Altium Designer 12 update features custom pad shapes, no ERC directives, and greater high-speed design control. Plug-In Manager gives users full control over which part of Altium Designer to install. Subscription customers can access updates and thousands of ready-to-use board-level components, software plugin modules, design templates, reference designs, and a library of example projects through AltiumLive content Store.

Altium, www.altium.com

BluePrint-PCB version 3.2 documentation tool now includes data retention with adaptive templates, in which user-defined content can be entered into table-based templates and presented when the template is used in a drawing. Adaptive template support available for parts lists, drill charts and variant lists. Also features dynamic highlighting of floating dimensions, improved access to dimension formatting, and coordinate origin limit. Several other new features also included.

DownStream Technologies, www.downstreamtech.com

CAM350 version 10.7 CAM tool now includes encryption enabled macros. Also updates clear silkscreen command to handle different combinations of silkscreen and solder mask data types.

DownStream Technologies, www.downstreamtech.com

CST Studio Suite 2012 is for design of EM-based components in application areas such as microwave and RF design, EMC and signal and power integrity analysis. Introduces System Assembly and Modeling environment to simplify simulation project management. Can set up 3D systems built of various components. Defines simulation tasks that include single or multiple components. Allows user to specify components to simulate in 3D and components to be represented by their S-parameters or an equivalent field source, to reduce computational effort. Enables full 3D creation and simulation.

Computer Simulation Technology, www.cst.com