WILSONVILLE, OR – Mentor Graphics Corp. announced product support for the ARM Cortex-M1 processor, the first ARM processor designed specifically for implementation on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). “With the Cortex-M1 processor, designers have the freedom to select any FPGA device they wish. Mentor Graphics’ support for FPGA design extends that freedom, offering our mutual customers a comprehensive, vendor-independent flow for FPGA design,” said Kevin McDermott, director of CPU Marketing, Processors Division, ARM. “We consider Mentor’s support to be a significant contribution for customer success with the Cortex-M1 processor.”
According to a news release, Mentor Graphics is the only EDA company with a complete FPGA solution, covering design entry, simulation, synthesis, PCB design, embedded software and software development toolsets. Mentor products are said to allow designers to target virtually any FPGA platform with their Cortex-M1-based design.
The ARM Cortex-M1 processor reportedly extends the range of the ARM Cortex family and enables OEMs to standardize around a common architecture across the performance spectrum. According to ARM, the Cortex-M1 processor enables OEMs to achieve significant cost savings through rationalization of software and tools investments across multiple projects spanning FPGA, application specific integrated circuit and application specific standard product, plus greater vendor independence through use of an industry-standard processor.
MARLBOROUGH, MA – DownStream Technologies LLC has released BluePrint for PCBs Version 1.7, the latest version of DownStream’s software solution that creates the documentation that drives PCB fabrication, assembly and inspection. This release delivers numerous customer enhancements as well as general product quality improvements to increase the product’s usability, stability and market reach.
This release also continues DownStream’s commitment to delivering “rolling releases” to their installed user base. “The concept of “rolling releases” has been very well received by customers as it provides a continuous stream of enhancements and improvements to our software,” said Rick Almeida, one of DownStream’s founders. “BluePrint Version 1.7 continues that practice and is optimized to address our customer’s expanding needs and requirements.”
Version 1.7 includes new functionality and enhancements including:
- New visibility functionality - ODB++ import enhancement and optimization - Dimensioning and drafting updates - Automation API - Omnify interface - Import parts list enhancements - Vectorized printing - Search functionality - PADS 2007 support and PADS stroke font support - DXF and PDF export optimization - Table headers on each split section - Re-order sheet - Sort by height in PCB view format panel
Cranston, RI –Technic Inc. has released a patented electrochemical analyzer, the Technic EBA (Electrochemical Bath Analyzer). Currently available for all Technic acid copper plating chemistries, the instrument reportedly utilizes a combination of AC and DC voltammetry to provide accurate measurement of copper metal, sulfuric acid and organic additive levels.
The combination of AC and DC electrographic methods along with a state-of-the art chemometric approach is said to make it possible to precisely measure low-level organic additives not possible with DC methods alone. According to the company, when compared to other analytical techniques the Technic EBA reduces sample preparation and analysis time while improving accuracy.
MUNICH, Germany and WESTFORD, MA– CIM-Team and parent company Zuken have announced the availability of E³.series 2007. The advancements in the latest version of the Windows-based electrical control design and documentation suite reportedly include functionality improvements relating to 3rd party integration and increased ease of use and productivity. This latest version of E³.series includes enhancements to the certified SAP interface, along with support of 3D-MCAD data in STEP AP203/214 Format and MicroStation data. The improved SAP interface is said to allow organizations to quickly and easily modify master records without having to enter the SAP environment. In addition, users can also edit component and classification material master data directly within E³.series using the online synchronization interface.
To support the custom wire and cable harness market, E³.formboard is being launched. This additional integrated module of the E³.series has been designed for the creation of nailboard displays required in producing wire and cable harnesses. E3.formboard makes it possible to create connector tables automatically, graphically display manufacturing and displayed lengths, apply automatic stretching and compressing to cables, as well as rotate cable branches.
CHICAGO – A.W.T. World Trade Inc. has introduced its Accu-Cure UV Curing Unit in a compact unit designed to fit in smaller-than-average footprints, making it especially well suited for lab environments and testing areas, as well as the smaller screen print shop.
The Accu-Cure’s conveyor width is 12 inches, but reportedly provides an excellent high-gloss protective coating which increases a product’s resistance to abrasion.
Engineered for high-speed curing of vinyl, polyester, paper and other substrates, the Accu-Cure UV Curing Unit’s computer-designed cooling system minimizes heat transmission to the stock in the curing chamber.
The Accu-Cure comes as one of five packages; 1) a complete conveyorized UV curing system with one or two curing heads, vacuum holddown and exhaust system, 2) curing heads with light guard assembly, 3) vacuum holddown retro-fit package, 4) additional conveyer sections by the foot, and 5) conveyor unit with vacuum holddown.
CRANSTON, RI – Technic Inc. has released CU 2800, an advanced acid copper electroplating process designed specifically for improving leveling of high aspect ratio PCBs at reduced plating times.
Using an innovative, proprietary brightener compound, CU 2800 is said to provide significantly improved throwing power reportedly making it possible for faster plating times.
Technic CU 2800 provides deposit leveling without the use of traditional stress inducing leveling agents. The end result is said to be a fine grain deposit exceeding the performance requirements of the most advanced PCB structures.
All Technic CU 2800 components are fully analyzable using Technic’s Electrochemical Bath Analyzer as well as other established quantitative methods.
