PCB Component Footprint Validation Procedure

1 Preparations

1. Install Eagle Freeware edition: http://www.cadsoftusa.com/download-eagle/ and choose "Freeware license" when running it for the first time. (OSX Experience: you need to start it twice in freeware mode)
2. Download *.brd,*.sch and library archive of a project PCB
3. Open the *.brd or *.sch file in Eagle and go to File -> Export -> Partlist
4. Save the partlist as text file and add it to the wiki page of that PCB

2 Verification

2.1 Footprint validation

1. pick a part to validate from the partlist, ("0402" components are standard SMD parts and the footprint will likely be just fine, more important are the non standard parts)
2. Google for the datasheet of the component with entire partnumber
3. Most of the time either the manufacturers website or the distributors (farnell, RS, digikey, mouser) will offer them for download.
4. Add the datasheet URL to the partlist table
5. In Eagle go to Library -> Open and select a library from the archive to check (each part in the partlist is contained within the library file listed under "Library")
6. Once the library window opened go to Library -> Package and choose the one matching the one in the partlist
7. Now the actual checks begin:
   1. Check if the pitch & position of all pads matches the specifications in the datasheet
   2. For through-hole parts check if all pins are fully surrounded by pads (green) - SMD components have red SMD pads
   3. check if the pin numbering/naming (under "Device") is matching the datasheet

2.2 Component Selection

1. for parts that have no value defined yet check the recommendations and research matching parts
2. For guidance on part selection specifics ask Bertl on IRC. (optimally provide him with PCB version/revision identification and partlist numbers so he knows exactly what you are talking about)
3. search for alternative equivalent parts
4. help us find the best price from mouser, digikey, farnell, RS, etc.