An engineering team discusses the pros and cons of implementing an ECAD integration
The development of new PCB design software tools moves almost as fast as the development of major transformative electronic products. To keep up in the fast-paced electronics product design industry, the question is not if but when to incorporate ECAD integration into your design process. And the most immediate impactful integration you can make is to your component library.
Virtually all EDA software tools have some inherent component library functionality, with the exception of some of the more popular open-source PCB design programs. Additionally, the PCB design process is becoming increasingly complex, requiring simulations and other analyses that require specific and accurate CAD models. Consequently, a customization that includes integration with your design tool of choice is the best option for optimizing your PCB design workflow.
ECAD Integration Benefits and Options
Modern ECAD integration operates through standardized APIs and plugin frameworks that connect your design environment directly to comprehensive component libraries. This architecture eliminates the traditional bottleneck of manual component searches and library maintenance.
The most effective integrations leverage ECAD models for component data organization to structure information flow between design tools and component databases, such as the custom library integrations from Ultra Librarian listed below.
| Custom ECAD Integrations with Ultra Librarian | |||
| CAD Platform | Integration Method | Library Access | Workflow Impact |
| Cadence | Native plugin | Full component database | Minimal disruption |
| Altium | Direct integration | Real-time updates | Seamless workflow |
| KiCad | Plugin installation | Complete library | Enhanced functionality |
| PADS | Built-in connector | Instant access | Zero learning curve |
| eCADSTAR | Native support | Full database | Integrated experience |
| Autodesk | Plugin framework | Complete access | Streamlined process |
| Pulsonix | Direct connection | Real-time sync | Smooth integration |
| Quadcept | Built-in integration | Full library | Native experience |
As shown above, UL provides custom component library integration for the industry’s leading PCB design software. The benefit of these custom ECAD integrations is probably best understood by first looking at typical challenges to augmenting or improving legacy ECAD programs.
Common Integration Challenges and Solutions
The primary reason why engineers and PCB designers continue to use legacy software that fails to meet their functionality and capability needs is their apprehension about the difficulty of implementing it. In many cases, designers will forego making the change due to a perceived extensive downtime. This issue is virtually eliminated with UL’s services, as they create the component library models without interruption to your workflow. Other challenges and how these can be addressed include:
| Typical EDA Integration Challenges and Solutions | ||
| Integration Challenges | Description | Solutions |
| Legacy CAD Version Compatibility | Many engineering teams operate on older CAD software versions due to project continuity requirements. | Modern integration solutions address this through backward-compatible plugins and API layers. Implement integration tools that support multiple CAD versions simultaneously, allowing gradual migration without workflow disruption. |
| Component Library Standardization | Different projects may require varying component specifications and approval processes. | Establish integration workflows that respect existing approval hierarchies while providing expanded component access for approved users. |
| Network Security Restrictions Corporate | IT policies may limit external database connections required for real-time integration. | Deploy hybrid integration approaches that cache frequently-used components locally while maintaining secure connections for new component access. |
Benefits of ECAD Integration
Implementing custom ECAD integration offers the following advantages for your PCB design workflow.
Key ECAD integration benefits:
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In addition to the workflow benefits above, a custom component library integration can be a significant part of your cost reduction strategy. The following example illustrates potential cost savings.
ECAD Integration Cost Savings Example: Monthly Time Savings = (Hours per component search × Components per project × Projects per month) × Efficiency improvement percentage Example calculation:
Result: (0.75 × 150 × 4) × 0.75 = 337.5 hours saved monthly At an average engineering rate of $85/hour, this represents $28,688 in monthly productivity gains. |
ECAD integration represents a fundamental shift toward more efficient, accurate PCB design processes. The combination of comprehensive component libraries, seamless CAD platform integration, and proven implementation methodologies delivers measurable improvements in design quality and team productivity. Success requires selecting integration solutions that align with your existing CAD environment while providing the scalability to adapt as your engineering needs evolve.
If you’re looking for CAD models for common components or how to best benefit from component library ECAD integration, Ultra Librarian helps by compiling all your sourcing and CAD information in one place.
Working with Ultra Librarian sets up your team for success to ensure streamlined and error-free design, production, and sourcing. Register today for free.