The high-tech consumer electronics industry, encompassing smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices, demands engineers skilled in precise design, rapid prototyping, and advanced simulation. With fierce competition and a need for innovation, students must master industry-standard tools like SOLIDWORKS and CATIA to excel. Engineers working in the electronics sector often face challenges that require creative solutions, such as the need to balance power, size, and heat dissipation in smaller and smaller devices and components.
SolidProfessor’s courses in CAD (computer-aided design), CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), and FEA (finite element analysis) equip students with the expertise to design compact, efficient, and durable electronics, bridging the gap between academic theory and industry demands.
For students aiming to thrive in consumer electronics and educators seeking to prepare them, here are the top six SolidProfessor courses and learning paths:
1. SOLIDWORKS Essentials for Part Design
This foundational five-hour course teaches SOLIDWORKS, widely used for designing compact components like smartphone casings and circuit board enclosures.
It covers:
- Sketching
- Reference geometry
- Part modeling
- Design tables
Students earn a certificate, enhancing their resumes for entry-level design roles in consumer electronics.
View the course here:
2. Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) Learning Path
The CSWA path prepares students for the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate exam, focusing on parts, assemblies, and drawings critical for consumer electronics. Skills like designing manufacturable components for wearables or IoT devices are emphasized, making this certification a stepping stone for roles at companies like Apple, Samsung, or emerging electronics startups designing things like VR headsets and other consumer wearables.
View the courses here:
3. SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematics and OrCAD
Essential for consumer electronics, the SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematics course teaches students to create detailed electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for devices like smartwatches or speakers. The course takes a few hours, and equips students to collaborate with electrical engineers, a key skill in multidisciplinary tech teams. The OrCAD courses help students learn the fundamentals and more of printed Circuit Board Design (PCB) with OrCAD Capture Essentials, OrCAD PCB Essentials, and OrCAD PSpice Essentials.
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4. CATIA Essentials
CATIA is used by leading electronics firms for complex assemblies and advanced surfacing, such as sleek laptop designs. This 12-hour course covers part design and assembly, enabling students to handle intricate consumer product geometries. It’s ideal for roles at companies like Lenovo or HP. You’ll take courses in CATIA Essentials, CATIA Drawings, and CATIA Surfacing (Generative Shape Design).
View the courses here:
5. SOLIDWORKS Simulation Learning Path
Simulation is vital for testing electronics under thermal, vibration, and drop conditions. This 14-hour path includes courses like SimulationXpress, Simulation Professional, and Flow Simulation: Electronics Cooling Module, tailored for optimizing heat dissipation in devices like smartphones. Students learn to ensure product reliability, a critical skill for consumer tech.
View the courses here:
- Introduction to FEA
- SOLIDWORKS SimulationXpress
- SOLIDWORKS Simulation
- SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional
- Introduction to CFD
- SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation
- Bonus course (outside of learning path): SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation: Electronics Cooling Module
6. Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) Learning Path
Building on CSWA, the CSWP path dives into advanced modeling and configurations, preparing students for complex projects like designing modular IoT components. This certification signals readiness for professional roles at firms like Sony or Fitbit, where precision and innovation are paramount.
View the courses here:
- Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) Learning Path
- Bonus! Check out the SolidProfessor Skills Analyzer to see areas for improvement and which SolidProfessor skills can help you bridge these gaps.
Looking for your next engineering gig in high tech? Head over to SolidCareers, the job engine built for engineers.
