Nobody Move. I've Got A BOM.

One of the most annoying things about getting a project ready for prototyping or production is compiling your parts list -- the dreaded BOM. You design a circuit using whatever parts/libraries are there in your PCB tool, sometimes with full knowledge that you need to substitute something that wasn't defined there 'cuz you're lazy and don't want to design a custom footprint/part/whatever...

Then, of course, you need to eventually compile the order for your prototype. I had no idea that SMD diodes, for instance, don't use the same footprint codes as SMD LEDs (light-emitting diodes). Who'd a thunk the light-emitting part made a difference? You must check these things very carefully when compiling your order.

For the SMD-impaired, like myself, here are some good pages discussing the mysterious world of packaging in that teensy world:

• Common Surface-Mount Packages
• The "right" 0805 footprint land pattern

Double, nay, triple check your BOM before you order.. I could have sworn I added those optoisolators to my order but whaddya know, they were missing. Back to the order page!

terrorist.

Then there's that voice in the back of your head: Aren't there some other parts you might need for other projects? Better order them too while you're at it. Maybe that's the geek equivalent to shoe-shopping. Sigh.