New user-requested functionality in Version 3
includes an interface to design simulators, enhanced
circuit-element grouping capability and design
calculators
SINGAPORE, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ --RS
Components( http://www.rs-components.com ) (RS), the
trading brand of Electrocomponents plc( http://www.electrocomponents.com )
(LSE:ECM), the world's leading high service distributor of
electronics and maintenance products, today unveiled Version 3 of
DesignSpark PCB, the company's free professional standard PCB
design software, used by professional designers, hobbyists and
students. The latest version is available for download at
www.designspark.com.
(Logo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2011/05/04/20110504368830.jpg )
Developed by RS, in conjunction with Number One
Systems, the latest version of DesignSpark PCB provides extra
functionality and enables the PCB design software to be used with
Spice simulation tools from several major manufacturers. In
addition to the tool's new simulation interface, Version 3 includes
enhancements such as component and circuit element grouping, and
design calculators, which model circuit performance
characteristics.
"The success of DesignSpark PCB, the world's most
powerful free PCB design tool, is unparalleled in our industry,"
said Mark Cundle, Technical Marketing Manager at RS Components.
"The release of the third version of this award-winning software
clearly demonstrates the commitment from RS to continually improve
this highly successful product. We promise to carry on supporting
DesignSpark PCB and continue to make it available free-of-charge to
users."
"We've gathered feedback from engineers through our
fast-growing DesignSpark community to integrate the new features
they've requested in Version 3," added Cundle. "Additionally, the
tool is fully functional -- with no limitations or locked features
-- and is well suited to commercial use, which is not always the
case with some free tools."
More than 100,000 users have downloaded DesignSpark
PCB since its launch in July 2010, with the tool proving to be one
of the most popular free PCB design software packages available.
Since then, thousands of users have contributed suggestions for
development, which has resulted in DesignSpark PCB Version 3 being
strengthened in three key areas: simulation interface, groups and
design calculators:
-- The simulation interface means that DesignSpark
PCB can be
linked to industry-standard Spice simulators that
help verify
the circuit is operating correctly, before moving to
board
layout or the next stage of the design. DesignSpark
PCB Version
3 currently supports four simulators: LTSpice,
LSSpice, TopSpice
and TINA.
-- The 'groups' feature allows multiple items in the
design to be
associated, so they act as one unit. Once defined,
'groups' can
also assist in the selection of related portions of
a circuit. On
translation of the schematic circuit into the
Autoroute tool, the
'group' information is also transferred along with
the components,
allowing easy placement.
-- The design calculators allow the selection of a
track or via and
perform basic electrical calculations, including:
track width
required for a given current; track impedance;
optimum copper
density; approximate temperature rise on a track;
and the
resistance of a via, given its physical
characteristics.
DesignSpark PCB remains unique in the industry as a
free and fully featured PCB development environment. The upgraded
Version 3 is free to download for new users at www.designspark.com
. Existing users will be alerted to the upgrade via release alerts
in their existing version of the tool. Feedback and user support
forums are also available at www.designspark.com
.
About RS Components
RS Components and Allied Electronics are the trading
brands of Electrocomponents plc, the world's leading high service
distributor of electronics and maintenance products. Through
operations in 32 countries and 17 warehouses, the Group serves 1.6
million customers worldwide and distributes 550,000 products
ranging from semiconductors and optoelectronics to power tools and
protective clothing. The product and service portfolio supports the
entire product lifecycle from R&D through pre-production to
maintenance and repair. The Group ships more than 46,000 parcels on
the same day the orders are received.
Electrocomponents is listed on the London Stock
Exchange and in the last financial year to 31 March 2011 had
revenues of GBP1.18bn.
For more information, please visit the website at
www.rs-components.com
Further information is available via these
links:
Twitter: @RSElectronics; @alliedelec;
@designsparkRS
Tweet: RS Components
Hashtags: #ecommerce
#electronics
RS Components on Linkedin
http://www.linkedin.com/company/rs-components
Relevant Links:
Electrocomponents plc
www.electrocomponents.com
RS Components
www.rs-components.com
DesignSpark
http://www.designspark.com
Editorial Contact:
RS Components
Tan Soo Chun
Public Relations Manager - Asia
Pacific
Tel: +65 6391 5745
Email:
[email protected]
SOURCE:RS Components