What is BluePrint?
BluePrint is a revolutionary new document authoring tool, developed in the style of Microsoft Office,
that quickly and easily creates electronic drawings to drive PCB fabrication and assembly. Documentation created
with BluePrint is more detailed, can be changed instantly and will lead to faster and more accurate new product
introduction.
How does it work?
BluePrint “knows” it is creating a PCB document and uses PCB CAD data to automatically create
and intelligently link multiple PCB views, details, document notes, external documents, URLs and multi-media content.
Why makes BluePrint different than what I use today?
Many people use PCB CAD applications that may require extensive layer setup and displaying to
show a picture of a document that doesn’t really exist. In addition PCB CAD has constraints in its
architecture that limit the type of documents that can be produced, such as showing only one view
of the PCB at any time. Other’s use mechanical CAD systems to overcome some of the PCB CAD limitations
but these tools require extensive data translations to move the PCB data into the mechanical environment.
These translations loose valuable design information that could have been used to automate the documentation process.
BluePrint is a “document authoring” tool designed specifically to create comprehensive, detailed PCB documentation
using existing PCB CAD databases. BluePrint is “drawing/element” based meaning that users place different
documentation elements: PCB views, word processing text, and graphics; onto a drawing sheet and arrange and
format them as needed. BluePrint eliminates the need for complex layer manipulation or extensive data translation
associated with other solutions. The result is an electronic document which better articulates the instructions for
successful fabrication, assembly and inspection of printed circuit boards and which contains all the data necessary
to build, view and archive the final product.
What CAD systems does BluePrint support?
Allegro, Altium Designer, Boardstation, Expedition, OrCAD, PADS Layout,
Zuken CADstar and Visula
Can BluePrint export PDF?
Yes.
How does BluePrint handle schematics?
BluePrint can read in Schematics via Adobe’s PDF format. Schematics can be placed on document sheets
and included with the PCB assembly release package that BluePrint creates.
How does BluePrint work with ERP/MRP or PLM systems?
BluePrint can import comma separated value (CSV) parts list data and merge it with CAD data to create
a “unified” parts list that matches the PCB assembly pictorial. When completed, BluePrint can export this
parts list back into CSV format for uploading into the source enterprise system.
Can I back annotate the documents back to my PCB CAD system?
No. The CAD architecture is completely different than BluePrint’s document architecture. In addition,
you would loose all of the power that BluePrint provides if it were translated to CAD. However, the PCB
CAD data base can be embedded into BluePrint’s release package for those users looking for a single data
source for archiving purposes.
Can I cut and paste with other Windows Applications?
Yes, BluePrint supports cut and paste of text and graphics with other Windows applications.
Limitations will vary based on the application used.
What happens if I change the PCB CAD file used to drive BluePrint?
Changes that are made in the CAD file can be quickly updated in BluePrint by simply re-importing the new
CAD data into BluePrint. Once imported, BluePrint updates all instances of the CAD data in the documentation
automatically, greatly reducing the amount of time it takes to make an ECO.
Will BluePrint work with CAM350?
Yes in that both products work with the same source CAD data. Users can import data from CAM350
into BluePrint through ODB++, DXF, or Gerber.
Will BluePrint support the Internet and how?
Yes, BluePrint supports the internet in several ways.
- BluePrint uses hyper linking technology to create links within the PCB documentation URLs and email addresses
- BluePrint exports documentation via HTML (in addition to other formats) to allow document viewing from Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 5.0 or later through the Internet
- BluePrint has a “Live Update” feature which periodically checks the DownStream website for latest updates of BluePrint for download by customers under maintenance
How can I evaluate BluePrint?
Simply click on the "EVALUATION" link above,
complete a short form, and start your evaluation process.
Is DownStream abandoning the CAM market?
No. DownStream is investing heavily in our CAM products. Both CAM350 and BluePrint are necessary tools
to help post process PCB designs for manufacturing. BluePrint creates manufacturing documentation, CAM350
creates manufacturing outputs. Our customers should look for future integrated releases of both products.
