Possible architectures for Solidworks PCB Connector VS Altium VS PDM + Solidworks

Electrical and electronical CAD Electronical
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Hello

I would like to know what are the possible architectures to interconnect (SolidWorks + PDM) with Altium via SolidWorks PCB Connector ?

What are the pros and cons between SVN, Altium Vault, or other version control software? Is there any documentation on this?

How are the storage and versioning of 3D exports managed? Specifically, PDM does not allow archiving parts with identical names. How is it possible to guarantee unique names in the case of an export (and not C1, C2, C3, L1, L2, ...)?

Thank you

Sebastian

 

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For PDM, this is a unique filename including the extension:

when a 3D = Abc.sldasm

its Export = Abc.sat (or iges, or step)

Any file (3D exports, but also office files, or others) can have versions as well (unless you prefer to manage them side by side, with a hint in the file name)

 

Afterwards, the disadvantage of all version control software, archiving:

Impossible to put an old machine side by side with a new one (except for tinkering),

unless we accept that the parts of the old machine are updated.

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I would also add a few things that I think are important,

 

The "classic" EPDM installations "often clamp to death" Solidworks,

It's a bit like ending up with a 10-speed Formula 1, and you're stuck in 1st gear and limited to 1500 rpm!!

 

FYI with a good configuration:

- you can work with Solidworks+EPDM and still be able to use "the configs" (Library, or project part, or ASM variant)!!

(Because "Yes" EPDM has many settings to be able to do this!)

- we can even manage to keep/set up blackboard plans!!

 

"May the dark side be with you... "

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Another weak point of EPDM is in terms of ASM's nomenclatures, except that they will always be in some order.

(despite the fact that in our 3D ASMs we have done a classic sorting of parts-fabricated / components / screws, etc...), which we find perfectly with a nomenclature in an MEP (by putting the right options).

So goodbye sorting in the nomenclatures.

 

EPDM doesn't know how to do what Solidworks handles natively, BOM option level: Show / Hide / Promote

it does not know how to read it in the native Solidworks file.

(a workaround is to handle this option with an additional "manual!" parameter in EPDM (but it's a risk of error, and forgetful...).

So goodbye to "Advanced BOM Management".

 

That's why we continued to work with Solidworks bills of materials.