What is ECAD? The Complete Guide to Electrical Computer-Aided Design

Electrical Computer-Aided Design (ECAD) is the foundation of modern electronics development. From smartphones to industrial equipment to medical devices, virtually every electronic product relies on ECAD software to design the printed circuit boards that make them work.

This guide covers everything you need to know about ECAD: what it is, its meaning and definition, key capabilities, how it differs from MCAD, which tools to consider, and how to integrate ECAD into your engineering workflow.

What is ECAD?

ECAD (Electrical Computer-Aided Design) is software used to create, modify, and document the design of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electrical systems. ECAD tools enable engineers to capture circuit schematics, design board layouts, route electrical traces, and generate manufacturing documentation.

In practical terms, ECAD is where electronic products take shape. Engineers use ECAD to:

• Design circuit schematics that define electronic components and their interconnections
• Create PCB layouts that physically arrange components on the board
• Route traces that carry electrical signals between components
• Verify designs against electrical rules and manufacturing constraints
• Generate outputs for PCB fabrication and assembly

ECAD represents one half of the core design tools in electromechanical product development, with MCAD (Mechanical Computer-Aided Design) handling the physical enclosures, mechanisms, and structures.

ECAD Meaning & Definition

The term ECAD stands for Electrical Computer-Aided Design. Understanding what ECAD means requires context about how it fits into the broader electronics design landscape.

Formal ECAD Definition

ECAD is defined as the category of software applications used to design electronic systems, particularly printed circuit boards. ECAD tools provide an integrated environment for schematic capture, PCB layout, design rule verification, and manufacturing output generation.

ECAD vs EDA

ECAD is often used interchangeably with EDA (Electronic Design Automation), though technically:

• ECAD focuses specifically on PCB design workflows
• EDA encompasses a broader range of electronic design tools including IC design, chip verification, and silicon layout

For most product development organizations, ECAD is the more relevant term, as it describes the tools teams actually use to design boards for their products.

What ECAD Is NOT

Understanding what ECAD means also requires clarity on what it isn’t:

• Not MCAD: MCAD handles mechanical components, housings, and physical structures—separate from the electronic design
• Not simulation-only: While ECAD includes verification, detailed electrical simulation typically requires separate ECAE tools
• Not manufacturing execution: ECAD creates the design; ECAM (Electrical Computer-Aided Manufacturing) handles the actual production

Key Capabilities

ECAD software provides a comprehensive set of capabilities for PCB design.

Schematic Capture

Schematic capture is where PCB design begins. Engineers create circuit diagrams that define:

• Components: The electronic parts used in the design (resistors, capacitors, ICs, connectors)
• Connections: The logical nets that connect component pins
• Hierarchy: Organization of complex designs into manageable sub-circuits

Component libraries are central to schematic capture. Well-managed libraries ensure that schematic symbols match real-world parts with correct footprints, electrical specifications, and supplier information.

PCB Layout

Layout design translates the schematic into a physical board:

• Board outline: The shape and dimensions of the PCB
• Component placement: Where each part sits on the board
• Layer stackup: The arrangement of copper and dielectric layers
• Design rules: Constraints for spacing, trace widths, and clearances

Modern ECAD tools provide both manual and assisted placement capabilities, helping engineers optimize component positions for signal integrity, thermal management, and manufacturability.

Trace Routing

Routing creates the copper traces that carry signals:

• Manual routing: Engineer-controlled trace paths for critical signals
• Auto-routing: Algorithmic routing for less critical connections
• Interactive routing: Combined manual control with intelligent assistance

Multi-layer designs require routing traces across different copper layers, with vias connecting between them. Advanced designs may have 10+ layers to handle high-density interconnects.

Design Rule Checking (DRC)

DRC automatically verifies that designs meet electrical and manufacturing constraints:

• Clearance rules: Minimum spacing between conductors
• Width rules: Minimum and maximum trace widths
• Via rules: Size and placement requirements for layer transitions
• Manufacturing rules: Constraints from PCB fabricators

Running DRC before manufacturing release prevents costly respins caused by design violations.

3D Visualization

Modern ECAD includes 3D capabilities:

• Component visualization: 3D models of parts showing height and shape
• Enclosure checking: Interference detection with mechanical housings
• Thermal analysis: Heat dissipation visualization
• Manufacturing review: Visual verification before production

3D visualization has become essential for collaboration between electrical and mechanical engineering teams.

Manufacturing Output

ECAD generates documentation for PCB fabrication and assembly:

• Gerber files: Industry-standard format for PCB layers
• Drill files: Hole locations and sizes
• Bill of Materials (BOM): Component list for procurement
• Assembly drawings: Component placement for manufacturing
• Pick and place files: Automated assembly machine data

Clean, accurate manufacturing outputs are critical—errors at this stage cause production delays and added costs.

ECAD vs MCAD

Understanding the relationship between ECAD and MCAD is essential for electromechanical product development.

