Zuken Launches Upgraded Version of 3D PCB Design Tool EM Designer 4.4

March, 8, 2005 Bristol, UK - Zuken has launched an upgrade to its 3D electronic design tool, EM Designer. EM Designer 4.4 now supports integration with Zuken's enterprise level PCB design suite, CR-5000 Board Designer. The new release also includes improvements in functionality and performance.

One of the major upgrades to this solution is that it is now integrated with CR-5000 Board Designer, Zuken's advanced constraints-driven electronic design tool. Dave Clilverd, Zuken Solutions Group Development Manager comments: "For the first time, users of our Board Designer PCB design suite can carry out electronic design functions in 3D rather than just checking and visualization. This has been achieved via our standard CADIF neutral interface format, which allows CR-5000 Board Designer PCB files to be imported and CR-5000 component library data to be used."

The CADIF import option has been further enhanced to optionally ignore objects on the inner electrical layers which are unnecessary for carrying out 3D design checking functions, reducing memory required and increasing the application speed. Additionally, STL file importing is up to 100 times faster, and design file sizes have been reduced by approximately 10 per cent.

The Windows XP look and feel of EM Designer 4.4, also makes it easier to use, featuring the common desktop layout and familiar functions such as drag and drop loading of designs, floating toolbars and modeless and dockable dialogues for the Design Browser and DRC Results. Registration of file extensions with Windows Explorer also means that a design can be opened by simply double clicking on its icon.

Advancements have also been made in versatility and simplicity, with custom views, new commands for grouping and ungrouping geometrical objects, and automatic selection of entities for DRC and collision check functions. Adding to these benefits, Keepout volumes can now be viewed in a semi-transparent format.

EM Designer 4.4 is available now and is priced from $45,000 for 3D design and routing of flex circuits. For further information about EM Designer

www.zuken.com/electromechanical