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AI Component Generator

Use AI Component Generator when a design needs a physical component that is not ready in your project library. WireFrame can create a schematic symbol and a matching PCB footprint from a known template or from a manufacturer datasheet.

Generated library items are a starting point for review. Always compare the result with the exact manufacturer part number, pin table, package drawing, and recommended land pattern before using it in a board.

Before you start

Prepare the following information:

  • the exact manufacturer part number;
  • the package variant, such as SOIC-8, TQFP-48, or QFN-32;
  • the physical pin or pad count;
  • the manufacturer datasheet for any uncommon or package-sensitive part;
  • a writable project library location.

Avoid generating from a family name alone. For example, STM32, USB-C connector, or 5 V regulator can refer to many incompatible pinouts and packages.

Open the generator

  1. Open the AI design's Component Review.
  2. Find a component marked Not in Pool, Symbol not in Pool, or showing a pin-count mismatch.
  3. Confirm its Value and Footprint Package.
  4. Select AI Gen on that component card.

To create straightforward missing parts in one pass, select AI Gen Missing below the component list. Use this bulk action only when the component names, packages, and pin counts are already unambiguous. Review every generated result afterward.

Image — Missing component card and AI Gen action

Image needed

Capture Component Review with one component card marked Not in Pool. Include the component name, Value, Footprint Package, AI Gen, Create, and Import controls. Crop tightly enough that the warning and the action buttons remain readable. Suggested size: 1200 × 700 px.

Short video — Generate all missing components

Short video needed

Record 8–12 seconds showing two or more missing component cards, selecting AI Gen Missing, the generation status, and the cards changing to Found in Pool. Keep the pointer visible and avoid opening unrelated panels. Suggested format: MP4 or WebM, 16:9, 1080p.

Choose a generation method

Method Best for What you must verify
From Template Common packages and familiar parts with a clear pin count Selected schematic template, footprint template, package variant, and pin count
From Datasheet ICs, connectors, uncommon packages, or any uncertain pinout Datasheet revision, extracted pin table, dimensions, pitch, pad sizes, and orientation

When WireFrame reports that it is not confident about the pinout, stop template generation and use the manufacturer's datasheet.

Generate from a template

This is the faster option and should be the first choice for standard resistors, capacitors, headers, common IC packages, and other parts with an unambiguous physical form.

  1. Open the From Template tab.
  2. Add a short description when the component name does not fully identify its function or package.
  3. Select Research & Select Template.
  4. Read the AI recommendation.
  5. Check PCB Template, SCH Template, and Pin Count.
  6. Correct any field that does not match the exact part.
  7. Select Generate from Template.
  8. If the recommendation is wrong, update the description and select Retry Research.

WireFrame prefers a matching verified library footprint when one is available. Otherwise, it builds from the selected template.

Image — Review the template recommendation

Image needed

Capture the AI Component Generator → From Template tab after research has completed. Show the target component, recommendation summary, PCB Template, SCH Template, Pin Count, Generate from Template, and Retry Research. If possible, use an example with a confident recommendation. Suggested size: 1000 × 740 px.

Image — Low-confidence pinout warning

Image needed

Capture the amber AI not confident about the pinout state with a generic symbol recommendation. The image must also show the guidance to use From Datasheet or retry research. Suggested size: 1000 × 500 px.

Generate from a datasheet

Use this method when pin numbers or mechanical dimensions cannot be safely inferred from the component name.

  1. If possible, complete Research & Select Template first so WireFrame has an expected package and pin count.
  2. Open the From Datasheet tab.
  3. Select Browse File.
  4. Attach the manufacturer's PDF datasheet or a clear image of the relevant pinout and mechanical drawing.
  5. Confirm that the file shown in the dialog is the correct revision.
  6. Select Generate from Datasheet.
  7. Wait for extraction and generation to finish. You may select Close (keeps running) without cancelling the active request.

For a PDF, WireFrame looks for pinout and mechanical sections and uses the relevant text and drawing pages. A clean manufacturer PDF normally produces a more reliable result than a distributor screenshot or a scanned document.

Datasheet privacy

Datasheet text and relevant images are sent to the configured AI provider for analysis. Do not attach confidential, licensed, or export-controlled documents unless your organization permits that use.

Short video — Create a component from a datasheet

Short video needed

Record 12–18 seconds showing the From Datasheet tab, attaching a public manufacturer PDF, selecting Generate from Datasheet, and the visible progress states. End when generation completes and Component Review refreshes. Do not expose local usernames, private file paths, API keys, or confidential documents. Suggested format: MP4 or WebM, 16:9, 1080p.

Review the generated component

After successful generation, WireFrame saves the symbol and footprint to the writable project library, refreshes the library pool, and updates the component card. Do not continue to placement until the symbol, footprint, and pin count agree.

Review these items against the datasheet:

Symbol checklist

  • every physical pin is present;
  • pin numbers and names match the exact package variant;
  • power, ground, input, output, and passive electrical types are appropriate;
  • hidden or stacked power pins still represent real package pins;
  • the reference prefix and component value are appropriate;
  • no-connect and exposed-pad requirements are understood.

Footprint checklist

  • pad count matches the symbol's physical pin count;
  • pad numbering and pin-1 orientation match the datasheet;
  • surface-mount or through-hole technology is correct;
  • pitch, row spacing, drill size, and pad dimensions match the recommended land pattern;
  • thermal or exposed pads are present when required;
  • silkscreen, courtyard, and body outline do not obscure pads or violate assembly clearance.

Select Manage on the component card to inspect or correct the generated symbol and footprint in the library editors. Save your changes, then let Component Review re-check the library assignment.

Image — Inspect the generated symbol and footprint

Image needed

Use a two-panel composite or two clearly labeled screenshots: Generated symbol review and Generated footprint review. Show matching pin/pad numbers, the pin-1 marker, package outline, and editor properties. Use a real example with at least eight pins. Suggested combined size: 1400 × 800 px.

Confirm generated library knowledge

WireFrame records an electrical description for a generated symbol as unverified library knowledge. In Library Pool Settings, confirm it only after you have checked the stated rules against the manufacturer datasheet.

Do not confirm a record merely because the symbol looks correct. Confirmation means you accept the pin behavior and electrical constraints for later design checks.

Image — Confirm an AI-generated library contract

Image needed

Capture Library Pool Settings → Locally written contracts with one unverified generated part expanded. Include the source/status text and the Confirm, Revoke, and Forget actions. Do not show private library paths. Suggested size: 1100 × 650 px.

Troubleshooting

Message or result What to do
AI not confident about the pinout Attach the exact manufacturer datasheet instead of using a generic template
No file attached Add a PDF, PNG, or JPG in From Datasheet
No writable project library directory Save or open the project and configure a writable project library location
Another AI generation request is already running Wait for the active component to finish before starting another
Wrong package or pad count Correct the package and pin count, then retry; do not resize the result by eye
Generation request failed Check the AI connection and account allowance, then retry with a smaller or clearer input
Generated part is found but still shows a mismatch Open Manage, compare symbol pins with footprint pads, save corrections, and re-check the library pool

Release checklist

Before using an AI-generated component in a release design:

  • record the exact manufacturer part number and datasheet revision;
  • complete both symbol and footprint checklists;
  • run ERC after placing the symbol;
  • run DRC and DFM after placing the footprint;
  • inspect pin 1 and package orientation in the 3D or assembly view;
  • have another reviewer check safety-critical, high-voltage, RF, power, or fine-pitch parts.

See also