Autodesk and Cadence have joined forces to revolutionize PCB design and 3D modeling. This partnership enhances collaboration, efficiency, and precision in electromechanical workflows, setting new industry standards and opening doors to innovation.

Autodesk and Cadence, leading companies in design software, have announced an important partnership to change how we design circuit boards and 3D models. This news was shared by Stephen Hooper, VP of Product, during AU 2023. This collaboration marks a significant step in the evolution of PCB design and 3D modeling. 

This partnership brings together two leaders in the design and manufacturing world, offering Cadence Allegro X and OrCAD X users a direct pathway to Autodesk Fusion for all their PCB 3D modeling needs. This release is the culmination of a close working collaboration between both companies. 

Cadence’s status as the industry leader in PCB design is well-earned. Its unmatched tools and capabilities make it an indispensable asset for designers facing the challenges of today’s electronics industry. By using Allegro X or OrCAD X PCB Design, the complexity of your design is not a barrier but an opportunity to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence. 

Autodesk Fusion is an all-in-one design platform that empowers designers, engineers, and manufacturers to bring their ideas to life. Its intuitive interface and collaborative features allow teams to work together efficiently, fostering creativity and productivity. 

Autodesk Fusion and Cadence integration

The Cadence and Autodesk Fusion integration is set to revolutionize electromechanical workflows. It provides an unprecedented ability to preview PCB designs within the Autodesk Fusion mechanical workspace. This feature is more than a mere technical handshake; it represents a shift in how PCB designs are approached, enabling a more fluid, intuitive, and collaborative design process.

In a large corporation, product development hinges on engineers accessing the right tools that align with their expertise and preferred workflows. Asking engineers to switch to new tools for better collaboration has been risky, potentially leading to delays in product launches or manufacturing errors. Recognizing this, Autodesk Fusion has been developed to be resilient and adaptable, bridging the gap between specialized applications like Cadence.

With Fusion, there’s no need to push Cadence experts to abandon their familiar environment. Instead, Fusion’s adaptability empowers mechanical and electronic engineers to work together more efficiently, which helps conserve resources and accelerates time-to-market by eliminating barriers between disciplines.

Design refinement

Key to this integration is the flexibility it offers in design refinement. Engineers can now fine-tune component placement directly in the Fusion 3D modeling workspace or within the assembly drawing. This dual capability ensures that design adjustments are not only more efficient but also more precise.

Enhanced visual validation

A significant advantage of this new workflow is its enhanced visual validation. Users can ensure proper alignment of connectors, status indicators, and other crucial components, thus reducing the likelihood of errors. This confirmation is essential in preventing interference between PCB components and the product enclosures, thereby ensuring the final product’s functionality. 

The Autodesk-Cadence partnership marks a milestone in the evolution of design and manufacturing technologies. By bridging the gap between PCB design and 3D modeling, this collaboration opens up new possibilities for innovation, efficiency, and precision in electromechanical design. 

As this integration unfolds, it promises to set new standards in the industry, empowering designers and engineers with tools and capabilities that were once beyond reach. Stay tuned for further developments in this exciting journey towards redefining the electromechanical design and manufacturing landscape. 

On March 20th, Autodesk and Cadence presented this integrated solution at the CadenceTECHTALK: Design in Harmony – Seamless ECAD and MCAD Collaboration webinar presentation. In case you missed it, you can catch the recording and hear about this offering from Vincent DiLello, CID+, Sr. Principal Product Engineer, Cadence and myself, Edwin Robledo, Autodesk Technial Marketing Engineer. Watch the recording today.

Step into the future of design innovation today with Cadence and Autodesk Fusion. Request your free trial of Cadence OrCAD X Professional and download your free trial of Autodesk Fusion today to embark on your journey toward a brighter future in design.