Core Functionality
Import, Export, Modify, Optimize
CAM350 offers a wide range of import/export options, in order to view, query, report and measure the PCB design data.
Once the design is imported into CAM350 you can optimize the design data using draw-to-custom, draw-to-flash, draw-to-raster polygon conversion, netlist extraction, silkscreen clipping, redundant pad and data removal, and teardropping.
Netlist Compare
Netlist compare has become the key verification process in the handoff from Design to Fabrication. Verifying that the CAD Netlist matches the one extracted from the Gerber file is crucial to ensuring that the original design intent is maintained. The Netlist Compare functionality in CAM350 minimizes the risk of translation errors by automatically validating the Gerber files match the original CAD data.
Netlist Compare finds common errors such as:
- Accidental inclusion/exclusion of traces, vias, etc… on signal layers
- Text or reference designators placed on a signal layer, instead of a silkscreen layer
- Placement of drafting items on all layers, instead of specific document layers
- Issues with CAM Layers, such as negative planes
We have enhanced our comparison process to allow you to view errors graphically. When a difference is detected between the incoming netlist and the existing one, a toolbar is available that will zoom into the error so that you can graphically identify the problem quickly, without having to wade through pages of reports.
- Enhanced, superior, comparison process
- Compares CAM outputs against original engineering intent
- Minimizes potential electrical defects
- Graphically highlights discrepancies
- Automatic "Go-To-Error" screen display of violations
- Sorting and prioritization of errors - size, type, location, etc.
- Considerably reduces verification time
Rule Checking
Design rules must be verified to ensure the original design intent has been met. Just as crucial is defining and setting up manufacturing rules and requirements, prior to packaging the design up for fabrication. Rule Checking will perform spacing checks, annular ring checks, spacing histogram, copper area calculations, layer compare, net checks, and more.
Design and manufacturing rules should be checked to:
- Reduce spacing due to linewidth alterations for impedance control
- Find insufficient annular ring
- Locate linewidth and spacing below manufacturing capabilities
- Check clearance from drilled hole to copper on high-voltage layers
Error Verification
CAM350 features an analysis report that is both logical and linked to a graphical display. Users can view multiple errors, or sort errors by feature type, feature size, error size, and many other fields. This allows the user to quickly verify the results of any DRC or Analysis function.
- Validate errors quickly and accurately
- Sort able reports linked to graphical display
- View multiple errors, sort by error type, size, features, etc.
- Quickly run and verify analysis results
Layer Compare
The Layer Compare functionality in CAM350 allows you to graphically compare two layers for differences. You can compare Rev A to Rev B of a particular design, or compare the original artwork to the tooled artwork from the fabricator. This way you can find problems introduced into the design by changes made by the fabricator.
Negative Plane Analysis
Potential connectivity errors such as isolated thermals can now be caught even if the area is not isolated in the design. Most tools can catch an isolated thermal when it is completely cleared from the copper, but how about the case where an isolation may happen in the manufacturer’s etching process? Now CAM350 catches this by simulating the etch process, along with using intelligent netlisting, to find isolations that other CAM tools miss.
- Easily identify potential connectivity errors
- Detects defects on internal power and ground planes
- Identifies any thermal isolation occurring in manufacturing
- Simulates the etching process, using intelligent netlist
- Minimizes electrical defects due to power/ground openings
Fast Array
Built on our sophisticated Panel Editor technology, the purpose of this tool is to very quickly array a PCB or group of PCBs on a panel to feed fabrication and assembly processes. This is used to define PCB positions on a panel, with minimum setup and definition, to optimize downstream processes.
Basic NC Editor
CAM350 comes with a NC Editor for NC Mill and Drill capabilities. You have the ability to import, export, and create mills and drills. Some editing tools are also included to change drill tool definitions, add basic mill paths to assembly panels, and change break tabs. NC Editing capabilities can be expanded by upgrading to the Advanced NC Editor, available in higher configurations of CAM350.