Browser-enabled PCB design optimisation

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 visualisation, 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 visualised 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.