I have 2 parts in my Eagle library for a 1.5KE18A diode. One of them has the spacing between the holes too close and the other has the spacing between the holes too far. When I add a part to the board and I go to lay out the PCB, can I adjust the distance between the holes to match the part I actually have? Does that involve adjusting the part on the PCB layout, or do I need to delete the part followed by edit the part in the library and then re-add the part to the board, or do I need to make a custom part?
That's not a component used by every helper... Usually datasheets have useful information.
That's a question fore the CAD system You use.
You can't adjust the pin spacing in the Board layout.
You CAN edit the part in the library to add a new package and then "update" the library in your project and "change package" in the board or schematic layout; no need to actually "delete" the part.
Thanks. That is the sort of guidance I was needing. I would like to make the board somewhat compact, but the existing parts in Eagle library give an over-generous length of the leads from the component over to the hole.
Maybe so, but sometimes that distance is there to allow a hot part* to not cause thermal problems on the circuit card. Also, manufacturers have standard spacings for these parts based on automatic placement of components supplied on reels with pre-bent leads, or being bent during insertion. If you will possibly, in future, ask your board supplier to pre-populate the board, this will become a factor.
`* - for example, 5W resistors are often mounted with 0.1-0.2" between resistor and board, and long leads axially as well, to allow for a thermal gradient along the length of the lead.
Thanks for that. I should probably make notes about this board and any packages I modify in the library that it will be suitable for manual component placement only, and design considerations need to be made for heat dissipation when using compact lead lengths.. .I don't think I have any concerns for this circuit, but I need to remember this stuff for future boards.
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