Polar Instruments introduces first standalone automated generator for impedance control and lossy-line PCB coupons

Citation

(2010), "Polar Instruments introduces first standalone automated generator for impedance control and lossy-line PCB coupons", Circuit World, Vol. 36 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/cw.2010.21736cad.001

Polar Instruments introduces first standalone automated generator for impedance control and lossy-line PCB coupons

Article Type: New products From: Circuit World, Volume 36, Issue 3

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  replaces time-consuming manual or scripted coupon creation;

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  provides real-time editing, change tracking and error-checking;

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  introduces lossy-line coupons for emerging PCB trace attenuation tests (Beta);

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  operates as a standalone coupon generator;

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  can also interface with a wide installed base of PCB fabrication tools;

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  direct import of data from Polar Instruments’ Speedstack, Si8000m and Si9000e lossy-line field-solver tools as well as XML files; and

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  creates and exports error-free RS274X and NC drill files.

Polar Instruments have introduced the first standalone automatic generator for impedance control and lossy line PCB test coupons. CGen 2010 builds on the proven technology of Polar’s Speedstack coupon generator but adds the flexibility to directly import coupon data from manually created or scripted XML files as well as from industry standard layer stack-up tools and Polar Instruments’ impedence control and lossy-line field solvers. CGen is the first coupon generator to automate the creation of lossy-line coupons for the emerging class of PCB trace attenuation test methods.

Martyn Gaudion, CEO, Polar Instruments, explains: “CGen 2010 coupon generator provides a fast and cost-effective alternative to in-house manual, scripted or automated coupon creation processes, allowing any PCB fabricator or OEM engineer to create accurate coupons in minutes. With a programme of on-going maintenance and updates, CGen 2010 future-proofs its initial investment by allowing users to support their customers with the latest lossy-line test methods.”

A number of new features allow CGen 2010 to speed and simplify the coupon generation process: real-time editing of the coupon, complete with error-flagging and automatic change tracking, allows users to add, remove, and replace an unlimited number of layers to trial different criteria before selecting the optimum build. CGen 2010 provides control over copper pours and fills as well as dynamic adjustment of copper thieving and automatically engineers the interconnects for test probes chosen from a range of industry standard footprints. CGen 2010 automatically generates Gerber RS274X and NC drill files for the coupon and can export them to industry standard CAD/CAM software used for the panelisation process.

CGen 2010 is available now from Polar Instruments: www.polarinstruments.com