Advanced Schematic/PCB Design Environment Easy to learn and logical to use Pulsonix has been developed with an easy to understand user interface using Microsoft standards, look and feel. The menu structure is logical and intuitive moving from left to right as you progress through your design process.The toolbars and keyboard keys are fully configurable so that at all times you have shortcut keys and tools to hand, making the design process more efficient. Training needs kept to a minimum A key principle in the design of Pulsonix was to create a product where the need for structured user training could be minimised.This has been implemented and you will find that you are productive with Pulsonix in a very short time. Pulsonix is delivered with an informative Users Guide and up to date, context sensitive on-line HTML help. Designed with the future in mind Pulsonix is built on the latest concepts in software design, hence it has many years of development life and expansion ahead. With the need for constant growth of a product through customer feedback and market demands, Pulsonix is well positioned to grow with any technology or trends that are being developed, and even some that are years ahead! Pulsonix - Setting the new standard in PCB layout Pulsonix is a PCB design & layout suite of tools developed to meet the changing needs for PCB layout in the 21st century. The first completely new,high level combined Schematics Capture & PCB layout product for many years, this exciting software tool has been developed from the ground up by PCB Design industry professionals using the very latest techniques in graphics and data handling. Pulsonix has been designed based on key criteria: Easy to use – by way of an intuitive user interface Designed for the casual user and the professional Import design and library data from other EDA products
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AdvancedSchematic/PCBDesignEnvironment
Easy to learn and logical to usePulsonix has been developed with an easy to understand user interface using Microsoft
standards, look and feel.
The menu structure is logical and intuitive moving from left to right as you progress through
your design process.The toolbars and keyboard keys are fully configurable so that at all times
you have shortcut keys and tools to hand, making the design process more efficient.
Training needs kept to a minimumA key principle in the design of Pulsonix was to create a product where the need for
structured user training could be minimised.This has been implemented and you will find
that you are productive with Pulsonix in a very short time. Pulsonix is delivered with an
informative Users Guide and up to date, context sensitive on-line HTML help.
Designed with the future in mindPulsonix is built on the latest concepts in software design, hence it has many years of
development life and expansion ahead.
With the need for constant growth of a product through customer feedback and market
demands, Pulsonix is well positioned to grow with any technology or trends that are being
developed, and even some that are years ahead!
Pulsonix - Setting the new standard in PCB layoutPulsonix is a PCB design & layout suite of tools developed to meet the changing needs forPCB layout in the 21st century.
The first completely new, high level combined Schematics Capture & PCB layout product formany years, this exciting software tool has been developed from the ground up by PCBDesign industry professionals using the very latest techniques in graphics and data handling.
Pulsonix has been designed based on key criteria:
Easy to use – by way of an intuitive user interfaceDesigned for the casual user and the professional Import design and library data from other EDA products
Pin types can be userdefined then selectedin the componentlibrary definition.Permutations of pintype connections maythen be selected in theElectrical RulesChecker to determineError or Warningsituations when addingconnections to thedesign.
Where design rule errors are produced, abrowser displays the errors by layer andtype for easy identification. By selecting themarker from the list, the design area movesto the element in error.
Intuitive Graphical User Interface
Pulsonix has an immediately familiar feelsimilar to that of your existing Officeproducts.This means you’ll be productive in a much shorter space of time.
Part Creation Wizard The Part Wizard is used to create all kindsof parts within Pulsonix.This useful tooltakes you through the process of partcreation step-by-step, thereby avoiding thepotential for any errors and automating thisprocess.
Fully Customisable Toolbars andShortcut keysUsing standard Windows technology, youmay relocate icons from one toolbar toanother. New icons with tools of your choicemay be added to the toolbars. All existingshortcut keys may be changed and newones added at will.
Import BitmapBitmap images may be imported into yourdesigns.These may be your company logoor other bitmaps and symbols required toannotate the design.The design can alsobe exported to bitmap and WMF formatsfor documentation purposes.
Easy to learn and useDesigned to be extremely easy to learn anduse for both the casual user and PCB layoutprofessional. New customers usually pick-upPulsonix within a day or so of use.
Active Status Bar Gives you an instant Property status on anyselected item in the design without the needto use a Query or Properties dialog. Using adouble-click on the Status Bar provides youwith instant access to Grids and Units.
