CAD/CAM-software enables browser-hosted PCB design optimization
By using the ODB++ data format, PCB-Investigator creates a common database, which documents every change, and is accessible to everyone involved in the development, quality assurance and production process. With the software’s comprehensive visualization, export and import capabilities, all layout reviews are easier. Errors can be fixed earlier and prototypes can be reduced. Further improvements in version 8.0 are an improved component library with editor capability as well as clearance and creepage distance measurement.
By supporting a wide range of file formats, PCB-Investigator bridges the gaps between tools used by different departments as well as between 2D and 3D-CAD/CAM systems. Any aspect can be visualized using filters and all review and approval processes can be managed through a completely paperless system – across all cross functional teams from unbundling through to the integration into a housing.
For interdepartmental teams working on PCB design, the new connection to SharePoint is a further improvement. With such integrated data- and version-management, designs can be assessed, amended or supplemented with additional information and documentation by various departments in a controlled way. All data is centrally managed and version-controlled in SharePoint. No copies of the CAD dataset need to be sent, merged or filed.
Version 8.0 also places a particular focus on the preparation of placement data. With the new editor, geometries can now be moved and replaced, component layers created from placement data, the zero point of a component displayed, contours replaced, and attributes edited.
An added feature is the measurement of clearance and creepage distance. Simulation already made it possible to vary the dimensioning of conductor tracks, thus saving copper where appropriate. With version 8.0 it is also now possible to analyze the application of solder paste in advance to potentially reduce the required amount. The import of netgroups from Cadence has been added to import functionality of the software.
The software can be tried in a free fully functional 30-day trial;
EasyLogix; www.pcb-investigator.com
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