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 havent 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!