![]() Mentor Graphics PCB InterfaceThe SolidDesigner Mentor Graphics PCB Interface provides direct, bi-directional data transfer between Mentor Graphics BoardStation (tm) PCB design software and SolidDesigner. The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) Interface enables designers to design and develop mechanical and electrical components of products concurrently, and eliminates the tedious task of interpreting and re-entering information during product development. As a result, the design process is speeded up, quality is improved and your time to market is reduced. PC board outlines can be designed in either SolidDesigner to meet mechanical dimensions or in the Mentor Graphics BoardStation (tm). PCB geometry, including supplementary information, may be transferred from SolidDesigner to the Mentor Graphics BoardStation (tm) so that remaining electrical components and interconnecting traces can be placed. Alternatively, existing board design information from the Mentor Graphics BoardStation (tm) can be imported into SolidDesigner, and will automatically be assembled into a solid model of the PC board. Mechanical components can then be combined with the solid PCBoard to create a complete product model, which can be visualized within SolidDesigner. The SolidDesigner software can run the simulations required to detect potential mechanical problems. Components that are influenced by the mechanical environment can be replaced in SolidDesigner and exchanged with the Mentor Graphics system for electronic rework. A bi-directional transfer between the two systems can be completed at any time during PCB and enclosure design. The following information can be exchanged: graphical attributes, graphical annotation elements and electrical and mechanical component positions and types. A library of standard Mentor Graphics components, including
connectors, switches and displays, is included with the PCB interface,
eliminating the time-consuming process of creating those components.
The elements of the library can be represented at different levels,
from basic shapes to detailed models. Additional components may be
added to the library and defined. The SolidDesigner Mentor Graphics
PCB Interface is supported on all platforms that support
SolidDesigner. It requires Mentor Graphics BoardStation (tm) Version 8
or higher.
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