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Current IssueThe Hole Truth: Via Integrity in an HDI World
From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
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Siemens Democratizes AI-driven PCB Design for Small and Medium Electronics Teams
May 21, 2025 | SiemensEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Siemens Digital Industries Software announced today that it is making its AI-enhanced electronic systems design technology more accessible to small and mid-sized businesses (SMB) with PADS™ Pro Essentials software and Xpedition™ Standard software.
Built on Siemens’ Xpedition technology, these new offerings combine intuitive user experiences, integrated cloud collaboration and AI-driven automation to empower small teams and independent engineers with the same professional-grade capabilities trusted by the world’s most advanced electronics companies, at a fraction of the cost.
“Today’s launch marks a major milestone in our strategy to democratize access to high-performance PCB design and bring the transformative power of AI to the PCB design workflow,” said AJ Incorvaia, senior vice president, Siemens EDA. “With PADS Pro Essentials and Xpedition Standard, we’re delivering scalable solutions that help smaller teams move faster, work smarter, and design with confidence without sacrificing quality or budget.”
PADS Pro Essentials delivers a streamlined, cloud-connected design environment built on Siemens’ proven Xpedition technology at an entry-level price. Tailored for independent engineers and startups, it includes schematic capture, layout, and a seamless design experience that lowers barriers to professional-grade PCB design tools. The Essentials tier also introduces an integrated, co-branded front-end powered by CELUS, allowing engineers to design using intelligent functional blocks with AI-assisted schematic and BOM generation.
Xpedition Standard is built for growing teams that need a balance of cost-efficiency and advanced capabilities. It adds powerful features like design reuse, variant management, advanced routing automation, native 3D layout and deeper collaboration across mechanical, manufacturing and supply chain stakeholders. Teams can further extend capabilities using token-based options, which provide on-demand access to more advanced capabilities such as fully integrated pre- and post-layout signal integrity analysis powered by Siemens’ Hyperlynx™ software for PCB analysis and rigid-flex design without requiring a full tier upgrade.
“We took a close look at Xpedition Standard and were genuinely impressed," said Shrouk El-Attar, founder, Shrouk El-Attar consultancy. "Siemens has clearly reimagined the experience. It's intuitive, modern, and far more connected and integrated than we expected. From day one, it felt like a tool built for the way we actually work. I can get real design work done without fighting the software."
Part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software, both new offerings are part of the Xpedition family and are designed to grow with engineers, from individual users to global enterprises. The unified user experience, design libraries and cloud-based collaboration infrastructure provide a seamless upgrade path as team and project requirements evolve.
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?