Mentor unveils new PCB solution

The PADS2005 PCB design solutions from Mentor Graphics Corp. feature enhancements that promise to improve the designer's productivity and ability to optimize designs for performance and manufacturing. The PADS2005 update also extends the capabilities of PADS Logic to enable faster schematic capture, viewing and analysis by design team members and increased ease-of-use features for the full PADS flow.

New features include floating connections that organize the design according to the preference of the designer, as well as automatic connection of parts-to-parts and parts-to-nets that accelerate the incorporation of new parts into the design. True Type Font support for both PADS Logic and PADS Layout increased readability of the design screen and printed schematic. In addition, international fonts, such as Chinese characters, are supported.

PADS2005 includes two new options for PADS Logic. PADS Logic PDF enables the designer to create intelligent representations of their schematics in the standard PDF format. Users who do not own PADS Logic can view and share schematics, thereby enhancing design portability and accessibility while protecting the design from unwanted changes, explained Mentor. All parts information is available in the PDF, and for easy readability, nets can be traced throughout the design using hyperlinks. PADS SPICEnet provides a connection between PADS Logic and industry standard SPICE programs.

PADS is the Windows-based standard for PCB design solutions, combining value and broad technology. According to the press release, its rich functionality and affordable pricing give customers a high return on their investment, enabling them to handle everything from basic designs to complex problems with speed, high quality and ease.