PCB123 IDF Plug-in

SUNSTONE LAUNCHES IDF PLUG-IN FOR PCB123

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 ECOsystem^SM."

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