Why not??

Quote, "there is no tool within SolidWorks which identifies circular
references".

 

because it is hard to do, as there are many types of references which
may build a complex graph for a reasonnable assembly. Moreover, a deep
knowledge of SW rebuild process is required.
So the real question is : are you really prepared to pay hundreds of $
for a tool that detects circular references ?
One "simple" way would be to add circular references detection in
SolidWorks rebuild algorithm itself : before rebuilding, clear a flag
on all references. While rebuilding, set the flag when a reference is
used, but if the flag was already set, then it belongs to a reference
loop.
I'd say circular reference handling is SW business, not a partner's.

 

Of course it is a SW issue. That doesn't really change the fact that
it should be done. And it should have the ability to indicate where
the circular reference is. I, for one, would be quite willing to pay
extra for that. Accidentally creating a circular reference, and then
either spending the time to find and fix it, or paying the performance
penalty for having it costs a lot of money. Definitely more than a
couple of hundred $$ per year.

Oh, and BTW, this can be done. UG has had it for years. Which leads
me to wonder if it's already in the parasolid kernel and SW just isn't
using it.

 

Since I've already blown the nda all to tatters, check out this blog post:

http://dezignstuff.com/blog/2007/06/25/sw08-whats-in-it-for-you-part-4-assemblies

About half way down around Assembly Xpert read carefully.

 

If and when. I really hope that they do make it into the final
product. This is the kind of update that is worth the time and effort
to make happen. Not just eye candy like so many 'improvements'.