OrCAD Engineering Data Management is a collaboration and management environment for OrCAD Capture; OrCAD Library Builder is an automated part builder, and OrCAD Documentation Editor is an automated PCB documentation environment. OrCAD EDM enables schematic design collaboration and management. Combines an intuitive interface with design and data management capabilities to ensure data integrity and project status are managed throughout schematic design process. Enables engineers to work collaboratively, regardless of geographic location. OrCAD Library Builder provides a single environment for creation of OrCAD parts by harvesting component IP from online component catalogs and device specification sheet PDFs using an automated correct-by-construction approach. Reportedly decreases part creation time by as much as 70% for complex parts. OrCAD Documentation Editor automates the creation of documentation elements, manufacturing views, details, and tables.  Uses technology that directly leverages PCB design data, synchronizes engineering change orders, and enables dynamic content. Reportedly reduces documentation time up to 60 to 80%.

Cadence, www.cadence.com

Xpedition Data Management (xDM) suite provides a flow-wide information hub that manages the PCB design data that is created, reused, imported, or released from Xpedition Enterprise. Manages design data for work-in-progress designs, and library and component data for the entire PCB design flow. Is said to ensure accuracy, integrity and security of PCB data used throughout the enterprise flow.

xDM Design tool manages data from a broad range of sources, serving as a central design "cockpit" for all tools and data. Design traceability feature creates a family tree and tracks all events associated with design objects. Collaboration client feature enables enterprise-wide team collaboration, providing complete design viewing in a web browser, allowing redlines and mark-ups for design reviews. Also enables quick access to design state information including metrics such as total parts, total nets, constraints, and percent routed. Provides automated index of all ECAD design metrics—gathering, tracking, and analyzing design state data at multiple levels: design status, online hazards, annotation status, and design constraints, also providing the ability to search on desired metrics.

Integrated PCB Library Management with xDM Library The xDM product suite also includes xDM Library, which enables comprehensive library development and management, including part creation, 3D modelling, component management, and process integration. Key features for xDM Library include:

• Library editing for symbols, cells, and padstacks with integrated distribution for the enterprise.
• Providing a central hub for 3D model management – supporting both Mentor-provided 3D models and custom 3D STEP models.

Advanced xDM Library option automates component data management including incorporation of company-specific part data, alternates, supplier information, where-used checking for obsolescence, BOM access for early compliance checking, and management of preferred parts lists. Also enables process integration across the flow, giving direct access to the rich component data, providing automatic filtering of preferred parts, comparison and identification of alternate parts from vendor datasheets, ECAD BOM management, and compliance audits on design BOMs.

xDM Library provides visibility of key design and part selection factors early in the development process for fast and upfront identification of preferred viable parts to avoid costly rework downstream. xDM Library enables reduced infrastructure cost by leveraging library parts across multiple locations, maximum leverage of existing inventory, and the prevention of part shortages.

Mentor Graphics, http://go.mentor.com/data-management 

Eagle v. 7 PCB design software has an updated design environment and increased flexibility, enabling development of custom schematics. New features include an enhanced autorouter with significantly less transition points, and which uses multi-core machines, running each routing variant on its own processor simultaneously. Offers multiple configurations of the same routed board to choose from. Supports larger design teams and more complex designs by enabling large schematic designs to be organized into small functional blocks, which can be assigned to different team members and then easily integrated when complete. This hierarchical methodology offers a “global view” of the functional blocks of a project, making it easier to locate and change aspects of the schematic or layout.

Enhanced license management features have also been introduced to protect customers’ software investment, while enabling single-user licensors to install the software on up to two devices. For multi-user license owners it will be easier to manage the seats from a license server with better protection of the software.

Has a new ULP to export IDF files. A basic model with placeholders for the 3D models of all components can be exported, to be used for preliminary checking. A comprehensive 3D model can be created with Simplified Solution’s “IDF-to-3D” tool. 

CadSoft Computer, a Premier Farnell Co., http://www.cadsoftusa.com/neu-in-v7/

Chemask HT is a fast curing, peelable temporary spot mask formulated for long-term heat protection at elevated temperatures. May be used to protect pins, posts, contacts and edge connections in the solder reflow oven or during conformal coating processes. Chemask Aqua solder masking agent is a high-temp. temporary spot mask that protects component-free areas from molten solder during wave soldering. Is water-soluble, designed to be removed with open and closed loop aqueous cleaning systems, low foaming, and has no effect on deionized water system resin beds. Chemtronics, www.chemtronics.com