Target Condition: Are Autorouters Friend or Foe?
Fresh PCB Concepts: Assembly Challenges with Micro Components and Standard Solder Mask Practices
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
iCD and ZMetrix Partner to Provide Impedance Simulation and Testing Solution
January 18, 2017 | ICDEstimated reading time: 1 minute
In-Circuit Design Pty Ltd (iCD), Australia, developer of the iCD Design Integrity software, incorporating the iCD Stackup and PDN Planner, in conjunction with Zmetrix, Inc., manufacturer of impedance test systems utilizing scanning TDR technology, have released a new interface that provides a complete design to fabrication, impedance simulation and testing solution.
“The impact of lower core voltages and faster edge rates has pushed the frequency content of typical digital signals into the gigahertz range. As such, the majority of high-speed designs, these day’s, require controlled impedance transmission lines in order to manage signal integrity including coupling (crosstalk) and electromagnetic radiation,” said Barry Olney, CEO of iCD. “It is imperative that the impedance of signals is simulated using a precision field solver, during the design phase, and then measured, with an accurate impedance test system, during PCB fabrication to confirm results.”
The new interface allows the user to export the simulated impedance for each signal layer of a multilayer stackup from the iCD Stackup Planner into the ZMetrix ZScan software. The ZMetrix impedance test system is then used to probe the PCB impedance test coupons and provides a simple pass/fail result of the scanning time domain reflectometer (TDR) using an extremely fast 20ps pulse with a bandwidth of 20GHz.
“The ZMetrix ST600 and ST800 impedance test systems are delivered with ZScan software that automates the data gathering process through an intuitive user interface. Calibration, verification, data logging, and statistical reporting are all fully supported by the software,” said ZMetrix President Scott Merrell. “The accuracy is within 1%, across the entire impedance range from 10 to 200 ohms, which is far superior to competitive solutions.”
About In-Circuit Design Pty Ltd
In-Circuit Design Pty Ltd, based in Brisbane Australia, develops the iCD Design Integrity software, incorporating the iCD Stackup and PDN Planner. As a PCB design service bureau, iCD specializes in board-level simulations. For further information or to download a free evaluation version of the software, please visit www.iCD.com.au.
About ZMetrix, Inc.
ZMetrix, Inc. with corporate offices in Springville, Utah develops industry leading Impedance Test Systems and associated ZScan software. For information on the ST600 and ST800 products, please visit www.ZMetrix.com
Share on:
Suggested Items
DownStream Acquisition Fits Siemens’ ‘Left-Shift’ Model
06/26/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007I recently spoke to DownStream Technologies founder Joe Clark about the company’s acquisition by Siemens. We were later joined by A.J. Incorvaia, Siemens’ senior VP of electronic board systems. Joe discussed how he, Rick Almeida, and Ken Tepper launched the company in the months after 9/11 and how the acquisition came about. A.J. provides some background on the acquisition and explains why the companies’ tools are complementary.
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
06/26/2025 | John Watson -- Column: Elementary, Mr. WatsonThere's a story about a young woman preparing a holiday ham. Before putting it in the pan, she cuts off the ends. When asked why, she shrugs and says, "That's how my mom always did it." She asks her mother, who gives the same answer. Eventually, the question reaches Grandma, who laughs and says, "Oh, I only cut the ends off because my pan was too small." This story is a powerful analogy for how many PCB designers approach routing today.
Connect the Dots: The Future of PCB Design and Manufacturing
07/02/2025 | Matt Stevenson -- Column: Connect the DotsFor some time, I have been discussing the increasing complexity of PCBs and how designers can address the constantly evolving design requirements associated with them. My book, "The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to… Designing for Reality," details best practices for creating manufacturable boards in a modern production environment.
Siemens Turbocharges Semiconductor and PCB Design Portfolio with Generative and Agentic AI
06/24/2025 | SiemensAt the 2025 Design Automation Conference, Siemens Digital Industries Software today unveiled its AI-enhanced toolset for the EDA design flow.
Cadence AI Autorouter May Transform the Landscape
06/19/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazinePatrick Davis, product management director with Cadence Design Systems, discusses advancements in autorouting technology, including AI. He emphasizes a holistic approach that enhances placement and power distribution before routing. He points out that younger engineers seem more likely to embrace autorouting, while the veteran designers are still wary of giving up too much control. Will AI help autorouters finally gain industry-wide acceptance?