Mentor Graphics extends the popular PADS PCB design tool

The PADS PCB Product Creation Platform has been enhanced with the inclusion of advanced analog/mixed-signal and high-speed analysis that addresses engineering challenges associated with mixed-signal design, DDR implementation, and electrically correct design sign-off. 

PADS is now a complete design suite with schematic capture, component data management, place and route, and options for PADS AMS Cloud, PADS HyperLynx DRC (design rule check), PADS HyperLynx DC Drop check, and PADS HyperLynx DDR memory interface analysis modules. The package can also add PADS HyperLynx FloTHERM XT thermal analysis and topology exploration and signal integrity tools HyperLynx LineSim and BoardSim. 

The tool can streamline the design process and ensure circuit performance goals are met, reducing the need for prototypes and design re-spins. Within one schematic session, both analog circuit simulation using VHDL-AMS (an IEEE standard, along with a powerful SPICE-based simulation engine) and topology exploration with the HyperLynx tool can be performed.

Fig. 1: Easy-to-use wizards in the PADS HyperLynx DDR tool lead PCB engineers through set-up interview steps.

Having all of these tools operate under the same HMI should be very popular with design engineers, who are increasingly tasked with at least some part of the PCB layout and thermal design. Plus, PADS AMS Cloud cloud-based circuit exploration/simulation environment and user community is available free for all PADS users. While in circuit design there may be limited interaction in these types of communities, there can be much more sharing of advice and ideas in PCB layout and analysis. Circuit designs created in PADS AMS Cloud can also be transferred to the PADS AMS Design Suite desktop environment. 

The package’s advanced analysis tools include behavioral verification, scenario exploration, and optimization. Electronic design rule checking will identify possible EMI, SI, and PI problems. The extended PADS Platform gives engineers access to technologies that were formerly out of reach for the mainstream PCB market. 

The cost of the new PADS release with PADS AMS, PADS DRC and PADS DDR analysis range from $3,560 to $4,995 for each option.