Frontline Releases InCAM 2.32

Reading time ( words)

Released on January 10, 2016, InCAM 2.32 is a minor new version that introduces numerous workflow throughput enhancements, including the ability to run Step Compare in the background and to add multiple dimensions simultaneously. In addition, two new DFM functions improve the production process for HDI and IC-packaging boards.

New Features

Reduce the galvanic effect during the gold plating process
Run the new Non-Tieline Gold Galvanic Compensation DFM to calculate the gold/copper or copper/gold ratio that is below a defined threshold and take steps to reduce the galvanic effect during gold plating.

Apply etch compensation to the narrow parts of a surface
Use the new Patch Bottlenecks DFM to automatically detect locations where surface width is below the defined value and apply a patch to these locations, enabling the application of etch compensation to the narrow parts of a surface.

Quickly create dimensioned drawing with multiple dimensions
Create dimensioned drawings faster – (co)ordinate, linear or baseline dimensions – by adding multiple dimensions at the same time.

Get Step Compare results per layer as soon as they’re ready
Run Step Compare in the background while getting on with other tasks. Step Compare can run in parallel on different layers, delivering results one by one as they become ready, while the remaining layers continue processing.

Improved sub-assembly electrical testing
Optimize netlists and create an electrical testing program for sub-assembly testing.

03/21/2023 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 Magazine

During DesignCon, I spoke with James Hofer from Accurate Circuit Engineering about some of his customers' biggest challenges. We discussed various ways to increase the level—and quality—of communication between designers and fabricators. James also offered some interesting observations about bridging the gap between designer and fabricator. How often do you communicate with your fabricator?

03/09/2023 | Anaya Vardya, American Standard Circuits

One of the biggest challenges facing PCB designers is not understanding the cost drivers in the PCB manufacturing process. The next final finishes to discuss in this series is OSP. As with all surface finishes there are pros and cons with the decision of which to use. It is a combination of application, cost, and the properties of the finish. OSP is RoHS-compliant as there is zero lead content in the finish.

02/14/2023 | Anaya Vardya, American Standard Circuits

One of the biggest challenges facing PCB designers is not understanding the cost drivers in the PCB manufacturing process. This article is the latest in a series that will discuss these cost drivers (from the PCB manufacturer's perspective) and the design decisions that will impact product reliability.