Zuken Launches New Internet-connected PCB Design Platform

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Zuken announces the launch of eCADSTAR, a new internet-connected PCB design platform that brings the power of modern EDA software and the flexibility of the internet to the electronics design market. Combining Zuken’s advanced 2D/3D electronic design technology with inbuilt internet capabilities and predictive tool tips and prompts, eCADSTAR provides a borderless electronic design environment that connects engineering with comprehensive online services that streamline global design review and manufacturing processes.

“We are now globally connected,” says Chris Allenby, eCADSTAR Product Manager. “The Internet is connected to our homes, our workplaces, our cellphones and our cars. With eCADSTAR, we are taking PCB design out of its isolation into the internet connected world.”

Internet Sharing Concept

With inbuilt web access, eCADSTAR’s web portal provides seamless access to a wide variety of in house and 3rd party services, helping users through the entire design process. For example, eCADSTAR users can search online component vendor libraries, request quotes and purchase components from manufacturers and distributors directly from within the design tool. Online collaboration capabilities also support collaboration with design, simulation and manufacturing experts that include; Allied Electronic & Automation, Arrow, Digi-Key, Mouser Electronics, PCB Libraries, RS, SamacSys and Ultra Librarian.

Feeling Isolated? Collaborate

In busy projects, it’s easy to feel isolated. With seamless internet connectivity, eCADSTAR effortlessly connects you to your detached team as well as to new internet resources and services, creating your extended virtual team. With a native 3D design environment, MCAD and ECAD engineers can work seamlessly throughout the design process. eCADSTAR also allows engineers to work in parallel on their own section of a board or functional circuit elements, greatly reducing the design time.

Power Where You Need It

Intelligent software optimized with modern technologies (2D/3D graphics, touch screen, multi-core and 64-bit processors) and seamless internet connectivity. Utilizing these powers, eCADSTAR includes a range of automated and assistive features to help designers achieve their design goals. As with modern touch screen devices, commands can be transmitted both by means of finger gestures as well as using a traditional input device (mouse), allowing users to make simultaneous use of both hands.

Help Where You Need It, When You Need It

In keeping with eCADSTAR’s internet connected design philosophy, users also have access to an extensive library of free online training and help resources that can be displayed directly in the eCADSTAR environment. With a centralized knowledge base and support system, local partners and internet connected resources are always on-hand to help when needed. Help topics are delivered live, ensuring the material is always current and up to date. Furthermore, excerpts from each topic can be contextually displayed within the software using help tooltips and hints for next actions. First time users are brought up to speed quickly by an interactive tour that is offered on software start.

Built to Maximize Productivity

eCADSTAR provides a fully managed 2D/3D design process in a modern environment with a common user interface and centralized library that exists at the heart of schematic and PCB editors. Design constraints and variants can be defined in the schematic and propagated throughout the PCB layout and routing process. Changes can be reviewed and applied from either direction with bidirectional annotation to keep designs synchronized. A powerful library synchronization function identifies out-of-date parts and updates the design.

Product Availability

After conclusion of a thorough evaluation and feedback phase with early adopters, eCADSTAR will be released to the general market in September 2019. With modular bundles and flexible authorization, eCADSTAR is always the right fit for your needs. eCADSTAR promotional pricing starts at under 2000 GBP / 2200 EUR / 2500 USD.

For more information, visit www.eCADSTAR.com