Key Differences

Aspect	ECAD	MCAD
Primary focus	Electronic systems, PCBs	Mechanical components, structures
Design objects	Schematics, traces, components	Parts, assemblies, drawings
Key outputs	Gerber files, BOMs	3D models, 2D drawings
Physics domain	Electrical signals, power	Mechanical forces, motion
Typical users	Electrical engineers	Mechanical engineers

Where They Overlap

The boundary between ECAD and MCAD has blurred as products become more integrated:

• PCB mounting: The PCB’s physical shape must fit the enclosure
• Connector placement: Connectors must align with external interfaces
• Thermal management: Heat from electronics affects mechanical design
• EMI shielding: Mechanical structures often provide electromagnetic protection

ECAD-MCAD Collaboration

Effective product development requires tight collaboration:

• Data exchange: Sharing PCB outlines, component heights, and keep-out zones
• Change management: Coordinating when either design changes
• Design reviews: Joint reviews to catch integration issues early
• Unified BOMs: Combining electrical and mechanical parts lists

Several industry initiatives address ECAD-MCAD collaboration, including EDMD (Electrical Design-Mechanical Design) standards from ProSTEP and direct integrations between major tool vendors.

ECAD Design Workflow

A typical ECAD workflow follows these stages:

1. Requirements & Planning

Before opening ECAD software, engineers define:

• Functional requirements: What the board must do
• Physical constraints: Size, shape, mounting requirements
• Electrical specifications: Voltage levels, current capacity, signal speeds
• Environmental factors: Operating temperature, humidity, vibration

2. Component Selection

Component selection balances multiple factors:

• Electrical performance: Meeting specification requirements
• Availability: Supply chain and lead time considerations
• Cost: Unit price at expected volumes
• Footprint: Physical size and mounting style
• Library status: Whether the part exists in company libraries

3. Schematic Design

Schematic capture translates requirements into circuits:

• Block diagram: High-level functional organization
• Detailed schematic: Complete circuit with all components
• Design review: Verification by peers and system engineers

4. PCB Layout

Layout transforms schematics into physical boards:

• Board setup: Outline, stackup, design rules
• Placement: Component positioning
• Routing: Trace creation
• Verification: DRC and design review

5. Manufacturing Release

Final outputs for production:

• Fabrication package: Gerber files for board manufacture
• Assembly package: BOMs and placement data
• Documentation: Drawings and notes for manufacturing

Integration & Data Exchange

ECAD doesn’t work in isolation. Integration with other systems is essential.

PLM Integration

Product Lifecycle Management systems manage ECAD data:

• Version control: Tracking design revisions
• Release management: Controlling what goes to manufacturing
• Change management: Documenting and approving design changes
• BOM management: Synchronizing with enterprise systems

MCAD Integration

Collaboration with mechanical design requires data exchange:

• IDF/IDX formats: Industry standards for ECAD-MCAD exchange
• Direct integrations: Native connections between specific tools
• 3D STEP models: Component shapes for mechanical enclosures

Simulation Integration

Analysis tools verify ECAD designs:

• Signal integrity: High-speed signal performance
• Power integrity: Voltage drops and current distribution
• Thermal analysis: Heat dissipation and hot spots
• EMC analysis: Electromagnetic compatibility

Manufacturing Integration

ECAD connects to manufacturing execution:

• DFM analysis: Checking designs against fabricator capabilities
• Cost estimation: Automated quoting from design data
• Panel optimization: Efficient use of fabrication panels

ECAD Tools & Software

The ECAD market includes tools for various needs and budgets.

Enterprise ECAD

Cadence Allegro Full-featured PCB design platform with strong high-speed design capabilities. Widely used in telecommunications, computing, and aerospace. Part of the broader Cadence design suite.

Siemens Xpedition (formerly Mentor Graphics) Comprehensive ECAD environment with emphasis on collaboration and verification. Strong automotive and industrial presence. Part of Siemens Xcelerator portfolio.

Altium Designer Modern ECAD platform known for usability and integrated 3D capabilities. Popular with mid-market companies and design services firms. Cloud collaboration features available.

Mid-Range ECAD

OrCAD Cadence’s mainstream offering with good capability-to-cost ratio. Large installed base with extensive third-party support.

PADS (Siemens) Accessible ECAD solution for smaller teams. Good value for moderate-complexity designs.

Autodesk EAGLE Popular with startups and makers. Fusion 360 integration provides ECAD-MCAD workflow.

Open Source

KiCad Mature open-source ECAD with growing professional adoption. Suitable for many production designs. Active community development.

ECAD Tool Selection Criteria

When evaluating ECAD tools, consider:

Criterion	Why It Matters
Design complexity	High-density and high-speed designs need advanced tools
Team size	Multi-user licensing and collaboration features
Integration needs	Compatibility with PLM, MCAD, simulation tools
Component libraries	Quality and coverage of part libraries
Manufacturing support	Output formats and DFM capabilities
Support ecosystem	Training, documentation, community resources

Industry Trends

Several trends are shaping ECAD’s evolution.

