CADSTAR 8.0, the latest version of the desktop PCB design solution, features improvements in schematic design and library management, support for variants, lead-free component technology and jumpers. Also has enhanced placement, routing and advanced signal integrity analysis tools.
 
Schematic Manager features significant usability enhancements for engineers. Pin names and numbers can now be rotated in the schematic symbol, pin labels can be assigned in the library, multi-line text can be justified and text can be aligned and rotated while supporting readability.
 
Component management is now simple; users can search components within multiple libraries while maintaining data integrity required for carrying out necessary design processes such as ECO updates, checks and post process procedures.
 
Includes the latest in functionality for new technology that has evolved from the European WEEE and RoHS Directives and continued innovation in design processes and fabrication such as lea- free soldering. Electrical connections using jumper technology is now supported. Users can add jumpers on the fly (like a normal via) in the P.R.Editor XR 2000 L4 (or higher version). Rounded rectangle pads are also supported. The Variant Manager now supports text per variant, eliminating separate supporting documentation for manufacturing. Hyperlinks and documentation in Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF can also be added to the variant text.
 
The hard work has been taken out of complex routing with major enhancements to the P.R.Editor. Trunking allows designers to perform auto-interactive routing  more efficiently. Trunks address issues associated with handling different routes, busses or differential pairs collectively as one entity, enabling users to quickly sketch routes, facilitating fast up-front planning and manipulation of a collection of signals as a group. All interconnects can be concurrently considered when routing at the ends of a trunk using the trunk end router function, combating design complexity as the board density increases; which can be performed in combination with an improved 45° angled pusher.
 
Includes an accurate FEM field solver for considering frequency dependent losses and the proximity effects on strong couplings. Eye diagrams can be generated for performing eye-mask verification and for providing analysis based on multi-bit sequence stimuli. Includes RF models for passive devices; waveform verification can be performed at die level.
 
Will be available from in November 2005, visit cadstarworld.com/cadstar8.
 
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