eCADSTAR Release 2022.0 Enables Efficient Creation of IoT Enabled PCB Designs

Bristol, UK, and Munich, Germany, June 13, 2022

With Release 2022 of eCADSTAR, Zuken continues to advance the concept of a user-friendly, internet-connected PCB design system for the small and medium business segment. Leveraging eCADSTAR’s internet-connected platform and unified user interface for all applications (schematic, constraint, library, and layout editors), the eCADSTAR development team’s focus for the new major release was the delivery of advanced functionality as a reaction to requests from the growing user base. The focus for the new major release was the delivery of advanced capabilities for organization and reuse of designs, fine-tuning of high-speed circuitry, and layout and modification of densely populated PCB layouts through semi-automatic functionality. 

“With an emphasis on organization and reuse of full and partial designs, advanced fine-tuning of high-speed circuitry, and automation-assisted layout and modification of densely populated PCB layouts, eCADSTAR release 2022 continues to be a strong contender for demanding users in the growing market of IoT enabled boards”

Jeroen Leinders, eCADSTAR Business Manager Europe

Organizing large circuits 

The organization of large circuit diagrams in eCADSTAR’s schematic application has been further simplified by the added support for multi-instanced hierarchy, which makes it possible to group circuit parts (e.g., multi-channels, like amplifiers) that are used several times in a design into hierarchical blocks. These blocks can be replicated in any number of instances.  All instances are updated automatically whenever changes are made to a block definition.

Easy, more structured Management of 3D models 

Library management was also enhanced through the introduction of a new 3D Model Manager that can import STEP and other 3D formats. Models can be organized into sub-folders bringing structure and clarity to 3D component models, for example by package. 

Fine-tuning of high-speed signals 

Major enhancements have been made to fine-tuning capabilities for high-speed signals. A major overhaul of Configuration Editor has made it easier to define or edit physical track and layer stack cross-sections for analysis. Users can also define etch factors to compensate for impedance variations introduced by inaccuracies in the etching process, either for entire designs or for individual PCB tracks, enhancing the accuracy of signal integrity analysis – especially for ultra-high-speed differential signals. For ease of use with high-speed designs, bi-directional cross-probe between eCADSTAR’s Electrical Editor and eCADSTAR Schematic and PCB has been introduced, making it easy to relate physical designs to their high-speed equivalent circuits.  

Auto-interactive push-aside and routing 

Modification of existing layout patterns, such as moving placed components, now supports push-aside, automatically adjusting surrounding components and corresponding routing patterns in real-time. The routing of multi-pad footprint pads, in which single pins correspond to multiple IC pads is now supported. 

Re-use Component placement  

Component positions can be exported to a CSV file for either an entire layout or part of it.  This known good placement can be imported into other designs. This feature is particularly useful for reducing the effort of initial placement through straightforward reuse, as well as for re-using placement of common circuits such as DC-to-DC converters. 

The new release of eCADSTAR will be available June 13th. eCADSTAR is available in a broad range of configurations to fit individual needs. To learn more, or to request an evaluation, please visit http://www.ecadstar.com 

About Zuken  

Zuken is a global software company delivering electrical and electronic design solutions. Founded in 1976, Zuken has a consistent track record of technology innovation and financial stability in the electronic and electrical design automation (EDA) industry. With its CR-8000 and E3.series product families, Zuken provides a robust lineup of system-level 2D/3D electrical and electronic toolsets complemented by comprehensive design data and configuration management capabilities.   

Most recently, Zuken has embraced digital transformation and, more specifically, digital engineering as the way forward with its entry into the Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) industry. Today, Zuken delivers world-class design solutions combining MBSE products and services with a mature, proven electrical and electronic design suite to address the needs of a broad range of industries across the globe. For more information about the company and its products, visit www.zuken.com,  www.zuken.com/blog, or www.linkedin.com/company/zuken  

Press contact 

Europe
Klaus Wiedemann
Zuken GmbH
85399 Hallbergmoos, Germany
E-Mail: klaus.wiedemann@de.zuken.com