title: Tutorial 107: Component Libraries¶

Tutorial 107: Component Libraries¶

Overview¶

Learn to organize, create, and manage custom component libraries in GeckoCIRCUITS. Build reusable subcircuits and share designs across projects.

Level: Intermediate (⅔)

Duration: 30-40 minutes

Series: Getting Started

Status: Placeholder

Learning Objectives¶

By the end of this tutorial, you will: - [ ] Understand component library organization - [ ] Create custom subcircuits and symbols - [ ] Manage library paths and updates - [ ] Share components across projects

Prerequisites¶

• Complete Tutorial 102: Basic Circuits
• Familiarity with GeckoCIRCUITS interface

Component Library Concepts¶

Library Hierarchy¶

GeckoCIRCUITS Libraries
├── Built-in Components
│   ├── POWER (R, L, C, Switches, Diodes)
│   ├── CONTROL (Gain, Sum, PI, Comparator)
│   ├── THERM (Thermal components)
│   └── SCOPE (Measurement)
├── User Libraries
│   ├── My_Converters/
│   ├── My_Controllers/
│   └── Project_Specific/
└── Shared Libraries
    └── Team_Components/

Component Types¶

Creating Custom Components¶

Step 1: Design the Subcircuit¶

1. Create new schematic
2. Build circuit (e.g., buck converter power stage)
3. Define input/output terminals
4. Add parameters as variables

Step 2: Define Interface¶

Terminals: - Input ports (signals coming in) - Output ports (signals going out) - Power connections

Parameters: - User-adjustable values - Default values - Valid ranges

Step 3: Create Symbol (Optional)¶

1. Draw custom symbol shape
2. Place terminal locations
3. Add text labels

Step 4: Save to Library¶

1. File > Save as Component
2. Choose library location
3. Add description and keywords

Example: Buck Power Stage Component¶

Internal Circuit¶

    Vin+ ───┬──[S]──┬──[L]──┬─── Vout+
            │       │       │
            │      [D]     [C]
            │       │       │
    Vin- ───┴───────┴───────┴─── Vout-
                │
              Gate (control input)

Parameters¶

Symbol¶

    ┌─────────────┐
    │   BUCK      │
Vin+│    ┌─┐     │Vout+
────┤    │▼│     ├────
    │    └─┘     │
Vin-│            │Vout-
────┤     ▽      ├────
    │   Gate     │
    └─────┬──────┘
          │
         ─┴─

Library Organization¶

Recommended Structure¶

~/.geckocircuits/libraries/
├── power_stages/
│   ├── buck.gsub
│   ├── boost.gsub
│   ├── full_bridge.gsub
│   └── README.md
├── controllers/
│   ├── pi_controller.gsub
│   ├── type2_compensator.gsub
│   └── README.md
├── sensors/
│   ├── current_sense.gsub
│   ├── voltage_divider.gsub
│   └── README.md
└── thermal/
    ├── heatsink_model.gsub
    └── README.md

Naming Conventions¶

Using Libraries¶

Adding Library Path¶

1. Edit > Preferences > Libraries
2. Add path to custom library folder
3. Restart GeckoCIRCUITS

Inserting Components¶

1. View component browser
2. Navigate to library
3. Drag component to schematic
4. Set parameters in dialog

Updating Components¶

When library component changes: 1. Projects using old version unaffected 2. Manual update: right-click > Update from library 3. Or: reload library and replace

Best Practices¶

Documentation¶

Each component should include: - Description of function - Input/output specifications - Parameter descriptions with units - Usage examples - Version history

Version Control¶

# Component: Buck Power Stage
# Version: 1.2
# Date: 2026-02
# Changes: Added ESR to capacitor model

Testing¶

Before adding to library: 1. Test standalone operation 2. Verify all parameters work 3. Check edge cases 4. Document known limitations

Sharing Libraries¶

Export¶

1. Package library folder as ZIP
2. Include README with dependencies
3. List compatible GeckoCIRCUITS versions

Import¶

1. Extract to libraries folder
2. Add path in preferences
3. Restart application

Team Collaboration¶

• Store libraries in shared network folder
• Use version control (Git) for changes
• Maintain changelog

Exercises¶

Exercise 1: Create Simple Component¶

1. Build RC low-pass filter
2. Define R and C as parameters
3. Save as component

Exercise 2: Masked Subcircuit¶

1. Create buck power stage
2. Add parameter dialog
3. Test parameter variations

Exercise 3: Library Organization¶

1. Create library folder structure
2. Move existing subcircuits to library
3. Document each component

Exercise 4: Share with Team¶

1. Package library as ZIP
2. Write installation instructions
3. Create usage example

Common Issues¶

Related Tutorials¶

• 102 - Basic Circuits - Building circuits
• 704 - Java Blocks - Custom code components

Circuit Files¶

Status: Placeholder - example_buck_stage.gsub - Buck power stage component - example_pi_controller.gsub - PI controller component - example_library/ - Sample library structure

Tutorial Version: 1.0 (Placeholder) Last updated: 2026-02 Compatible with GeckoCIRCUITS v1.0+