General Questions
Q1. What is ECAD Part Wizard (EPW)?
A1. EPW is a tool developed by RS Components and SamacSys to provide a range of highly accurate ECAD models, offering schematic symbols and IPC Compliant PCB footprints for electronic components.
Q2. What are the advantages of using EPW?
A2. ECAD Part Wizard provides design engineers with full control over the schematic symbol fracturing process. This includes the number of fractures to be created, the placement of pins around the sides of each fracture (left, right, top and bottom), and the order in which each pin is displayed. In addition, EPW provides PCB-layout component footprints, all of which are IPC compliant with user-selectable least, nominal and maximum footprint options.
Benefits of EPW include faster prototype design, fewer PCB errors and significant time savings.
EPW is available free of charge.
Requirements
Q3. What are the operating system requirements?
A3. EPW supports Microsoft Windows 7 & 8.
Q4. What are the software requirements?
A4. EPW requires Microsoft Excel 2007 or later to be installed on your PC. EPW does not require administrator permissions to install. EPW just load into Excel and runs.
Download, Installation and Registration
Q5. Where do I get EPW?
A5. Click the EPW icon in the following link to download the application:
http://www.rs-online.com/designspark/electronics/eng/nodes/view/type:tool/slug:ecad-part-wizard
To report any download issues or for any other support questions please email epw@designspark.com.
Q6. How do I install EPW?
A6. Extract the downloaded .zip file to your preferred location and then rename the extracted file extension from “.ex_” to “.exe”. We recommend saving the icon to your desktop. Double click the application icon to launch EPW.
Q7. Do I need to register for using EPW?
A7. Yes. On first open of EPW, please enter your registration details including your full name, company, email address and DesignSpark username. If you don’t have a DesignSpark account, please register today.
Function
Q8. What format are the models held in?
A8. EPW component symbol & footprint information is contained within an .epw file that can be downloaded directly from RS or component manufacture’s websites worldwide. .epw files can also be directly searched for from within the EPW application. .epw files are loaded into EPW by using the ‘open’ button on the tool ribbon and selecting the required file.
Q9. How to find a part in EPW?
A9. Click the ‘Find Part’ button.
Select the manufacturer of the part you require. Enter the manufacturer part number (either full or partial) if you know it. If you don’t, it will list out all the parts from that manufacturer.
Click the ‘Search’ button. Choose the part you want and click OK.
Q10. What can I do if the part I want is not available in EPW?
A10. You can request a part by clicking the ‘Request Part’ button.
Use the drop down menu to select the component manufacturer.
- Enter the full manufacturer part number.
- Enter the pin count. Note that thermal pad or tab is also being counted as a pin.
- Enter the datasheet link in pdf format.
Here are two examples on how to find a part:
Example1:
Example2:
Q11. How can I save the part I modified?
A11. Clicking the save button creates and stores a .epw file, complete with all user customised fractures, pin ordering and type assignments. By saving .epw files using different names multiple fracturing schemes can be stored for the same component. DO NOT use the Excel save option.
Others
Q12. How to report bugs?
A12. Click on the ‘Bug’ button. Select the type of bug and enter the description. We will promptly acknowledged bug reports and you will receive status updates as we fix them. Users of component models that have been updated will be automatically notified.
Q13. How do I export the EPW model to my PCB Design System?
A13. Click on the ECAD button. This will export the EPW schematic symbol and PCB footprint to the PCB Design System of your choice. User defined fracturing, pin type and pin ordering will be preserved within the target ECAD system. DesignSpark PCB, Mentor Graphics, Altium Designer, Cadence and Zuken CADSTAR are all supported.
Q14. How do I get further help with EPW?
A14. From within EPW application click the Quick Start or Guide icons. This will bring up full details of how to use the EPW application included a getting started video.
