EMA Design Automation, a provider of mechanical and electrical CAD tools, thas  announced the release of FootprintGen – an application that accurately automates the generation of complex PCB footprint (land pattern) models in much less time compared to typical manual methods. Both user-defined and the IPC-7351 standard settings are supported across a range of component families.

“Footprint creation is a constant challenge for PCB designers. Today’s complex components have upwards of 2,000 pins or more, many with unique pad stack configurations, specific corporate drafting specifications, and manufacturing requirements. FootprintGen simplifies the task and saves designers critical project time,” said Manny Marcano, president and CEO of EMA.

The process, driven by rules, settings, and component dimensioning forms, builds parts in a consistent, repetitive process. An extensive set of component families are supported including BGA, CHIP, CHIPARRAY, DIP, LCC, LGA, PLCC, QFN, QFP, SOJ, and SOP with additional families added on a continuing basis.

FootprintGen supports multiple user settings with user configurable line and text widths for solder mask, assembly, pad, and other layers. Designers can select from D-shape, oblong, or rectangular pad shapes, or they can customize a specific pad shape with rounding or chamfering specifications. Pad stacks are user configurable and can be assigned to unique locations including corner pads or specific row/column positions.

FootprintGen integrates with Cadence OrCAD and Allegro PCB design solutions, complementing existing apps including SymbolGen. Using FootprintGen, PCB footprint models can be verified and correlated to the schematic symbol models, immediately identifying any errors or discrepancies.

FootprintGen is available for $999 from the OrCAD Capture Marketplace, where OrCAD users worldwide can download free and paid apps to add functionality and customize their OrCAD products.

For further information about FootprintGen, the other available apps, and how to get them into your OrCAD design environment, visit www.ema-eda.com/orcadapps/orcadapps