Automation Parts

Cadence Printed Circuit Board Has New Features Cadence Design Systems has released its Cadence Allegro and OrCAD printed circuit board (PCB) software with a range of new features. The Allegro and OrCAD PCB Design Release 16.3 allows engineers to miniaturise the footprint of their end product and reduce the number of physical prototype iterations. This release addresses increased functional and interconnect density through improvements for rigid-flex routing, extended high-density interconnect (HDI) rules, 3D viewing of PCBs and asymmetrical clearance for RF circuits. Extended micro via stacking rules allow users to create the most difficult HDI designs, while multi-line curved bus routing that hugs the flex outline accelerates the creation of rigid-flex designs. An integrated 3D PCB viewer gives designers visibility into components and HDI micro via breakouts, eliminating unnecessary iterations with mechanical design teams. The Allegro PCB RF Option also helps engineers to reduce t...

Tyco has introduced the SMT thru-board connector, which supplies power from the underside of an FR4 or aluminium-clad PC board, eliminating issues of dressing wires on the top side of LED boards. The two-position through six-position connector surface mounts on top of the board, passing through the board to present an underside interface. The connector mates with standard Mini CT connectors. The inverted design allows simpler assembly and installation of solid-state LED lighting in architectural, residential and commercial applications. The Mini CT connector is rated for three amps per contact, on 24 AWG wire. A space-saving low-profile design and rounded corners minimise shadowing. The connector fits through a hole or notch in the board. High-temperature materials allow the connector to be reflow soldered, while a flat-top surface provides compatibility with vacuum pickup. The connector uses surface-mount hold-downs to provide stability during mating and unmating. With UL listing...