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Component and Library Management

Cloning an Existing Component

There is often a need to create new components when creating a new project or editing an existing one. The most convenient way is to take a current component and make a new one based on it, i.e a Clone. Creating a cloned component is quite easy in Altium 365.

Open the Components panel and find the component you want to use as a template. For example, we use - ERJ-2GEJ750X. We added this component to the library during the migration process described in Chapter Migrating Components for Selected Project.

Right-click on the component then select Operations > Clone.

The Clone Command
Fig. 1 - The Clone Command

The component editor uses all data (name, parameters, models) of the original component. Next, we will edit this data.

Tip: Octopart searches for components as part of the Manufacturer Part Search service. It is both a powerful component search tool and a database, providing component libraries, technical descriptions, reference projects, and stock prices with warehouse availability. When completing the Name field, the program offers options for components available for use from Octopart. Use the provided option to create a ready-made component from the Octopart database. 
A Pop-up List of Available Components
Fig. 2 - A Pop-up List of Available Components

Choose a component. The Use component data dialog offers the choice to override existing data. Choices include:

  • Use all data (parameters, models)
  • Use only parameters
  • Use only name
The Use Component Data Dialog
Fig. 3 - The Use Component Data Dialog
Tip: Enable the Import values for matching parameters only option if you do not want to add new parameters.

As a result, we now have a complete component with the name, description, parameters, symbol models, and footprint, etc.

Complete Component with Available Parameters
Fig. 4 - Complete Component with Available Parameters

If any parameters are insufficient, unreliable, or different in content from existing Altium 365 components of the same series, they can be corrected and expanded. The connected models can also be modified if necessary. Editing is possible using the icon and resulting context menu.

Disconnecting the Model from the Component
Fig. 5 - Disconnecting the Model from the Component

Select Model allows you to select the appropriate option from the existing symbols and footprints in the Altium 365 library.

Choose a Model from Existing Ones
Fig. 6 - Choose a Model from Existing Ones

It is better to create a new footprint using the IPC Compliant Footprint Wizard dialog by clicking the Wizard button in the model field.

Open the IPC Compliant Footprint Wizard
Fig. 7 ​​​​​- Open the IPC Compliant Footprint Wizard

When you have finished working with the component, you should save the changes by right-clicking the tab then choosing Save <component name>.

Save the Local Revision
Fig. 8 - Save the Local Revision

After saving the local revision of the component, you can find the models connected to the component and available datasheets in the Projects panel.

Available Documents and Models
Fig. 9 - Available documents and models

Right-click on the component in the Projects panel then select Save to Server to save it to Altium 365. 

Save to Altium 365
Fig. 10 - Save to Altium 365

The result is a complete component available from the Altium 365 library.

Created Component in Altium 365
Fig. 11 - Created component in Altium 365

When creating a new component, all data must be corrected and completed by the user. All parts of the component, such as name, parameters, models, and part choices list, can be changed.

Tip: It is recommended to enter parameters by copying them from the manufacturer's databases and official documents.
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