Issue link: https://resources.pcb.cadence.com/i/1541046
8. Including Mechanical References Early in the PCB Layout How To Implement 1. Import mechanical data: f Obtain a DXF/DWG or 3D model (STEP/IGES) of the enclosure, mounting panel, or assembly from your mechanical team. f Import the board outline and critical cutouts directly into your EDA tool's mechanical/outline layer. f Place and lock all mounting holes, slots, fiducials, and tooling holes per the system or assembly drawings. 2. Establish keepouts and mechanical constraints: f Draw copper keepouts for zones where traces, copper, or components cannot be placed (edges, mounting holes, slots, areas under shields). f For high-voltage designs, ensure keepouts meet creepage/ clearance rules per IPC or IEC standards. f Assign component keepouts for rework/nozzle access, tall part exclusions, or heat sink clearances. 3. Align and constrain connectors and I/O: f Place connectors, switches, LEDs, and displays exactly where they must interface with panels, user controls, or cable assemblies. Use the mechanical grid and snap to known center points. f Lock connector locations as soon as they are placed to prevent accidental movement later. 4. Use the 3D model to check fit: f Attach 3D STEP models to all tall, large, or odd-shaped parts in your CAD tool. f Use the 3D viewer to spin and zoom the board inside its enclosure, checking for height, collision, or interference. f Verify that connectors extend through cutouts as required and that board edges, slots, and keepouts align with mounting bosses and posts. f If your ECAD and MCAD tools support it - use ProSTEP EDMD (Electronic Design Mechanical Design) collaboration schema for cooperative design and data exchange between the two design domains. 5. Establish edge and copper clearance: f Set copper-to-board-edge rules in your design tool (often 10-20 mil/0.25-0.5 mm, or more for safety-rated boards). f Confirm that no component, copper, or via sits too close to routed edges or V-score lines. 6. Lock and document mechanical items: f Set "locked" status on board outline, mounting holes, connector locations, and keepouts so they can't be changed accidentally. f Provide a mechanical drawing layer with callouts for all mounting, alignment, and keepout features. f Share mechanical documentation with your team and update it with every mechanical/ID change. Common Pitfalls, Their Impact, and How to Avoid Them Common Pitfall How to Avoid it Skipping early import Waiting until after placement or routing to bring in mechanical features leads to major, time-consuming rework — Import the enclosure and MCAD STEP files at the start and keep ECAD-MCAD in sync via incremental changes. Misaligned connectors or mounting holes Even a 1 mm error can block assembly or require an enclosure re-spin — Constrain connector and hole locations to MCAD datums. Inadequate copper clearance to the edge Causes exposed copper, risk of shorts, or board failure after depanelization — Set board-edge copper keepouts per fab rules. No keepouts for tall or hot parts Can result in fit problems, blocked airflow, or excessive rework difficulty — Define height-re- stricted regions, place 3D keepouts, and specify minimum spacing.