Microwaves & RF
June 2001

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Software Speeds Creation of Circuit Layouts

This easy-to-use schematic-capture and PCB-generation program translates complex sketches to circuit layouts with simple point-and-click control of a computer mouse.
ALAN ("PETE") CONRAD
Special Projects Editor

Circuit layouts were once drawn by hand. The process was slow and tedious, and did not invite revisions to the schematic diagram. Fortunately, in the age of the PC, circuit-layout programs are readily available, although not always at a price as reasonable as the $700 price tag for Circuit Creator Pro (see figure below) from Advanced Microcomputer Systems (Pompano Beach, FL). The computer-aided- engineering (CAE) software is a complete integrated tool suite with schematic-capture capabilities, a full interactive symbol editor, a printed-circuit-board (PCB)-layout editor, an automatic router algorithm, and Gerber file import and export functions.

Circuit Creator Pro is a low-cost schematic-capture program that can process PCB layouts as large as 32 x by 32 in. (81.28 x 81.28 cm) with up to 255 layers.

The program allows operators to store up to 32 E-sized sheets of logic in a single file using hierarchical designs through a fully interactive GUI. The software supports more than 25,000 parts and symbol combinations with the ability to dynamically mirror and rotate symbols in 16 orientations using a few simple mouse clicks. Parts can be represented with DeMorgan equivalents, true-vector drawn symbols, and bitmaps. A "smart lines" program feature enables real-time auto rerouting while moving. Line styles include straight, angled, and true bezier-curved lines. Other features include complete parts-list, net-list, and design-verification reports with on-screen interactive error checking.

The software can process PCBs as large as 32 x 32 in. (81.28 x 81.28 cm) with up to 255 layers. A user-selectable cursor layout function supports geometry resolution as fine as 1 mil; drawings taking advantage of this resolution are not limited to the drawing grid, providing designers with a great deal of flexibility. Line widths can be specified from 0.001 to 0.255 in. (0.003 to 0.648 cm) Other features include support for full blind and buried via holes, full surface-mount support, multiple text attributes per circuit board, and the ability to export files to 15 popular CAE programs.

The program's features include the ability to print or display detailed reports for net lists, parts lists, connectivity checks, board summaries of pads used, a listing of line widths, as well as power and ground planes with or without thermal relief. Other capabilities include a built-in print queue for up to 10 masks, user-programmable design-rule checking, net-list import from most schematic-capture programs, and interactive parts placement with "rats nest" prompting for optimal component placement and signal-trace routing.

The software's automatic routing functions include a proprietary artificial-intelligence routing algorithm, routing of two layers at a time with different line widths, protection of networks prerouted by the user, selectable routing parameters for line widths and clearances, and manual or automatic generation of routing schedules.

Circuit Creator Pro runs on IBM PCs and compatible machines with at least 15 Mb of available hard-disk memory, a color VGA monitor, mouse, and the Windows 95, 98, 2000, or Millennium Edition (ME) operating system. The software comes with documentation that helps operators quickly get started to create circuit-layout files. Advanced Microcomputer Systems, Inc., 10116 NW 53rd St., Sunrise, FL 33351-8020; (954) 784-0900, FAX: (954) 784-0904, Internet: http://www.advancedmsinc.com/.