Zuken merges SPICE tool with CADSTAR Schematics design to boost designer productivity

March 22nd, 2005 - Bristol, UK - Zuken announces that TopSPICE is now available as a simulation engine for the CADSTAR suite of schematic and printed circuit board (PCB) design tools. TopSPICE, from Penzar Development , enables design engineers to simulate their schematic exactly as it will be passed into PCB layout. The integration between CADSTAR and TopSPICE, which has been developed in partnership with LatimerCAD, means that CADSTAR users no longer have to copy data from schematic to simulation, but instead work within a single design environment, utilizing a seamless design flow based around a single set of data. All design and simulation functions are available from either the schematic or netlist editor front-ends, reducing design time and significantly boosting productivity.

The TopSPICE simulation engine includes a native mixed-mode, mixed-signal simulator for circuits with any combination of analog and digital functions; and works with most PSpice net lists and vendor SPICE model libraries. TopSPICE enables designs to be optimized from system and individual transistor perspectives and its integrated SPICE editor allows experienced designers to manually create SPICE arguments and create models or sub-circuits directly. In addition, a Parts Properties Editor gives fast access to the simulation parameters for each component, allowing small changes and ‘what if’ tuning to be carried out quickly and easily.

TopSPICE has an integral, event-driven, 32-bit logic simulator that supports circuit sizes to the limit of system resources. A device model library of over 15,000 parts is also included. The simulator provides comprehensive analog behavior modeling and analysis including waveform, performance and statistical analytical functions. Furthermore, it offers an interactive graphical post-processor with auto-plot functionality and waveform expression plots.

Zuken chose to integrate TopSPICE into their design flow due to its proven performance and reliability. Zuken continues to focus its own development efforts on enhancing the PCB design and routing aspects of CADSTAR.

CADSTAR is Zuken’s Windows-based desktop PCB design solution. It is designed for ease-of-use and easy integration into other design environments while preserving legacy data. Spanning traditional design areas such as schematic capture, placement, routing, library creation and management, signal integrity, EMC analysis, and production of manufacturing data, CADSTAR also delivers powerful add-on technology through its 130,000+ component internet libraries. It also offers a 3D design tool, automatic and high-speed routing, variant management and more. CADSTAR provides the productivity of high-end solutions at low-end prices. It is completely scaleable, allowing customers to grow with their market without the need to change EDA technology.

CADSTAR TopSPICE is available through your distribution channel, now priced from $1759 /€1372 per seat. For more information about TopSPICE please visit www.cadstarworld.com/spice

People update: In a move towards providing closer integration between the Americas and Europe, Jeroen Leinders has been appointed CADSTAR Distribution Manager for the Americas , strengthening the region’s management further. This is an expansion to his previous role as European CADSTAR Distribution Manager, extending responsibilities for CADSTAR distribution management across the two continents. Jeroen holds a diploma in electronics, and has been involved in electronic product design and manufacturing since 1985, with over 18 years of experience working for high-tech organizations.

For further information & reader enquiries:

Europe: Dionne Knowles, Zuken Ltd., 1500 Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4RF, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1454 207800	E-mail: Dionne.Knowles@zuken.co.uk
Fax: +44 (0) 1454 207803	Web: www.zuken.com
Americas: Amy Clements, Zuken USA, 238 Littleton Road, Suite 100, Westford, MA 01886, USA
Tel: (972) 691-3284	E-mail: Amy.Clements@zuken.com
Fax: (972) 692-1304	Web: www.zuken.com

About Zuken:
Established in 1976, Zuken has evolved into a provider of solutions that maximize the efficiency of the design and manufacturing processes of electronics companies around the world. Zuken holds a leading global share of the PCB/MCM/HIC software market in the field of electronic design automation (EDA). In addition to its longstanding experience as a provider of innovative solutions for PCB design, Zuken’s expanded portfolio encompasses proven solutions for the development of information technology (IT) infrastructures. Listed on Level 1 of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the company is headquartered in Japan and has development, sales and support centers in 10 countries including the US, Germany, UK and France. Zuken's customers include the world's top 30 electronics manufacturers from automotive to aerospace, communications to consumer electronics, and medical to military.
www.zuken.com

About LatimerCAD
Established in the early 1990’s, Latimer CAD supply 3D CAD interface solutions to the printed circuit board and electro-mechanical sectors. They also provide IT support for small and medium sized businesses. For further information please visit their website: www.latimer-cad.com

About Penzar Development
Since 1991, Penzar Development has been offering high-performance, mixed-mode analog/digital, SPICE circuit simulation software for PCs to electronic professionals around the world. Penzar Development's goal has been to provide software that is useful, is compatible with industry standards, operates efficiently, and that can be customized to suit individual needs and preferences - all at affordable prices. Penzar Development's TopSPICE circuit simulation products offer complete CAD solutions for electronic design: simulation, waveform analysis, and extensive model libraries. For further information please visit their website: www.penzar.com