Software:CADSTAR
 CADSTAR PCB Design Editor | |
| Developer(s) | Zuken |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 1987 |
| Stable release | 2018
/ 1 April 2018 |
| Operating system | Windows, MS-DOS (early versions) |
| Platform | x86-64, x86 |
| Available in | English |
| Type | ECAD/EDA, CAM |
| License | Perpetual |
| Website | zuken.com/CADSTAR |
CADSTAR is a Windows-based electronic design automation (EDA) software tool for designing and creating schematic diagrams and printed circuit boards (PCBs). It provides engineers with a tool for designing simple or complex, multilayer PCBs. CADSTAR spans schematic capture, variant management, placement, automatic and high-speed routing, signal integrity, power integrity, EMC analysis, design rule checks and production of manufacturing data.
Originally developed by British PCB vendor Racal-Redac, CADSTAR has been part of the Zuken product portfolio since its acquisition in 1994.[1][2] The software is developed at Zuken's Technology Centre (ZTC) in Bristol.[2]
The basic features of CADSTAR can be tested with the free version of CADSTAR Express.[3] Schematic and PCB files produced by CADSTAR can be reviewed using the free CADSTAR Design Viewer.
History
The first version of CADSTAR was released in late 1987 for MS-DOS.[4][5] CADSTAR for Windows was released in 1994.[6] Since then, there has been about one major release per year. Zuken subsequently released eCADSTAR in 2019.[7]
Features
CADSTAR contains modules for specific uses:
- Design Editor – This enables the engineer to draw schematic circuits, define the PCB layout and produce the manufacturing data from the completed PCB.
- Library Editor – Used for the creation of Symbols, Component and Parts. Supports ODBC compliant databases.
- Embedded Router – Used to create the tracks (layout) and other copper features of the board within the Design Editor environment.
- P.R.Editor – Used to create the tracks and other copper features of the board in an external environment to the Design Editor with many more features than the Embedded Router.
- High-Speed P.R.Editor – Allows the user to define a wide range of circuit rules and routing constraints to control the layout process.
- Signal Integrity Verify – Post-layout signal integrity simulation toolset and what-if analysis.
- Power Integrity – Fast analysis methodology including what-if analysis for concurrent power integrity.
- EMC Adviser – Helps designers predict, analyse and control EMC design issues.
- Design Migration Tool – Used to migrate designs and libraries from other EDA-tools into CADSTAR.
- Variant Manager – Allows support of variant assemblies for different part values or not fitted components on the same PCB.
See also
References
- ↑ Steffora, Ann (29 June 1998). "PCB World To IC Designs". Electronic News (Sage Publications) 44 (2225): 33. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A20883406/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=7e812298.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Staff writer (5 April 2000). "Zuken demonstrates latest Cadstar tool". Electronics Weekly (Metropolis International Group): 20. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A61888238/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=52323b1a.
- ↑ Staff writer (January 2002). "Zuken offers free CADSTAR". Printed Circuit Design (UBM LLC) 19 (1): 6. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82270916/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=27949c34.
- ↑ Grey, Mike (March 1991). "Joining the Board". CadCam (EMAP Media) 10 (3): 31 et seq.. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A10656044/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=930a8b32.
- ↑ Staff writer (7 January 1988). "Complex printed circuit boards with surface mounted parts on each side can be designed on a PC". Electronic Design (Endeavor Business Media) 36 (1): 166. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Electronic_Design/XXJJAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=%22Electronic+Design%22+%22january+7,+1988%22+%22vol%22&dq=%22Electronic+Design%22+%22january+7,+1988%22+%22vol%22&printsec=frontcover.
- ↑ Maliniak, Lisa (1 April 1996). "A Guide to PCB Layout Tools for Windows". Electronic Design (Endeavor Business Media) 44 (7): 65 et seq.. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A18318491/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=a52904e7.
- ↑ Tyler, Neil (19 December 2019). "Zuken unveils high-speed features for Internet-connected PCB design". New Electronics. Mark Allen Group. Archived from the original on 24 May 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20250524231622/https://www.newelectronics.co.uk/content/news/zuken-unveils-high-speed-features-for-internet-connected-pcb-design.
External links
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