Target Condition: Are Autorouters Friend or Foe?
Fresh PCB Concepts: Assembly Challenges with Micro Components and Standard Solder Mask Practices
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
iCD Introduces New Materials Planner Software
July 2, 2018 | ICDEstimated reading time: 1 minute
In-Circuit Design Pty Ltd (iCD), Australia, developer of the iCD Design Integrity software, has released the new iCD Materials Planner software to add to the Stackup Planner functionality. This will be rolled out to iCD support customers as an update to their current software.
The Dielectric Materials Library, which complements the iCD Stackup Planner, has
- Over 33,000 rigid and flexible materials up to 100GHz
- Produced by over 60 different manufacturers
- Containing over 700 series of materials
So, it is often a daunting task to ascertain which is the best material for an application. The iCD Materials Planner allows you to compare dielectric materials based on manufacturer, fabricator, frequency, dissipation factor (loss) and dielectric constant. This enables the designer to make an informed decision on which material is best for his application.
Generally the selection metric, for dielectric materials, is the amount of loss that a transmission line can tolerate and this is proportional to the frequency and rise time of the signals. The iCD Materials Planner is subdivided into five default TABs which gives the novice high-speed PCB designer a heads-up as to what to select for his application.
- Ultra Low Loss (Df ≤ 0.005)
- Low Loss (0.005 < Df < 0.010)
- Mid Loss (0.010 < Df < 0.015)
- Standard Loss (0.015 < Df < 0.02)
- Basic FR-4 (Df ≥ 0.02)
This is similar to a typical competitive analysis that a material manufacturer may present for, say, Isola vs Ventec and Rogers, but it is far more comprehensive, with over 60 vendors and 700 series of materials to choose from. Alternatively, a profile for each PCB fabricator that you usually deal with can be set up. This will display the complete range of materials that each Fab shop stocks ranging from basic FR-4 to low loss materials. This also enables the comparison of competitive Fab shop capabilities.
Watch below for a quick demonstration video of the iCD Materials Planner:
About In-Circuit Design Pty Ltd
In-Circuit Design Pty Ltd, based in Australia, developer of the iCD Design Integrity software incorporating the iCD Stackup, PDN and CPW Planner software, is a PCB Design Service Bureau and specialist in board level simulation. For further information or to download a free evaluation of the software, please click here.
Share on:
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?