I work by the rule that every project has its own directory, keeps things tidy.
In that directory .kicad_pro, .kicad_sch, .kicad_pcb and other associted files reside.
But with simulation models it’s not so easy.
I tried with a common “pool” library with “jelly-bean” parts that the project could link to. It worked somehow OK, but was far from ideal.
My current solution is to create a subdirectory to the project called “Models”, and copying the needed models from the “pool” to there, all using the OS file manager.
Non-“jelly-bean” parts I pull from the web and place them there as well.
I then have a nice “project package” containing everything if I want to send the whole thing (zip) to a collaborator.
But it’s still a bit kludgy.
How do you guys deal with attaching sim models to projects?
This is a really good question. I was hoping there would be more ideas here.
At the moment, I use LTspice, first because I have been using it for years, and second, because it allows multiple output panes for graphs. In addition, I use the automatic symbol creation to make new models from subcircuits, which I find incredibly convenient. That being said, I would like to move to an open-source (not just free) solution.
I would really like to be able to make a simulation in KiCad and send that to a colleague with embedded simulation models (just like you can do with PCB symbols and footprints). This way, I can manage a central library of Spice models, but if I zip and send a project directory to someone, the models can be automatically included and they can just run it. It would be important to be able to view and/or extract the models so that the end user to see what model version is being used.
Right now, I do this manually in each simulation directory, but I find this to be a chore.