{"id":94,"date":"2026-09-23T01:43:12","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T01:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/powertechguide.com\/?p=94"},"modified":"2026-10-20T10:40:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T10:40:26","slug":"kicad-vs-autodesk-fusion-pcb-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/powertechguide.com\/en\/kicad-vs-autodesk-fusion-pcb-design\/","title":{"rendered":"KiCad vs Autodesk Fusion: Which PCB Design Software Is Right for Your Project?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"94\" class=\"elementor elementor-94\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d24ed93 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d24ed93\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5798f710 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5798f710\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Choosing the right PCB design software can have a major impact on an electronics development project.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For a hobby project, you may want software that is free and relatively easy to learn. For a small engineering company, however, PCB layout is only part of the development process. Mechanical design, enclosure dimensions, component placement, manufacturing, and documentation can also become important.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Two interesting options are <strong>KiCad<\/strong> and <strong>Autodesk Fusion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>KiCad is a free and open-source EDA platform that includes schematic capture, PCB layout, SPICE simulation, 3D visualization, and manufacturing data generation.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Autodesk Fusion combines electronics design with mechanical CAD in the same environment. Its electronics workflow includes schematic capture, PCB layout, 3D PCB visualization, and manufacturing outputs.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This article compares the two from a practical engineering perspective.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What Do You Need From PCB Design Software?<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>A PCB design tool normally needs to support several steps:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} --><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schematic design<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Component selection<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PCB layout<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Design Rule Check (DRC)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3D PCB verification<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Manufacturing files<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BOM generation<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mechanical integration<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Design documentation<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For a simple development board, the first six may be sufficient.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For a complete product, however, mechanical integration can become extremely important.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:quote --><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>PCB \u2192 connector \u2192 enclosure \u2192 mounting hole \u2192 display \u2192 cable \u2192 mechanical assembly<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><!-- \/wp:quote --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>A PCB that works electrically may still fail mechanically if the connector or mounting holes do not align with the enclosure.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This is where ECAD-MCAD integration becomes useful.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. KiCad<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>KiCad is an open-source electronics design automation suite.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>It supports:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schematic capture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PCB layout<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Electrical Rule Check<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Design Rule Check<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SPICE simulation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3D PCB visualization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gerber and manufacturing data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Component libraries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>KiCad&#8217;s current documentation describes it as a free and open-source EDA suite supporting schematic capture, simulation, PCB layout, 3D rendering, and data export.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Its PCB Editor also includes interactive routing, DRC, length tuning, and tools for migrating designs from several other PCB platforms.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">KiCad&#8217;s major advantage<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The biggest attraction for an individual engineer or small development team is the <strong>free and open-source model<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>You can learn PCB design without making a significant software investment.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>KiCad also provides an integrated 3D viewer, which allows you to inspect the PCB and components in three dimensions.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Autodesk Fusion<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Autodesk Fusion takes a somewhat different approach.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Instead of treating PCB design and mechanical CAD as completely separate activities, Fusion integrates electronics and mechanical design into one environment.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Its electronics workflow is basically:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Schematic \u2192 PCB Layout \u2192 3D PCB \u2192 Mechanical Design \u2192 Manufacturing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Autodesk describes Fusion as combining electronics and mechanical design, simulation, collaboration, and manufacturing workflows.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Fusion&#8217;s Electronics Design document manages the relationship between the schematic, 2D PCB, and 3D PCB.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. My Experience With Autodesk Fusion<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u00a0In my own electronics development work, I have used Autodesk Fusion for PCB-related projects.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: inherit; font-family: inherit;\">One of the things I found particularly useful was the connection between PCB design and mechanical design.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">In a real product development environment, designing the PCB is only one part of the job.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The PCB must also fit inside the enclosure, and connectors, mounting holes, switches, displays, and other mechanical components must be correctly positioned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">\u00a0Being able to work with both electronics and mechanical design in the same environment can make this process much easier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. KiCad vs Autodesk Fusion<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:table --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Feature<\/th>\n<th>KiCad<\/th>\n<th>Autodesk Fusion<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Schematic<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>PCB Layout<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>DRC<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>SPICE<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3D PCB<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Manufacturing output<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Open Source<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mechanical CAD<\/td>\n<td>Limited compared with Fusion<\/td>\n<td>Strong<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ECAD-MCAD integration<\/td>\n<td>More separate workflow<\/td>\n<td>Integrated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Enclosure design<\/td>\n<td>Separate CAD may be needed<\/td>\n<td>Integrated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Personal projects<\/td>\n<td>Suitable<\/td>\n<td>Suitable depending on plan\/limits<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Small product development<\/td>\n<td>Suitable<\/td>\n<td>Particularly useful when mechanical design is important<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Learning<\/td>\n<td>Electronics-focused<\/td>\n<td>Electronics + mechanical workflow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p><!