ECAD 1

[HDS]

Had anyone used ECAD tools with Solid Edge? The only one I see listed on the webpage is PCBto3D. Is it any good? Are there others?

 

[fredericmenage]

Hi,

The wiring harness module in SE can import txt files containing wire,cable and connection definition and create an automatic wiring harness using predefined connectors on assembly parts (or defined on the fly).

PCBto3D works well to import IFD format: brd/lib, emn/emp, and others (bdf,idb). No succes with PADS format (acs). When importing, the process is sometimes time consumming. One of its advantage is that each feature like different holes are separate entities.

Another PCB import software is Desktop/EDA for Solid Edge (IDF 3D modeler). It is faster, a bit more user-friendly and a bit better with PADS format. The only disadvantage I could see was that the features were grouped and not as easily filtered.

HTH

Fred

 

[HDS]

Do the board level programs build the assembly with the component models?

Do they allow 2 way communication back into Ecad?

Will they work with V20?

 

[fredericmenage]

1) Yes, either it's a simple block by default or it's a model that you made and named appropriately.

2) The idf file can be resaved in SE with the add-in (PCBto3D or Desktop/EDA) after a modification allowing a 2 way communication

3) not tested in V20. I'm guessing that they will work right away.

 

[HDS]

1)Is one vendor better than the other? They both appear to be very small companies.

2)Are they continuing to develop the products?

3)Are they any major bugs that haven't been fixed?

 

[fredericmenage]

For the best vendor, I couldn't say. I think you should contact them directly.

I think the development is still on going for poth packages and AFAIK there are no major bugs remaining.

Fred