Browser-Enabled PCB Design Optimization

EasyLogix announced its latest PCB-Investigator version 8.0. The upgraded version of the CAD/ CAM software developed specifically for review processes during the development of electronic assemblies, can, for the first time, be accessed via a browser interface without the need for local installation. By using the ODB++ data format, the PCB-Investigator creates a common database, which documents every change, and is accessible to everyone involved in the development, quality assurance and production process.

With the software’s comprehensive visualization, export and import capabilities, all layout reviews are far easier than ever before. Errors can be fixed earlier and prototypes can be reduced. Further improvements in version 8.0 are an improved component library with editor capability as well as clearance and creepage distance measurement.

By supporting a wide range of file formats, PCB-Investigator bridges the gaps between tools used by different departments as well as between 2D and 3D-CAD/CAM systems. Any aspect can be visualized using filters and all review and approval processes can be managed through a completely paperless system – across all cross functional teams from unbundling through to the integration into a housing.

For interdepartmental teams working on PCB design, the new connection to SharePoint is a further improvement. With such integrated data- and version-management, designs can be assessed, amended or supplemented with additional information and documentation by various departments in a controlled way. All data is centrally managed and version-controlled in SharePoint. No copies of the CAD dataset need to be sent, merged or filed.

Version 8.0 also places a particular focus on the preparation of placement data. With the new editor, geometries can now be moved and replaced, component layers created from placement data, the zero point of a component displayed, contours replaced, and attributes edited.

Working with PCB-Investigator brings greater expertise into the development process. The component purchasing department can give its feedback just as the assembly-experts can. Questions can be clarified at an early stage through simulation, such as Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and thermal properties. Latest feature: the measurement of clearance and creepage distance.

Simulation already made it possible to vary the dimensioning of conductor tracks, thus saving copper where appropriate. With version 8.0 of the PCB-Investigator, it is also now possible to analyze the application of solder paste in advance to potentially reduce the required amount. The import of netgroups from Cadence has been added to import functionality of the software.

"Whether for variations of existing products or for NPD (New Product Development), PCB-Investigator significantly improves the efficiency for the optimization of PCB-layouts and -assembly. Everyone continues to work with their own specialist software, but the results can be viewed at any time by all cross functional teams - without the need for printouts and always with the visualization of only the necessary information", explains Günther Schindler, founder of EasyLogix.

"This communication based on the complete set of project data also works beyond company boundaries – up to now in a single viewer, and now very simply via an individually customizable browser interface. From previous versions and component alternatives through to the experiences from the SMT production, all information is gathered centrally and automatically updated and documented. This enables a considerable increase in efficiency for the development process and a shortening of the time-to-market, which lends itself perfectly to modern Industry 4.0 processes,” Schindler concluded.