Product development continually evolves, as do CAD tools. Competition demands improvements in productivity and advances in innovation. With many variables and goals constantly changing, designers and engineers are required to be knowledgeable with CAD tools and be capable of using more than one CAD tool to design efficiently for the best result.
It is said that “a picture is worth a thousand words” and such is the case with design schematics. The capability to visualize the design during the engineering process produces fewer errors and quickens time-to-market. By incorporating a combination of CAD tools during engineering, the designer becomes familiar with the constraints involved and is capable of considering the overall picture and competent to design with fewer mistakes.
The Design
Designing a high-density integrated electronics package for an aircraft application creates numerous challenges. The project had to fit a specific location with size constraints of 1 ½ inches square and with depth confinements of 2 ½ inches. The project housing was designed in 3D to define the interior space available for printed circuit boards (PCBs), wires, sensors and buttons. The design was exported from the 3D software and imported into the PCB design software. This provided a valid PCB outline to begin the electrical design work.The unique aspects of this design were the use of multiple boards and mediums, two rigid boards and one flex board. Two boards in this application were a 3D puzzle that had to mesh together. Although irregularly shaped, the outlines provided a valuable design space for layout of the circuits. Additional keepouts were added for holes, stand-offs, and header placement. The net list was imported and a variety of components displayed for layout. The components each had custom attributes that defined the geometric height, which became imperative during the import back into the 3D tool.
The components were divided in power components and logic components. Power components were placed on one board, logic on the other. The power components were located per best layout practices to generate the optimum layout. This design was then exported, and then imported into the 3D tool to generate the area available for safe component placement on the logic board. Once defined, the design was exported and imported back into the PCB design tool.
Using this information, the logic board was generated to create the best possible outcome. Component layout was not as critical for logic components and longer circuits may have been generated since this was not high speed. Again, the design was exported and then imported into the 3D tool. The two designs were coupled and a verification of clearances was confirmed. If errors were located, the design was reverted back to the layout tool for correction. The process was continued until no errors were found, typically 2 – 3 iterations.
The Visibility
By maximizing the use of multiple CAD tools, the clearance issues are verified before a costly process of ordering, manufacturing and assembly is incurred. Costs are compounded as the engineering process progresses. By resolving any interference issues sooner, the overall expense is greatly reduced.
Using a 3D component library, realistic looking components are integrated into the PCBs and incorporated into the final 3D assembly. This creates a pleasing image the customer can appreciate. The customer now has the availability to see the final product long before any prototypes are run. The customer can then decide if any further changes are required before progressing to prototypes.
Not all companies make the most of 2D to 3D electrical design. Norlux utilizes multiple CAD tools to create valuable products for its customers. For more information or to inquire about Norlux’s engineering capabilities, please contact Norlux at 630-784-7500 or visit us at www.norluxcorp.com
Not all companies make the most of 2D to 3D electrical design. Norlux utilizes multiple CAD tools to create valuable products for its customers. For more information or to inquire about Norlux’s engineering capabilities, please contact Norlux at 630-784-7500 or visit us at www.norluxcorp.com
