PCB123 IDF Plug-in
Sunstone Launches IDF Plug-in For PCB123
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Mulino, Ore. – March 16, 2009 – Sunstone Circuits, the Mulino, OR.-based PCB prototype solutions provider, has launched
the Intermediate Data Format (IDF) Plug-In, the first plug-in module for PCB123
based upon the PCB123 V3.1 Software Developer's Kit (SDK).
The free IDF Plug-In enables PCB designers to import PCB designs for use in mechanical
and electrical CAD systems in a bi-directional, neutral format within the Sunstone
ECOsystem Design Environment.
"Part of being the easiest PCB solutions provider to do business with is exploring
ways to streamline the design to manufacture process and integrate new tools into
existing software," says Sunstone Circuits CEO Terry Heilman. "Our IDF Plug-In not
only offers a solution to the major challenge in designing multidisciplinary electrical
projects, but also demonstrates the completeness of the PCB123 SDK to deliver more
functionality within the Sunstone ECOsystemSM."
By using the database access now available with the PCB123 SDK, Sunstone's IDF import/export
Plug-In can import the outline definition of the PCB as specified by the mechanical
CAD tool, thereby synchronizing the mechanical design work with the PCB development
work.
"Unfortunately, mechanical CAD systems and EDA systems typically haven't played
well together. It's time for that to change." said Lee Harding, engineering manager
for Sunstone Circuits. "With the IDF Plug-In, PCB123 continues its commitment to
bring design flow automation, normally seen in the major vendors, to free-distribution
software tools and to the mechatronic design flow."
"We expect to see designers and manufacturing companies both developing more automation
tools - beyond the IDF Plug-In - that speed the flow of designs through the manufacturing
chain," added Nolan Johnson, Sunstone's EDA products manager.
The IDF Plug-In is included prepackaged with PCB123 V3.1.0.14 or newer. Users with
previous versions of PCB123 V3.1 may download the plug-in by clicking here