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Zuken launches industry’s first PCB layout productivity app with mobile interaction

17 September 2013 – Munich, Germany and Westford, MA, USA – In a first for the EDA market, Zuken has launched a PCB design productivity app that allows today’s generation of PCB designers to interact with layouts using their own tablet or smart phone. The CADSTAR Touch App enables users to control Zuken’s CADSTAR expert desktop PCB design software, giving simultaneous control of view and program functions, and enabling faster, more efficient design.

The free App is available now with the latest CADSTAR release, which also features enhanced Activ-45 router and pusher technology that makes changing existing designs significantly faster and easier.

Ian Broughton, Senior Electronics  Design Engineer, C-TEC says: “There are some real benefits to be gained from using this App – especially the numerous small time savings and the ease-of-use that it offers. As long-time users of CADSTAR, we are pleased to see the continual progression of the software and that Zuken has been quick to adopt apps, making use of devices that are now part of everyday life.”

Zoom, pan, view

The App uses your iOS™ or Android™ mobile device’s Wi-Fi connection to communicate with your PC on the same local network. Android users have the benefit of voice control. Features offered include: pinch to zoom, drag to pan and double tap to view all. Designers can customize the App to give quick access to user-defined macros for the CADSTAR functionality and sequences they use most often, thus saving time.

CADSTAR Touch is available for free from the App StoreSM(iPhone®, iPad® or iPod touch®) or the Google Play™ Store (Android).

Activ-45 router and pusher technology

Also included in the latest version of CADSTAR 14 is new routing technology that makes last minute design changes faster and easier. The Activ-45 router is a true 45-degree routing algorithm that routes effortlessly through even the densest areas of a design. Taking advantage of enhanced pusher technology, the route path will follow the cursor with minimum disruption of existing routing patterns.

The Activ-45 router makes space for itself by pushing existing routes and vias aside, while always obeying design rules. Where necessary, it will flip existing routes over pins and pads to create even more space, such as when creating a BGA fan-out. At any point before completing the route, if the cursor is moved back towards the starting point, the routes will spring-back to their original position.

For more information about how to download and use the new CADSTAR Touch App seewww.zuken.com/CADSTAR-touch or take a look at our CADSTAR Touch movie (1:32) or blogpost.

About Zuken

Zuken is a global provider of leading-edge software and consulting services for electrical and electronic design and manufacturing. Founded in 1976, Zuken has the longest track record of technological innovation and financial stability in the electronic design automation (EDA) software industry. The company’s extensive experience, technological expertise and agility, combine to create world-class software solutions. Zuken’s transparent working practices and integrity in all aspects of business produce long-lasting and successful customer partnerships that make Zuken a reliable long-term business partner.

Zuken is focused on being a long-term innovation and growth partner. The security of choosing Zuken is further reinforced by the company’s people – the foundation of Zuken’s success. Coming from a wide range of industry sectors, specializing in many different disciplines and advanced technologies, Zuken’s people relate to and understand each company’s unique requirements. For more information about the company and its products, visit www.zuken.com.

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