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What's new with Valor NPI DFM software release 11.5

What’s new in Valor NPI v11.5

June 17, 2022

Valor NPI 11.5 continues to introduce new and existing capabilities in MRA-Revolution, with a more complete Classification set which includes design preparations and analysis use of copper reference layers. Comparing an ODB++ to fabricator changes becomes easy and precise with the new CAM Compare flow and the first connection to stackup setup is established with Z-Planner integration.

By Maya Shani
5 MIN READ
IC PCB DFT image

Proactive Design for Test (DFT) best practices

May 11, 2022

The process of PCB DFT needs to be considered sooner and more proactively in our PCB design process, incorporated in the schematic phase, not during the layout phase. A designer should determine what nets will be needed to be tested based on their likelihood of failure and position those pins in open, accessible real-estate.

By Patrick Hope
3 MIN READ
Z-planner Stackup design overview.

Practical advice on PCB stackup planning

April 28, 2022

The more technology advances, the more attention we must pay to every aspect of printed circuit board (PCB) design, including…

By Patrick Hope and Mark Forbes
< 1 MIN READ
Test Drive Valor DFM software

Test Drive Valor NPI Free for 30 Days

April 8, 2022

This free, online trial will let you learn how moving manufacturing knowledge into the layout process can eliminate potential manufacturing issues early with Valor NPI.

By Patrick Hope
2 MIN READ
Military Aviation

Global aerospace leader seamlessly integrates Valor NPI into an Allegro® workflow

March 18, 2022

Corporate Goal: reduce re-designs and increase product quality A few years ago corporate management at a global aerospace leader examined…

By Patrick Hope and Mark Forbes
5 MIN READ
PCB designers discussing stackup planning

You Need to Control Your PCB Stackups!

February 23, 2022

Z-planner Enterprise contains all the tools you need to design and verify stackups on fast PCB designs. In addition to being able to calculate impedance and design valid stackups, you can run the field solver and perform cross-section analysis. And, it includes the industry’s largest dielectric materials library, including laminates. The result is a stackup design that will produce first-time-right results regardless of the fabricator.

By Mark Forbes
3 MIN READ
Automated PCB assembly process

What is New Product Introduction (NPI) and How Does it Apply to PCBs?

February 2, 2022

The pace of PCB new product introductions has increased exponentially over the past few years – and with it the need for a proper NPI process. It’s not just that PCBs are used in more and more products across numerous industries; it’s also that more PCBs are needed in those products. For example, consider how many PCBs are used in even the lowest-end cars today versus how many were used years ago. As new-model cars become increasingly connected to online services, the need for PCBs will continue to grow.

By Patrick Hope
4 MIN READ
PCB stackup with material and copper

PCB Stackup Design e-book

January 28, 2022

While not the final word on the subject of stackups, Bill’s e-book goes a long way to helping you plan ahead, providing an important voice in a space that is surprisingly lacking in content. I would also recommend exploring Z-planner Enterprise, a stackup tool that Bill has spent years developing. Now all you need is a sharp pencil.

By Patrick Hope
3 MIN READ
electrical structure within city

What is Design for Manufacturing?

January 4, 2022

PCB Design for Manufacturing DFM looks at all factors that may impact the manufacturability of a PCB design, such as assembly, fabrication, flex/rigid-flex, microvia, panel and substrate. It should also consider whether SMT component placement and soldering can be conducted automatically to reduce costs. DFM can involve general manufacturing specifications and/or the specifications of a specific manufacturer.

By Patrick Hope
4 MIN READ