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54 The PCB Design Magazine • September 2015 Once the board is completely routed and you are satisfied with the tuning, HyperLynx BoardSim can be launched to verify the signal timing and analyze any crosstalk that may be produced from adjacent signal segments. A pre- liminary generic batch simulation scans nets on the entire PCB, flagging signal integrity, crosstalk and EMC hot spots. Then interactive simulation takes the analysis to the next level, simulating trouble spots identified by the batch analysis in order to further resolve the issues with greater accuracy. Field solver views clearly show the adjacent or broadside coupled cross- talk regions. A thermal simulation can also be run to check for hot spots. A DDR batch mode wizard, HyperLynx DRC for SI rule checking, and DC drop analysis are also available as op- tions. This is an impressive line-up of post-lay- out simulation tools. In conclusion, PADS Professional certainly lives up to all the hype. The latest routing tech- nology is fast, smooth to drive and hugs the corners well. With all the horsepower you need for the most demanding design, PADS Profes- sional will definitely get you across the finish line ahead of the field. I will give it a 4.5 star rat- ing simply because nothing is perfect, although it doesn't get any better than this. PCBDESIGN References 1. For more information on Mentor Graphics PADS Professional documentation, click here. 2. For information on the PADS Professional, click here. beyond design Barry olney is managing director of in-Circuit Design Pty Ltd (iCD), Australia. This PCB design service bureau specializes in board-level simulation, and has developed the iCD Stackup Planner and iCD PDn Planner software. To read past columns, or to contact Olney, click here. Figure 5: interactive sketch routing technology. ToP GEAR: PADS PRoFESSIoNAl RoAD TEST