Milestone release provides integrated solution for PCB post-processing as well as new enhancements
Marlborough, Mass – May 6, 2008 – DownStream Technologies, LLC today announced CAM350® Release 10, the
latest version of its industry-leading solution for the verification and optimization of printed circuit boards. With CAM350 Release 10,
DownStream has once again demonstrated its commitment to bringing customer-focused solutions to the marketplace, as much of the new
functionality reflects input from their user base. This release completes a strategic milestone in DownStream’s product development
lifecycle as CAM350 integrates with Blueprint’s document authoring tool to create a completely synergistic solution for all PCB
post-processing. This sets the stage for a process by which the user can utilize CAM350 and BluePrint to create and distribute
all the deliverables required for a complete PCB fabrication and assembly release package in one single electronic file. The
electronic release package can then be used to distribute, view and extract documents, Gerber files, NC Drill/Mill data and panel
designs for the manufacturing process. CAM350 Release 10 also includes a redesigned user interface, notably updated to reflect
today’s operating systems and input methodologies.
“It has long been DownStream’s vision to focus on the entire PCB release process and not just point applications.
We believe CAM350 Release 10 heralds a new era for post-processing PCB designs by providing the designer the ability to create and
manage all of the deliverables required to release a PCB design from engineering into manufacturing,” said Rick Almeida, one of
DownStream’s Founders. “Prior to this release, board designers had to deal with managing multiple tools and file formats,
including hard copy, to be able to generate the necessary Gerber, drill data, panel designs, BOMs and other documents. With
CAM350 Release 10, all of the PCB design deliverables can be stored, managed and edited in a single location creating a new
benchmark for post-processing PCB designs,” he added.
CAM350 Release 10 is the third major release of the software from DownStream Technologies in just five years.
Part of the enhancements to CAM350 focus on continued improvement in the verification of design data before commitment to PCB
fabrication. Users will find new feature enhancements from basic Netlist comparisons to more in-depth verification by crossprobing
with Mentor’s Expedition® PCB layout tool. The release also includes improved DFF Streaming capability.
CAM350 Release 10 Highlights
Release 10 includes new functionality and enhancements including:
- Universal Release Package Navigator - A new Release Package Navigator allows the CAM350 user to create and store
all CAM350 outputs in a single electronic file. This file can then be sent to bare board fabricators and the contents extracted
for PCB fab. In addition, Gerber, drill, or panel data created in the release package is automatically accessible to BluePrint
for use in documentation creation. This allows for Gerber data and panel designs to be documented prior to release to document control.
Conversely, any data created by BluePrint, including panel drawings, imported Gerber, PDFs, or other design data is now available
for use and viewing in CAM350. This drastically reduces the need for multiple importation and exportation of data.
- Graphical Interface - The CAM350 Graphical interface has been updated to a more modern, MS Office type interface.
Tab based editors with task oriented pallets enhance the usability and present a more uniform interface across all DownStream products.
- Project Explorer Bar - The Project Explorer Bar strengthens the Graphical Interface by bringing many of the viewing options
to the default CAM350 window. Searching for Nets, Parts, D-codes, and other key elements can now be accomplished from the main CAM350
window in all of the Editors. This will make it easier for the user to view and validate data, whether it is Gerber or Intelligent data.
- Flip Panel - Flip Panel allows the user to select boards in the panel and flip them so that the top side of half of the
boards and the bottom side of half will be side by side in the panel.
- Design Compare - Allow users to graphically compare two different designs.
- Crossprobing to Mentor Graphics Expedition® - Crossprobing allows the backward annotation of errors found in Gerber data
to the design software.
- Longer File and Net Name Support – File Name and Net Name support is increased to 128 characters.
- Netlist Enhancements – Enhancements have been made to Netlist Compare making it easier for users to align mis-registered
netlists, deal with incorrectly formatted netlists, and export reference netlists from ODB++.
- Streams Enhancements – Users can filter errors based on a customizable accuracy setting. This will help eliminate
errors due to rounding or unit conversion. The Pads without Drill command has been enhanced to better detect failures, while
eliminating false errors.
- PADS® Interface Update – The PADS ASCII interface has been updated to support the 2007 release. The interface has
been enhanced to support the importing of Drill Drawing CAM Documents.
- ODB++ Interface Update – The ODB++ interface has been updated to support the 8.0 ODB++ specifications.
- Usability Updates – Updates include allowing the user to change the background color, introduction of a
64 color pallet, and the ability to share the customization of the user interface with other users.
- Defect Fixes - Other software corrections have been made to previously existing functionality, further improving upon CAM350’s
quality and reliability.
Product Availability
Release 10 is scheduled for availability in late Q3 2008 for download and will ship to over 3500 current
users with valid maintenance contracts.
For more information visit
http://www.downstreamtech.com/cam350-v10.html, e-mail
sales@downstreamtech.com or contact one of DownStream’s
local Value Added Resellers (VARs).
About DownStream Technologies
DownStream Technologies, LLC is a progressive software company focused on helping engineering organizations automate
the PCB Release Process. Our tools redefine how engineering professionals post-process PCB designs to create and distribute all
the deliverables required for a complete PCB assembly release package. CAM350® provides verification, optimization and output
generation to efficiently drive PCB fabrication. BluePrint for Printed Circuit Boards® works with CAM350 and PCB CAD systems to
help users quickly produce comprehensive electronic drawings to drive PCB fabrication, assembly, and inspection processes. More information about DownStream can be found at www.downstreamtech.com. More information
about DownStream can be found at www.downstreamtech.com.
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© 2008 DownStream Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved. CAM350® and BluePrint for Printed Circuit Boards® are registered
trademark of DownStream Technologies, LLC. All other registered trademarks and trademarks contained within this document are
the property of their respective owners.
