ELX-311-MODULE-1 Introduction To ECAD

INTRODUCTION TO ECAD
Definition
Electronics Computer-Aided Design
(ECAD) software is used to create
and modify both diagrams and
layouts, including both 2D and 3D, in
order to design, assess and
document electrical Printed Circuit
Boards (PCB).
Application
In the development process, ECAD
software can be used to:
 Explore different iterations of a

PCB, either abstractly as a diagram or in full detail as a layout or 3D assembly. Users can
build out different alternatives and options, comparing them to each other.
 Generate manufacturing documentation, which is released to manufacturing as part of the
specification used to source, fabricate and produce PCBs.
CAPABILITIES PROVIDED
ECAD software provides some combination of the following capabilities.
Diagramming capabilities allow engineers to define what electronic components are used
and what signals are used to connect them. Engineers select components from a company-
standardized library that is centrally controlled.
Layout capabilities provide a means to create the PCB’s outline and dimensionally place
components within its boundaries. These capabilities can be utilized in either 2D or 3D
models. The list of electronic components used in the diagram is carried over to the layout,
where it almost becomes a to-do list for placement.
Trace Routing capabilities allow engineers to define the path the trace follows in a specific
layer of the PCB between electronic components. This can be done in 2D or 3D, with
switching between the layers of the PCB. The signals from the diagram, which embody from-
to information between components, are carried over into the layout, which defines where
each component is placed on the PCB.
Automation capabilities, which automatically routes traces from components to components
based on interconnect information, is available. This can be done initially and then
customized.
3D Assembly capabilities provide a way to create a 3D model of the PCB. These models are
often used to check for interference within an enclosure as well as checking for managing the
dissipation of heat from the electronic components on the PCB.
Collaboration capabilities deliver tools to capture and coordinate feedback between
individuals on a team developing the routed system.
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ELX 311 BTVTEd ELX 3A || MICROELECTRONICS
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Viewing capabilities provide the ability to visualize the design of the routed system. This is
important for non-technical roles that do not have the skills or knowledge to use the RSD
software directly.
Markup capabilities allow individuals to capture their feedback in the context of the design of
the routed system.
Multi-Board design capabilities provide the capabilities to diagram and layout multiple PCBs
that work together as a single system.
IC and PCB Co-Design capabilities offer a means to assimilate Integrated Circuits (ICs)
processors into the PCB, optimizing how traces connect to compact footprints.
Concurrent Design capabilities enable multiple team members to work simultaneously on
the same PCB or multi-board PCB design.
Rule or Constraint Checking capabilities automatically compares the design of a PCB
against industry or company rules, highlighting violations or issues that can affect the
performance or manufacturability of the PCB.
Manufacturing Export capabilities provide the ability to generate ECAM deliverables, which
can then be used to manufacture the layers of the PCB.
Bill of Material (BOM) capabilities automatically generates the list of electrical components
for the PCB.
Related Technology Enablers
ECAD software can produce a number of different deliverables, which can be managed
by Product Data Management (PDM) software. Designs from ECAD software are often
interchanged with Mechanical Computer-Aided Design (MCAD) software to generate a 3D
model of the PCB.
Additionally, there are numerous technology enablers that exchange data with ECAD
software.
 Electrical Computer-Aided Engineering (ECAE) software can use the geometry created by
ECAD software to create analysis models to simulate the performance of the PCB across a
range of physics domains.
 Electrical Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ECAM) software uses manufacturing export from
ECAD software to automatically create toolpaths to produce the layers of the PCB.
In some cases, ECAD software and some of these tools are combined into a single
application or service. In other cases, ECAD software is offered as part of an integrated suite
alongside some of these applications or services.
How is ECAD Used for Electronics Design?
Electronics products and systems are so named due to the inclusion of circuit boards or
PCBAs, which are composed of electronic components and circuits. The design of a PCBA
using ECAD software is a sequential process, consisting of the following steps:
1. Schematic Generation (Capture)
2. PCB Layout
3. Simulation

4. ECAD/MCAD Integration
1. Schematic Generation (Capture)
The first step for all the most simplistic designs is to create
your schematic, where the component symbol—an example
is shown in Fig. 1, below—is acquired during component
selection. The symbol is then placed directly in schematic
sheets and connected to other components with nets.
LM 1558H883 Op-amp schematic symbol from Texas

Instruments
This is probably the most creative aspect of the design

process and may include quite a bit of arrangement to
ensure accurate connectivity between parts. It is also a good
idea to attempt to arrange components, at least generally,
as you anticipate they will be on the actual board. Doing so may simplify your PCB layout,
especially for manual routing, but also if you use auto-
routing (a common function with ECAD tools).
2. PCB Layout
Most often, the second step in the design process is

the layout. This includes placing components, trace
routing, and defining board parameters such as size,
materials, location of vias, and the number of layers
and their properties. Both the schematic and layout are
dependent on your parts library for schematic symbols
and PCB footprints. A footprint example for the LM155
Op-amp (above) is shown in the figure below.
LM 1558H883 Op-amp footprint from Texas

Instruments
3. Simulation

Although it is not incorporated in all PCB design
packages, another important ECAD capability is
simulation. Schematics and PCB layouts may be
simulated. The most used simulation tool for schematics is
PSpice—an integral part of Cadence’s PCB Design and
Analysis package—which requires your parts have
a SPICE model library and is typically used for signal
analysis. Board designs are also simulated, most often for
power distribution (PDN) design and thermal analysis.
4. ECAD/MCAD Integration
If you are working on a system design, the ability to create

3D drawings of components—as shown in Fig. 4, below—and boards is a definite asset.
LM 1558H883 Op-amp 3D model from Texas Instruments
The advantages of this capability are as follows:
 Inspection of component vertical clearances
 Inspection of stackup and via alignments
 MCAD or internal design of enclosures, cases, etc.
 Export for MCAD incorporation
How to Choose the Best ECAD Tool for Your Design
An ECAD tool should possess some basic functionalities and capabilities such as the ability
to create the schematic and board layout and check for design errors. However, for the best
and most efficient electronics design, there are other essentials that should be included in
your ECAD tool. Among these are the ability to import and export commonly used design
formats (including CAD file formats), back annotate between the schematic and PCB layout
to ensure changes in one will reflect in the other, and create part symbols and footprints.
However, the most important ECAD function is the electronic part search, as the components
selected will define functionality and operation, influence layout decisions and physical
dimensions, and enable the optimization of your design prior to sending it off for
manufacturing. Therefore, the best ECAD tool should provide for simple and easy component
library integration into the design process. A good example of the advantages of this
functionality are illustrated in the video, BOM creation.


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INTRODUCTION TO ECAD

 Explore different iterations of a

ECAD software provides some combination of the following capabilities.

ISATU – ELX DEPT Page 1

How is ECAD Used for Electronics Design?

1. Schematic Generation (Capture)

ISATU – ELX DEPT Page 2

1. Schematic Generation (Capture)

LM 1558H883 Op-amp schematic symbol from Texas

This is probably the most creative aspect of the design

Most often, the second step in the design process is

LM 1558H883 Op-amp footprint from Texas

ISATU – ELX DEPT Page 3

If you are working on a system design, the ability to create

LM 1558H883 Op-amp 3D model from Texas Instruments

The advantages of this capability are as follows:

 Inspection of component vertical clearances

 Inspection of stackup and via alignments

 MCAD or internal design of enclosures, cases, etc.

 Export for MCAD incorporation

How to Choose the Best ECAD Tool for Your Design

ISATU – ELX DEPT Page 4

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