Connected ECAD‑MCAD Design in Onshape

Cloud synchronization of
ECAD and MCAD data

Onshape’s PCB Studio supports the bidirectional exchange of printed circuit board (PCB) designs from ECAD systems. By using industry standards specifically designed for interoperability, such as Intermediate Data Format (IDF), Incremental Design Exchange (IDX), EAGLE (BRD) files, or using the direct integration with Altium, it is possible to exchange data both ways between ECAD solutions and Onshape without any loss of relevant geometric detail.

Custom Part Library

PCB Studio builds a shared library of electrical components, which is searchable, always in sync, and helps your teams reuse components to save time.

PCB Studio creates a simple Onshape model for each new component in the ECAD data, simplifying designs and enhancing performance by using basic shapes. Users can use detailed Onshape component models when required and PCB Studio automatically saves them to their library for quick placement.

Faster Electro-Mechanical Design Iterations

Get to a final board shape and layout faster. Onshape’s in-context editing lets you view detailed 3D PCB components in the context of the assembly enclosure so you can define the board shape, holes, keep-outs and keep-ins. Find and correct issues like collisions, with accurate component dimensions so your board fits right the first time.

CAD users can give direct 3D feedback to electrical teams to finalize component layout and meet tight form-factor constraints – with the flexibility to maintain all spatial relationships or to move individual components like capacitors, resistors or chips.

Drive Designs Based on PCBs

Whether your PCB is purchased stock or uniquely customized, Onshape treats it as an assembly. You can insert stock parts quickly, and search through components to find the specific sensor, chip, or motor that you need to precisely align and mate.

You can design an enclosure around a custom PCB with the confidence of having a shared coordinate system, dimensional units and naming conventions that enforce clear communication between electrical and mechanical teams.

Faster Time to Market

Onshape’s built-in PDM manages both the MCAD and ECAD data in your versioned Onshape Document. You can branch a design to explore multiple board variations, and when you copy, share or roll back changes, your ECAD data stays in sync with your Onshape design.

PCB Studio reduces the risk of human errors common to ECAD and MCAD teams, such as incorrect board shapes, component positions or assembly fit – helping teams agree on a final design faster with bidirectional exchange of PCB information.

Altium ECAD–MCAD Connection

Eliminate the hassle of file conversions and manual imports. Onshape’s Altium Connector establishes a bidirectional cloud link that lets you pull native Altium 365 PCB data directly into Onshape. Electrical and mechanical changes are synchronized across platforms, ensuring both disciplines are always working in parallel from the latest version. Because the data is in the cloud, you can instantly share 3D boards with stakeholders for real-time review and markup via a simple web link, without any installations.