Chapter 1 - Introduction to PCB Design and CAD

Abstract

Computer-aided design (CAD) is a category of CAE related to the physical layout and drawing development of a system design. CAD programs specific to the electronics industry are known as electronic CAD (ECAD) or electronic design automation (EDA). EDA tools reduce development time and cost because they allow designs to be simulated and analyzed prior to purchasing and manufacturing hardware. Once a design has been proven through drawings, simulations, and analysis, the system can be manufactured. Applications used in manufacturing are known as computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) tools. CAM tools use software programs and design data (generated by the CAE tools) to control automated manufacturing machinery to turn a design concept into reality. Capture is the centerpiece of the package and acts as the prime EDA tool. Capture contains extensive parts libraries that may be used to generate schematics that stand alone or interact with PSpice, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Editor, or both simultaneously. PCB Editor is a CAD tool that converts a symbolic schematic diagram into a physical representation of the design. PCB Editor also functions as a front-end CAM tool by generating the data on which other CAM tools operate when manufacturing the printed circuit board (PCB). Combining all three applications into one package produces a powerful set of tools to efficiently design, test, and build electronic circuits. The key to successful project design and production is in understanding the PCB itself and knowing how to use the tools that build the PCB.