PADS Software Announces PowerPCB 3.0 for PCB Design

PADS Software today announced the release of PADS-PowerPCB 3.0, the newest version of the company's core interconnect solution. This integration provides a foundation for electronics manufacturers, enabling them to speed time-to-volume production. The product introduces enhancements in four primary design areas: Intelligent Attribute Definition and Control, Extended API Commands, Keepouts and Cutouts, and an enhanced Viewlogic Link.

Intelligent Attribute Definition and Control enables users to leverage data from many sources. Attributes can be defined and checked as measurements, full integers, decimals, text strings, dollar amounts, and binary numbers. Users can add intelligence for arithmetic functions, wild cards, and min/max value verification, and also assign attributes at the schematic, library, or board level. In addition, the ability to intelligently integrate with enterprise resource planning (ERP), manufacturing resource planning (MRP) and product data management (PDM) systems has been enhanced because corporations can now automatically store, pass, and check the specific information they need.

Another significant feature of PowerPCB 3.0 is the Enhanced Viewlogic Link, which automates the interoperation between Viewlogic schematic capture and the PowerPCB database using OLE Automation methodologies. Users can transfer interconnect data without going through the netlist step—a push button operation. Additional enhancements available in PowerPCB 3.0 include automatic assignment of alphanumeric pins, lock-protect nets, enhancements to copper pour and test point rules flexibility. The features of PowerPCB 3.0 can benefit the entire organization, from mechanical design to manufacturing and purchasing.

PADS Software, Inc. Phone: 800-554-7253