Applied Parameters: None
Summary
This command is used to search for one or more real-world parts, courtesy of Part Search functionality then add those parts into the active Component Library document. Not only do you get a new component definition entry for each selected part, you get all of its parameters and any data sheets, leaving you to just organize some domain models then release.
This feature is only made available provided the Component From Supplier Search extension is installed as part of your Altium Designer installation. This extension is installed by default when installing the software, but in case of inadvertent uninstall, it can be found on the Purchased tab of the Extensions & Updates page.
Access
This command can be accessed from the Component Editor when operating in Batch Component editing mode in the following ways:
- Choose the Edit » Operations » Create from Part Search command from the main menus.
- Use the Shift+Ctrl+M keyboard shortcut.
- Right-click in the definitions region then choose the Operations » Create from Part Search command from the context menu.
The command is only available in the Component Editor when editing two or more existing Component Item revisions directly from within the
Explorer panel. If you are creating a new component or editing a single, existing component, the Component Editor presents in its
Single Component Editor mode in which this command is not available.
Use
After launching the command, the Add Supplier Links dialog will open - familiar to anyone who has used the Live Links to Part Data feature to add part links to a schematic component. Search for the required part (or parts) across databases of real-world manufactured items that are offered by currently enabled Suppliers.
After selecting the parts you need, click OK. The following process will occur:
- Component entries for each selected part will be created in the definitions area of the Component Editor. Each definition will:
- Be named using the next available unique Item ID, and in accordance with the defined Component Naming scheme employed by the Component Editor.
- Have the value for the selected part's Manufacturer Part Number parameter assigned as the value for its Comment system parameter.
- Have the value for the selected part's Description parameter assigned as the value for its Description system parameter.
- All parameters defined for a selected part (as visible for it in the dialog) will be added to the Required Models/Parameters list. All will be made visible (associated Show option enabled). This means a column will be displayed for each, by default, in the definitions area.
- Parametric entries will also be added for each datasheet available for a selected part (in the form of a ComponentLinknDescription and ComponentLinknURL pairing).
Tips
- You can select multiple parts in the Add Supplier Links dialog for simultaneous addition; each will be added as a separate component definition in the Component Editor. Alternatively, perform numerous sequential searches, adding one or more components each time to build up a library of required components.
- Parameters are imported in accordance with defined Parameter Import Options, which are configured on the Data Management - Parts Providers page of the Preferences dialog.
- The Altium Parts Options region of the Data Management - Parts Providers Preferences page becomes read-only while signed into a server. It adopts those settings defined for the server. For more information on the centralized configuration of Suppliers as part of a server installation, see Supply Chain Management.
