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Originally posted by Zuken.com
Zuken attended PCB West in the USA earlier this year and the big buzz was that attendees could print their selfies right onto their lattes! But alongside this, they uncovered some interesting statistics about PCB design.
3D design productivity
86% of respondents feel that a 3D design tool is more productive than a 2D tool. Last year, 85% of the respondents said they had designed a board in 3D at least once, and they’re not looking back. With improved visualization and the opportunity for ECAD/MCAD co-design, what’s not to like?
Downloading Internet parts
When asked if they would download library parts from the web, a whopping 73% said yes. That’s just slightly higher than last year’s 70% who said they had downloaded parts already. With companies like Ultra Librarian, Symacsys, TE Connectivity, and Digi-Key offering downloads, it’s becoming easier all the time, and many of the parts are free.
Concurrent design
Attendees were asked if concurrent design is important, and 86% responded yes. Going it alone seems to be a fading trend. With the ever-increasing product complexity, design silos are being replaced with collaborative design processes. The concurrent PCB design is just one example of collaboration that can partition the board for faster completion or for specific design technologies like RF or DDR5. If your tools don’t offer concurrent design, it may be time for a change.
Perhaps the most interesting statistic from the survey was that 63% indicated they’d consider changing PCB design tools.
Ready for change
Given that switching isn’t easy, that’s a big number. What’s compelling this willingness to change? Perhaps it’s a need for 3D design capabilities, or the desire to increase ease of use with the ability to download parts from within the design tool. Or maybe it’s the need to incorporate concurrent design to facilitate a more collaborative design process. Whatever the reasons, it’s clear that PCB designers are ready for a change – and not just in their coffee orders!
If you stopped by our booth at PCB West then you had a chance to see eCADSTAR, a new internet-connected PCB design platform. Learn more about this new tool and sign up for a free 30-day evaluation on the website. It may be just the change you’re looking for!
For more information please contact us today!
