Pathfinder
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This tool reorganizes components and libraries of PADS2005. As you know it, PADS components are stored by manufacturer (INTEL, PMI, Motorola, etc). Pathfinder purposes to sort components according to four differents criteria: Alphabetical order, logic family, footprint (Decal) used and number of pads by footprint.

How Pathfinder works?

Export your libraries with the Ascii format and select them in the program. Choose a sort criteria. Pathfinder creates new files which you can import in PADS.

For example, if you want to sort your components using DIP14 Decal (footprint). Pathfinder creates a LIB_dip14.p file which have all the components using the dip14 Decal.

Which is its price?

Pathfinder is free of charge. We not giving support but we fix any problem as soon as possible.

Download Pathfinder-Descargar

How to use

1) Export library

Before using Pathfinder, you must export your libraries with the Ascii format. In PADS Logic, select the "File" then "Library..." commands.

In this dialog box:

  • Select a library.
  • Click on the "Parts" button.
  • Enter "*" in the "filter" line then click on the "Apply" button.
Export library 1
 
  • Select the first Part in the "Part Types" list.
  • Press the "Shift" button.
  • Go to the end of this list then click the last Part. All Parts are selected.
Export library 2
 

  • Click on the "Export..." button. Give a name to the file.

Repeat these operations for all the libraries which you want to reorganize.

Export library 3
 

2) Select a library in Pathfinder

Start the Pathfinder program to select the library files.

Select a library in Pathfinder 1
 
  • Click on the "+" button
  • Select the .p file
Select a library in Pathfinder 2
 

3) Reorganize libraries

  • To sort the components of the libraries, select one option: "Alphanumeric Order", "Logic Family", "PCB Decal Name", "PCB Decal Pads Number" *
  • Click on the "Execute" button

When done, Pathfinder creates new .p files in /lib directory.

Reorganize libraries 1
 

* If you select "PCB Decal Pads Number" option you must click on the "File..." button then select decal.d file.

PADS2005 uses Decal common library. If you want to use it, export decals from this library with Ascii format. You obtain the common.d file.

Reorganize libraries 2
 

4) Import new files in PADS Logic

In PADS Logic, select the "File" then "library..." commands.

In this dialog box:

  • Create a new library
  • Click on the "Parts" button
  • Click on the "Import..." button
  • Select the Pathfinder .p file
Import new files in PADS Logic