I’m not sure how valuable it would be in this case, but 3D visualisation of PCBs is extensively used in pro circuit board design. It’s very easy to place something in 2D and not realise that something will totally clash with it. Even when you have the components all set up with heights and clearance rules, it can be things like connectors where you have something blocking it so the connector is technically clear (so passes DRC) but you can’t actually plug it in because you have a big component in the way! The next level is then importing enclosures and things to make sure things fit and can actually be assembled.
It’s interesting too that there are all sorts of mistakes that become a bit more obvious when you look at it in 3D than in the 2D view.
James Cameron would like a word with you. Seriously though, 3D can show off some things that just might not be realized without it. Not sure of Fritzing's design abilities with layered PCBs, but I could imagine trying to design a layered board and forgetting how tall a component is. Seeing a component "through" the second layer could be useful
If your circuit is so complex that you need a breadboard planner and even an fully 3D visualization you have a big problem and you should not be breadboarding but ordering a PCB.
I don't have a ton of experience with teaching, but some (6 years various STEM stuff and 3 years math) and I have problem with this statement. It might SEEM easier at first glance, but this kind of interactive 3D/VR/whatever tools make much harder for students to climb up into more abstract levels. I found that it works much better than students can connect schematic with real (I really mean real) thing as early as possible.
Any recommendations for introductory level course/book? I'm a web dev and I know next to nothing about PCBs, electronics etc.
Ideally I'd like to be able to open up, say tv remote, look at the board and have at least some idea of what the top left part does vs bottom right one, that sort of thing.
