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   >CADSTAR 8 Features / Benefits
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Function

Description & Benefit

Pin labels

A new concept of pin labels has been introduced into schematics that associates a label with a pin which is then swapped during Back Annotation after a Gate and Pin Swap, removing the limitation of using free standing symbol text. The properties of a label are instantiated from origins defined in the symbol, and values from the parts library.

Text alignment

Allows alignment of text applying to pin name/numbers, pin label names, attributes, component and symbol names, along with free text and multi-line text.

Support of text readability

When text items are rotated the readability of the text will be preserved. The text can be constrained to maintain its readability directions regardless of any rotation that may take place. This applies to symbol/component names, attributes, pin labels, pin names/numbers and free text.

Apply readability

This allows the text readability function detailed above to be applied to old designs.

Multiple libraries and search

Users can now use and search for components from multiple libraries while maintaining the data integrity required for carrying out design processes such as checks and post process procedures. This is particularly important and beneficial for large organizations with multiple libraries.

Support of text per variant

Listed as the number one enhancement request for Variant Manager.

Text (which may involve manual interaction modifications) can now be added for variants in the Schematic or PCB design, displaying different information per variant and it can also incorporate Design Fields. This eliminates the requirement for separate supporting documentation needed for manufacture of the product; reducing the likelihood of mistakes and providing general ease of use. 

Support of hyperlink per variant

Supporting documentation in the form of a Word document, PDF file or as a hyperlink can be added to the variant text function detailed above.

Lead free specific pad addition

The introduction of lead free legislation has brought about the requirement for modifying component composites and is forcing designs to be compliant with lead free soldering processes. In response to this, rounded rectangle pads (increasingly being used in lead free soldering processes) are supported.

Support of jumpers, available with PCB Design Editor

This function is of high importance to low cost, single sided board manufacturers where jumpers are required. It allows the addition of jumpers in PCB Design Editor which do not exist in the Schematics – and which will remain after the ECO update has been performed. Jumpers can also be added and connected manually in the Design Editor.

Support of jumpers, available with P.R.Editor XR 2000 L4

All customers with a valid maintenance contract for a XR 2000 L4 or higher will receive support of Jumpers as part of their maintenance. Jumpers can be added on the fly and will be back-annotated to the PCB design.

Trunking

Introduction of intelligent design objects in the form of a trunk for P.R.Editor XR 2000 L4 upwards.

Trunking – Corners

Features different corner styles.

Trunking – Via pattern objects

Trunk via objects allow via patterns to change.

Trunking – Signal ordering

Easy changing of signal ordering within a trunk.

Trunking – Tools

All manual routing tools are available to operate on the trunk objects.

Trunking – Guides

Guides available.

Interactive Lengthening

Allows sophisticated modification of the length of blocks. The lengthened block of a signal is recognized as such and has intelligence retained with it. It can be easily modified and adjusted to meet its constraints.

Angled pushing

Angled Pushing controls the method by which route segments move when directly modified or when pushed by other route segments. It controls moving, pushing and sliding of 90, 45 and free angled route segments, while in manual routing, modifying and auto routing modes. (Push Aside must also be on). Route segments will remain at their start angle and slide along adjacent segments when moved or pushed in preference to creating additional route segments.

Design variants

Supports of Variants to compliment the existing variant support in the Design Editor

FEM field solver

This highly accurate FEM based field solver shows frequency dependent losses and illustrates the proximity effects in strong couplings. Arbitrary shaped conductor cross sections are possible and there is also a new result database/cache. This is based on finite element algorithm and is able to characterize the physical behaviour of interconnects, providing a high level of accuracy at the push of a button.

RF models for passive devices

Eye diagrams

Eye diagrams allow users to perform eye-mark verification and provide analysis based on multibit-sequence stimuli including random pattern generation, manual pattern generation, 8b/10b coding scheme and automatic jitter generation. This analyzes several thousands of signals simultaneously, rather than signals high to low – addressing complex simulation issues.

Waveforms at die-level

Users can perform accurate timing and waveform verification at the die level.

Extended waveform display

Voltages and current waveforms can be displayed simultaneously. Stimulus can also be displayed together with simulated waveforms.

Batch analysis improvements

Preferred driver settings can be set. Improvements with automatic simulation time adjustments provide better performance and accuracy.