PCB design software upgrades with 3D collision detection

“Version 12.0 offers a significant step up for our users in the areas of the PCB design process that they say would benefit them the most,” said Bob Williams, marketing director for Pulsonix. “The new 3D design features along with 64-bit processing and multi-core support allow our designers to quickly visualise design changes in 3D even with large designs and stacked boards.”

Pulsonix 3D capabilities now include 3D collision detection for both multi-board designs and board folding.

This allows designers to visualise boards in a stacked or folded configuration and to verify boards and components fit together in the intended space.

Automated clash detection will flag any space violations, and there is a new capability that allows designers to ignore clashes that are intended for known connection points like plugs and sockets.

These new 3D capabilities are integrated into a new consolidated 3D design menu that organises setup and operation for a more intuitive workflow. This simplifies the interface and enables new functionality while minimising complexity.

Pulsonix 12.0 is significantly faster due to the new 64-bit implementation and additional multi-threading capabilities to speed up time-consuming functions.

Two specific examples are 1) users with large designs will see significant speed ups due to the increased 64-bit address space and multi-threading for library access, and 2) 3D rendering is now multi-threaded meaning 3D viewing and STEP output can be spread across multiple cores and completed in less than half the time.

“Another common request is Dark Mode for the user interface,” added Williams. “Not only does the new Dark Mode option change to a dark background scheme, but we also swap out all toolbar icons to a set that is more compatible with Dark Mode. Whether it's for less eye strain, lower power consumption, or just aesthetics, I'm sure Dark Mode will be a popular feature.”

Additional Rules and DRC checking add new functionality to the Interactive High-Speed option.

With new rules such as stub routing length, loop antenna, return path, SMD to corner, and SMD to plane rules, more precision when designing critical advanced circuits can be achieved.

Additional enhancements to the editing of differential pair tracks further endorse the precision of Pulsonix.

“With almost 100 documentable additions and changes, Pulsonix Version 12.0 is a significant release with advanced technology and features that directly benefit our customers,” added Williams.