GT32 Series high-speed 1.5mm pitch connector employs pin-in-hole intrusive reflow method to improve PCB retention force and enable a one-time reflow process with other SMT components. Features positive locking structure that prevents partial locking, incomplete engagement and accidental disengagement. Offers enhanced EMI shielding and low near-end crosstalk. Supports LVDS, USB3.0 and HDMI 1.4a Type E, and comes in several versions including a 4-position model with transmission speeds up to 3Gbps/pair, a 10-position version with transmission speeds up to 5Gbps/pair, and a 19-position model with transmission speeds up to 2Gbps/pair. Resists vibration, physical and thermal shock (1000 cycles from -40° to +85°C), sulfur dioxide and heat up to 105°C. Lock strength 98 N. RoHS and ELV compliant. Rated voltage 30V AC, rated current of 1A, contact resistance 30m ohms maximum (shielded), and insulation resistance 100M ohms minimum at 500V DC.

Hirose, www.hirose.com/us

Starter Library for Mentor Graphics Pads and xDx Designer software is compatible with the VX and 9.5 releases. Is comprised of more than 11,000 current manufacturer part numbers along with associated schematic symbols and footprints.  Is IPC-7351B-compliant and comes with a wide variety of device types, well-defined partitions for easy navigation, and descriptions of standards used to create the library. Free for customers on active Mentor support.

Optimum Design Associates, www.optimumdesign.com

VTOS DDR standalone DDR verification tool now supports board designs using Sitara AM335x processors from Texas Instruments. Permits configuration, verification, and tuning of DDR memory for board designs. Integrates with vAccess for automated production test. Provides simple user interface and working board examples for configuring and tuning DDR memory in minutes. Can be tailored for custom board designs. Comes with memory part configuration settings, which also can be tailored to match new memory parts. Flexible user interface alters any memory mapped register, and run-time scripting allows custom testing and tuning. With a JTAG programmer, verifies DDR memory for new board designs that don’t have software loaded.

Kozio, www.kozio.com/content/vtos-ddr

CADStar Essential schematic and PCB design tool suite offers a single design environment with a common GUI for core PCB design activities such as schematics, library creation, routing and export for manufacturing. The complete schematic to PCB design flow supports up to 1,000 pins on four layers with an effective cost of $1 per pin. Supported by downloadable self-teach support material that incorporates links to video files to illustrate key features. Targets novice and basic designers and priced at $999.

Zuken, www.zuken.com/cadstar-essential