Integrating the CAD Worlds of Mechanics and Electronics with NEXTRA

Following the mechatronic as contemporary engineering discipline the integration of mechanical and electrical CAD (MCAD/ECAD) systems is a big challenge because the data models and functionality of modern MCAD and ECAD systems have been developed continuously further apart. Market research confirms that an integrated tool for ECAD and MCAD design is prerequisite for a better mechatronic development process. This paper describes the concept and implementation of 3D CAD system for mechatronic products which combines all the known functions for circuit layout design - such as read netlist, placing components, wiring conductor pattern and verify design rules - with the multiple possibilities for spatial modeling and visualization in a development tool. The overview of typical applications like creeping, 3D MID and air gap analysis is also given.