Schematic & PCB Design Software

Covering the Computer and Electronics Industry in Florida
"Next Generation" PCB Design Software
AMS introduces the "Next Generation" PC Board Design and Layout Software.

By Jack Klinger

The new AMS BOARD CREATOR is the next generation in layout software. The program is available for Windows 95/98, NT/2000. Previous users of AMS's P.C.B. layout software will be pleasantly surprised when updating to BOARD CREATOR, especially the seamless transfer of all footprint as well as PCB files.

LAYOUT - PC board layout can be accomplished using LOGIC CREATOR schematic environment, BOARD CREATOR, and ROUTE CREATOR or manually using BOARD CREATOR alone. To manually route a board, open a new file and a dialog box appears on the screen. Fill in the job title, number of layers (1-255), layer type (surface, surface w/vias, inner w/ or w/o buried vias, or power/ground), board length and width, units (inches, mils, or millimeters), power/ground layer net designation, along with other project information. Press `G' and the Reference Grid with Cursor dialog box appears. Select the desired display grid and cursor step sizes. Other parameters can be changed, but defaults are usable to start and changes can be made in process. Now, we are ready to draw.

SYMBOLS - Placing any of the pre-defined symbols is simple. Select a symbol from the dialog box and an outline of the part appears in the layout area. Move the symbol outline to the proper location, rotate or mirror if desired, and place the symbol by pressing the left mouse button. Both the symbol and component references are placed. Symbol placement can be repeated with the next component reference number. Custom symbols are easily drawn and can be saved for future use.

Although a schedule drawing is not required it may be useful, especially if the user is not a layout veteran. A "rats-nest" display may show that rotation of objects might shorten traces before they are laid down. As each trace is routed, the corresponding schedule line disappears.

PADS - The default 50 (maximum) pad table can be edited inside BOARD CREATOR or by changing the pad portion of BC32.CFG using any ASCII text editor. Each PCB layout can have its own job-specific pad table. To edit, click on EDIT>PAD TABLE. When the "Pad Table: Board" dialog box appears, change component shape, solder shape, inner shape, component size, solder size, inner size, hole size, or body offset. Shape choices available are rounded, rectangular, or elliptical.

Line Options LINES - Lines, either straight or curved are laid down on any layer with the click of a mouse button. In DRAW>LINES, press `O' and Line Type dialog box appears. After selecting a type, place the cursor at the starting point, click the mouse button, and a line is started. Double clicking at one position adds a specified size pad for a via. Lines are then drawn on a companion layer. Curved lines are drawn clockwise or counter-clockwise from the first point set. The Line Type dialog box is used to select the type of line.

TEXT - Text placement parameters are layer, font (thin to heavy), orientation, height, and position. Text strings can be mirrored if desired.

AREA - Area commands are used to fill or void rectangular areas, and solid areas can be filled with solid, mesh, or cross-hatch. Void areas restrict ROUTE CREATOR line routing.

EDIT - Editing is probably the most impressive feature of BOARD CREATOR. "Select" is the default mode. Press `O' and the Select: Options dialog box appears.

Objects to be operated upon are checked for any mask on any layer. The default (shown below) is all objects turned on and all masks turned on.

Selection methods are touching, bound by, flat, and component. When touching is active, all objects touching the selection area are selected. If bound by is active, all objects completely inside the selection area are selected. Flat allows any individual objects such as pads, lines, etc. to be selected. Component active, allows complete component selection when any part of the component is selected. After objects are selected, cut, copy, paste, delete, move/drag are the options.

Only layers and masks selected will be displayed. VIEW - Cursor grid and display grid sizes along with local origin can be changed using the Grid/Cursor dialog box. Zoom is easily handled. There is no window zoom, but the zoom area is centered on the cursor. The display can be panned in any direction using keys or scroll bars and by component name. Locating by component name will select for editing, or by merely moving the cursor to the object. Colors for each mask and layer are selected using the View Layers/Masks dialog box.

REPORTS - Drill hole, net list, parts list, summary, photo-plotter setup, and Excellon drill tape ASCII files can be generated.

CLEARANCE CHECK - Select REPORT >CHECK CLEARANCE and the Report Clearance dialog box appears. Allowed clearances can now be entered. When the check is complete, each error is visually displayed on the layout and a dialog box indicates violation type, layer, and location.

PRINT/PLOT - most printers and plotters are supported. Both Gerber and Postscript files can be generated.

Printing in final mode produces a high resolution output. If printed at least double size, the result can be "camera ready" if the layout is not too tight.

SYSTEM - Default file paths can be configured using the Paths\Options menu. The system pad table is edited with Edit System Pad Table and is loaded with Load System Pad Table.

Configuring Application and System colors, using the appropriate dialog box, provide an almost infinite variation.

IMPORT/EXPORT - If ASCII files are generated with other software, BOARD CREATOR probably will import them. Applicon Bravo, Cadnetex, EDIF, Futurenet, Intergraph, Orcad, Pcad, Schema, and Scicards are supported. File formats exported, in addition to the ones imported, are Applicon Leap, Algorex, Calay, Computervision, DXF, Multiwire, Spice, Telesis, and Vectron.

DOCUMENTATION - The manual is well written and includes a chapter to provide training for persons not familiar with printed circuit board layout and manufacturing.

TECH. SUPPORT - AMS is genuinely interested in supporting their products and were very responsive to all questions given them.

PRICE - LOGIC CREATOR, BOARD CREATOR, & ROUTE CREATOR plus other utilities, can be purchased as a package at the list price $995.00.

To download a free operating demo of CIRCUIT CREATOR Pro click here.

Some users believe productive layout software must be very expensive. BOARD CREATOR certainly destroys that myth.

AMS

Advanced Microcomputer Systems, Inc.
10116 NW 53rd St., Sunrise, FL 33351-8020
Phone: (954) 784-0900, Fax: (954) 784-0904

1-800-319-3599

E-Mail: info@advancedmsinc.com

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