Version 7.0 is the next step in the on-going growth of Pulsonix, responding to customer demand and continuing to provide best-in-class range of functionality. Below is an overview of the major new features in the release.
For full details of the Version 7.0 release, view the datasheet
| Option | Description |
| STEP Mechanical Interface | Pulsonix now supports STEP, the industry standard for interfacing to Mechanical CAD systems. This allows you to provide a detailed 3D model of your PCB to your MCAD system such as SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor, including populating the board with accurate 3D component representations by referencing STEP models. Many of these models are provided by component suppliers free of charge and can be downloaded from the internet, then referenced from your PCB design in just a few quick steps. |
| Scripting | Scripts can be written using a range of languages (VBscript, Javascript, Pythonscript, etc) to carry out a range of design work. Access is provided to much of the Pulsonix data model, enabling automation of repetitive tasks, production of reports, and output of data not directly provided through the main application user interface. |
| Macros | Macros can now be recorded and replayed, allowing you to save time by automating repetitive tasks. Interactive and dialog actions are recorded, and can then be replayed in 'absolute' or 'relative' mode to re-apply the same sequence of actions. |
| Micro-via Support | Pad styles for micro-vias are now supported, including the special pads needed for 'entry' and 'stop' pads, enabling laser-drilled micro-vias to be created and managed as an integral part of your design process. You can even specify 'stacked' micro-vias as a composite to cross multiple layer spans using two or more micro-vias of the same or different styles. |
| New Base Autorouter | From version 7 onwards every variant of the Pulsonix product range includes a base autorouter. Featuring a numerically stable geometric topology, the new autorouter produces predominantly 45-degree routing with aesthetically pleasing results more akin to hand routed designs. |
| Flexi-rigid Boards | Layer Spans can now be applied to areas, boards and board cutouts, allowing a range of board configurations to be defined. This includes flexi-rigid boards, and boards with 'wells' or internal 'cavities'. Components can be placed on the surfaces of these different boards or even within the cavities. |
| Additional Feature Summary | Uniform dimming of unused layers | Dimming of inactive layers during interactive editing can now be done using a uniform colour for greater clarity. |
| Layer Class extensions | Additional features are now available on a Layer Class, including separating design-level from component mounting holes and support for tented vias. | New Routing layer controls | A layer can now be set as No Track or No Autorouting. No Track means no routing whatsoever, the DRC option will check and flag spurious routes on this layer. The No Autorouter bias will stop the autorouter using it, but it will still be available for interactive routing. |
| Minimum Pad Land | The minimum pad land can now be specified separately for PTH pads, Vias, and Microvias. | Net class rules | Rules for track width and via size can now be defined for a net class to match by layer name or side, and/or within a matched area, and/or on an attribute-defined subnet. This allows fine granularity of rule definition for complex tracking. Class-to-class spacing rules can also be defined for a layer name or side. |
| Import CSV files to create Class Spacing Rules | Using an external editor, Excel for example, create complex Class To Class Spacing Rules matrix and import them as CSV files directly into the Spacing Rules dialog. This features saves hours of time and checking. |
| Bond Pad Adjustments | Where a component is defined to use Bond Pads, the chip body can now be moved in one simple action without disturbing the existing bond pad placement. |
| Interactive Track Editing | Interactive track editing can now show you the best legal completion path when you approach the target pad. Track Hugging mode has been extended to allow hugging round other items such as copper, pads, mounting holes and vias. Tracks can also be added following Construction Lines. |
| Interactive High-Speed Routing | The head-up display available during interactive routing has been extended to enable more information to be displayed, and to display length information even when no specific length rules have been defined. Serpentines can now be applied to Differential Pair tracks. |
View the V7.5 Update Datasheet
View the Pulsonix products page
Contact us by email to update to V7.5
