Cut-down design software goes web freeware

Cadstar Express is a free web download of Zuken's industry-standard PCB design solution, Cadstar 5.0.

Cadstar Express is a free web download of Zuken's industry-standard PCB design solution, Cadstar 5.0.

Cadstar Express is a fully functional version of Cadstar 5.0 but with a limit of 20 library components and 100 pins.

The full version can handle unlimited components and pins.

Commenting on the move, Cadstar Business Manager Mark Thompson said: "We need to attract more young talent into the PCB design business.

It's a sector of the electronics market that?ften overlooked in favour of electronic design, but it's a vital part of new product development and an increasingly challenging area in which to work.

High-speed devices, the drive for miniaturisation and EMC/RFI issues make advanced PCB design every bit as technically challenging and important as electronic circuit design.

We hope that this opportunity to experiment with, and learn about, the world?ost comprehensive PC-based PCB design software will encourage and inspire young engineers to develop their skills in this area".

Cadstar Express is a suite of tools that provides a complete PCB design solution from schematic capture to manufacturing output within a single, easy-to-use graphical user interface.

Menus can be customised for fast access to frequently used tools and other advanced features include board dimensioning tools and a hierarchical library for symbols, components and parts.

It can be used to lay out boards up to 100m2, and is suitable for analogue or digital designs whether they need simple, single layer or high density, multiplayer PCBs.

Cadstar is an essential productivity aid used by over 10,000 PCB designers.

It enables companies to reduce their product development effort and get new electronic devices and systems to market in the shortest possible timescales.

Cadstar Express is available for free download at www.cadstarworld.com.

Back to top