Altium Designer 14.3 provides improved support and new features that facilitate design reuse and more efficient electronics design. Improved Component Variant Support designs the schematic and PCB for drop-in replacement and alternative parts.

CST Studio Suite 2014 includes features to automate the creation of SAM projects for common design tasks, such as antenna placement, emissions analysis and thermal detuning. Multiphysics workflows, which combine full-wave EM simulation with thermal simulation, can now be created using the wizard from the schematic view. All solvers are set up and connected, and the entire simulation started with a single click. For simulations with temperature dependent materials, SAM permits simulations to be iterated until convergence is achieved.  Mechanical simulations can be added to the workflow, permitting expansion and detuning effects to be calculated. All solvers are integrated in the same parametric 3D modelling GUI, making parameter studies and optimization runs including EM-thermal couplings possible

Computer Simulation Technology, cst.com

brd-to-3D turns CAD layout files into comprehensive 3D packages consisting of:

- Photo-realistic images of the printed circuit board and SMD stencil.
- A STEP file of the virtually assembled PCB.
- A PDF formatted 3D view that rotates freely allowing all angles of viewing.

With placed prototype order, comes with free laser-sintered 3D model of the assembled PCB.

Accepts CadSoft Eagle software, with more formats coming soon. 

PCB-Pool, www.pcb-pool.com/brd-to-3d

Smartzoom 5 automated digital microscope has an optical engine—consisting of a zoom, camera, and illumination—a stand with sample stage, objective lenses, the operating unit, and software. Is suited for conducting failure analyses and routine inspections. Does not require switching back and forth between device and software; can carry out steps on the screen. Can save workflow. Best Image feature provides preview of different illumination options; user selects the best one. Is factory-calibrated and can be used immediately.

Zeiss, www.zeiss.com