PCB package promises more first-time success

PCB design package includes many new features for schematic, library and PCB design, tighter integration with FPGA design tools and the option of an alternative schematic front end.

The latest version of Zuken's desktop PCB design package, Cadstar 10.0, includes many new features for schematic, library and PCB design, tighter integration with FPGA design tools and the introduction of an alternative schematic front-end solution.

There is an increased focus on supporting both the engineer and designer to create "right-first-time" designs in shorter time frames.

Cadstar offers users the ability to perform version control at the parts and component level, store parts information in the PCB design, set up detailed layer stacks for buried and blind via technologies and carry out impedance controlled routing.

Cadstar 10.0 also includes extended ODB++ output for manufacturing, the ability to highlight nets using multiple colours, plus FPGA design integration and a fully integrated parts library manager in Design Editor.

The ease of use and intuitive workflow have been further improved, with additional features for assigning any combination of function keys, enhanced layers settings GUI, support of custom colours using the standard Microsoft colour dialog, smart update of new software releases and automatic parts index creation.

All interactive operations are available while working in a mirrored view in the intelligent place and routing tool, P.R.Editor, for intelligent interactive lengthening or relengthening.

Zuken's E3.series module, E3.logic, can now be offered as an addon for Cadstar to further boost users' productivity.

Used as a front-end solution for Cadstar PCB design it will allow support of multilingual diagrams, multilingual text and Unicode.

The use of the E3.Logic database as a back-end solution for Cadstar PCB design reduces the time spent searching for existing parts, integrates easily with specific MRP, ERP or PDM systems and works with databases that comply with Microsoft's ODBC standard.

The Cadstar E3.logic integration also provides opportunities to directly integrate with other E3.series modules such as E3.cable for complete system level integrated electronics and electrical design.

The recently introduced addon module, Cadstar FPGA, supports one universal project manager that controls all the design files for simulation, synthesis, place and route and pin assignment to the PCB board, as well as the I/O synchronisation between the FPGA device and the PCB board.

This will allow the FPGA designer to forward and backward annotate pin swaps with the PCB layout.

Cadstar 10 will be available from December 2007, with modules starting from Eur 1000.

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