Simon Knibbs Simon has been working at EPLAN UK for 3 years as an EPLAN Applications Engineer. He started his career in building, services, and moved on to designing and programming early robotics. He then became involved in mechatronic design and PCB layout. Since joining the CAD industry he has always been at the forefront assisting customers. He is a great advocate of value for money and hates to see customers’ investments underutilised through lack of knowledge, configuration skills or investment. He is a firm believer that a consultant’s role is to aid the customer in doing things better, easier and faster. So automation, standardisation and integration into other workflows are his interests. Knibbs.S@eplan.co.uk Simon Knibbs auf LinkedIn

22/08/23

Understanding the Basics Of Electrical Computer-Aided Design (ECAD)

Author: Simon Knibbs Time to read: minute minutes

To serve market demands, electrical engineering companies must keep up with the latest technologies and use the right digital tools. Though ECAD software has roots stretching back over forty years, it has become much more sophisticated and had improved usability in recent times. ECAD applications such as EPLAN are now capable of automating complex electrical design work, complementing and facilitating the work of manufacturing teams.

What is ECAD?

ECAD is often used as the acronym for Electronic Computer-Aided Design, but it also relates to software used for Electrical Computer-Aided Design, where it serves the design of higher-voltage electrical systems. At heart, ECAD is a type of software specifically designed to facilitate the creation of electrical schematic diagrams. ECAD applications can be used to produce detailed 2D schematic diagrams, as well as more sophisticated 3D virtual prototypes of electrical systems.

Schematic Design

ECAD is primarily a tool for electrical engineers to design and edit schematics and layouts. Electrical systems design has always required high-quality, accurate schematic diagrams, and ECAD serves this need while also adding extra functionality. Because it is designed specifically for electrical systems, ECAD software, like EPLAN, facilitates better electrical diagramming specifically, with embedded component information and real systems logic. It also saves time and reduces errors in the design process, offering accurate and usable schematics to engineers on the shop floor.

Beyond standard 2D diagrams, EPLAN can also produce dynamic 3D models, allowing potential problems and clashes to be identified earlier in the design process and helping to standardise actual routing and connection processes.

Reduced Manual Tasks

There are, of course, any number of more generic CAD systems with which engineers can generate electrical schematic designs. However, the fact that ECAD specifically serves the needs of the electrical engineer means that inconsistencies and mistakes can be avoided at an earlier stage. ECAD platforms such as EPLAN include tools to improve workflows, based on real engineering principles, helping to optimise designs with foresight and reduce manual work during installation and maintenance.

Component Libraries

Unlike non-specific design and diagramming tools, EPLAN software includes electrical component libraries to streamline design and ensure compatibility. Component libraries contain detailed information about their entries' electrical properties and physical dimensions, meaning layouts and pinouts can be planned accurately, with potential problems foreseen at an early stage. To ensure maximum reliability, EPLAN uses a cloud-based Data Portal, with component data from thousands of manufacturers.

The EPLAN Data Portal is revolutionising the world of engineering by providing a central database for component data. With over one million components from 344 manufacturers, this portal offers a comprehensive and easily accessible resource for engineers. The recent update to the user interface has made searching for and finding device data even faster and more enjoyable, leading to increased efficiency in the design process. With the goal of achieving 100% digital data availability, the EPLAN Data Portal is paving the way for a future of highly efficient engineering and seamless integration between processes and machines.

Data Exports

All necessary data from ECAD tools can also be exported directly for both manual and automated manufacturing. The EPLAN software generates full documentation for panel building and component assembly, including layout and placement specifications. EPLAN's Smart Mounting and Smart Wiring applications can also offer detailed instructions for populating and wiring an enclosure. This ensures that all electrical enclosures are built in a standardised way, without the need for highly skilled technicians, guesswork, or ad-hoc decision-making.

Next Steps

Get in touch today to find out more about EPLAN, the world’s leading ECAD application for Electrical design engineers.

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