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PRODUCT FEATURE

On-Demand ECAD/MCAD Collaboration

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What is On-Demand ECAD/MCAD Collaboration?

ECAD/MCAD collaboration in PCB design is the integration and communication between Electrical Computer-Aided Design (ECAD) and Mechanical Computer-Aided Design (MCAD) systems. ECAD tools are used by electronics engineers to design circuit layouts, component placements, and signal integrity within the PCB, while MCAD tools are used by mechanical engineers to design the physical enclosures, mounting features, and other structural aspects of the product. Collaboration between ECAD and MCAD ensures that the electronic and mechanical elements of a product fit and function together seamlessly, minimizing design errors and accelerating product development.

This feature is available in OrCAD X and Allegro X

Benefits

  • Improve Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration
  • Guarantee Proper Fit and Function of the Product
  • Minimize Design Errors
  • Accelerate the Product Development Process

Try On-Demand ECAD/MCAD Collaboration with OrCAD X

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On-Demand ECAD/MCAD Collaboration in OrCAD X

Managing the electrical requirements in the context of your mechanical constraints can be a significant challenge especially when you don’t always have a full or up-to-date picture of the mechanical enclosure and environment. OrCAD X enables efficient communication between ECAD and MCAD environments with:
  • IDX Import and Export
  • On-demand collaboration
  • Comparison Reports
  • Incremental Updates
  • Rejecting or Accepting Changes
  • Native Integration and Modeling
  • Real-time Bi-directional Communication
  • Intelligent Data Transfer
Achieve this integration between OrCAD X and the industry-leading MCAD tools including:
  • SOLIDWORKS
  • Creo
  • Siemens NX
  • Catia
  • Fusion 360
Achieve a cohesive design environment and accelerate your product development process by establishing efficient ECAD/MCAD collaboration with OrCAD X.
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Key Features of On-Demand ECAD/MCAD Collaboration in OrCAD X

OrCAD X and Allegro X contain the functionality you need collaborate efficiently between ECAD and MCAD design teams.
Native Integration and Modeling
The tools required to effectively communicate between ECAD and MCAD can be found natively, directly inside the corresponding design environment. Models are created natively, creating a synchronized library of components. This streamlines the collaboration process, minimizing external methods for data transfer while ensuring accurate information is communicated between the different CAD environments.
Baseline Import and Export
Easily import or export a baseline of your PCB design to begin collaboration between ECAD and MCAD designs. This will guarantee both teams are starting their designs with accurate and synchronized information.
Incremental Updates
Both mechanical and electrical design elements change rapidly throughout the product development process. These changes must be communicated efficiently to keep both disciplines up to date. Incremental updates allow you to push and pull changes between ECAD and MCAD environments to incorporate modifications accurately. Both ECAD and MCAD design teams have the ability to accept or reject changes and add comments to effectively collaborate on the product design.
Real-Time Synchronization
Real-time synchronization will notify designers when a change occurs in the other design environment. A color-coded status will effectively communicate when a design is up-to-date, an update is available, a change is being reviewed, and when a change is accepted or rejected.
Intelligent Data Transfer
ECAD and MCAD designs have different areas of interest resulting in different nomenclature and objects within the respective designs. This makes it difficult to communicate the critical features such as keepins and keepouts, non-plated holes and plated holes, etc. ECAD/MCAD collaboration in OrCAD X provides an intelligent data transfer, automatically identifying differences between the ECAD and MCAD environments and mapping features to their equivalent in each discipline.
Version History and Tracking
Obtain a detailed history of the product development process and easily review when changes occurred and by who to track product development and eliminate confusion.

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Additional Resources for On-Demand ECAD/MCAD Collaboration

How-to

How to Import a Board Outline from an IDX File with OrCAD X Presto

Learn how to import a board outline from an IDX File in OrCAD X Presto with the help of an IDX drawing- useful when creating a board with a unique enclosure.
See How-to
Ebooks

Harmonizing Hardware: Bridging ECAD and MCAD for Seamless Integration

Seamless ECAD-MCAD integration is more than a goal to be competitive in today’s electronics industry, it is an objective that must be realized.
See Ebooks
Blog

10 Questions to Ask for Effective ECAD MCAD Collaboration

With many of us working from home, it is more important than ever to find ways to actively communicate with our mechanical counterparts. The first step is asking the right questions throughout the...
See Blog
On-Demand Webinars

Design in Harmony: Seamless ECAD and MCAD Collaboration

Watch this on-demand webinar with Edwin Robledo of Autodesk® as he discusses the importance of seamless integration between electronic and mechanical design for optimal PCB development and showcase it through a demonstration.
See On-Demand Webinars
Blog
Common example where ECAD and MCAD are necessary

The Difference Between ECAD and MCAD

Overcoming the difference between ECAD and MCAD can be difficult. Yet, with the right software tools and support, optimal integration can be achieved.
See Blog
On-Demand Webinars

Next Generation MCAD/ECAD for SOLIDWORKS

Learn how the MCAD and ECAD experts at Hawk Ridge and EMA can help you solve your MCAD/ECAD integration challenges with this unique collaboration environment.
See On-Demand Webinars
How-to

How to Seamlessly Collaborate Between MCAD and ECAD with MCADx

Learn how to efficiently collaborate and communicate between SOLIDWORKS and Allegro X to create a successful assembly with MCADx.
See How-to
Videos

MCADX Overview

Ensure clear communication of design changes with bi-directional updates and guarantee accurate integration between ECAD and MCAD designs with MCADX.
See Videos
Blog

Best 2D and 3D Rendering Software

The advantages of 2D and 3D rendering software include faster development, fewer DBT cycles, and lower overall development costs.
See Blog
Blog

3D Product Design Software

3D product design software allows you to meet the functionality, capability, and complexity challenges required for electronics development.
See Blog

Leverage the Advanced Capabilities of OrCAD X

Learn more about the advanced features and capabilities of OrCAD X that will help you design your PCBs quickly and accurately.
Learn More

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