All
PCB design now in one environment as Zuken demonstrates CADSTAR
4.5 with embedded router, faster graphics and better portability
May
17, 2000. CADSTAR 4.5, the latest release (to
be released in the Fall/Autumn 2000) of the Zuken entry-level,
front-to-back PCB design tool, now comes with a fully embedded router.
This means that for the first time engineers can do everything from
schematic capture through to manufacture within a single environment.
This greatly simplifies and speeds up the design process. CADSTAR
4.5 also includes extensive libraries, a graphical library creation
and management tool, EMC/EMI analysis functions, and a true Windows
user interface. CADSTAR 4.5 operates under Windows 98, 2000 and
NT.
Other
new features of the tool include three times faster graphics and
design search functions, fully-customisable toolbars, automatic
web updates and registry storage. Registry storage means better
portability because designers can move their personal settings between
PCs, avoiding the need for repeated set-up and tuning work.
The
new embedded router products, covering all important router functionality,
will be sold alongside Zuken's standalone Route Editor, allowing
new customers to decide which best serves their needs. The embedded
router will completely replace standalone versions within 12 months.
The
industry-leading routing technology was originally developed in
1984 as a high-end gridless router, since when it has undergone
continuous refinement in its ability to solve real world PCB design
problems. The proven implementation provides for automatic and manual,
orthogonal and free angle routing, the latter in the constrained
areas where orthogonal routing is inadequate. The tool also includes
copper pour functions. Extended, fully customisable toolbars support
the new embedded router features.
Faster
graphics have been achieved by modification of the non-persistent
data structure to store graphical elements within a hierarchical
tree structure. This typically results in a threefold speed increase
in redraw and design search functionality, particularly for large
designs. However, the speed increase can be as much as 15 times
in some designs. The draw code has also be optimised for increased
speed.
Maintenance
customers benefit from a single icon click that automatically loads
both functionality updates and service packs from the CADSTARWorld
web site. This gives instant global access to the updates to all
CADSTAR users. The function detects the current version of CADSTAR
in use and can be set up to either automatically implement the updates
or identify them for the user.
Commenting
on the new version, the second major update in two months, Stuart
Wilkes, Zuken's Entry Level Solution Product Manager, said:
"Implementation
of an embedded router is the single most important feature requested
by our customers recently. Zuken's R&D work in high end tools
provides an elegant and powerful solution that we have made available
to the CADSTAR user. It is a key part of our strategy to maintain
CADSTAR's position as the most cost-effective and productive, front-to-back
PCB design tool on the market."
CADSTAR
4.5 will be available in the Fall / Autumn 2000.
For
more information on CADSTAR, visit...
CADSTAR's
new On-line Community
+++ends
Ref
Z0012
Editorial Contacts:
Press
Ev Milker,
Zuken Ltd., 1500 Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4RF, UK
Tel: +44 1454 207800
Fax: +44 1454 207803
E-mail: Ev.milker@zuken.co.uk
Issued
by:
Bob
Jones, Publitek Ltd.
Tel: +44 117 956 2626
e-mail: bob@publitek.com
About
Zuken
Zuken specialises in professional software solutions for the
design of PCB/MCM/IC packages and systems. These advanced tool sets
facilitate schematic capture, placement, routing and analysis, and
manufacture and test. They operate under UNIX and Microsoft Windows.
Zuken is a global organisation employing over 1000 people and capitalised
at over $1billion.
For
more information, visit http://www.zuken.com
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