Zuken Introduces Perfect Springback Routing in CADSTAR 17

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Zuken has rolled out routing enhancements in the latest version of its CADSTAR desktop PCB design software. Other productivity enhancements include improved routing patterns for differential pairs, and etch factor support.

Jeroen Leinders, CADSTAR Worldwide Sales Manager, said, "CADSTAR 17 challenges the view that PCB Desktop software has to be complicated. It builds upon the ease-of-use functionality with new powerful and accessible features. This philosophy helps maintain CADSTAR's position as the industry's most-used desktop PCB software."

Moving tracks while in Activ-45 mode now incorporates Perfect Springback technology, offering smooth and fast operation, restoring the previous pattern and position exactly (from Version 17.0.1.0). This makes routing faster and more responsive, and means there is no need to review return positions when trying out and undoing routing options. This rubber band-like operation is seen when dragging tracks in Activ-45 mode for Activ-45 pushing. A similar operation can be found in the manual routing and lengthening tools. Perfect Springback significantly reduces the number of clicks needed to place and route, compared to traditional routing technology.

Improved routing patterns for differential pairs

Updates have been made to the Trunk End Router so that improved routing patterns are generated for differential pairs. Coupling is maintained and skew is improved. Now previously manual tasks are carried out automatically – and are significantly closer to the route an expert user would choose themselves. This increases productivity, especially when working with very dense designs, and reduces mouse clicks when working with the lengthening tool. For high-speed designs, better signal integrity is achieved, as well as more exact impedance calculations, due to taking the etch factor into account.

Etch Factor support

Support for etch factor definition is available in the Configuration Editor and Constraint Manager. This is compatible with former trapezoidal conductor support, and etching for half-planes is available. By achieving impedance results that more closely match reality, including more accurate what-if studies, high-speed designs with greater signal integrity can be manufactured.

Ease-of use

A range of new ease-of-use features are included in CADSTAR 17. These include:

• When interacting with a selection it is now possible to specify an origin used as a reference for operations such as movement and rotation.
• Dimensions may be added directly into PCB component footprints. There are also improved version checks against the parts database when a design is loaded.