Fully supported on 32 & 64 bitoperating systems:
Windows® Vista,Win 7 & 8
Windows Style Interface
Similar to Microsoft Office applications,you immediately know where to findcommon Windows menu items.
Windows Drag & DropEasy, pick, drag and drop operation, noadditional ‘modes’ to click or enter beforebeing able to move items.
Directly Imports Schematic &PCB Designs and Libraries from:
Modal CursorsWith the modal cursor option on, you aregiven an indication of any available modesby a symbol appearing with the cursor.Thisprovides you with instant feedback of theoption available during key operations.
Component Pushing Mode
An outstanding feature of Pulsonix is theplacement ‘push’ mode.This enablesComponent placement by ‘pushing’ otherComponents out of the way as it isdragged.
Flat Sheet and Multi-levelHierarchical DesignPulsonix provides ‘top down’ design:breaking blocks into functional elementsallowing you to define the detail of eachelement, and bottom-up’ design: facilitatingthe re-use of commonly used circuitelements using pre-defined blocks to builda solution.
Constraint-based RulesNet Class rules can be defined in theSchematic design and automaticallypassed through to the PCB design editor.This means rule definitions are setfurther forward in the design process.
Schematic Symbol WizardTakes you through creation of the symbol ina step-by-step sequence to easily produceregular symbols. The pin sizes, positions andnumbering is selected to make symbolcreation so simple and error free.
Design/Part Variants
Using the Variant Manager, any number ofvariants may be defined at either theSchematic or the PCB design stage. If usingthe Schematic as the master, the variantinformation will be automatically transferredto the PCB design. Detailed part variantscan be easily created. Pulsonix allowsFitted/Not Fitted, different Part, Footprint,Attributes/Values, and even a differentnumber of footprint pins per Component.
Cross-Probing between theSchematic and PCB design editorsInstant selection of parts & connections inSchematics with the highlighting ofcorresponding tracks and footprints in PCBand vice-versa.
You can easily zoom straight to an ERCerror. In this case ‘P’ denotes a single pinnet error on the output and ‘Co’ aconnection error, as the connectionbetween components is broken.
User Definable ERC Rules
ERC/DRC Error Viewer
Auto-DimThis powerful option enables items whichare not selected during editing to be‘dimmed’ or low lighted so they becomeunobtrusive while editing the area ofconcern.This is especially useful whenediting large multi-layer designs, which canbe very confusing due to the volume ofitems being presented in the designwindow at any one time.
Import/Export DXF and IDFData FormatsImport and Export of both DXF and IDFformats are available, this enables you tocommunicate intelligently with yourmechanical CAD system.
Workbook Mode The Workbook tabs allow you to quicklyidentify open designs and libraries byname. Clicking on the tabs enables quickswitching between any open window.
Schematics Electrical RulesChecking (ERC)On-line and batch checking setup using atable of ERC rules in Technology Includesuser definable rules.
Reverse Engineering Features Where a PCB design exists in some form butthe Schematic doesn’t, use the ReverseEngineer feature to rebuild the Schematicfrom the PCB. Either, intelligently import aPCB Gerber file and using part-basedsymbols, rebuild the design to theComponent Bin ready for placement, ortrace over an imported bitmap.Thesefeatures will save you many hours of work.
Manufacturing output to ODB++ format
Pulsonix exports PCB designs in ODB++format as manufacturing-ready datafiles. This PCB CAD manufacturingformat is an alternative to Gerber andExcellon as a self-contained file whichneeds no post-design processing fordelivery and is accepted by most leadingmanufacturers.
Synchronise DesignsProvides an instant report of differencesbetween the Schematic and PCB designs tocheck design integrity. Automatic updatingto the PCB is run on completion of theoperation. Component and Net renames areback annotated to the Schematic.
Report GenerationAs well as an extensive set of designreports supplied for use during the designprocess, a powerful user definable ReportMaker option is also available.This highlyconfigurable option allows you to outputall entities of the design in your owncustomisable format.
Extensive Batch DRCExtensive Design Rules Checking means that allaspects of the design can be checked.This ruleset includes spacing rules, on/off grid items,keep-in/out items, single pin nets, unconnectedpins, plus manufacturability checks of the design.
