New CAD Updates For Circuit Designers

CAD software is changing frequently and improving as technology advances.

00:00 15 September 2018

This design technology has been around for many decades and is a million miles away from where it was when it was first developed. If you think of how engineering has advanced over the years, a lot of this is to the credit of CAD. Clearly, in order to design a robust product that is reliable and safe, the software you use to do this needs to be as effective as possible. This is especially true for those who make circuits and so we have put together a list of some of the updates that could benefit your circuit design. Keep reading to find out more.

How Can Updates Help?

Some of the changes that CAD has made in recent updates have helped to reduce the potential risk of products being defective, again helping with new product introduction and potential rework and scrap of products manufactured. For those that are designing circuits, there is a new circuit maker download version available on the market which enables you to create your designs efficiently and for a reduced cost.

What Are The Updates?

In terms of what has improved recently with CAD software, you will find that these may seem pretty simple, but the changes help the designers of circuits become far more efficient. The first update involves transferring of data. If for example, different suppliers are using different design software, generally the new version of CAD will accommodate this if you are transferring info in. It would be a disaster if you were to design a product in the latest CAD software and your supplier was making a component that would assemble into this and did so in a different software and you could not bring this together to get a simulation.

Another update that you should consider is the additions of simulations. Whether it is a circuit board or a component you are making, the simulation of the end result is really key to ensure that the product will work correctly.  If you do not have this feature, then you are running the risk of your product not working. If it picks up a defect or potential issue, this then allows you to make a design change prior to getting into mass production of what could have been a poorly designed circuit board.

The final update that you should consider is the addition of 3D simulations. You may think that this is not new news however the recent 3D updates have allowed you to design the component as you want in 2D or 3D. Most people prefer to design and make changes in 2D mode but then revert to 3D as an assembly of their circuit.

Where Can I Get CAD?

You don’t need to head to your local computer retailer anymore and come out with a package of discs. CAD can generally be downloaded online from professional retailers. Depending on how many licences you require it can be a pretty expensive purchase, therefore, some software providers will offer monthly payment plans for circuit designers.