A CAD (Computer-Aided Design) System Architecture refers to the structured framework
and components that make up a CAD software system, enabling the creation, modification,
analysis, and visualization of digital designs. It defines how hardware, software, data, and user
interfaces interact to support design processes in fields like engineering, architecture, and
manufacturing.
1. Detailed Breakdown of CAD System Layers
(A) User Interface (UI) Layer
• Types of UI in CAD Systems:
o Command-Line Based (e.g., AutoCAD CLI) – Fast for experts but less intuitive.
o Graphical User Interface (GUI) (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) – Icons, ribbons, and drag-
and-drop features.
o Touch & Gesture-Based (e.g., VR/AR CAD apps) – Used in tablets and immersive design
environments.
o Voice-Controlled CAD (Experimental, e.g., Alexa/Cortana integrations).
UI Rendering Techniques:
• OpenGL/DirectX – For high-performance 3D rendering.
• Web-Based (HTML5 + WebGL) – Used in cloud CAD like Onshape.
(B) Application Logic Layer (Core Engine)
This is where the real "brains" of CAD operate.
(i) Geometric Modeling Kernels
• What is a Kernel?
o A mathematical engine that defines how shapes (curves, surfaces, solids) are stored
and manipulated.
o Kernels handle Boolean operations (union, subtract, intersect), NURBS, and mesh
processing.
• Popular CAD Kernels:
Kernel Used In Key Features
Parasolid Siemens NX, SolidWorks Precise B-rep modeling, widely licensed
ACIS AutoCAD, Fusion 360 Hybrid modeling (B-rep + mesh)
Open CASCADE FreeCAD, KiCAD Open-source, used in custom CAD tools
CGAL 3D Printing, Medical CAD Computational geometry algorithms
(ii) Constraint Solvers
• Parametric Modeling (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) relies on solvers to maintain
geometric relationships (e.g., "this line must stay perpendicular to that circle").
• Types of Constraints:
o Geometric (parallelism, tangency, concentricity).
o Dimensional (distance, angle, radius).
• Solvers Used:
o D-Cubed (Siemens PLM) – Industry-standard solver.
o SolveSpace – Open-source alternative.
(iii) Simulation & Analysis Modules
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) – Stress, thermal, vibration analysis (e.g., ANSYS
integrated in CAD).
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) – Aerodynamics, cooling simulations.
• Kinematics & Dynamics – Motion analysis (e.g., MATLAB Simulink + CAD
integration).
(iv) File Import/Export
• Neutral Formats:
o STEP (ISO 10303) – Best for 3D model exchange.
o IGES – Older, less reliable than STEP.
o STL – For 3D printing (mesh-only).
o JT Open – Lightweight format for collaborative PLM.
(C) Data Management Layer
• Local File-Based (Legacy)
o CAD files stored as .dwg (AutoCAD), .sldprt (SolidWorks).
o Problem: No version control, collaboration issues.
• Product Data Management (PDM)
o Manages revisions, approvals, and metadata.
o Examples: SolidWorks PDM, Windchill.
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
o Extends PDM to include manufacturing, supply chain.
o Examples: Teamcenter (Siemens), ENOVIA (Dassault).
• Cloud-Based Data Management
o Onshape, Fusion 360 – All data stored in the cloud with real-time collaboration.
o Git for CAD? – Some open-source CAD tools use Git-LFS for versioning.
(D) System Integration Layer
• APIs & Customization
o AutoCAD LISP, SolidWorks API – Scripting for automation.
o REST APIs – Cloud CAD systems allow integrations with ERP/MES.
• Interoperability with CAE/CAM
o CAE (Simulation): ANSYS, Abaqus.
o CAM (Manufacturing): Mastercam, Siemens NX CAM.
