No, it does not provide for editing the design from the backside -- it is a viewer
(but you can have multiple 3D views of the same design simultaneously visible while
editing the PCB layout in another window).
Besides the obvious 3D fit and import/export to mechanical CAD functions, it is useful
as a "sanity" check on the PCB design both in-progress and as a final check before
sending to fab.
With it, I have caught errors such as: component to footprint fit, silkscreen
intruding on pads (especially on the back side), holes without plating, internal
pad/padstack problems, etc. Sometimes it is easier to see the relationship between
layers when viewing from an angle instead of straight down from the top. For example,
with selection highlighting turned on, you can trace connections from layer to layer
across the board without upper layers directly obscuring your view. Since the
internal plane and soldermask layers are shown in the positive, I have also
caught problems such as thermals that intrude on split plane boundaries, missing
thermal "spokes" (from adjacent thermals) and areas of marginal soldermask coverage.
It can make it easier to see the cause of DRC errors in dense designs.
It can also be useful as a tool for design documentation and illustration (e.g.
product manuals).
You can download a free trial (or just the manual) from:
http://www.qualecad.com/
John Williams
Ian Wilson wrote:
> What about editing it? Is it view only or can you edit while viewing from
> the bottom? My comment above is a bit misleading - what is really needed
> is the ability to view the PCB from the bottom while editing it.
>
> I have thought your product is very good looking and a great piece of work
> but have not been able to justify price for the very small amount of 3D fit
> analysis we do (esp when you take into account the Oz$ exchange
> rate.) Maybe I am not aware of all its features.
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