OptimizePI v. 2.1 pre-layout selection and placement of decoupling capacitors for power delivery networks in PCBs and IC packages. Analysis-based flow is said to fully automate design setup and electrical analysis tasks associated with pre-layout decoupling capacitor planning. Quickly provides optimized initial decoupling capacitor designs that are near-final in nature. Reportedly reduces subsequent design iterations and provides high-quality power delivery networks to help mitigate simultaneous switching output (SSO) and other issues. Describes stack-up attributes, plane size and shape, decoupling capacitor placement guidelines and a library of candidate decoupling capacitors. Electromagnetic simulation engine, combined with a highly efficient genetic optimization algorithm, rapidly analyzes feasible implementation options; it takes into account electromagnetic field propagation inside the power system, device locations and mounting parasitics of decoupling capacitors. Presents list of candidate design schemes organized by performance and cost profiles.

Sigrity, www.sigrity.com

Polyflex FR is a fire-resistant impregnation resin for sealing electronic connectors, wires, and wiring assemblies. Protects against moisture and corrosion by uniformly filling gaps and pores. Provides flexibility and heat resistance; is reportedly ideal for use in applications under harsh conditions with prolonged exposure to thermo cycling and vibration, such as environments in close proximity to internal combustion.

IMPCO, www.impco-inc.com/polyflexfr

PLCC Plugs are categorically molded and machined, and designed to connect printed circuit boards and PLCC production sockets. Is attached to cable with numerical coding for easy identification of the plug to pin connection. Reportedly permit reliable socketing and SMT insertion.  Series includes PLCC -20 plug, PLCC -28 plug, PLCC -32 plug, PLCC -44 plug, PLCC -52 plug, PLCC -68 plug.

A-Flex, www.a-flex.com

 

vSure v. 9.0 design for manufacturing software contains enhanced DfM analysis. Verifies more than 700 DfM manufacturing requirements on a PCB design. Uses  “golden” Valor Parts Library (VPL) to ensure consistency between the checks performed at design and manufacturing.

Features include

• Manufacturing Risk Assessment interface for reviewing DfM analysis results, focusing on the most critical. Potential design problems can be filtered and sorted by various categories including severity, board location, padstack types, package or part numbers and features.
• Design Process Wizard to guide designers through DfM process following a best-practice sequence of steps from the import of design data to the viewing of analysis results. Executes all actions in accordance with industry-tested practices to ensure a comprehensive analysis while reducing the need for detailed manufacturing expertise.
• Hierarchical and mathematical-based analysis-rules modeling that enables adjustment of analysis rules based on the technology, design center, processes or manufacturer’s capabilities. Reportedly eliminates need for complete re-definition of rule-sets when technologies change. In addition, management of multiple rule-sets is supported, thus reducing setup time and potential analysis errors.
• Significantly simplified user interface.

Succeeds Valor Enterprise 3000 Design-for-Manufacturing (DFM) software.

Mentor Graphics, http://go.mentor.com/vsure