CADSTAR to Flux

Bring your CADSTAR project to Flux and continue it here. Flux is an AI hardware engineer. Import your schematic, PCB, and library files into a project. Ask Flux to work on the electronics, mechanical parts, firmware, and manufacturing.

Export your CADSTAR files

In CADSTAR Design Editor, select File → Export → CADSTAR Archive to export the PCB archive (.cpa).
In CADSTAR Schematic, select File → Export → CADSTAR Archive to export the schematic archive (.csa).
Include the CADSTAR library file (.lib) with the project files.

Import your CADSTAR project into Flux

Attach the CADSTAR files to a message in the Chat panel and ask Flux to import them.

Import the attached CADSTAR schematic and PCB archives as a new project.

Import the attached .csa, .cpa, and .lib files. Then review the schematic for unconnected pins.

Import the attached CADSTAR project ZIP file and design an enclosure that fits the board outline.

To do it in the UI:

Select Flux menu → Import → Project… to open the Import Project dialog.
Click Choose files or Choose folder. You can also drop the project files, a project folder, or a ZIP file on the dialog.
Select the projects to import, then click Import.
Click Open to open the new project.

Each import creates a new project.

What you can do with your design in Flux

Flux is an AI hardware engineer. After the import, your CADSTAR design is part of a Flux project. Ask Flux to work on the schematic and board. Flux also works on the mechanical parts, firmware, and manufacturing in the same project.

Turn the imported board into a complete device

Use the imported CADSTAR schematic and PCB as the starting point. Ask Flux to design an enclosure around the board, then write firmware for the microcontroller and peripherals in the schematic.

Use the board outline, mounting holes, connectors, and clearance needs from the imported design to shape the enclosure.
Use the imported schematic's pin assignments and connected parts to guide firmware for the microcontroller.

Using the imported CADSTAR board, design an enclosure that fits its outline and aligns with its mounting holes and connectors.

Write firmware for the microcontroller in the imported CADSTAR schematic. Use its pin assignments to initialize and test the connected peripherals.

Review the imported design

Ask Flux to review the schematic and board. Flux reads part datasheets and reports design issues with suggested fixes. Flux can also make a failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) report.

Review the imported schematic. Check the power input, decoupling, and unconnected pins.

Make an FMEA report for the motor control section.

Place and route the board

Ask Flux to place components and route the board. Flux sets the stackup and layout rules, places the parts, routes the traces, and runs a design rule check.

Place the components and route the board on four layers. Keep the switching node away from the sensor input.

Route the USB data lines as a 90 ohm differential pair.

Simulate circuits and signals

Ask Flux to simulate the circuit and inspect the behavior of its signals. Ask for electromagnetic analysis of high-speed traces and RF feed lines. Flux reports the results with plots.

Simulate the power supply from 6 V to 12 V input and report the output ripple.

Analyze the impedance and return loss of the antenna feed line.

Check the board temperature

Ask Flux to run a thermal simulation of the PCB. Flux calculates board and component temperatures from the power each part dissipates.

Run a thermal simulation at full load. Report the temperature of the motor driver and the regulator.

Design the enclosure and mechanical parts

Ask Flux to design enclosures, brackets, mounts, and mechanisms around the board. Flux uses the board outline, mounting holes, connectors, and part models. See Mechanical Design.

Design an enclosure for this board with openings for the power connector and status LEDs.

Design a bracket that holds the board and battery on a 35 mm DIN rail.

Check fit, strength, and air flow

Ask Flux to check clearances between the board and the enclosure. Ask Flux to analyze stress and deflection in a mechanical part. Flux also simulates air flow and cooling through an enclosure.

Check the clearance between the board and the enclosure lid.

Analyze the deflection of the mounting bracket under a 20 N load.

Simulate air flow through the enclosure vents with the board at full load.

Write the firmware

Ask Flux to write firmware for the microcontroller on the board. Flux uses the design's pin assignments and tests the code.

Write firmware for the microcontroller to read the temperature sensor over I2C and control the fan.

Design the cables between boards

Ask Flux for a cable between two connectors in the design. Flux reads the net connections and selects matching housings and wires.

Get a quote for 10 cables from the controller board to the display, 250 mm long.

Ask Flux for PCB quotes and orders. Ask for 3D-printing quotes and orders for the mechanical parts. You can also export Gerber, drill, BOM, and pick-and-place files. See Manufacturing files.

Get quotes for 25 assembled boards from JLCPCB and PCBWay.

Get a 3D-printing quote for the enclosure in PETG.

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