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Anritsu Co. has reduced the time to develop communications test solutions 4 to 6 weeks, eliminating a PCB re-spin by modeling thermal management at the board and systems level during the early design process. In the past, Anritsu engineers were not able to address thermal issues at the board level until the prototype stage when physical testing was performed. “Now we use Flomerics’ FLO/PCB software to optimize component placement before prototyping,” said Teresa Whiting, Mechanical Design Engineer for Anritsu. “The result is that no additional prototypes have been required for thermal reasons since this method has been used.”

 
Anritsu has modeled the thermal performance of its products for a number of years but in the past thermal simulation was not fast enough to keep up with the rapid pace at which the company designs PCBs. So, thermal design had to wait until the prototype was built and mechanical engineers created thermal photographs and measured temperatures of the boards. At the same time engineers also modeled the product at the systems level with Flomerics’ Flotherm software. Typically, the simulation identified hot spots or other problems on boards. Engineers then went back and repositioned components, rerouted traces, and built a new prototype. The extra board spin added directly to the time required to bring the product to market.
 
About a year ago, Anritsu became one of the first users of FLO/PCB, a software package that makes it practical to perform thermal modeling during PCB design. Electronic engineers now provide mechanical engineers with placement information and data sheets on key components of the PCB. The mechanical engineers then quickly model the board and simulate its performance under standard airflow and temperature conditions. They often reposition components at this stage or add a heat sink and, when they are satisfied, then plug the FLO/PCB model into a Flotherm system model, which usually already exists, and determine the thermal performance of the board under actual conditions.
 
“Modeling PCBs during the design stage makes it possible to get the board design right from a thermal standpoint every time,” Whiting said. “This has eliminated the need for a second thermal prototype and saved us 4 to 6 weeks in bringing every product to market. In a typical example, FLO/PCB showed us that junction temperatures were too high on a couple of voltage regulators. The system level simulation showed us exactly where we needed to reposition the boards to get enough airflow. We provided that information back to the EEs designing the board, so they were able to get the layout right the first time.”
 
Flomerics, www.flopcb.com

Promation has released the latest version of its multi-functional magazine handling system. The EMB-700 creates multi-functional in-line PCB handling through the use of magazines.
 
“One Touch Button” system allows this station to be programmed for the following: Line Unloading, Line Loading, Magazine Rack Buffer (LIFO or FIFO modes) or to simply act as a Pass-Through Conveyor. An upgrade to the Signature Series includes touch panel, automatic width adjusting and functional tracking through LCD readout.
 
Equipped with PLC, the rear magazine rack storage system is capable of holding up to five magazines. Features audible alarm, three-color light tower, ESD grounding receptacle, full safety vanity panels and “Easy Roll” wheels with leveling feet.
 
Promation, pro-mation-inc.com
NORTH BILLERICA, MABTU International has acquired the AtmoPlas technology and research team from Dana Corp. The acquisition provides BTU with 27 patents and filings in plasma processing through the use of microwave technology.
 
Financial terms were not announced.

The AtmoPlas process makes possible a new method of heating components where microwave energy is used to create a plasma at atmospheric pressure. Typically, plasma is generated under low pressure or vacuum, adding substantial complexity and cost to the equipment. The ability of AtmoPlas to operate without a vacuum offers several advantages over conventional microwave processing.

"We envision that after further development this technology will provide thermal processing solutions which could significantly affect processing flexibility, cycle time, equipment footprint and throughput in electronics and energy generation, as well as other applications," said Paul J. van der Wansem, BTU chairman and CEO.

AutoVue version 19.1 adds support for popular 3-D formats prevalent in many industries including
Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), providing the ability to view and collaborate on 2-D and 3-D drawings with a single solution.
 
Expands EDA capabilities by adding NC Drill formats, Cadence Allegro and Concept 15.5, as well as OrCad Capture and Layout 10.5. Gerber file aperture support has also been enhanced. PCB manufacturers can collaborate with suppliers and customers rapidly without risking valuable IP.
 
Format and product enhancements include:  AutoCAD 3D 2000 and up, MicroStation 3D v8 and up, CATIA 5 R16, Solid Edge 18, enhanced product manufacturing information (PMI) support and more.
 
As the AEC community embraces 3-D technology, AutoVue provides a simple means to view, print and comment on 2-D and 3-D drawings. Native document viewing capability enables customers to instantly view documents without undergoing file conversions. Customers, suppliers and partners can share information without having to purchase and manage software licenses and training services.
 
Cimmetry Systems Corp., cimmetry.com
USI’s Prism Coating Systems are designed for precision application of a variety of low-viscosity coatings. Features patented nozzle-free ultrasonic coating technology, which reportedly delivers a more precise coating application than conventional spray nozzles.
 
USI has compiled a short video demonstrating the system selectively coating a range of materials with precise control and uniformity, including electronics assembly, semiconductor, fuel cell, medical and industrial applications

Ultrasonic Systems, ultraspray.com
Arena PLM Spring 06 on-demand PLM service simplifies how manufacturers integrate their solution with ERP, EDA and CAD applications by adding an integration layer into its PLM solution, enhancing access controls to provide customers with a greater level of security and enabling personalized usage statistics and a new self-service portal for customer support.

 
Enhancements include:
A New Integration Layer –A new integration layer enables simplified integration with essential ERP, CAD and EDA applications, including products from Oracle, Microsoft, Expandable, QAD, Cadence, Mentor Graphics and SolidWorks. Through this integration layer, manufacturers can use managed data synchronizations or off-the-shelf adaptor solutions to seamlessly integrate PLM product data with other enterprise applications such as ERP, MCAD and EDA. Managed data synchronizations, which include semi-automated workflows, allow customers who are just getting started with PLM or who make less frequent updates to their integration processes, to have a cost-effective and ‘out of the box’ solution for integrating their PLM data with other applications.
 
The integration layer also features a dashboard that allows users to transparently monitor and manage which other applications are integrated. Enables customers to publish specific subsets of PLM data to other enterprise systems. Customers can have real-time visibility into what other applications are integrated and greater control of their product record data.

Enhanced Security – Provides enhanced enterprise-class security through IP-based access control. Manufacturers can now restrict access based on log-in and IP address range. Provides for stronger security measures and more customized permissions. Allows security- and IP-conscious customers to control access to their IP on very specific “point of entry.”
 
Richer Customer Experience -- Delivered on-demand as a secure, Internet service enabling customers to take advantage of continuous innovation, a richer, AJAX-based user interface, increased reliability and security, and greater service performance. Provides real-time, personalized usage information into application usage, feature utilization and support activity to maximize the PLM experience. Through a custom, self-service portal manufacturers can now get real-time status updates on customer support issues. The portal is fully integrated with Fast Feedback, a real-time support system that provides users with immediate technical assistance in the context of exactly where they are in the application. 
 
These enhancements follow on the heels of a recent announcement that Arena PLM products are backed by a guaranteed service level agreement (SLA).
 
Arena Solutions, arenasolutions.com

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