Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1512857
24 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2023 in MCAD, not some degraded variant (e.g., fragmented arcs). When routing, you can mir- ror the outline, maximizing space and simpli- fying routing. is tight integration between these two disciplines is the key to ensuring downstream success. Designers should consult with and maintain constant communication with their PCB fabricator, especially when dealing with odd or unconventional, complex board geometries. A lot of these PCBs in odd geometries begin life in MCAD software. What do designers need to know about importing IDF, DXF, or STEP files into the ECAD world? e data exchanged from MCAD to ECAD must cover all physical perspectives, includ- ing beyond the realm of the 2D perspective. It's a 3D problem. Collaborating on an accurate digital twin (e.g., ensur- ing that ECAD and MCA D s ee the same thing) is about more than the board outline. Consid- eration of critical features such as mounting holes, heatsinks, slots, contours, and components at any angle or location, as well as height constraints zones, are examples of informa- tion that must be addressed cohesively between the two disciplines and their respective worlds. e key is a solid and seam- less MCAD-ECAD integration and col- laboration that includes bi-directional data exchange and communication. We highly recommend the industry best practice of using the Interdomain Design Xchange (IDX) when passing data between the MCAD and ECAD disciplines and their respective domains, which is easily done within the solutions offered by Siemens. IDX is the industry's latest and greatest design exchange format. e two older exchange formats, DXF (Drawing Interchange Format) and IDF (Intermediate Data Format), can rep- resent only parts of the required data. STEP (standard for the exchange of product model data) does yield a true 3D representation of design data and can be used for PCBs, compo- nents, mechanical assemblies/housings, and any other design files which may be collabo- rated on by multiple designers using different programs, but it has no functionality for true collaboration and requires manual checking by each designer to ensure design data is correct and up to date. erefore, the legacy formats are enhanced by the IDX XML schema for the best potential for successful MCAD-ECAD co-design. What advice would you give designers who are moving into designing PCBs in odd-shaped geometries? Fully understand the basics of PCB design, master your EDA tools, and implement industr y best practices by following industr y guide- lines and standards when designing odd or uncon- ventional geometries. Seamless integration and collaboration for MCAD-ECAD co- design, along with the use of the IDX data for- mat, and constant communica- tion with both your PCB fabrication and assembly suppliers starting as early as possible, are key for achieving PCB design success of odd or unconventional geometries. Thanks for your insight, Steph. ank you, Andy. Always a pleasure. DESIGN007 Designers should consult with and maintain constant communication with their PCB fabricator, especially when dealing with odd or unconventional, complex board geometries.