Design Browser
Component BinProvides a convenient ‘off-design’ locationfor Schematic and PCB Componentsduring the design process.
Footprint Wizard The easy to use Footprint Wizard breaksdown the process of creating a newfootprint into a series of logical steps. Itenables auto-production of DIP, SOIC, PGA,BGA, Quad and Radial devices using a cleargraphical user interface.
On-line Design Rule CheckingReal-time spacing rules checking with instantfeedback of warnings before the error occurs.‘On-Line DRC’ may be set to completely preventerrors occuring during the edit process.
Measure ToolAn interactive option tomeasure the gapbetween any two designitems. Select the firstitem, then a target item,the Measure tool dialogdisplays the distancebetween the two items.This is the real distancebetween the points aswould be calculatedthrough the DRC optionand is measured againstthe closest point of eachitem selected. Otheruseful information aboutthe selected items is alsodisplayed.
If the track is placedcloser to theobstacle the colourchanges to red,showing a violation.
A graphical warning is given of the nearestpoint the track maybe placed passing anunconnected pad.
Powerful Interactive Routing Features
Angled Mitred Curved Orthogonal Free Angle
In the knowledge that the layout engineer usually devotes a great deal of effort oninteractive editing, Pulsonix has been designed to be a pleasure to use. Extensive use ofcontext sensitive, right hand mouse menus gives you instant control on track types, styles,layers and grids.
Selectable track styles
Component PreviewDisplays selected components from theComponent Bin to ensure selection errorsare not made.
Single-Shot PostprocessingManufacturing output is simplicity itselfwith the latest in technology single-shotpost design processing. Just set up theplotting parameters once and from then on it’s a single click to produce all yourplots. Pulsonix produces professional resultsusing standard manufacturing outputs.
Integrated Pulsonix Autorouter
Integrated Automatic PlacementInitial automatic placement is driventhrough a single dialog with no previous setup required. Placement rules driven off thisdialog make the option easy to use.Placement can be made to/from groups,around the board outline and using namedareas.
Gate & Pin SwappingManual and Automatic Gate & PinSwapping is provided to assist placementand optimise the overall connectionlengths. Interactive displays of swappablegate sets show the source and targetgates for swapping.This information iseasily created in the Parts library for reuseon each design.
World View Gives a complete display of the viewshowing the area of zoom.This windowcan be used interactively with the mousefor precise zoom selection.
The design browser provides designmanagement of all open designs andblocks.
Where a mechanical interface is required, youcan use the STEP interface to bi-directionallyuse models and import critical board outlinesand positional changes.The STEP exporter willwrite the board outline out ready to addmechanical data.The built-in STEP previewerallows you to examine and verify the designdata before you send it to the MCAD system.
Suggested Hardware and Operating SystemPentium Processor 2.0 Ghz or faster2048Mb RAM or higher1.6Gb free space on hard driveMicrosoft Windows 7 or Windows 8 recommended
FEATURE OVERVIEW
General FeaturesSupported under Windows XP,Vista,Win 7 & 8Ultra-fast bitmap graphics Database resolution to 1/100th micron
Object Oriented MosaicTM ArchitectureConnective data structure (not net-list driven)Rotation to 1/1000th degreeActive-X Scripting language supportInternal Macros supportedStandard interface for integrated SCM/PCBFully integrated design environmentComponent Bin with previewWorld View of designCustomisable Toolbars/ShortcutsDockable and Floating ToolbarsTechnology files for fast start-upComprehensive Parts libraryIntegrated library editorsDynamic Pan, Zoom In/outRight mouse shortcut menus Drag and Drop methodology Intelligent copy, paste & duplicate Output to bitmap for documentationUpdate/edit Parts on-the-flyMulti-level Undo and RedoTransient and Persistant GroupsFull and flexible user-defined report generationStar/Delta point support for multiple signalsSupport for FPGA devices built-in as standardComprehensive item property reportingDesign & Part Assembly VariantsItem Align functionSupport for Windows graphics driver library Floating Network Licensing available Import Schematic, PCB Design and library datafrom many other systems
