Importing EDA Layout into SolidWorks

There are many reasons one would want to import a PCB, IC or package layout into SolidWorks: checking mechanical interfaces in 3D, doing a heat flow simluation, stress simulation or other type of FEA simulation.

However getting EDA data into SolidWorks has been quite difficult.

Read3Di was designed to address this problem.

Possible Import Methods

SolidWorks reads a wide array of data formats - one would think that some of the existing formats could act as a useful intermediate between EDA tools (such as PCB/IC/Package layout) and SolidWorks. We found this not to be the case.

Solution?

We developed the Read3Di plug-in using the SolidWorks API. This plug-in, as it's name indicates, reads Artwork's 3Di format and creates an intelligent 3D model in SolidWorks. The other half of the equation is to get your EDA data into 3Di. We already have several translators that do this and more are under development.

How it Works

Each 2 1/2 D object in 3Di (a 2 1/2 D object is a 2D planar region with a Z extrusion) is brought into SolidWorks and extruded. Attributes such as material, color, object and net are attached to the solid body. When complete, there is an accurate representation of the EDA layout in 3D that can then be used for simulation.

Limitations

A 3D database is much more complex internally than a 2D layout database. Therefore one cannot expect to be able to import large PCBs or other designs completely into SolidWorks. This is not a limitation of the import plug-in but rather a basic limitation of the underlying database powering SolidWorks.

Because of this it is common to select only a portion of an entire PCB, IC layout or package layout for importation.

Platforms

The Read3Di plug-in is compatible with SolidWorks 2010 and 2011 64 bit editions. It is loaded like any other SolidWorks plugin.