Using 3D STEP Models to Reduce PCB Design Respins

Why 3D STEP Models?

Integrating mechanical design workflows into electrical design tools has become a necessary component of today’s successful PCB design processes. But transferring inaccurate design data back and forth between the ECAD and MCAD worlds can not only cause frustrations felt by both design teams but can also drastically increase the number of design spins required to fit a PCB into its final assembly. Regardless of the electrical design tool’s 3D capabilities, accurate component 3D modeling information is crucial to the success of this process.

What Is the Issue Here?

MCAD tools traditionally supply all mechanical data, but some still rely on antiquated methods like DXF or IDF files to exchange that data. While IDF can be useful for creating simple extrusions of component bodies many details are missed because of the limitations of the IDF file. STEP model integration provides a significantly higher level of 3-dimensional data that can not only be passed over to the MCAD world but can also be used directly in your ECAD tool.

Integration methods for STEP models can differ between toolsets. It is important that the model can be easily imported into the footprint while also having the ability to be visually manipulated in the 3D environment. Having to switch between the PCB tool and a different 3D viewing environment can add yet another hurdle to this process.

Solution

Adding and manipulating 3D models in a Native 3D^™ design environment like Altium Designer^® makes the unification of the ECAD and MCAD worlds as efficient as possible. Download a free whitepaper about Embedding a 3D STEP Model in a Footprint White Paper to find out how to reduce the number of required design spins while ensuring that your board fits right the first time.