Release Highlights for CAM350 Product Version 10.2

Introduction


CAM350 Version 10.2.2 is a support release for CAM350.  CAM350 10.2.2 includes support for  Microsoft Windows 7 and Mentor PADS Layout version 9.2.  Other CAM350 updates include resolutions for customer reported problems concerning ODB++ support for offset pads and flip panels, mill tabs in route arcs and mill route support for flipped images. 


 CAM350 10.2 includes Gerber import improvements for polygon self intersection analysis and DRC analysis accuracy updates for polygon outlines with arcs. 


CAM350 Version 10.1 is a support release for CAM350.  CAM350 10.1 includes performance improvements and memory usage improvements over previous releases of CAM350. Areas of improved performance include Gerber import and ODB++ import.  Optimization for memory usage is delivered in CAM350 10.1 for all polygon analysis, which means that larger more complex layers of polygons can now be processed for commands such as Netlist Extract and Gerber Import. CAM350 10.1 also delivers over 50 important customer reported defect resolutions. 


CAM350 Version 10.0 introduced significant new functionality, including reading and writing BluePrintPCB files, new graphics user interface, a project explorer bar, flip panel support, design compare, Expedition cross probing, and various enhancements. 

New Functionality


The following functional enhancements are contained in CAM350 Version 10.1

• 9 Gerber Import and Export Improvements 
• 9 ODB++ Import Improvements 
• 9 Netlist Extract Updates 
• 9 PADS Import Updates 

Details


Gerber Import and Export Improvements – The File > Import > Gerber Data command has been updated for CAM350 V10.2 to report illegal self intersecting polygons and prompt the user with the option to repair.  


The File > Import > Gerber Data command has been updated for CAM350 V10.1 to include faster polygon processing.  Certain CAD systems generate so-called cutline polygons that are used for efficient flooding and display.  CAM350 reduces these complex shapes into simple outlines with circular or polygonal voids.  The process to analyze the cutline polygons has been optimized.  For certain Gerber designs, import times can improve by up to a factor of 20 times.  This optimization will affect many Mentor Graphics designs. 



The File > Import > Gerber Data and File > Export > Gerber Data commands have been updated to pass arcs in polygon outlines as true arcs, rather than as segmented chords.
This update allows for more accurate Gerber data in CAM350 and allows for smaller Gerber files on export from CAM350. 


ODB++ Import Improvements – The File > Import > ODB++ command has been updated for CAM350 V10.1.  The ODB++ data transfer format is an important standard for the PCB fabrication industry. For CAM350 V10.1, the ODB++ import performance has been improved by up to a factor of 10 times for large designs. The ODB++ import command is also updated for CAM350 V10.1 to support stacked blind and buried vias. Netlist Extract Updates – For CAM350 V10.1, the Utilities > Netlist Extract command has been updated to utilize memory more effectively. Specifically, for large designs, the analysis of complex layers in previous releases of CAM350 could exceed the standard 2 gigabyte limit for processes on Windows 32 bit operating systems.  Parallel programming for layer analysis is now used in CAM350 V10.1 to break through the 2 gigabyte limit.  For large designs, the connectivity analysis for complex layers is performed in separate 2 gigabytes memory pools, separate from the main CAM350 process.  The parallel programming techniques are invoked based on the quantity of data being analyzed. Additionally for CAM350 V10.1, the Utilities > Netlist Extract command has been updated to support complete connectivity analysis of plated drill slots, plated mill slots and all plated mill routes.  The analysis of plated slots and mill routes now enables greater coverage of the final fabrication artwork.  


PADS Import Updates – The File > Import > CAD Data command has been updated to support PADS Layout Version 9.0.  New features include support for importing chamfered and rounded pads from PADS Layout decal definitions.  These new pad definitions coincide with ODB++ intrinsic aperture definitions.  The ODB++ standard names are used for these chamfered and rounded pads.  


Defect Fixes – Over 50 software corrections have been made to previously existing functionality, further improving upon CAM350’s quality and reliability.


Full details of the Release Highlights for CAM350 Product Version 10.2 can be obtained on this link.
http://www.downstreamtech.com/support/support-cam350/CAM350_10/CAM350_10.2.2ReleaseHighlights-Build401.pdf