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IPC Abbreviations

Printed From: PCB Libraries Forum
Category: PCB Footprint Expert
Forum Name: Questions & Answers
Forum Description: issues and technical support
URL: https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2496
Printed Date: 19 Nov 2025 at 12:38am


Topic: IPC Abbreviations
Posted By: AGONZ67
Subject: IPC Abbreviations
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2019 at 3:16pm
Do we still default to ASME Y14.38 for abbreviations? Is there an IPC spec that deals specifically with electrical components/abbreviations?


Replies:
Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2019 at 9:21pm
The IPC-T-50 is Terms and Definitions. It gets updated every couple of years. 

Are you referring to Reference Designators? 

https://www.pcblibraries.com/forum/common-pcb-reference-designators_topic728.html" rel="nofollow - https://www.pcblibraries.com/forum/common-pcb-reference-designators_topic728.html



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Posted By: AGONZ67
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2019 at 4:21pm
No I am actually referring to abbreviations used in the description of components. In PADS there is an attribute field in the part type named "description". Is there an IPC document that governs what abbreviations are authorized? For example Metal Film is often abbreviated MTL FLM, but ASMEY14.38 uses FLM as an abbreviation for flame. Does IPC have it's own comprehensive abbreviation guide tailored exclusively for PCB abbreviations? I would think IPC and electonics has evolved to the point of no longer relying on a mechanical specification?

Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2019 at 8:13am
IPC does not, but PCB Libraries does. 

Look in this folder - 
C:\Program Files (x86)\PCB Libraries\Library Expert 2019\Documents 
  • Library Expert Surface Mount Families.pdf
  • Library Expert Through-hole Families.pdf
They are listed starting at the Molded Body component family. 

The Chips are - 
  • ANTC - Antenna
  • CAPC - Capacitor
  • CAPPC - Capacitor, Polarized
  • DIOC - Diode
  • DIONC - Diode, Non-Polarized
  • BEADC - Ferritte Bead
  • FLTRC - Filter
  • FUSC - Fuse
  • INDC - Inductor
  • LEDC - LED
  • RESC - Resistor
  • THRMC- Thermistor
  • VARC - Varistor 



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