The relevance of design software in electronics development

L'importanza dei software di progettazione nello sviluppo dell’elettronica

The introduction of CAD (Computer Aided Design) software represented a revolution in the electronics design field. Before, electronic boards were drawn manually. Pages of lists with numbers and properties had to be drawn up and interpreted in order to choose the components for the electronic layout. The entire process of selection, positioning and connection could take weeks or even months. Furthermore, the chance of making mistakes was also very high. It is easy to imagine why CAD has become an indispensable tool in electronic design today.

In the 1970s, the first positioning and layout tools were introduced, which later evolved and specialized into today’s software. Today, CAD is a generic term for any programme that can help developers in the creation of their product. ECAD (Electronic Computer Aided Design) and EDA (Electronic Design Automation) refer more specifically to software dedicated to electronic design and microprocessors.

ECAD is the most important tool in the electronic design process. It performs the main tasks of developing circuit diagrams, running simulations, implementing equations and data. It allows the engineer to digitally draw the circuit board, even in 3D, to define which electronic components are used and which tracks are used to connect them.
The entire process that used to be performed with pen and paper is now being digitalized by software that offers input fields to enter information and check for contradictions or inaccuracies.
PCBs are complex systems and it is virtually impossible even for professionals to remember every single design rule.
The ECAD software is able to detect if there are design errors or flaws in the layout during the component placement and connection operation.
This control of design rules is all the more complete and reliable the more targeted the software is used.

Syen deploys some of the most powerful ECAD software in the design, electronic design and testing of complex electronic schematics at both logical and physical levels. With these tools, electronic schematics can be designed from scratch and simulations can be performed to determine how the hardware will respond when an input is provided. Different alternatives can also be constructed and compared with each other. The software can quickly and automatically test the logical operation of the circuit diagram.

Every electrical component also has a physical dimension, and the ECAD software can handle this aspect as well as the logical diagram. The software allows engineers to place the physical components represented in the circuit diagram on a virtual model. Any discrepancies, such as overlapping parts or lack of space, are reported and can be corrected long before the circuit board is put into production. The software also checks for interference and controls the management of heat dissipation from electronic components on the circuit board.
ECAD also generates production documentation, which is delivered to the production department with all specifications used to source, manufacture and produce the circuit board.

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