Normally I get the IEEE journals, glance at the TOC, and recycle them.
But today I am using one productively: I'm checking the fit of a circuit board, and the cover is exactly the right weight for glueing a print-out of the circuit board so I can bolt it into the box and check for interference!
I gotta remember to unsubscribe this year...
CAD
Cardboard Aided Design
Cheers
Always always always make a cardboard cutout of your circuit board (or, if you have a really hot mechanical drafter, have them vet it). It cuts down the "this here thing don't fit" design cycle from several iterations down to one or -- when you get lucky -- zero.
The modern way is to make a 3D model of the PCB and trade models back and forth with the mechies. Of course you could just print out the model and hand it to them.
Best regards, Spehro Pefhany
I am my mechie, and I don't know my way around 3D CAD programs. Besides, it's to fit in a purchased box, so at least the first time around you want to know if you can trust the vendor's drawings.
But yes, that's what I was alluding to when I said have the mechanical guys vet it.
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