CADSTAR SI cuts design iterations by bringing signal integrity screening and simulation to mainstream Windows-based PCB design solution

February 26, 2001. Zuken has announced CADSTAR SI and CADSTAR SI Plus, two new modules for its PCB Desktop Solution, CADSTAR, that provide fast, accurate signal integrity (SI) screening analysis. Using intelligent netlist format files from the CADSTAR PCB Design Editor that carry all the information for SI simulation, the modules allow SI problems to be identified and 'what if' scenarios to be investigated. This enables fast optimization of the design.

Mark Thompson, Zuken's Head of CADSTAR Business Unit, commented: "According to the Japanese Printed Circuit Association, 44% of design rework is directly attributable to EMI/SI problems, so this tool is going to save many thousands of man hours for new customers and within our existing 10,000-plus user base. With the faster time to market demanded by industry, tools of this caliber can make the difference between simply getting the product delivered, or being first to market with the inherent competitive advantage that this produces."

The CADSTAR SI products were developed from the proven Incases simulation engine that forms part of Zuken's high-end Board Integrity Solution. Incases was acquired by Zuken in March 2000. CADSTAR SI consists of a signal screening tool, reflection simulator, wave analyzer, macro model editor, and IBIS converter. In addition, CADSTAR SI Plus provides cross-talk analysis.

Pre-screening of nets using the Signal Screening Tool gives early insight into potential signal integrity problems. It displays impedances, signal undershoot and overshoot, and static timings. Analysis of these results enables selection of critical nets for further simulation and modification.

Using the fast linear model Reflection Simulator to generate the waveforms that would be found at various nodes on the nets, worst-case results are predicted with data presented in a number of formats including CSV (comma separated format) for direct import into Excel and Standard Delay Format (SDF). Results are sent to a Wave Analyzer for display and the CADSTAR SI Termination Advisor. The advisor can then be used to simulate a variety of resistance, capacitance and parallel diode terminations to ensure that overshoot, undershoot and ringing are constrained to pre-defined levels. This allows a variety of 'what if' scenarios to be simulated before layout modifications are made.

The Wave Analyzer displays results in an oscilloscope-like format, with a zoom function for detailed examination, and provides full waveform measurement capabilities. Frequency domain information is made available using Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT).

The Cross-talk Simulator in CADSTAR SI Plus determines the interference that would be transferred from one trace to another when traces interact. The Waveform Analyzer is again used to display the results in graphical form.

Both of the new modules operate with CADSTAR Gold or above and come with comprehensive macro-model libraries consisting of some 4500 components. A Macro Model Editor is used to modify existing models or create new ones. The wide range of default models minimizes the time and effort needed to create customized ones and an integral IBIS Converter can be used to create new models from imported IBIS versions.

Offering front-to-back functionality in a common environment, CADSTAR integrates schematic capture, placement and routing with a fully embedded router, extensive libraries and a library creation tool, EMC/EMI analysis, and graphically driven batch post processors in a single tool. The addition of CADSTAR SI signal analysis and cross-talk modules will enable even greater design productivity.

Introductory prices for CADSTAR SI and CADSTAR SI Plus are £3500 and £4900 respectively until 30th September 2001. CADSTAR operates under Windows 98, 2000 and NT.

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Editorial Contacts
Press contact:
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

Editors' note:
Zuken is one of the world's leading providers of 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. Used by the world's top 30 electronic product manufacturers, the solutions operate under both UNIX and Microsoft Windows. Zuken is the market sector leader in Japan and has offices throughout Europe and the USA. It is a global organization employing over 1000 people and the company is listed on Level 1 of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
For more information, visit http://www.zuken.com.