IPC-7351A Land Pattern Calculator and Tools

IPC-7351A, Generic Requirements for Surface Mount Design and Land Pattern Standards, is supplemented by a suite of software tools composed of land pattern calculators and generators for the creation of new part libraries.

The IPC-7351 Land Pattern Calculator is a shareware program that allows users to view IPC approved land pattern dimensional data in tabular form as well as graphical images that illustrate how a component is attached to the land pattern on the board. Download the latest IPC-7351 Land Pattern Calculator here: IPC-7351A Land Pattern Calculator – Version V2009(zip).

IPC-7351A Land Pattern Calculator Usage

Once installed, select the “Help” tool bar button located on the main interface screen for the IPC-7351A LP Calculator. There is an entry to sign up for online tutorials, provided by PCB Matrix Corp., that aid in familiarizing the user with the Calculator by providing detailed information on the following:

• Setting up User Preferences
• Operating the Search Library Menu
• Updating Parts Library Files

IPC-7351A Land Pattern Updates

The IPC-7351A Land Pattern Calculator relies on library files for component and land pattern dimensional data. The extension for the library files is <.plb>. These .plb files provide the raw dimensional data necessary for the software to display components and land patterns in graphical form. .plb files also contain parts attributes. Attributes hold vital statistical and descriptive data that every land pattern needs so other users can quickly identify the component characteristics. Attributes help organize data used to search for existing library parts. Detailed descriptions of how to utilize attributes can be found through the online tutorials provided by PCB Matrix Corp.

As new component families are standardized by the industry, new .plb library files will be made available to users of the IPC-7351A Land Pattern Calculator. Download updated .plb files for any of the 3 IPC-7351A land pattern libraries (Least, Nominal, Most) here: www.pcbmatrix.com/Downloads/LibraryDocumentation.asp (Note: You will no longer be on the IPC Web site).

IPC-7351A Enhanced Software Programs

The IPC-7351A Land Pattern Calculator is a shareware program that allows users to search and display land patterns for standardized component families. The Calculator is supported by additional, non-shareware software tools that allow for the creation of new part libraries that store new component and land pattern data:

• IPC-7351A Librarian - In addition to features of the Calculator, you can save, store, and reference component data to eliminate redundant work.
• IPC-7351A Wizard - The Wizard has all the features of the Calculator and Librarian, and allows you to export professionally-created parts directly to the CAD tool of your choice, saves you lots of time, and helps you get the project out the door on time.

For more information on these products, visit the PCBMatrix Product Matrix page located at: www.pcbmatrix.com/Products/LPSoftware/ComparisonChart (Note: You will no longer be on the IPC Web site)

IPC-7351A Standard

The IPC-7351A Land Pattern Calculator is based upon algorithms and engineering goals established in the IPC- 7351A standard. Purchase a copy of IPC-7351A online or contact IPC Order Entry at +1 847-597-2862. To learn more about the concepts provided in IPC-7351A, contact John Perry at JohnPerry@ipc.org or download the January 2005 IPC Review Magazine cover article.

IPC-7351A Land Pattern Naming Convention

The IPC-7351A standard provides an intelligent land pattern naming convention that aids in communication between engineering, design and manufacturing. Containing information on attributes such as component family, pin pitch, pin quantity and lead span, the convention also provides for enhanced search capabilities within the IPC-7351A Land Pattern Calculator. Download the latest copy of the IPC-7351A Land Pattern Naming Convention – March 2009 (.pdf)