VANVCOUVER –
Design software vendor Capilano Computing and PCB supplier
Pad2Pad.com are jointly offering free packages for schematic capture and
trace layout.
The packages permit circuits to be designed in the
DesignWorks Express environment, then exported to the Pad2Pad automatic
trace router. The design package reportedly handles up to 500 netlist
nodes.
A professional version is available for complex circuits,
advanced tools and optional digital simulation.
Ansoft Corporation has announced the release of Q3D Extractor v8
3D parasitic extraction software. The company states that the product
performs both 2D and 3D electromagnetic field simulation to extract
RLCG parameters from an interconnect structure, and generates a SPICE
circuit model for use in Nexxim and other Berkeley SPICE-compatible
tools.
These models provide EM-based design for on-chip passives for design
and optimization of high-performance structures to achieve claimed
first-pass timing results.
According to the company, Q3D Extractor v8 includes a new capacitance
solver capable of extracting the capacitance and conductance with lossy
dielectrics. This feature uses available computer memory to perform
multiple frequency evaluations, and allows users to model infinite
ground planes.
Additionally, the Ansoft desktop architecture has been added to the 2D
extractor tool. The company claims that this interface offers the
ability to perform discrete and interpolating frequency sweeps,
simplifies problem setup, and includes a scriptable report editor,
enhanced post-processing and product coupling capability with Nexxim
and Simplorer software.
Sensor Products Inc. has released its Pressurex product,
a tactile pressure indicating sensor film that maps and measures
pressure distribution and magnitude between contacting surfaces.
The product reportedly measures pressure from 2 - 43,200 PSI (0.14 -
3,000 kg/cm2) and is available in seven pressure ranges. When placed
between two contacting or mating surfaces, it permanently changes
color, with the color change directly proportional to the pressure
applied. Precise pressure magnitude is determined by comparing the
resultant color intensity to a color correlation chart similar to
Litmus paper. The company claims tht no training or instrumentation is
required.
The company also states that the product can be used for analyzing
contact uniformity in PCB assemblies and wafer fabrication, to verify
flatness and reveal lamination press problems caused by inconsistent
bonding pressures. It can also evaluate load distribution, revealing
overloaded connector contacts, standoffs, and component solder joints.
Zuken’s E.series 2008 allows users to determine software feature enhancements, according to the company.
Improvements include the economizing of tasks that previously required
multiple commands that are now done with the press of one button or
automatically, and improved multi-user capabilities, with the
introduction of hierarchical control for complex product design, as
well as the embedding of files as an external documents within the
design.
E.cable caters to the automotive, aerospace and military cable and
wire harness producers, and claims higher reliability earlier in the
design cycle, the support of industry design and legislative
requirements, and the easy placement of inliners in automotive
connections.
Newark has increased its range of products and online technical
resources to help design engineers to develop energy efficient
products.
2,500 new products have been added to the distributor's energy
efficiency product line from manufacturers such as Texas Instruments,
Maxim, International Rectifier and Analog Devices. The additions
include power management components and modules, microcontrollers,
switching devices and thermal management products, low power solid
state illumination products and circuit protection components.
Designers will find detailed technical information on components in an
online guide entitled, "Energy Solutions for Electronic Designers" at
www.newark.com/energy. The website also offers an interactive
catalog for easy browsing and buying.
"Energy efficiency is a key element of sustainable product design,"
comments Paul Buckley, Senior VP Product and Supplier Management,
Newark. "Our in-depth focus on energy this quarter makes it easier for
design engineers to incorporate maximum efficiency into their designs
by providing them with both the latest technology products and critical
information."