Schematic CaptureDesign in mixed Imperial or Metric unitsTrue connectivity during all operationsFully customisable interfaceSave and Load Technology filesSymbol creation wizardScaled SymbolsGraphical Symbol and Part editorsSupport for multi-gate logic and irregular devices,such as relaysSave and Load Drawing profilesUses common Parts libraries with PCB editor forsmooth transition from SCM to PCBFlat sheet or Multi-level hierarchySingle or multi-instance of the design blockAutomatic security copy and backup of designsIntelligent Open and Closed BussesReuse of designs using blocks or copy/pasteDynamic drag & drop move, rotate and mirrorParts or groupsAutoweld functionsPredefined and user defined attribute fields forcustom title blocks and auto-updated detail
Automatic/manual Component & Net renameElectrical Design Rules checking including: presetand user definable rules design integrity rulesOn-line Electrical Rules Checking (ERC)Electrical rules error browserDesign browser showing all sheet levels includinghierarchical blocksConstraint rules definition passed through toPCB design editorSave and Load Colour filesTruetype fonts support for display and printingCross sheet referencesPower and ground labelsTestpoint Part and notation insertionBack annotation of design changes to/from SCMSynchronise design at any time to check designintegrity between SCM and PCB designsBack annotate all changes from PCBWindows and pen plotter outputsDXF Import and ExportExport NetlistsUser definable Parts and Netlist output
PCB LayoutDesign area up to 10.0m by 10.0m (393” by 393”)Design in mixed Imperial or Metric unitsRelative and Absolute coordinate systemUnlimited number of user defined layersSupports SMT, through-hole, mixed & slotted-holetechnologiesSMDs on all sides of the boardBlind and buried via supportVia stitching into/around areas and tracksAdvanced Footprint Rules TechnologyDynamic drag and dropWizards for: Data Transfer, Footprint creation &Parts creationTrack/Via breakout/fanout on footprintsWire and jumper support in design & partsManual Placement ‘push’ and ‘return’ modeIntegrated Autorouter and AutoplaceDesign item Keep in/out areasOn-line and Batch Design Rules Checking (DRC)On-line Display Clearances Design rules error browserSpacing shapes to add clearance to pads/viasView your boards using the built-in 3D ViewerConstruction linesManual Routing angle modes Free angled, 45degree, Orthogonal and CurvedManual Routing modes: Pull-tight,Track pushing,Auto Corner, Auto MitreSingle track AutorouterTeardrop insertion on pads and viasAutomatic Net Testability and Testpoint AnalysisRebuild Gerber files intelligently into design formatReverse Engineer, rebuild SCM design from PCBNet Find, Highlight and Select browserDynamic Net OptimisationMany Report outputs including Parts list & BOMUser definable Report Writer
Integrated Copper Pour with HatchingAutomatic Gate and Pin SwappingDynamic DimensioningChange Components on-the-flyDesign CalculatorsGerber Photo-plotter to RS-274-D and RS-274-X (extended aperture format)ODB++ Format exporterAutomatic generation of power-plane plotsSupports true split Power-planesIPC 356 test format outputOutput to GENCad formatWindows printer outputsBuilt-in PDF driver for active PDF filesPlotting to HPGL plottersExcellon NC Drill output and drill drawingsPlotting of solder masks, resist and othermanufacturing plotsIntegrated LPKF Interface Mechanical Design Input/Outputs in STEP, DXFand IDF formatsImport Schematic Netlists using: EDIF 2.0.0,OrCAD,Viewdraw, EWB and other vendors
Cost Option Features:
Advanced AutorouterUses an adaptive routing strategy
Interactive High Speed RoutingConstraints driven net length managementGraphical length feature and head-up displayEdge & Broadside couple differential pairsBus routingConstraint rules spreadsheet
Advanced Technology SuiteMicro-via support- Stacked, tapered and lasered Micro-viasEmbedded component technology- Buried semi-conductors, thinned dies, printedresistors, buried capacitors, planar transformersand spiral inductors- Component placement into cavities- Flexi-rigid design with layer spans- Component placement on flexi layersChip-on-board design- Die and Bond pad support- Independently floating Bond pads- Rules driven Bond Wire support- Report and machine driven outputs- Insulated and Cross-over rules for bond wiresMin/Max bond wire length rules
Spice Based A/D Mixed Mode SimulatorFully integrated into Pulsonix design environmentUses industry standard modelsPowerful and flexible commerical grade simulator
Pulsonix Database Connection (PDC)Connect to your corporate database for up-to-date Part information
