AUTODESK FUSION ECAD MCAD

ECAD MCAD collaboration simplified with one software solution

Bridge the gaps between traditional ECAD MCAD software with a truly unified electronics and mechanical software tool.

ECAD MCAD software screenshot

What is ECAD MCAD?

ECAD (electronic computer-aided design) software is used to design and create electronic structures. MCAD (mechanical computer-aided design) software is used to design and create mechanical systems.

Intelligent products require integrated electrical and mechanical characteristics. Thus, it is vital that our design and engineering workflows are also integrated. ECAD and MCAD need to work together to enable true interoperability.

Benefits of integrated ECAD MCAD

Design Unification

Autodesk Fusion enables ECAD and MCAD designers to work natively and independently on the same design project and within the same design management platform. You never have to integrate any third party software, translate, exchange, or export STEP, XDF, or IDF files, ever.

Collaboration

Autodesk Fusion offers a complete online collaboration experience for PCB, mechanical, and data management, making sure that every stakeholder is part of the product development cycle. Design changes are automatically managed to enable you to revise your board shape, component placement update, or modified enclosure.

True 3D PCB Design

With integrated ECAD and MCAD in Autodesk Fusion, 3D PCB data such as board copper, core material, and components can be analyzed, verified, and validated on the MCAD side to make sure they meet the product design specifications.

Autodesk Fusion, integrated ECAD MCAD software

Integrated ECAD MCAD for consumer products

Product designers require solutions that help them bring consumer products to market faster and to easily transition from design to production.  Autodesk Fusion enables seamless integration of ECAD and MCAD.

  • Iterate faster with simultaneous collaboration capabilities
  • Minimize delays with ECAD/MCAD integration
  • Simplify project communications with connected teams in one platform

Using Autodesk Fusion for ECAD MCAD integration

Getting started with integrated ECAD MCAD

Learn how to integrate ECAD & MCAD
electronics design

Electronics Design

Comprehensive full-featured electronics tool for your schematics, PCB, simulation, library management, manufacturing, and more.

 

mechanical design

Mechanical Design

Fully functional and powerful 3D design and modeling, including PCB integration, sketching, rendering, sheet metal, and assemblies.

 

simulation

Simulation

Easy to use yet powerful e-cooling simulation to verify and validate thermal design of your printed circuit board (PCB) early and often.

Autodesk Fusion Cadence ECAD MCAD partnership

Better together: Autodesk and Cadence ECAD MCAD integration

Autodesk and Cadence have partnered to optimize the experience for Allegro X and OrCAD X users with Autodesk Fusion, delivering a seamless ECAD MCAD design workflow.

This partnership facilitates real-time updates, such as defining or updating enclosure outlines in Fusion, seamlessly adopted by the Cadence PCB or fine-tuning component placement in Fusion and, in moments, receiving alerts in Cadence. This will enhance design efficiency and eliminate the need for disruptive file conversions.

Resources for ECAD MCAD

Get started with ECAD MCAD with these tutorials, guides, tips, and tricks.

ECAD MCAD integration is a necessity in today’s world. See how Autodesk Fusion can make electronics to mechanical workflows easy.

Fusion makes electronics to mechanical workflows easy with seamless ECAD MCAD integration.

Let’s explore the three main benefits of using PCB design software to combine ECAD (electronic computer-aided design) and MCAD (mechanical computer-aided design).

 

Learn how to easily and quickly define your PCB outline from a mechanical design.

 

Want to maintain an automatic connection between your PCB and enclosure when updates occur? Edit in Place ensures your MCAD and ECAD designs always stay in sync.

MCAD – Mechanical computer-aided design and ECAD – electronic computer-aided design, when combined, can help streamline crucial development processes.

 

Get truly unified ECAD MCAD integration

ECAD MCAD frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Does Autodesk Fusion include electronics?

Yes, Autodesk Fusion unifies MCAD and ECAD workflows. Whether you’re an electrical engineer looking for a cloud-based PCB design tool or an industrial designer looking to incorporate PCBs into your work, Fusion 360 is the solution for you. The electronics workspace is a comprehensive and affordable end-to-end solution that includes 999 schematics, 16 layers, and unlimited board area.

What is ECAD (electronic computer-aided design)?

Electronic Computer-Aided Design (ECAD) software is used to create and modify both 2D and 3D diagrams and layouts, to design Printed Circuit Boards (PCB).

What is MCAD (mechanical computed-aided design)?

MCAD (mechanical computer-aided design) software is used to create and modify 2D and 3D CAD geometry to design and document mechanical components.

What is the benefit of integrated ECAD MCAD?

Using two separate software tools to create one functional prototype can be frustrating and time-consuming. PCB design software collaboration optimizes PCB assembly and reduces the risk of error. MCAD and ECAD integration allows for a one-stop-shop solution for accuracy.

What issues can arise from manually collaborating between ECAD and MCAD?

Manually collaborating between ECAD (Electronic Computer-Aided Design) and MCAD (Mechanical Computer-Aided Design) can lead to several potential issues:

  • Data inconsistency: Without a streamlined process, data can become inconsistent between the two systems. Design changes in one system might not get reflected in the other, leading to discrepancies.
  • Time and efficiency: Manual collaboration requires more time to coordinate and communicate changes between teams. This can result in slower design cycles and increased time to market.
  • Potential errors: Manual entry or transfer of data increases the opportunity for human error. Mistakes can lead to serious design flaws, which may not be caught until much later in the design process, leading to costly reworks.
  • Lack of real-time collaboration: Without integrated ECAD/MCAD software, teams can't work simultaneously on the same project, leading to inefficiencies and delays.
  • Difficulty tracking changes: When changes are made manually, it can be more difficult to track who made changes, when, and why. This can make troubleshooting design problems more challenging.

Why is ECAD MCAD collaboration importatnt in today's design and manufacturing process?

ECAD/MCAD collaboration is crucial in today's design and manufacturing process largely due to its ability to enhance efficiency and foster innovation. By integrating ECAD and MCAD, mechanical and electrical engineers can work simultaneously on the same project, ensuring consistency in design and reducing the time to market. This multidisciplinary approach is vital in modern product design, which often incorporates both mechanical and electrical components. A collaborative environment helps in early detection of design errors, leading to cost savings by avoiding expensive reworks later on. Companies leveraging ECAD/MCAD collaboration gain a competitive edge, as they can bring innovative products to market more quickly.

Is Autodesk Fusion ECAD MCAD software?

Yes, Autodesk Fusion is both an ECAD (Electronic Computer-Aided Design) and MCAD (Mechanical Computer-Aided Design) software. It offers integrated ECAD and MCAD functionalities, allowing 3D PCB data such as board copper, core material, and components to be analyzed, verified, and validated to meet product design specifications. Fusion enables ECAD and MCAD designers to work natively and independently on the same design project within the same design management platform. It eliminates the need for third-party integration, translation, or exchange of files.

What are the best practices for ECAD MCAD co-design?

To ensure successful ECAD MCAD co-design, it's important to use integrated software that allows real-time collaboration and reflects changes across systems, like Autodesk Fusion. Clear communication and defined roles for each team are critical. A centralized platform should be maintained for all design data, serving as a single source of truth to prevent discrepancies. Regular design reviews involving both ECAD and MCAD teams are essential to catch errors early. 

See more FAQ