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Stephens: Absolutely. We have the largest set of translation tools in the market so we can import data very accurately from many different EDA providers. Again, listening to customers, they told us they needed to import their intellectual properties, designs, and libraries, which is important, but so is the accuracy of the imported designs. We’ve put a lot of emphasis on the quality of the imports so that there is no reworking once the design has been imported.
Haag: Here's a geeky layout question for you. When are we going to be able to start routing in 3D?
Stephens: Great question. Some very expensive high-end tools already route in 3D on a 3D-structured surface, but it is leading-edge technology and not mainstream yet. The process is typically referred to as a mechatronic integrated device (MID).
Haag: Not the mainstream tools.
Stephens: No, for mainstream tools, I think we're probably a few years away from that. It depends where we go in terms of market drivers. MID is becoming available, but the cost of manufacturing has made it prohibitive as a mass production alternative at the moment. It’s also quite specialized, but if our customers demand it, we’ll look at it.
Haag: I know when 3D routing starts, the layout guys are going to be wandering around with a giant bottle of aspirin. That's going to be a headache.
Stephens: Yes, it will. There are all sorts of issues involved with this technology. The physical manufacturing and reliability will play an important part too.
Haag: Do you have any last-minute things you want to tell us about this show and how it's going for you?
Stephens: The show has been excellent. The market seems to be changing in North America with an air of positivity. We’ve had a great response from potential customers, and our existing users are very encouraging too. Pulsonix has had success when it has been exposed, and we’re hoping to capitalize on that going forward.
Haag: Thank you very much for your time, Ty.
Stephens: Thank you so much.
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