ZUKEN-CadStar- v10.0

Zuken announces the latest version of the desktop PCB design solution, CADSTAR 10.0, which includes the addition of a large number of intelligent functionalities for schematic, library and PCB design, tighter integration with FPGA design tools, and the introduction of an alternative schematic front-end solution E³.logic.

Design Control
There has been an increased focus on supporting both the engineer and designer to create “right-first-time” designs in shorter time frames. CADSTAR offers users the ability to perform version control at the parts and component level, store parts information in the PCB design, set-up detailed layer stacks for buried and blind via technologies and carry-out impedance controlled routing. CADSTAR 10.0 also includes extended ODB++ output for manufacturing, the ability to highlight nets using multiple colors, plus FPGA design integration and a fully integrated parts library manager in ‘Design Editor’.

Ease-of-use
Ease-of-use with the well-known intuitive workflow has been further improved, to include integration of additional features for assigning any combination of function keys, enhanced layers settings GUI, support of custom colors using the standard Microsoft color dialog, smart update of new software releases and automatic parts index creation. All interactive operations are available while working in a mirrored view in the intelligent place & routing tool, P.R.Editor, for intelligent interactive lengthening or re-lengthening.

E³.logic for CADSTAR
Zuken’s E³.series module, E³.logic, can now be offered as an add-on solution for CADSTAR to further boost users’ productivity. Used as a front-end solution for CADSTAR PCB design it will allow support of multilingual diagrams, multilingual text and Unicode. The use of the E³.Logic database as a back-end solution for CADSTAR PCB design reduces the time spent searching for existing parts, integrates easily with specific MRP, ERP or PDM systems and works with databases that comply with Microsoft's ODBC standard. The CADSTAR E³.logic integration also provides opportunities to directly integrate with other E³.series modules such as E³.cable for complete system level integrated electronics and electrical design.

FPGA Integration
The recently introduced add-on module, CADSTAR FPGA, supports one universal project manager that controls all the design files for simulation, synthesis, place and route and pin assignment to the PCB board, as well as the I/O synchronization between the FPGA device and the PCB board.
This will allow the FPGA designer to forward and backward annotate pin swaps with the PCB layout.