-- \/wp:table --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The table should be presented as a <strong>feature comparison<\/strong>, rather than saying one program is universally better.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Why ECAD-MCAD Integration Matters<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This is probably the most important part of the article.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Imagine you are designing a small electronic controller.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The PCB contains:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MCU<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Power supply<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Communication connector<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Display<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Buttons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>LED indicators<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sensor connector<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The board may initially look like this:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Schematic<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0PCB Layout<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a03D PCB<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Enclosure<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 Final Product<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The problem is that the PCB cannot be designed independently from the enclosure.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>USB connector must line up with enclosure opening<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ethernet connector must be accessible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>mounting holes must match mechanical bosses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>display must align with the front panel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>buttons must reach the enclosure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PCB height must clear the enclosure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>heat-generating components need sufficient space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Fusion is designed specifically around the connection between electronics and mechanical design. Autodesk&#8217;s documentation describes workflows that move between PCB design and mechanical assembly\/enclosure design.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. A Practical PCB Development Workflow<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For a small engineering project, I would structure the workflow like this:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1 \u2014 Define requirements<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Determine:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Input voltage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Output voltage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MCU<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Communication interfaces<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sensors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Connectors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PCB dimensions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enclosure dimensions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2 \u2014 Create the schematic<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Start with the electrical architecture.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:code --><\/p>\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>     Power Input\n          \u2502\n          \u25bc\n     Power Supply\n          \u2502\n          \u251c\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 MCU\n          \u2502           \u2502\n          \u2502           \u251c\u2500\u2500 RS-485\n          \u2502           \u251c\u2500\u2500 CAN\n          \u2502           \u251c\u2500\u2500 USB\n          \u2502           \u2514\u2500\u2500 Sensor\n          \u2502\n          \u2514\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 LED \/ Display<\/code><\/pre>\n<p><!-- \/wp:code --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3 \u2014 Assign footprints<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Every component needs an appropriate physical footprint.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 Resistor<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0Schematic symbol:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><code>\u00a0 \u00a0R1<\/code><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0PCB footprint:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><code>\u00a0 \u00a00603<\/code><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0or<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><code>\u00a0 \u00a00805<\/code><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0or<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><code>\u00a0 \u00a0Through-Hole<\/code><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This step is extremely important because an incorrect footprint can cause a manufacturing problem even if the schematic is electrically correct.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. PCB Layout<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>After schematic completion:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Component placement<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Power routing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Ground plane<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Signal routing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0High-speed signals<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0DRC<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a03D inspection<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>KiCad and Fusion both provide workflows that connect schematic information with PCB layout.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Don&#8217;t Forget Power and Ground<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>From a practical electronics engineering perspective, PCB software cannot automatically solve every design problem.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The engineer still needs to consider:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Power distribution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ground return paths<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Decoupling capacitors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Current capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trace width<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Thermal issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>EMI\/EMC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High-speed signal integrity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Analog\/digital separation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Connector placement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For example, if a microcontroller resets intermittently, the problem may not be the software.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>It could be:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Power supply \u2192 PCB trace \u2192 ground \u2192 decoupling \u2192 reset circuit<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This connects directly with the real-world engineering experience discussed in your earlier PowerTechGuide articles.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Manufacturing Is the Final Test<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>A PCB design isn&#8217;t finished simply because the PCB looks good on the computer.