NEWBERG, OR – WISE Software has released VisualCAM 2006 and GerbTool 15.1that are fully compatible with the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. In addition, the 15.1 release offers improvements to WISE Software’s Blind & Buried Via support during the import of IPC-D-356 data. There are also enhancements to the Test Fixturing capabilities (VisualCAM only), which reportedly allow for better End-Point Detection, the use of Solder Mask Data as test location filters, and more.
 
“WISE Software has always been committed to insuring the highest level of compatibility with the Windows operating system,” says Andy Wise, president of WISE Software Solutions Inc. “For this release we have made the necessary changes to our installation process to ensure that GerbTool and VisualCAM are being placed properly within the Vista environment. This includes making sure that all necessary drivers, for compenents like hardware keys and FlexLM, have been updated and tested for Vista compatibility.”
 
Blind & Buried Via Improvements: As design complexity continues to increase, so do the use of blind and buried vias. The 15.1 release offers improvements to the handling and association of external netlist information when an IPC-D-356 file is imported for comparison purposes. Users are said to receive a cleaner and more accurate display representation of their blind and buried via points and how they relate to internal layers. As the user cycles through their inner layers, they are shown only the external net points that pertain to those layers. Net points for blind and buried vias are represented with a unique marker that helps the user to distinguish them from a standard through-hole location.
 
Test Fixturing Enhancements: WISE has improved end-point detection to help eliminate unwanted or redundant testing of points on a given net. Algorithms have been improved so that, as a net traverses a board and passes through vias to other layers, these points are not inadvertently treated as the end of that net for that particular layer. VisualCAM will continue to track the net to see if it resurfaces elsewhere, thus allowing VisualCAM to continue its tracking and tag the true end point more accurately.
 
New Assembly Analysis: This release includes new Assembly Analysis features that reportedly provide a flexible method of checking the spacing between devices on the board. Multiple spacing checks are supported, including: 1) pin to pin, 2) pin to outline and 3) outline to outline. Selection of groups of devices or specific devices to participate in a check is simple and straightforward while still enabling the user to rapidly define a complex set of checks to meet their requirements. Additionally, sets of checks can be saved to external files.

FARMINGDALE, NY – Multiline Technology has launched its new XRT System 7000, the next generation in x-ray drilled tooling and inspection.
 
The XRT System 7000 was designed to help PCB manufacturers reduce their registration budgets to the absolute minimum when fabricating high layer count multilayers, HDI circuits, and laminated circuits with blind and buried vias.
 

SEASIDE, OR – A hard copy version of Flexible Circuit Technology by Joe Fjelstad is now available in paperback.

Flexible Circuit Technology, 3rd Edition is said t be a must-read for those looking to understand this enabling interconnection technology. Hard copies of this flex industry guidebook have been requested by many companies as well as Flex Circuit professionals.

GARDEN GROVE, CA – OK International has introduced its DX-250 Series of high performance digital dispenser/controllers. The micro-air dispensing systems are said to unite affordability with high accuracy and repeatability for exceptional results. The system will be fully available at the end of the second quarter.
 
The DX-250 dispensers are based on the technology of OK International’s DX-200 dispensers. The new model is reportedly equipped with a user-friendly intuitive firmware to deliver quick and easy task setup.
 
With an operating pressure of 0 to 100 Psi, (0 to 6.9bar), the DX-250 model is configured for general dispensing applications, while the DX-255’s operating pressure of 0 to 15 Psi, (0 to 1 bar) is designed for specific low viscosity fluids. Product application is diverse, ranging from the precision deposition of surface mount solder paste and adhesive, to semiconductor under-fill.
 
The-250 Series features a digital timer and adjustable vacuum for controlling drips between dispense cycles. Operating from a 24V DC supply and supplied ready to use with a power adapter, air hose, sample tips, barrel, syringe adapter and syringe stand, the CE certified dispensers feature a timer range of 0.020 to 60.00s to maximize operator flexibility.