Folks,
For those of you whose interest has been raised about this product, it has
a very
useful 3D height DRC capability. We use this to set component height boundaries
and check for compliance. Especially within small and restricted enclosures.
Entering all components heights manually can be somewhat tedious. However,
the user can import these from a file. We use a CIS database system from
www.ionos.com to store part data, including height values. Each time a new part
is introduced this value is entered. When we want to setup the height DRC we
simply export these to a text file for import into Protel. Quick, simple
and effective.
A final point, you don't need to specify another library of 3D parts. Only
if you want
pretty effects or absolute accuracy. We let the 3D viewer from QualEcad
generate
the models from the footprint courtyards.
At 11:12 PM 9/05/2001 -0700, you wrote:
>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.
>
Regards,
Colin Weber
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