What is CircuitWorks?

CircuitWorks is an add-in available in SOLIDWORKS CAD software. CircuitWorks brings PCB design into the SOLIDWORKS ecosystem, allowing for further integration between ECAD and MCAD teams. A collaboration tool, CircuitWorks enables users to both import PCB layout information directly to their parametric SOLIDWORKS designs, and define assemblies within SOLIDWORKS that can then be sent to the PCB tool of your choice. This bidirectional design means CircuitWorks works the way you do, augmenting your current workflow.

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Key Benefits of CircuitWorks for SOLIDWORKS

Augmented Workflow

CircuitWorks for SOLIDWORKS augments your existing ECAD-MCAD workflow. Whether your design process starts with electrical components, mechanical components, or both concurrently, CircuitWorks’ two-way editing functionality seamlessly integrates within your product development workstream.

Improved Integration

Not only does CircuitWorks allow you to import PCB design files directly into SOLIDWORKS, it also opens the door to the entire suite of SOLIDWORKS offerings. Run thermal analysis and other simulations on your PCB, visualize your board directly within the CAD model of your product, and ultimately ensure improved accuracy in your product designs–all without the need for copious costly physical prototypes.

Streamlined Collaboration

CircuitWorks breaks down the barriers traditionally separating electrical and mechanical teams. Now, collaboration between the two teams occurs natively in the design file, thus streamlining the communication, revision, and collaboration processes between all stakeholders.

Two Paths to Production

The power of CircuitWorks comes from its process-agnostic implementation. No matter how your organization currently handles design collaboration between electrical and mechanical teams, CircuitWorks acts as a connector facilitating this collaboration process, ultimately saving time and improving communication.

Let’s take a look at two possible paths to production and see how CircuitWorks can help you regardless of which path you take.

ECAD Driven

Electrical Design: The electrical engineer designs the PCB in their ECAD/PCB design tool of choice then sends their design file to the mechanical team.
Import to SOLIDWORKS: Through the CircuitWorks add-in for SOLIDWORKS, the mechanical engineer is then able to bring the PCB file directly into the SOLIDWORKS environment. CircuitWorks is able to take all common neutral file types, including IDF, IDX/ProStep EDMD, and PADS ASCII files.
Mechanical Design: The mechanical engineer works on the physical design of the board and fits it into the overall product design, running necessary simulations and making edits to the board itself as needed which will then be passed back to the electrical team for their review.
Design Iteration: Step 3 repeats until both teams are satisfied with the design and you’re left with your finished product.

MCAD Driven

Mechanical Design: The mechanical engineer designs the physical PCB footprint, mounting holes, and keep-in/keep-outs in SOLIDWORKS, uses CircuitWorks to export it back to a neutral IDF/IDX/PADS ASCII file, then sends that exported design to the electrical team.
Electrical Design: The electrical engineer brings that electrical file into their preferred ECAD/PCB design tool and builds out the electrical system according to the physical design.
Design Iteration: The electrical engineer sends their revised design back to the mechanical team for review and implementation into the 3D CAD product model for testing and further edits. The teams are able to pass the design back and forth, tracking changes, until they reach the final version of the board and end product.

As seen in the above workflows, changes are happening bidirectionally as both teams contribute conjointly to the edit and design process. CircuitWorks helps facilitate collaboration and design, ultimately accelerating project completion time and thus time to market.