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>You need manufacturing data such as:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gerber<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Drill files<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BOM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pick-and-place<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assembly documentation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Fusion&#8217;s manufacturing workflow can generate outputs including Gerber, ODB++, pick-and-place, netlists, BOM and documentation.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The important concept is:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:quote --><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Design \u2192 Verification \u2192 Manufacturing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><!-- \/wp:quote --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>not simply:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:quote --><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Design \u2192 PCB<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><!-- \/wp:quote --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. What Should an Individual Engineer Use?<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For an individual engineer learning PCB design, KiCad is an interesting starting point because it is free and open source and provides a complete schematic-to-PCB workflow.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>A simple project could be:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Project 1<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a05V Power Supply Board<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Project 2<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Arduino\/STM32 Controller<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Project 3<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0RS-485 Communication Board<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Project 4<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Battery Monitoring Board<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Project 5<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Industrial Sensor Controller<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>These projects also fit very well with the technical subjects you are already writing about on PowerTechGuide.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">12. What About a Small Engineering Company?<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For a small company, the decision can be more complicated.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The company may need:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PCB design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mechanical design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enclosure design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Manufacturing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BOM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Documentation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Revision management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Collaboration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>If electronics and mechanical design are closely connected, Fusion&#8217;s integrated ECAD-MCAD workflow can be useful. Autodesk specifically positions Fusion around combining electronics and mechanical design in one environment.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Electronic Controller<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0PCB<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Enclosure<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Mounting Bracket<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2193<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 Complete Product<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Instead of managing completely separate workflows, the engineering team can work within the same Fusion environment.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">13. My Practical Approach<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For PowerTechGuide, I would describe the decision this way:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Personal \/ learning project<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Consider:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0KiCad<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>because it provides a full PCB development workflow without requiring a commercial PCB CAD investment.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electronics + mechanical product<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Consider:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Autodesk Fusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>when PCB and mechanical enclosure design need to be closely connected.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Professional engineering organization<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Evaluate commercial EDA platforms based on:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Board complexity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High-speed requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Library management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Team collaboration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Manufacturing workflow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Design management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Existing company standards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">14. The Most Important Lesson<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The PCB CAD program is only a tool.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>A good PCB design still depends on engineering fundamentals.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Power<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2192 voltage\/current<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Signal<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2192 impedance\/integrity<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>PCB<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2192 layout\/grounding<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Mechanical<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2192 dimensions\/clearance<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Manufacturing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2192 DFM<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Testing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2192 validation<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Therefore:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:quote --><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Good PCB design is not just about drawing traces. It is about designing a reliable product.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><!-- \/wp:quote --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/powertechguide.com\/pcb-design-software-small-business-personal-projects\/\">PCB Design Software for Small Businesses and Personal Projects: KiCad, Autodesk Fusion, and More &#8211; PowerTechGuide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Choosing the right PCB design software can have a major impact on an electronics development project. For a hobby project, you may want software that is free and relatively easy to learn. For a small engineering company, however, PCB layout is only part of the development process. Mechanical design, enclosure dimensions, component placement, manufacturing, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1851,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"postBodyCss":"","postBodyMargin":[],"postBodyPadding":[],"postBodyBackground":{"backgroundType":"classic","gradient":""},"page_builder":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,106,108],"tags":[30,25,28,32,31,27,29],"class_list":["post-94","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-electronics","category-read","category-tools","tag-autodesk-fusion","tag-ecad","tag-electronics-design","tag-kicad","tag-mcad","tag-pcb-design","tag-pcb-layout"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO 5.0.3 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Choosing the right PCB design software can have a major impact on an electronics development project. 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