{"id":10538,"date":"2019-02-26T10:00:50","date_gmt":"2019-02-26T10:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.zuken.com\/?p=10538"},"modified":"2023-05-12T10:39:54","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T09:39:54","slug":"tech-tip-routing-pcb-design-native-3d-tool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zuken.com\/en\/blog\/tech-tip-routing-pcb-design-native-3d-tool\/","title":{"rendered":"Tech Tip: Routing a PCB design in a native 3D Tool"},"content":{"rendered":"

PCB design tools were built on 2D software methods in the 1980s.\u00a0 Many of today\u2019s design tools still use that 2D code base. \u00a0Mechanical tools have moved on to native 3D design. PCB has been stuck more or less in the 2D world.\u00a0 Extensions to the 2D code base made 2.5D and 3D visualization possible.\u00a0 But designing in 3D requires the tool to be built on a 3D kernel.<\/p>\n

\"3d-visualization\"<\/p>\n

3D visualization of a PCB is essentially available in every PCB design tool on the market.\u00a0 However, 3D visualization is not a 3D design. Placing components on a PCB in a 3D view using accurate shape 3D models is 3D design.\u00a0 Another aspect of a 3D design is design rule checks for both collision and clearance utilizing 3D models of the components and the PC board enclosure.\u00a0 3D design requires a 3D kernel that replaces the 2D modeling code base.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get back to the purpose of this blog \u2013 native 3D routing.<\/p>\n

Have you tried it? The ability to fan-out micro vias under extremely small BGA footprints is difficult enough in a 2D topside view.\u00a0\u00a0 The overlay of graphics primitives of filled lines and circles can be quite frustrating.<\/p>\n

\"2d-view\"
Typical 2D view of an 8 layer PCB with colors assigned by net rather than be a layer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are those tools that allow designers to quickly toggle from 2D routing to 3D views for a quick visualization only to have toggle back and forth to make the small adjustments to get the via placement just right.<\/p>\n

What if you could route in 3D?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Since the introduction of Zuken\u2019s CR-8000 Design Force, users have been able to realize native 3D placement and routing.\u00a0 In fact, when we asked Design Force users how much time they spend actually routing in 3D versus 2D, the average response came back at approximately 45%.\u00a0\u00a0 2D design is very different from 3D and involves change.\u00a0 Not every PCB designer has decided to dive into 3D design mode.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at some of the benefits of 3D routing that might change your mind.<\/p>\n

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