ECAD Import Module Updates

For users of the ECAD Import Module, COMSOL Multiphysics® version 5.3a adds support for a new file format for printed circuit board (PCB) import and introduces an import option that preserves object grouping in GDS II files. Read more about these ECAD Import Module updates below.

Support for the IPC-2581 Format

The ECAD Import Module has been extended to support the import of the IPC-2581 PCB format. Developed by the IPC-2581 consortium, the IPC-2581 format is an open and neutral standard for transferring data of PCBs, from designers to manufacturers. Geometries generated from imported IPC-2581 files are available for any single physics or multiphysics simulation.

An image of a six-layer PCB imported into COMSOL Multiphysics® version 5.3a with the ECAD Import Module.

This IPC-2581 test file of a six-layer PCB was imported to generate the board geometry for a heat transfer simulation. Besides the geometry, the import also automatically generates layer selections for an easier simulation setup. The results plot shows the temperature distribution in the board. Test case courtesy of Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

This IPC-2581 test file of a six-layer PCB was imported to generate the board geometry for a heat transfer simulation. Besides the geometry, the import also automatically generates layer selections for an easier simulation setup. The results plot shows the temperature distribution in the board. Test case courtesy of Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

Support for Data Types in GDS Files

When importing GDS files, you can now split layers based on the data type of the geometric objects on the layer. This functionality allows groups of objects using the data type to be preserved after import into a COMSOL Multiphysics® model.