-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- design007 Magazine
Latest Issues
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.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - design007 Magazine
Accurate Circuit Engineering Implements Online DFM Reporting Tool
June 28, 2016 | Accurate Circuit Engineering (ACE)Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Santa Ana based PCB fabricator, Accurate Circuit Engineering (ACE) has recently completed the installation of a free DFM reporting tool on their newly updated website. This tool allows users to identify errors before placing their PCB orders and helps avoid CAM holds and delays after the order has been placed.
The ACE-DFM reporting tool is a free service where users submit Gerber files to Accurate Circuit’s advanced DFM server for analysis. After a short processing time users will receive an in-depth PDF report via email that contains a detailed summary of the design and its manufacturability. Within this customized report, users will find helpful information including any flagged items that may result in a board that has potential flaws which may affect the performance of the design. This information is then categorized by violation type and color-coded for easy visual review.
Vice President of ACE Brandon Lowe comments, “We are excited about giving our customers the ability to easily review their files before the manufacturing process begins. The DFM reporting tool not only allows us to produce boards for our customers with as little delays as possible, it also ensures they receive the best performing board available.”
James Hofer, General Manager, comments, “In a quick turn prototype environment having up front DFM not only reduces lead times but also adds an extra level of confidence for the designer to understand where hidden issues may lie and how to work around them.”
For more information about ACE’s DFM reporting tool or any of their other services, visit them on the web.
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?