Corporate

DownStream Technologies Announces CAM350 Release 8.6 with Crossprobing to PCB Layout

New release creates dynamic integration between CAM350 and PADS-PowerPCB and Cadence's Allegro PCB Layout Tools

Bolton, Mass – August 18, 2004 – DownStream Technologies, LLC today announced CAM350 Release 8.6, the latest version of its industry-leading PCB CAM solution. This release strengthens the design verification capabilities of CAM350 by developing dynamic Crossprobing integration to PCB layout tools and updating the DXF Interface to the AutoCAD 2004 specification, as well as a number of other software corrections. Release 8.6 raises the bar in the mainstream market by providing unprecedented integration between the PCB CAD and CAM processes and continues DownStream¹s commitment to helping companies get new products into manufacturing quickly and easily.

"The new Crossprobing functionality contained in Release 8.6 further closes the gap between engineering and manufacturing by helping PCB designers quickly locate potential discrepancies between design intent (CAD data) and manufacturing outputs (Gerber data)," said Rick Almeida, Founder of DownStream Technologies. "The amount of time saved is critical and helps customers meet time-to-volume production milestones while simultaneously improving our customers competitive advantage," he added.

Crossprobing to PowerPCB and Allegro

CAM350 Release 8.6 now contains specific Crossprobing functionality to Mentor's PowerPCB® and Cadence's Allegro® PCB design solutions. With this new release, design errors can be highlighted in CAM350 and its location will also be shown in the CAD software allowing the designer to quickly and easily correct the problem. CAM350 can also be used to view intelligent data in the CAD software (components, pins, nets) while at the same time, viewing the corresponding locations as Gerber data in CAM350. Key features include:

Bi-directional zoom/view window location between CAM350 and PowerPCB and Allegro databases
Window/View synchronization
Automatic layer displaying and synchronization
Bi-directional selection of components, pins and nets
DRC/DFF error identification contained in CAM350 is identified in PCB layout system
Crossprobing between intelligent CAD file and unintelligent Gerber data

DXF Interface to AutoCAD

Also included in this release is an updated DXF Interface that allows files generated in AutoCAD 2004 to be translated into CAM350 as well as allowing this format to be output.

Defect Fixes

Over 40 software corrections have been made to previously existing functionality, further improving upon CAM350's quality and reliability.

Availability and Pricing

Crossprobing will be offered as an option to CAM350 and priced as follows:

Crossprobing for PowerPCB: $995.00
Crossprobing for Allegro: $1500.00

DownStream Technologies is providing the remainder of Release 8.6 at no additional charge to all existing customers with a valid maintenance agreement. The update will be available in early Fall 2004. For more information log onto www.downstreamtech.com, e-mail sales@downstreamtech.com, or contact one of DownStream¹s local Value Added Resellers (VARs).

About DownStream Technologies

DownStream Technologies’ CAM350 solution allows engineering and manufacturing teams to work together by supporting the verification of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) designs early in the product development process to ensure accurate and efficient manufacturing. CAM350 offers customers in the mainstream PCB marketplace significant price/performance value over alternative solutions. More information about DownStream can be found at www.downstreamtech.com.

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© 2002 DownStream Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved. CAM350 is a trademark of DownStream Technologies, LLC. All other registered trademarks and trademarks contained within this document are the property of their respective owners.