Omega PLUS Mark I, Revision 2 contains a number of new features that allow designers and engineers to analyze and resolve electrical performance issues quickly and easily. Some of the major enhancements made to Omega PLUS include: a new layout data modification capability; automatic loading of IBIS models; high-speed differential-pair analysis; and source selection for component pins. A major improvement is the ability to use a subset of Intercept’s PCB design tool, within Omega PLUS, for pre-layout SI and EMC simulation. Performance improvements include accelerated analysis time, and greater accuracy.

The new layout data editor feature permits board stack-up editing, power net setup and component translation modification. The instance editor in the Database Manager allows users to create components with multi-pin subcircuits such as resistor packs. Revision 2’s improved IBIS support will automatically load the latest version of IBIS component models into the corporate database. The source selection capability allows the user to set the function for individual component pins. Functions available are pulse, sinusoidal or piecewise-linear current or voltage source with impedance, or a subcircuit selected from the database.

Pre-layout simulation capabilities have been added using Intercept’s Pantheon CPR tool. Users now have access to solutions for critical component placement and routing. Pantheon CPR, accessed from within Omega PLUS, can be used with WaveProbe to test out different track routing and spacing configurations. By adding a few components and nets and then routing them, the resulting data can be analyzed in Omega PLUS. An interface to Intercept’s Pantheon layout tool is also available in this release. Please visit www.intercept.com for more information on the company and their CAD tools.

Mike Ventham, Quantic’s Vice-President Engineering, commented “This new release incorporates very significant advances for SI and EMC design improvements and speedup. For real engineering applications, Omega PLUS is the leader.”

Omega PLUS defined

Omega PLUS allows PCB designers and engineers to address electronic performance interference prior to prototyping. Available on both PC and Unix workstations, this tool accurately screens all popular layout formats for signal integrity and EMC violations. Once the analysis parameters are set, looking at a graphical view of the board, users can screen one net, a group of nets or an entire printed circuit board for high-speed verification and analysis. Comprehensive user-configurable reports are produced allowing engineers and board designers to address problems individually or cooperatively by forwarding the simulated data via the Omega PLUS mailer. Changes can then be made quickly and effectively within the Terminations Editor instead of having to sit down for lengthy design reviews.