ECAD-MCAD Presentation 2011

Achieving MCAD and ECAD Integration

2Copyright © 2012 Altium Limited

What exactly does this mean?

All Electronics Product Designs, have to fit into some kind of form factor

Increasing complexity of these form factors

Traditional interchange formats increase the difficulty as these form factors increase in complexity.

Fit or Multi-dimensional checking, is a necessity

This interchange needs to be done in Real time


Traditional ECAD-MCAD Integration

Getting the electronics to fit into the mechanical enclosure has traditionally been a laborious painful iterative process.

ECAD and MCAD design data transfer has traditionally been addressed by the use of common file formats that pass basic dimensional information between the design applications in each domain:

Data translation errors are frequent due to limitations and inconsistencies in the exchange format itself (i.e. resolution settings, version, etc…).

Many companies have an archaic ECAD-MCAD methodology in place and typically welcome any new ideas/capabilities

•DWG - AutoCAD Native Binary Format

•DXF - Drawing Exchange Format by Autodesk

•IDF - Printed Circuit Board Data Exchange File

•IGES - Initial Graphics Exchange Specification; ASME Y14.26M

•STEP - Standard for the Exchange of Product model data; ISO 10303

Mechanical Design Tool3D Component Model

PCB Footprint Model

PCB Design Tool

DXF/DWG/IDF Input

DXF/DWG/IDF Output


Inherent Problems

2D formats DXF, DWG, and IDF do not support complex features

Height information may not available and is typically entered manually

Correlation of 3D data may be required

Interference checking typically a lengthy painful iterative process (manual) between mechanical designers and electrical designers


A New ECAD-MCAD Integration Method

What’s needed is the ability to design and position correctly-sized objects in both domains to ensure the overall design fits together as intended.

The ECAD design domain must be able to check the integration of PCB design with the mechanical design elements

Integrating the MCAD world in a non-proprietary way with ECAD design through the STEP format.

Bring the mechanical assemblies or case designs from the MCAD system directly into PCB design/layout process.

PCB Design (Altium Designer)

STEP 3D Component

Model

PCB Footprint Model

Mechanical Design Tool

STEP Output

STEP Input


Unifying ECAD and MCAD in the EDA tool

Provide a direct link to external STEP models – a robust, data-rich 3D file format supported all major MCAD software systems

Enable dynamic or live clearance and mechanical (multi-dimensional) fit rule checking

Enable detection of updates to the source STEP models, providing a dynamic link between the electronic and mechanical domains

Multiple boards should be represented by STEP model assemblies

PCB mechanical structures should be created by this same universal format


STEP Import and Export

STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data)

– Support for STEP AP203 and STEP AP214

Import and embed a STEP model file into a footprint

Import, embed, or link, a STEP model files of the PCB enclosure

Import a STEP model file to create a board shape

Export a STEP model of the PCB or entire assembly

•AP203 - Configuration controls 3D designs of mechanical parts and assemblies

•AP214 - Core data for automotive mechanical design processes

•AP214 and 203 in the area of 3D mechanical design for electro/electronic-mechanical products

•AP214 took over all of the functionality of the earlier AP203 edition and then extending the capabilities significantly


3D Rule Checking

Component Clearance Rule

Free-Floating 3D Body Clearance Rule

3-D Body Infinite Clearance Rule

Rule Priorities

Live and Batch Rule Checking

Real Time checking between multiple board assemblies


Benefits

Results in a significant reduction in the number of design iterations necessary to fully verify mechanical and electrical constraints have been met

Relies on a widely accepted standard format; Not Sticky

Enables early verification of PCB component clearance directly against the real enclosure design

Enables direct DRC feedback during board layout, component placement and even component package choice to suit the proposed enclosure design

Competitive Position

Let’s just look at some quotes from the Mentor PADs forum:“I made 2 ideas toward STEP

- 3D Functionality of Decals / PCB and 3D import in PADS (June 2008; under consideration)

- 3D with PADS: more functionality (July 2009: received)…

Altium does a good job (STEP import / export, support of 3D Space Mouse, ...) and i hope that PADS will have soon the same or even more functionality (collision detection, min. distance from Housing to Components or Traces, ...)”

- Mentor user, May 2011


Competitive Position

Let’s just look at some quotes from the Cadence forum:“Our company has transitioned tools from Altium to Cadence and one of the

features we have lost with Cadence is the ability to export the board outline to our mechanical engineers in a STEP format.

1. Is there a way of exporting this from Allegro PCB?

2. Do you have to buy some costly third party SW to do this? (I am already taking heat for the cost of Cadence versus Altium)”

- Cadence user, Aug 2010


Technology

ECAD-MCAD Presentation 2011