Advanced Design System 2008 is an electronic design automation software platform said to contain productivity breakthroughs for faster communications product design. Includes user interface and technology improvements said to speed the design process. Enhancements reportedly include improved project management, real-time zoom and pan, interactive 3-D layout viewing, stretching, and cut planes; improved LVS (layout vs. schematic) design synchronization; updated design rule checking and artwork export/import; 3-D electromagnetic integration into ADS. Said to contain faster bond wire drawing interface; the latest multi-processor computing, including support for todays 64-bit processors; and high-frequency transient simulations, providing reported average speed improvements of up to 6x for large circuits.

Agilent Technologies, www.agilent.com

The Inspecta HPL Combo is equipped with software and mechanical features that allow it to perform three different operations simultaneously. By means of multiple reference points within the panel, it reportedly can optimize, position, drill and route without any requirement for moving the panel. Can be used as a drilling machine or router by excluding x-ray source, or as a conventional x-ray machine. Is reportedly possible to locate specific reference points on each pattern/image/circuit.

International Supplies, www.internationalsupplies.it