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Current IssueAll About That Route
Most designers favor manual routing, but today's interactive autorouters may be changing designers' minds by allowing users more direct control. In this issue, our expert contributors discuss a variety of manual and autorouting strategies.
Creating the Ideal Data Package
Why is it so difficult to create the ideal data package? Many of these simple errors can be alleviated by paying attention to detail—and knowing what issues to look out for. So, this month, our experts weigh in on the best practices for creating the ideal design data package for your design.
Designing Through the Noise
Our experts discuss the constantly evolving world of RF design, including the many tradeoffs, material considerations, and design tips and techniques that designers and design engineers need to know to succeed in this high-frequency realm.
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Zuken Launches New Internet-connected PCB Design Platform
August 20, 2019 | ZukenEstimated 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
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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
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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?