DownStream Technologies Announces CAM350® Version 9

New Release of De Facto PCB CAM Standard now Includes Streams Rules Check for Faster Fabrication Error Detection

Bolton, Mass ­ July 15, 2005 ­ DownStream Technologies, LLC today announced the latest version of CAM350®, its industry-leading solution for verification and optimization of printed circuit boards. CAM350 V. 9 now includes Streams Rule Check ­ a entirely new method of performing PCB design analysis. Streams Rule Check allows users to shorten the amount of time it takes to analyze a design by performing Design Rule checks, Design for Manufacturing checks and Netlist Comparison checks simultaneously.

"Analyzing Gerber layers in CAM systems is often a tedious and time-consuming procedure. For each type of design analysis to be performed, a PCB designer needs to set up and execute it separately, then view the results separately," said Rick Almeida, founder of DownStream. "With Streams Rule Check, a designer can set-up once and execute a variety of analysis simultaneously ­ or all in one "stream" ­ saving time and increasing productivity," he added.

In addition, Streams Rule Check also allows the user to run different analysis in High Technology areas such as BGA or Wire Bond while running "standard" analysis on the balance of the design.

Version 9 also contains enhancements to existing DFF and DRC functions including new negative plane checks, missing soldermask and floating antennas as well as a number of other enhancements and corrections. "Version 9 continues to demonstrate our belief that the best way to reduce defects in manufacturing is to prevent them in the design", Almeida went on to say. "CAM350 with Streams Rule Check allows PCB Designers and CAM Engineers to quickly identify potential defects before costly manufacturing begins".

Streams Rule Check Functionality

Streams Rule Check allows users to:

• create one set-up for DRC, DFF and Netlist Comparison
• save multiple ³streams² based on technology, manufacturing capabilities or customer requirements to be used on future designs
• execute separate analysis on discrete areas or different layers of the design
• view errors individually or in groups

Enhancements to Existing Functionality

CAM350 V 9 with Streams Rule Check includes new analysis and functionality.

Design for Fabrication Analysis including:

• New negative plane analysis
  • Plated drill to copper
  • Unplated drill to copper
  • Thermal annular ring
  • Copper to true board edge
  • Thermal tie width
  • Plane separator minimum width
• Find antennas (non-terminating traces)
• Missing soldermask clearance
• Silkscreen minimum line width

Panelization Enhancements

• No partials in negative venting
• User defined venting keep out areas
• Scaling on export from panel editor

Full Screen Mode

• Allows users to turn off menus to view design in ³full screen²

Crossprobing to PowerPCB® and Allegro® Now Included

In certain product configurations, CAM350 V.9 also makes available Crossprobing functionality to Mentor¹s PowerPCB® and Cadence¹s Allegro® PCB design solutions. Crossprobing allows design errors highlighted in CAM350 to be shown in the CAD software, allowing the designer to quickly and easily correct the problem.

Availability and Pricing

DownStream is providing CAM350 V. 9 at no additional charge to all existing customers with a valid maintenance agreement. The update will be available in mid-summer 2005. 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, 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.

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© 2005 DownStream Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved. CAM350® is a registered trademark and BluePrint for Printed Circuit Boards� is trademark of DownStream Technologies, LLC. All other registered trademarks and trademarks contained within this document are the property of their respective owners.