Product category: Design and Development Software
News Release from: ChipData | Subject: IC2 PkgXpert 2.5
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 25 August 2004
Package design software cuts
down on PCB errors
IC2 PkgXpert 2.5 is an application designed to create and repurpose accurate, consistent package geometries using industry standard or user-defined specifications
PkgXpert helps electronics OEMs and contract electronic manufacturers to streamline the board manufacturing process by creating a specification-driven, standardised package geometry library that can be shared and regenerated whenever specifications change. PkgXpert 2.5 is equipped with new product features and enhancements, including: intelligent data extraction capabilities, support for industry-standard and custom manufacturing rules, valuable dimension validation features and an advanced pin editor and user interface.
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 25 August 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Software receives US patent
The US Patent and Trademark Office has granted ChipData a patent covering software components central to the data retrieval and mining processes used in its Intelligent Content Creation product suite
Free schematic symbol for designers and librarians
ChipData is offering a free symbol for PCB designers, librarians and design support staff
PkgXpert 2.5 incorporates ChipData's patented intelligent content extraction (ICE) technology to extract package dimensions and tolerances directly from supplier's PDF-based documentation.
It then converts the data to a standard form, eliminating the need for interpretation, conversion and manual entry of package dimensional information.
In addition, PkgXpert's unique architecture separates the physical package shapes from the specifications, enabling design organisations to develop a standardised geometry library that is flexible and intelligent enough to comply with multiple manufacturing processes, EDA formats and specifications.
Further reading
Tools and RTOS support latest SuperH MCUs
Added support brings mature end-to-end development solutions to the Renesas SH7261 and SH7263 single-chip microcontrollers
Tools ease switch to Cadstar
Migration tools enable designers to move schematics, libraries and PCB designs from Cadence Allegro and Orcad, Mentor Graphics PADS PCB and Altium Protel and P-CAD to Cadstar
Additional enhancements to PkgXpert 2.5 include support for IPC industry standards and custom rules.
PkgXpert 2.5 allows users to create custom rules for their own unique manufacturing processes, and also supports electronic industry-standard rules, including IPC-2221 and IPC-SM-782.
PkgXpert 2.5 also ensures that dimension values are logical and reasonable, eliminating another common source of errors.
The software provides an easy-to-use pin editor to define deleted single pins, areas and/or islands from array packages.
Real-time graphics enable designers to see how pins fit into a package.
Once defined, the package shape information is stored in an EDA-independent format, so that it can later be retrieved, edited, or used to regenerate geometries.
'For many electronics OEMs, maintaining accurate package geometries is a constant battle against time, resources and ever-changing rules and manufacturing processes', said Bob Merlo, ChipData's President and CEO.
'PkgXpert 2.5 optimises the geometry creation process, giving design organisations the ability to create more accurate and consistent geometry libraries that can be regenerated whenever specifications change'.
'More consistency and flexibility means fewer manufacturing problems, shorter time to market, and reduced product and support costs'.
• ChipData: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
