Autodesk and Cadence Join Forces to Revolutionize Electromechanical Product Design

The landscape of product design is experiencing a seismic shift with the recent announcement made at Autodesk University concerning a pioneering partnership between Autodesk and Cadence Design Systems. This alliance signals a significant leap forward in how printed circuit board (PCB) designers and mechanical design teams collaborate, signaling the end of the digital ping-pong of files and the beginning of a new era of integrated electromechanical product design.

The integration of Cadence's acclaimed PCB design technologies with Autodesk's Fusion platform represents a strategic move toward an open ecosystem that fosters improved collaboration. With cloud-based integration between Autodesk Fusion and Cadence Allegro X and OrCAD X, the design process is streamlined, linking ECAD to MCAD workflows and accelerating innovation in smart product design.

Your New Electromechanical Workflow with Autodesk Fusion and Cadence Allegro X and OrCAD X

Imagine working on a high-speed PCB layout for a cutting-edge wearable device, where every inch of space is at a premium, and thermal management is a high-priority concern. Thanks to the integration between Autodesk Fusion and Cadence's Allegro X, mechanical constraints are no longer a black box for PCB designers. This collaboration provides an interactive 3D visualization of both electronic and mechanical components in real-time, offering a dynamic, informed design environment where adjustments in one domain are immediately reflected in the other.

The partnership eliminates the constant back-and-forth of file exports and imports, replacing it with a synchronized design and development process. This innovation not only ensures that components physically fit together but also that they function together optimally, with integrated metadata, clearance checks, thermal simulations, and material selections.

Professional designers like Tyler Berryman of Brash, Inc. recognize the transformative potential of this direct connection between Autodesk and Cadence's tools. The elimination of manual data translation and the errors and inefficiencies associated with it herald a new benchmark in product design and client service.

Key Benefits of This Unified Design Ecosystem

The Autodesk and Cadence integration brings a multitude of benefits to the design table, directly addressing the demands of a rapidly evolving marketplace.

• Remote Collaboration: The global nature of business makes collaboration across different locations and time zones a necessity. This integration enables real-time collaboration directly in the cloud.
• Customization and Extensibility: Both Autodesk Fusion and Cadence PCB design tools are designed to accommodate customization through APIs and scripting, which streamlines workflows for unique project demands.
• Agile Rapid Prototyping: The combined strengths of Fusion and Allegro X/OrCAD X facilitate an agile, rapid prototyping process, allowing teams to validate mechanical and electrical designs in unison.
• Cost Efficiency: A shorter design cycle translates to reduced time to market and cost savings, including the potential for material cost optimization.
• A Seamless Transition from Design to Production: By merging Autodesk Fusion’s CAM and CAD capabilities with Cadence’s PCB design expertise, the path from concept to production becomes clearer and more manageable.

This collaboration is a monumental stride for the product design industry, bridging the gap between disciplines and fostering an environment of shared expertise and integrated effort.

Jeff Kinder, Executive VP of Product Development and Manufacturing at Autodesk, emphasizes the importance of this partnership in today's climate of remote collaboration and rising customer expectations. The unified approach of Autodesk Fusion and Cadence Allegro X and OrCAD X, bolstered by Autodesk's Fusion Industry Cloud, places customer data at the core of the process, enabling seamless collaboration and fostering innovation to meet and exceed customer demands.

As the industry continues to evolve towards devices of increased complexity and intelligence, the need for cohesive design between electronics and mechanics has never been more pronounced. This partnership not only meets current market needs but also establishes a foundation for the future of integrated design.

In conclusion, the union of Autodesk and Cadence Design Systems is a landmark moment, signaling the dawn of a new era in electromechanical product design. By harnessing the power of this integration, designers and engineers will have the tools they need to create the sophisticated and smart products of tomorrow. For those seeking to stay at the forefront of the newest and most advanced design software technology, we encourage you to contact our sales team at NOVEDGE to explore how our offerings, including industry-leading software like V-Ray, PTC, and MAXON, can revolutionize your design process.