Import/Export

DownStream offers a wide range of import/export options inside CAM350, including Direct-CAD and ODB++.   These formats allow you to view, query, report and measure the data extracted from the CAD system.

Optimization

Once the design data is imported into CAM350 you have options to optimize the data using draw-to-custom, draw-to-flash, draw-to-raster polygon conversion, netlist extraction, silkscreen clipping, redundant pad and data removal, and teardropping.

Who needs it: Anyone that needs to optimize files for production.
What goes with this: If you have Import/Info and Modification, you can import files and make changes to them.

Netlist Compare

Verifying that the CAD Netlist matches the one extracted from the Gerber file is crucial to ensuring that the original design intent is maintained. The Netlist Compare functionality in CAM350 minimizes the risk of translation errors by automatically validating the Gerber files match the original CAD data.  Netlist Compare finds common errors such as:

Accidental inclusion/exclusion of traces, vias, etc… on signal layers

Text or reference designators placed on a signal layer, instead of a silkscreen layer

Placement of drafting items on all layers, instead of specific document layers

Issues with CAM Layers, such as negative planes

Design/Manufacturing Rule Checking (MRC/DRC)

Design rules must be verified to ensure the original design intent has been meet. Just as crucial is defining and setting up manufacturing rules and requirements, prior to packaging the design up for fabrication. Rule Checking will perform spacing checks, annular ring checks, spacing histogram, copper area calculations, layer compare, net checks, and more.

Design and manufacturing rules should be checked to:

Reduce spacing due to linewidth alterations for impedance control

Find insufficient annular ring

Locate linewidth and spacing below manufacturing capabilities

Check clearance from drilled hole to copper on high-voltage layers

Who needs it: Anyone involved in database analysis, including pre-fab work.

Basic NC Editor

Import, export, and create NC-mill and drill data. Minor editing is also allowed to change drill tool definitions, add basic mill paths to assembly panels, and to change break tabs.

Fast Array Module

Built on our sophisticated Panel Editor technology, the purpose of this tool is to very quickly array a PCB or group of PCBs on a panel to feed fabrication and assembly processes. This is in response to consumer demand for an easy-to-use yet highly functional module to support their needs to define PCB positions on a panel, without a lot of setup and definition, to best optimize down stream processes more effectively.

Who needs it: Anyone planning on creating or checking NC drill and mill data.

Design Analyzer

Analyze the contents and complexity of a design to create a design report for fabrication quoting and design qualification

Featured in the CAM350 10.5 is DownStream’s new Design Analyzer – a new method for analyzing the contents of a design.  This information is often used for costing and quoting purposes and can be used to reduce the cost of manufacturing the design.

Release Package Navigator

The Release Package Navigator found in CAM350 allows you to work from
one single electronic file to store and distribute all the deliverables for manu-
facturing. For example, this one file can contain your BluePrint documents,
Gerber, NC Drill/Mill, Panel Arrays, ODB++, PDF, DXF, PCB CAD, MS Office
and virtually any file located on your computer and/or network.