Intro to STEP Translators

Artwork has received many requests for translators to move from 2D EDA data (PCB layout, IC layout and MEMs) into 3D MCAD tools. We have done significant work over the last 6 years in preparation - first with our 3Di database and viewer (used in Cadence SIP family of package and MCM products) and then with the more recent Read3Di software for importing 3Di directly into SolidWorks (using SolidWorks API)

STEP as Intermediate File Format

To make a general purpose translator from 2D EDA into 3D MCAD one needs to use a format that is well supported by the major MCAD tools.We feel that the STEP specification has achieved significant adoption among major MCAD tools and it is this database we plan to use as our connection to MCAD.

Artwork is developing a family of tools available to both OEMs and end users that will bridge mechanical, PCB and IC data domains via the STEP format. We plan to release these at the end of Q1 2012.

Getting from EDA to STEP

The flow chart below shows how we plan to connect EDA tools to MCAD tools via the STEP format.

Notice that there are several steps in getting to STEP. First one has to extract or export layout data; then the 2D layered data has to be extruded into 3D. Finally the 3D data is converted into STEP.

While this may appear to be unneccessarily complex, there are good reasons for this multi-step approach.

• supports a wide variety of input formats

• enables finer grained control of what gets translated

• leverages existing mature EDA extractors

Development Road Map

Most of the translators in this flow chart are completed. The final chain in the link is the STEPout translator which we expect to complete by the end of Q1 2012.

We also plan to enhance our 3DVU program to act as a tool that can make complex selections of 3D data in order to reduce the size of the STEP file.

No reverse (i.e. STEP to EDA) products are currently planned.

Special Requirements or Needs?

If you are reading this and you have a particular requirement please feel free to contact us and explain your requirement. We are most interested in understanding how our customers want to use such connections from EDA to 3D and what roadblocks they have run into.

Please send your comments and inquiries to:

Steve DiBartolomeo
Applications Manager
Artwork Conversion Software, Inc.
steve@artwork.com