Reference Design Library Beta is available online. Is an interactive resource for design engineers. Permits filtering based on the designs’ measured performance. Can find a variety of AC/DC and DC/DC conversion, audio amplifiers, and lighting driver designs, along with motion and power management resources. New models and solutions are added weekly.

Digi-Key Corp., www.digikey.com

Plasma Finish is an ultrathin fluoropolymer coating applied using a plasma deposition chamber. Reportedly creates a continuous, defect-free film that is just nanometers thick everywhere that the active gas plasma comes into contact with the surface, including high aspect ratio vias. Has stable chemical properties said to greatly extend PCB shelf life, actively repelling water and preventing contact with corrosive gasses. Ensures wettability. Combined with a precleaning step, eliminates activating, plating and rinsing stages in a traditional line. Is completely removed during solder joint formation, resulting in a reliable CuSn intermetallic layer.

Semblant, www.semblantglobal.com

AWR Connected for ODB++ PCB layout verification design flow is for connecting third-party printed circuit board tools with Microwave Office and AXIEM software solutions. Specifically moves layout data from a PCB vendor tool into an independent file format ready for use and import into AWR software. Gives the user the ability to selectively import either by net or region. Highlights include: Import layout from PCB tools for EM analysis; full PCB, arbitrary section, and/or select traces with proximity; schematic automatically created from component information; apply EM ports and wire automatically into schematic, and complement existing AWR Connected bidirectional flow with Mentor Graphics that support full co-design at all stages.

AWR Corp., www.awrcorp.com

Atlas SI software tests PCB transmission line losses in a tightly controlled production environment. Employs mathematical processing techniques to extract frequency dependent loss characteristics when used in conjunction with suitably designed test coupons and precision GHz probe assemblies. Interfaces with Tektronix DSA8200 oscilloscope TDRs, and supports SET2DIL (single-ended TDR to differential insertion loss) test methodology for extraction of differential insertion loss from a single ended test and suitably designed coupon. Comprises GHz test software, probe and cable set, Tektronix DSA8200 TDR with 80E04 TDR sampler heads and optional CGen Si insertion loss coupon generator.

Polar Instruments, www.polarinstruments.com