Creating Parts in Multisim

Contents Creating Parts in Multisim ...................................................................................................................1

Step 1: Create footprint in Ultiboard ................................................................................................2

Package Dimensions........................................................................................................................2

Pad Type and Dimensions................................................................................................................3

Pins ................................................................................................................................................4

Pin Naming .....................................................................................................................................4

Finished in Ultiboard .......................................................................................................................4

Multisim ............................................................................................................................................5

Component Wizard – Step 1 ............................................................................................................5

Step 2: Select a Footprint ................................................................................................................6

Step 3: Footprint Type.....................................................................................................................6

Step 4: Symbol Information .............................................................................................................7

Step 5: Pin Assignment ....................................................................................................................8

Step 6: Pin Mapping ........................................................................................................................8

Step 7: Category .............................................................................................................................9

Final Steps..........................................................................................................................................9

The purpose of this guide is to demonstrate how to create parts and footprints for components in

Multisim to be used in Ultiboard.

Step 1: Create footprint in Ultiboard

Because our part in Multisim will need a footprint reference, we start by opening Ultiboard and clicking

on the Part Wizard

Follow the steps, using the datasheet for the component you are creating. For demonstration purposes,

we will be creating a footprint for the following component:

http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/tlc5940.pdf

PSOP package, page 27

Package Dimensions For the TLC5940, we select SMT -> SO-J -> and use the

datasheet to fill in the dimensions

Figure 1: Dimensions of package outline

Note: 3D data is not necessary unless you are concerned with using a CAD program to fabricate a case

for your PCB, so these settings can be skipped.

Pad Type and Dimensions

Once again, use the datasheet to enter your pad information. Note: After this step, the image of your

component may appear strange. This is okay, because we haven’t edited the pins info yet.

Pins

Pin Naming

Not much to do here, but double check that your numbers line up with the datasheet.

Finished in Ultiboard

Next, save your part to the User Database, and we will move on to Multisim.

Multisim

Now, we need to create a component symbol, so that we can connect other parts to our custom

component.

Begin by selecting Tools -> Component Wizard

Component Wizard – Step 1

Since we are not concerned with modeling this part, we select Layout Only.

Step 2: Select a Footprint

Navigate to the User Database and select the Footprint we previously created in Ultiboard.

Step 3: Footprint Type

Make sure that the number of pins

matches the number of pins from the

Ultiboard part. Unless you know what you

are doing, your part is probably a Single

section component.

Step 4: Symbol Information

By clicking “Edit” on this screen, we can edit the pin names as shown below:

If necessary, the boundary box can be adjusted using the “Resize boundary box” button. When finished,

click escape, and you will be moved back to the component creation wizard.

Step 5: Pin Assignment

In this step, we will assign pin types to each pin. Though this is mostly used for modeling, it is nice for a

sanity check when creating your part. Note that ours is incomplete for the sake of time.

Step 6: Pin Mapping

We finally connect symbols to Footprint pins here. To move on, you will have to connect each pin to a

footprint pin. The “Map Pins” button brings up a more advanced pin map.

Step 7: Category

Our part needs a category. Find a suitable one, and save it there.

Final Steps

To verify that all is working, place the component in Multisim, and then Forward Annotate to Ultiboard.

If done correctly, your component should be connected to the correct nets!