the board) without a heatsink, and "flat" with a heatsink. Ideally, when a user places the component (either in OrCAD or in pcb editor), they would select which footprint to use.

Hi,
for your first question, i think yes you can.
for example you can make a custom layout (or package) of the non-electrical part and use it as a black box in the the board layout.
good luck.

Hi,

1. Yes you can. Just draw a part with no pins and save it in some library (i.e. mechanical.olb). Then place it in your schematic. This component will be included in BOM file. Also you can draw non electrical footprint and save it in footprint library (i.e. mechanical.llb).

2. It is possible if you use for example MSaccess component data base. You can associate specific part to several footprints. Footprint is chosen from several assigned options, while placing component in schematic file.


Also it is possible to change footprint in layout. Just double click on it and select another from any library. But it is better to change footprint in capture and then run ECO.

- tantudaisu -