ECAD Document Types in Windchill

Hello All,

Please find the below definitions of ECAD Documents and ECAD Types in Windchill.

ECAD Document is typically a subtype of EPM Document (Engineering Product Management Document) used to manage electronic design data originating from ECAD authoring tools such as:

• Altium Designer
• Cadence Allegro
• Mentor Graphics / Xpedition etc

ECAD integrations allow organizations to store, version, control, visualize, and manage electronic design information as part of the overall Product Definition and Digital Thread. ECAD documents can participate in product structures, change management, BOM management, and release processes.

ECAD Board

ECAD Board subtype typically represents the physical PCB layout generated by an ECAD tool.

It contains:

• PCB geometry
• Stack-up information
• Component placement

This object often becomes the master electronic design representation managed within Windchill and may be associated with Parts, BOM, Changes etc.

ECAD Definition

ECAD Definition generally represents the authoritative engineering design data used to define the electronic product.

This may include:

• Native ECAD design files
• Logical design information
• Design intent
• Component definitions

The definition document serves as the primary engineering-controlled source from which other derivative outputs are generated.

Common relationships include for WTPart, Build Associations, Changes etc.

ECAD Derived

ECAD Derived subtype is typically used for secondary or generated content originating from a source ECAD design.

Examples include:

• IDF files
• STEP models
• Visualization data

The object maintains traceability to the parent design and supports downstream consumers such as engineers in shop floor, supply chain, quality etc. Windchill commonly manages both source and derived design information as controlled objects within the product structure.

ECAD Documentation

ECAD Documentation object contains supporting engineering documentation associated with an electronic design.

Typical contents include:

• Requirements documents
• Design specifications
• Test documents etc.

These documents provide context, justification, and supporting information but usually do not contain the native ECAD design itself. Windchill document management capabilities support version control, lifecycle management, and traceability of this documentation.

ECAD Manufacturing

ECAD Manufacturing subtype represents production-ready manufacturing deliverables derived from approved ECAD designs.

Common deliverables include

• Assembly outputs
• Fabrication drawings etc.

These files are often released under change control and linked back to the originating ECAD design to maintain complete traceability.

Windchill ECAD data management specifically supports organizing and managing derived manufacturing information

ECAD Schematic

ECAD Schematic represents the logical circuit design captured using ECAD authoring tools.

The schematic includes:

• Connectivity information
• Component definitions

The schematic serves as the logical design source from which PCB layout and BOM information are generated.

Electrical Schematic

Electrical Schematic generally represents system-level electrical design documentation rather than PCB-level electronic circuitry.

This may include:

• Harness designs
• Wiring diagrams
• Control circuits
• Power systems etc

This subtype is often separated from PCB design information because its lifecycle, stakeholders, and downstream manufacturing processes differ from traditional ECAD PCB development.

Others may comment more on ECAD Sub types.