Companies revolutionise 3D-Circuits design

The relentless miniaturisation trend in electronics presents a constant challenge: cramming ever-more functionality into ever-shrinking devices. Traditional PCBs are reaching their physical limitations, forcing engineers to seek innovative solutions. The 3D-Circuits technology, which combines electrical circuits with three-dimensional mechanical parts, offers an optimistic answer. However, designing these complex structures presented a significant hurdle – a need for more user-friendly design tools. HARTING recognised this challenge.

To unlock the full potential of 3D-Circuits, the company partnered with Altium. This powerful collaboration resulted in two groundbreaking solutions: Altium Designer's new 3D-MID design tool and the new HARTING standard product, the PCB Expander.

Before this collaboration, 3D-Circuits design was a complex and time-consuming process. Engineers often required specialised software and expertise, hindering widespread technology adoption. The new design too's innovative 3D-MID design tool breaks these barriers.

"The collaboration with Altium has been instrumental in making 3D-Circuits design more accessible and efficient than ever before, "says Thomas Hess, head of PM, Product and Technology Development at HARTING. "This tool empowers engineers to leverage their existing knowledge and workflows, reduces the time for the design and most important, compared to manual layout, it includes electrical design rules and schematic connectivity."

Engineers can utilise their standard library components and established schematic designs, removing the necessity to create new components specifically for 3D-MID applications. This saves considerable time and effort. The software provides a user-friendly interface for placing and positioning components directly on the surface of a 3D substrate. This eradicates the necessity for complex 3D modelling expertise. Connections are routed based on the established schematic logic, ensuring design consistency and reducing errors. Once the design is complete, a single click generates all the production files required for manufacturing, streamlining the transition from design to production.

The PCB Expander further improves the space-saving capabilities of the 3D-Circuits technology. This innovative product extends the main PCB, eradicating the need for bulky subassemblies and intricate layouts that can eat up valuable real estate.

"The PCB Expander is a game-changer for engineers working in space-constrained environments," says Michael Mross, project and sales manager at HARTING. "It allows them to pack more functionality into smaller devices without sacrificing performance."

The combined impact of Altium Designer's 3D-MID design tool and the HARTING 3D-Circuits technology extends far beyond maximising space utilisation. This powerful combination empowers engineers to create innovative and adaptable electronic devices, fostering a paradigm shift towards design efficiency.

"Our partnership with HARTING has allowed us to push the boundaries of PCB design software," says Jack Henriques, product manager at Altium. "The development of the 3D-MID design tool is a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation and supporting the evolving needs of the electronics industry."

This collaboration unlocks the full potential of 3D-MID technology, paving the way for a new generation of compact, high-performance electronic devices across various industries, from portable electronics and wearables to the IoT and beyond.