Cloud and SaaS

ECAD vendors increasingly offer cloud-based options:

• Browser-based design access
• Automatic updates and maintenance
• Collaboration features
• Flexible licensing models

Cloud adoption in ECAD trails other software categories due to IP concerns and performance requirements, but momentum is building.

AI and Automation

Machine learning is enhancing ECAD capabilities:

• Intelligent placement: Optimizing component positions
• Auto-routing improvements: Better algorithmic routing
• Design assistance: Suggesting improvements and catching errors
• Generative design: Exploring layout alternatives

Unified Platforms

Vendors are consolidating electrical and mechanical design:

• Single environments spanning ECAD and MCAD
• Common data models and collaboration
• Integrated simulation and analysis
• Streamlined manufacturing handoff

Electronics Miniaturization

Shrinking form factors drive ECAD evolution:

• Higher density designs
• Advanced packaging (SiP, chiplets)
• Flexible and rigid-flex PCBs
• Embedded components

Getting Started with ECAD

For organizations adopting or improving ECAD capabilities:

Assess Current State

Understand your starting point:

• What tools are currently in use?
• What are the pain points?
• How does ECAD connect to other systems?
• What skills exist on the team?

Define Requirements

Clarify what you need:

• Design complexity and volume
• Integration requirements
• Collaboration needs
• Budget constraints

Pilot Before Committing

Test before full adoption:

• Evaluate multiple tools
• Run realistic test projects
• Gather team feedback
• Measure against requirements

Invest in Training

Tools only work if teams can use them:

• Formal vendor training
• Internal standards and templates
• Best practice documentation
• Ongoing skill development

Plan for Integration

ECAD success depends on connections:

• PLM integration strategy
• MCAD collaboration workflow
• Manufacturing data exchange
• Supplier communication

Related Resources

Explore our in-depth articles on specific ECAD topics:

• What is Electrical Computer Aided Design (ECAD)?
• Is ECAD a Commodity?
• No More Excuses: It’s Time to Merge MCAD and ECAD
• Is There a Cloud on Your ECAD Horizon?

Browse all ECAD articles for the latest research and analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ECAD?

ECAD (Electrical Computer-Aided Design) is software used to create and modify diagrams, layouts, and 3D models for designing, assessing, and documenting electrical printed circuit boards (PCBs). It enables engineers to design PCBs with features for schematic capture, component placement, trace routing, and manufacturing documentation.

What does ECAD stand for?

ECAD stands for Electrical Computer-Aided Design. It refers to the category of software tools used specifically for designing electronic systems, particularly printed circuit boards (PCBs), as opposed to MCAD which focuses on mechanical components.

What is the difference between ECAD and MCAD?

ECAD (Electrical Computer-Aided Design) focuses on designing electronic systems including PCBs, schematics, and electrical interconnections. MCAD (Mechanical Computer-Aided Design) focuses on mechanical components, housings, and physical structures. Modern product development often requires both to work together for complete electromechanical designs.

What are the main capabilities of ECAD software?

ECAD software provides schematic capture (circuit diagrams), PCB layout design, trace routing, design rule checking, 3D visualization, manufacturing documentation generation, and bill of materials creation. Advanced features include multi-board design, IC-PCB co-design, and collaboration tools.

Is ECAD the same as EDA?

EDA (Electronic Design Automation) is a broader term that encompasses all electronic design tools, including ECAD. While ECAD specifically focuses on PCB design, EDA includes additional tools for IC design, simulation, verification, and manufacturing. ECAD is a subset of EDA.

What are the most popular ECAD tools?

Popular ECAD tools include Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, Mentor Graphics PADS and Xpedition (now Siemens), Autodesk EAGLE, KiCad (open source), and OrCAD. Selection depends on design complexity, team size, integration requirements, and budget.

How does ECAD integrate with PLM?

ECAD integrates with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems to manage PCB design data, revisions, and releases. This integration enables version control, change management, bill of materials synchronization, and collaboration between electrical and mechanical engineering teams.

What is a PCB in ECAD?

A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is the physical board that holds and electrically connects electronic components using conductive traces, pads, and other features etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. ECAD software is the primary tool for designing PCBs.

Can ECAD software perform electrical simulation?

Some ECAD tools include basic simulation capabilities like signal integrity analysis and design rule checking. For detailed electrical simulation (circuit analysis, thermal analysis, electromagnetic compatibility), ECAE (Electrical Computer-Aided Engineering) tools are typically used alongside ECAD.

What skills are needed to use ECAD software?

ECAD users need understanding of electronics fundamentals, PCB design principles, component libraries, design for manufacturing (DFM) practices, and the specific ECAD tool's interface. Knowledge of industry standards (IPC) and collaboration with mechanical engineers is also valuable.