PCB design platform combines EDA and the internet
Internet connected PCB design, in the form of eCADStar takes electronic design into the world of connected communities, says Zuken.
It combines Zuken’s advanced 2D/3D electronic design technology with inbuilt internet capabilities and predictive tool tips and prompts. The result is a borderless electronic design environment that connects engineering with comprehensive online services that streamline global design review and manufacturing processes.
Zuken’s Chris Allenby, eCADStar product manager, said: “With eCADStar, we are taking PCB design out of its isolation into the internet connected world.”
The web portal has inbuilt web access to provide seamless access to a wide variety of in-house and third party services, helping users through the entire design process. For example, eCADStar users can search online component vendor libraries, request quotes and purchase components from manufacturers and distributors directly from within the design tool. Online collaboration capabilities also support collaboration with design, simulation and manufacturing experts that include Allied Electronic and Automation, Arrow, Digi-Key, Mouser Electronics, PCB Libraries, RS, SamacSys and Ultra Librarian.
In busy projects, it’s easy to feel isolated. With seamless internet connectivity, eCADStar connects designers who may be isolated to team members, and new internet resources and services to create an extended virtual team via seamless internet integration.
With a native 3D design environment, MCAD and ECAD engineers can work seamlessly throughout the design process. eCADStar also allows engineers to work in parallel on their own section of a board or functional circuit elements, to reduce design time.
Intelligent software optimised with 2D/3D graphics, touch screen, multi-core and 64-bit processors and internet connectivity provides a range of automated and assistive features. Commands can be transmitted both by means of finger gestures as well as using a traditional input device (mouse), allowing users to make simultaneous use of both hands.
eCADStar provides a fully managed 2D/3D design process in a modern environment with a common user interface and centralised library of schematic and PCB editors. Design constraints and variants can be defined in the schematic and propagated throughout the PCB layout and routing process. Changes can be reviewed and applied from either direction with bi-directional annotation to keep designs synchronised. A powerful library synchronisation function identifies out-of-date parts and updates the design.
Users have access to an extensive library of free online training and resources that can be displayed directly in the eCADStar environment. There is a centralised knowledge base and support system, with local partners and internet connected resources. Help topics are delivered live, ensuring the material is always current and up to date. Excerpts from each topic can be contextually displayed within the software and first time users can take an interactive tour on software start.
eCADSTAR will be released to the general market in September 2019. .
