Interactive Facilities

All component placement, network signal sequencing, routing, annotation, silk screen layout can be implemented manually, or freely mixed with the automatic facilities. You can even use the graphics editor to place and connect component pads as an electronics taping table. The software applies as few limits as possible, while at the same time providing the tools to check that your completed design is correct.

Manual routing lets you manipulate points, track layers and width etc. Powerful commands manipulate sections of track allowing rapid 45^o corner cutting, curved traces and necking, calculations of connection length + resistance, and matching bus lengths with concertina/zigzags.

Autoplacement

Autoplace positions devices, with automatic coupling of associated components. Double-sided SMT placement is possible and varying height restrictions can be observed.

You can mix automatic and manual placement to any degree you desire, fixing components and layouts you like and allowing autoplacement to work on the rest. Both manual and automatic placement can be allowed to place devices on both sides of the board and in a variety of orientations.

Konekt Electra Autorouter

This advanced router can be used with Vutrax using the same Windows Interface Module as is available for the Specctra autorouter.

Details of the Konekt Electra Autorouter, and a download of the time limited evaluation version can be found at Electra Autorouter.

Vuroute

The Vuroute Rip-up and Re-try gridless router provides an on-screen view of routing with added power plane option. It can be stopped at any time, amendments made and then restarted. Blind and buried vias can be inserted. Well suited to SMT and non-standard designs, often providing 100% completion.

You can mix automatic and manual operation, pre-routing sections, fixing certain routes, or whatever you require.

Autotrack

Autotrack is a multipass orthogonal router with features for efficient memory bus routing (automatically detected), necking, mitring and via reduction.
This router has been designed to be useable even when used on computers with very limited RAM.

You can again mix automatic and manual operation, adjusting routing or placements that turn out to be a problem before applying autorouting again.

Groundplanes

Groundplanes screen full, or selected areas, of a routed design.
The filled area can be solid fill (copper pour) or a variety of hatch patterns.

Two Groundplane generation facilities are available:-

• A facility forming part of the Autotrak autorouter, and is useable even on computers with very limited RAM.
• An advanced facility, integrated with the interactive graphics, intended for more powerful machines.

Powerplanes

Powerplane layer isolation and Thermal breaks are generated automatically by some routers, but can also be generated explicitly. There are numerous options for style of powerplane artworks, and multiple split powerplanes can be specified (e.g. separate analogue and digital ground on the same layer).