How to use UltraBOM

Example of how to use UltraBOM in OrCAD X

Finding the right components is the first step in designing and developing your circuit board. It is also the most critical. Choosing the wrong components can result in unacceptable performance in the field, the inability to have your board built, or even failed procurement. Consequently, effective component library management is an essential pillar of a successful and efficient PCB design workflow. To help you achieve this mandate, two electronics industry leaders, Ultra Librarian (UL) and DigiKey, have created UltraBOM. In addition to its robust capabilities and seamless integration, learning how to use UltraBOM is straightforward and quick.

How to Use UltraBOM: 5 Easy Steps

UltraBOM combines access to the world’s largest online library of manufacturer-verified schematic symbols, PCB footprints, and 3D CAD models with the world’s largest distributor of in-stock components.

5 SIMPLE STEPS TO START USING ULTRABOM QUICKLY
STEP	WHAT TO DO	ATTRIBUTES & REQUIREMENTS
1	Install App	Integrates with OrCAD 17.2 or higher (includes OrCAD X) Runs on Windows 10/11 Requires a DigiKey account (free)
2	Search for Components	Automatically updates component availability, lead times, and pricing data Parametric search and filtering capabilities Cross-referencing to compare alternatives
3	Place Components	Drag and place components into the design window Automatically links Ultra Librarian models and DigiKey component data 3D STEP models included for ECAD-MCAD design
4	Create the BOM	Dynamic BOM creation/update as you design Lifecycle status, availability, and cost optimization features BOM automatically links to detailed product pages
5	Get Components	One-click BOM transfer to DigiKey Bulk pricing and production scaling Track orders in DigiKey

Step 1: Installing UltraBOM

The installation process requires administrative privileges and a compatible OrCAD Capture version. UltraBOM supports OrCAD Capture 17.2 and newer versions.

Installation Requirements:

Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)
OrCAD Capture 17.2 or later
An active internet connection for component data access
DigiKey account (free registration)

Installation Steps:

Download the UltraBOM installer from the Ultra Librarian website here
Close all OrCAD applications before beginning installation
Run the installer as administrator
Follow the setup wizard, accepting the license agreement
Select your OrCAD installation directory when prompted
Complete the installation and restart your computer

After installation, UltraBOM appears as a toolbar within OrCAD Capture, providing direct access to DigiKey’s component database.

Step 2: Searching and Selecting Components

UltraBOM’s component search functionality provides multiple search methods to help you find the right components for your design. The search interface integrates parametric filtering with real-time availability data.

Component Search Options:

Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) search
Electrical specifications
Component type
Cross-reference search for alternative or replacement components

The search results display critical information including current pricing, stock levels, lead times, and datasheet links, enabling informed component selection decisions.

Selecting a component in UltraBOM

As shown above, selecting the component to add to your design is done with a single click. And finding a component in Digikey that already exists on your schematic is just as easy. As shown below, simply click on the warning symbol to search for and link your component to its information in the Digikey database based on its properties.

Easily search and link your schematic components to the Digikey information database

Step 3: Placing Components in Your Design

The component placement process with UltraBOM is as simple as with your familiar EDA tool, as shown below.

Placing a component in UltraBOM

Selected UL verified schematic symbols and footprints adhere to industry standards and are automatically linked to DigiKey data.

Symbol and Footprint Verification:

All symbols follow IPC-7351B industry standards
Footprints include 3D STEP models for mechanical validation

UltraBOM also includes several validation features:

UltraBOM Design Validation Features
Validation Type	Automatic Check	Manual Review Required
Electrical Specifications Check	✅	-
Footprint Availability	✅	-
Supply Chain Status	✅	-
Cost Analysis	-	✅
Alternative Suggestions	✅	✅

Step 4: Creating and Managing Your BOM

UltraBOM automatically generates your BOM and continually updates it as you design your circuit, with real-time links to DigiKey’s pricing and availability information. This dynamic BOM capability provides immediate visibility into project costs and potential supply chain issues.

The generated BOM includes comprehensive data for each component, including DigiKey component number, current pricing across quantity breaks, availability status, lead times, and direct links to product pages. Additionally, UltraBOM includes the following optimization features:

BOM optimization features:

Quantity break analysis for cost optimization
Alternative component suggestions for improved availability
Lifecycle status warnings for long-term production planning
Real-time price updates to track cost fluctuations

It is a good practice to periodically review your BOM and verify its contents and information prior to export by .xlsx, .CSV, .PDF, or transfer into DigiKey, as shown below.

UltraBOM direct export to DigiKey

Step 5: Procuring Your Components

The seamless integration between UltraBOM and DigiKey enables direct BOM submission for quoting and ordering, eliminating manual data entry and reducing procurement errors.

Direct Ordering Workflow:

Finalize your BOM within UltraBOM
Click “Submit to DigiKey” to transfer your components list
Review the automatically created DigiKey myList
Adjust quantities if needed for prototyping or production
Request quotes or proceed directly to checkout
Track order status through DigiKey’s system

This integration maintains complete traceability from design intent to the procurement of physical components, ensuring that all design stakeholders receive accurate, up-to-date component information. Key benefits include:

UltraBOM Integration Benefits:

Eliminates manual component number transcription errors
Provides real-time pricing for budget planning
Enables rapid prototyping with immediate component ordering
Supports production scaling with quantity-based pricing

Optimizing UltraBOM for Your Workflow

In addition to the many features and benefits discussed above, UltraBOM provides additional capabilities that enhance design efficiency and supply chain management for experienced users and larger design teams. These include:

UltraBOM Advanced Workflow Optimization Capabilities:

Ability to build custom libraries of approved components for design reuse
Design rules: Set up checks for preferred manufacturers and cost targets
Team collaboration: Share component selections and BOM data across design teams
Version control: Track BOM changes throughout the design iteration process

UltraBOM Supply Chain Intelligence Features:

Price trend analysis to identify optimal purchasing windows
Lifecycle monitoring with automatic obsolescence alerts
Alternative component recommendations based on availability and cost

UltraBOM was developed to make your component selection and procurement more efficient. Check out this UltraBOM demo to see just how easy it is to put this BOM tool to work and simplify your PCB design and development workflow.

If you’re looking for CAD models for common components or essential information on how to use UltraBOM, Ultra Librarian helps by compiling all your sourcing and CAD information in one place.

Working with Ultra Librarian sets up your team for success to ensure streamlined and error-free design, production, and sourcing. Register today for free.