Beta layout software

Altium has announced that the latest version of its P-CAD PCB design system for layout specialists has been released to beta testing.

The version, P-CAD 2004, expands the capabilities of P-CAD with new PCB technologies and enhanced features, including a new schematic editor that supports multichannel and hierarchical design, a new topological autorouter, a new interactive routing engine and improved management of design rules.

The software will also offer links to manufacturing with the introduction of new output servers, and the latest generation CAM software that features an expanded range of analysis and verification checks, and extensive import and export formats.

The package will be released on Altium's Design Explorer integration platform, bringing all the capabilities of P-CAD together in a single, integrated design that supports document synchronisation and project management features.

This enables a stronger design entry front end; tighter integration to PCB technologies; and access to Altium's FPGA and embedded system design products.

Altium has also added a range of features throughout the capture, layout, signal integrity and routing stages of P-CAD to assist engineers and designers dealing with high-speed designs.