Issue link: https://resources.pcb.cadence.com/i/1310866
www.cadence.com 5 Allegro PCB Design Solution mation directly on the routing canvas. Traditionally, evaluating current status of timing/length of a routed interface requires numerous trips to Constraint Manager and/or use of the Show Element command. Using an embed- ded route engine to evaluate complex timing constraints and interdependen- cies amongst signals shows current status of a set of routed signals—a DDRx byte lane or a complete DDRx interface— via custom trace/connect line coloring; stipple patterns and customized data tip information to define the delay problem in the simplest terms possible. With the embedded route engine, Timing Vision provides real-time feedback to the user during interactive editing and enhances the user's ability to develop a strategy for resolving timing on large buses or interfaces such as DDRx, PCIe, etc. Coupled with Auto-interactive Phase Tuning (AiPT) and Auto-interactive Delay Tuning (AiDT) capabilities, users can accelerate the time to tune advanced interfaces like DDRx in one-third the time it takes to do it manually using traditional methods. AiPT Differential pairs in an interface like DDRx require designers to match static as well as dynamic phase. Matching phase for all differential pairs in an interface is a neces- sary first step before tuning and matching the rest of the signals. AiPT automatically matches dynamic and static phase for the selected differential pairs. It works with a set of parameters that allows the user several options for trace lengthen- ing or shortening as well as pad entry/exit options. With AiPT, users can significantly shorten the time to match static and dynamic phases for differential pairs. AiDT Delay tuning for signals for interfaces like DDRx takes up too much time when using traditional, manual methods. AiDT auto- matically generates tuning patterns on a user-selected routed byte lane or interface based on user-defined timing constraints and tuning parameters. AiDT computes the required length for the connections to meet timing constraints and utilizes controlled push/shove techniques when adding tuning patterns (see Figure 7). Backdrilling The High-Speed Option allows users to specify which vias on critical high-speed signals should be back drilled to avoid reflections. An output report—Backdrill NC and Legend Files from Bottom, Top, or Any Layer if backdrilling the inner core(s) of the PCB—allows users to send back- drilling instructions to their PCB manufac- turers Manufacturing Option The Allegro PCB Designer Manufacturing Option provides a comprehensive, power- ful, easy-to-use suite of tools that makes it efficient and cost effective for PCB designers to streamline the development of release-to-manufacturing packages for their products. It includes three modules: Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Checker, Documentation Editor, and Panel Editor. DFM Checker The Manufacturing Option's DFM Checker module is designed for engineers and designers who appreciate the benefits of manufacturing analysis and want to conduct it in a robust environment, with ease and sensibility at any phase of the PCB design process. DFM Checker offers comprehensive analysis for all major PCB design tools, Gerber files, intelli- gent manufacturing files, and NC data to ensure the content supplied to the manu- facturer will minimize costly delays. Documentation Editor The Manufacturing Option's Documentation Editor is a PCB documen- tation-authoring tool that intelligently automates your documentation creation process to produce complex PCB docu- mentation in a fraction of the time versus traditional methods. Documentation Editor enables you to quickly create the manufacturing drawings that drive PCB fabrication and assembly. Panel Editor The Manufacturing Option's Panel Editor module intelligently automates the complex process of panel definition and documentation, simplifying the design process. This solution enables designers to quickly create electronic manufactur- ing documents that clearly articulate Figure 7: AiDT shortens time to tune high-speed signals by 50% or more.