The main library of components is split by manufacturer category. It is then displayed using the same sections as those promoted by the manufacturer’s literature. This makes it easy for application engineers who may be more knowlegeable on a particular product line, to quickly locate the component they need. A rapid search feature further facilitates component selection by simply entering a description or a basic model code.
The nominal values of product charateristics are shown directly in the library to avoid wasted time in editing the product.

Automation Studio™ Live Manifold provides product configuration dialog boxes specific to each product and vendor. A set of comprehensive pull-down, menus make selecting features easy, only available products are shown in the menus.Users can also have instant access to the PDF product spec. sheet, define schematic displayed information, specify engraving instructions.

Last but not the least, users can modify the size of the product directly in a dialog. This avoids wasted time in searching the library again and reconfiguring products when one wants a same function to be moved from one size to another. Global parameter assignment such as coils, wires etc can be attributed to a project to save time in product configuration.

One major plus with Automation Studio™ Live Manifold is its ability to be integrated into any workflow. The Import / Export features allow to export schematics in DXF for any one to integrate the circuit into their projects. As well, one can export all 3D elements needed for a mechanical designer to start design with all the proper objects in one folder. No muss, nu fuss.

For added efficiency, 3D design can be sent to any mechanical desktop package and then reimported back into Automation Studio™ Live Manifold for final project archiving.

Users can open many projects at the same time and share information. This speeds up the process of reusing older proven projects to make new ones. History tracking is important. Automation Studio™ Live Manifold makes it easy to track the activities and to improve communication when passing a project along to all people involved.

At any time one can initiate the print report function. This creates an HTML output that contains all of a project’s details including complete Bill of Material, warnings, 3D data and layout, manifold constraints, revision history as well as warnings on component and project completeness, and prices. Nothing is left to chance, users are guided in being thorough when creating projects, producing reliable systems and pricing.

Automation Studio™ Live Manifold provides a full 3D interface for easily placing a component on a virtual block. This part of the solution is not intended to replace the last mechanical design phase but to help communicate with the end user in specifying the block external characteristics and help define constrains at a very early stage.

In this mode, user can drag and drop components on the block, modify their options, set location and angles, and assign a counterbore. One can also lock components to faces or specific positions to better communicate constraints. While moving components, cavity and component collisions are immediately highlighted for improving placement possibilities. The final 3D design can be exported to your preferred mechanical design solution via XML (ProE, Solidworks, Inventor, etc).

Schematics can be simulated using for prototype testing.Since all component dynamic caracteristics are used in the simulation, virtual block testing is possible both from a functional and dynamic point of view. This saves costly errors in the block manifold design and prototyping process at a very early stage. Used in conjunction with Web casting programs, the full color animation becomes an outstanding tool to show your engineering capabilities and help increase the business while saving money at the same time.