3D tools speed embedded development

As we all know, the circuit design is just a small part of new product development. Necessary tasks such as board layout and enclosure design seem to consume a growing portion of the design budget. To battle these rising costs, Gumstix recently released a 3D modeling environment for electronics product designers based on their line of miniature computers. The concept combines 3D Gumstix product visuals with Google SketchUp, Google 3D Warehouse, and Cadsoft's Eagle CAD software. SketchUp is a free 3D modeling program supported by libraries of electronics parts and Gumstix products in the Google 3D Warehouse. According to their press release, “The environment uses popular design tools, 3D images, and software scripts to accelerate and simplify the design and visualization of electronics products and product enclosures. These can also be used to model custom expansion boards developed in Cadsoft's Eagle CAD software.” The completed models are suitable for rapid prototyping by stereolithography or 3D printing.