Z-zero Releases 2019 Version of Z-Planner and Z-Solver PCB Stack-Up Design Softwares

What is Z-Planner?

Z-Planner is a comprehensive PCB Stack-up design software that allows users to quickly and easily create, analyze, and optimize their PCB stack-ups. With its intuitive user interface and advanced features, Z-Planner simplifies the complex process of designing multi-layer PCBs, ensuring optimal signal integrity and manufacturability.

Key features of Z-Planner include:

1. Automated stack-up generation based on user-defined constraints
2. Real-time impedance and coupling analysis
3. Dielectric material library with over 5,000 materials
4. 3D visualization of the PCB stack-up
5. Integration with popular CAD tools such as Altium Designer and Cadence Allegro

Benefits of using Z-Planner

By utilizing Z-Planner, PCB designers can:

• Reduce design time by up to 50%
• Minimize the risk of signal integrity issues
• Optimize the PCB stack-up for manufacturability
• Collaborate effectively with fabrication partners

What is Z-Solver?

Z-Solver is an advanced PCB signal integrity analysis software that complements Z-Planner by providing in-depth simulations and analyses of the PCB’s electrical performance. With Z-Solver, engineers can identify and resolve potential signal integrity issues early in the design process, avoiding costly redesigns and production delays.

Key features of Z-Solver include:

1. Fast and accurate 2D and 3D field solvers
2. Frequency-dependent material properties
3. Simulation of complex structures such as vias, pads, and traces
4. Analysis of crosstalk, reflections, and loss
5. Automated design rule checking (DRC)

Benefits of using Z-Solver

By incorporating Z-Solver into their design workflow, PCB designers can:

• Ensure optimal signal integrity and reliability
• Reduce the need for physical prototypes
• Accelerate time-to-market
• Lower overall design and production costs

How Z-Planner and Z-Solver Work Together

Z-Planner and Z-Solver are designed to work seamlessly together, providing a comprehensive solution for PCB stack-up design and analysis. The typical workflow involves the following steps:

1. Create the initial PCB stack-up using Z-Planner, defining the number of layers, materials, and constraints.
2. Analyze the stack-up’s impedance and coupling characteristics using Z-Planner’s built-in tools.
3. Export the stack-up to Z-Solver for detailed signal integrity simulations.
4. Identify and resolve any potential issues highlighted by Z-Solver’s analysis.
5. Iterate between Z-Planner and Z-Solver until the desired performance is achieved.
6. Generate comprehensive reports and documentation for collaboration with fabrication partners.

By leveraging the combined power of Z-Planner and Z-Solver, PCB designers can create high-quality, reliable designs that meet the ever-increasing demands of modern electronics.

New Features in the 2019 Version

The 2019 version of Z-Planner and Z-Solver introduces several new features and enhancements that further improve the user experience and design capabilities. These include:

Enhanced User Interface

Both Z-Planner and Z-Solver now feature a more intuitive and streamlined user interface, making it easier for designers to navigate the software and access the tools they need. The updated interface also includes customizable layouts and keyboard shortcuts, allowing users to tailor the software to their preferences.

Expanded Material Library

The 2019 version of Z-Planner includes an expanded dielectric material library, with over 7,000 materials from leading manufacturers such as Isola, Rogers, and Panasonic. This extensive library ensures that designers have access to the most up-to-date material properties, enabling them to make informed decisions when selecting materials for their PCB stack-ups.

Advanced Via Modeling

Z-Solver now offers advanced via modeling capabilities, allowing designers to accurately simulate the electrical behavior of complex via structures. This feature includes support for multi-layer vias, blind and buried vias, and via arrays, providing a more comprehensive analysis of the PCB’s signal integrity.

Improved Simulation Performance

The 2019 version of Z-Solver features optimized solver algorithms that significantly improve simulation speed and accuracy. These enhancements enable designers to analyze larger and more complex designs in less time, accelerating the overall design process.

Integration with Popular CAD Tools

Both Z-Planner and Z-Solver now offer improved integration with popular CAD tools, including Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, and Mentor Graphics PADS. This seamless integration allows designers to easily import and export design data, streamlining the workflow between PCB layout and stack-up design.

Case Studies

Several leading electronics companies have already adopted the 2019 version of Z-Planner and Z-Solver, with impressive results. Here are two case studies that demonstrate the benefits of using these powerful tools:

Company A: Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturer

Company A, a global manufacturer of telecommunications equipment, faced challenges in designing high-speed PCBs for their latest 5G products. By implementing Z-Planner and Z-Solver into their design workflow, they were able to:

• Reduce design time by 45%
• Identify and resolve signal integrity issues early in the design process
• Optimize their PCB stack-ups for manufacturability
• Improve collaboration with their fabrication partners

As a result, Company A was able to bring their new 5G products to market faster, with higher quality and reliability than their competitors.

Company B: Automotive Electronics Supplier

Company B, a leading supplier of automotive electronics, needed to design a complex, multi-layer PCB for a new vehicle infotainment system. Using Z-Planner and Z-Solver, they were able to:

• Create an optimized PCB stack-up that met all of their electrical and mechanical requirements
• Simulate and analyze the PCB’s signal integrity performance under various operating conditions
• Identify and mitigate potential EMI/EMC issues
• Generate comprehensive documentation for their manufacturing partners

By leveraging the capabilities of Z-Planner and Z-Solver, Company B successfully designed and produced a high-performance infotainment system that exceeded their customer’s expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: What are the system requirements for running Z-Planner and Z-Solver?
   A: The recommended system requirements for running Z-Planner and Z-Solver are:
2. Windows 10 64-bit
3. Intel Core i7 processor or equivalent
4. 16 GB RAM
5. 2 GB dedicated graphics card

6. 1 TB hard drive

7. Q: Are Z-Planner and Z-Solver available for macOS or Linux?
   A: Currently, Z-Planner and Z-Solver are only available for Windows operating systems. However, Z-zero is actively working on developing versions for macOS and Linux, which are expected to be released in the near future.

8. Q: Can I use Z-Planner and Z-Solver with my existing CAD tools?
   A: Yes, Z-Planner and Z-Solver offer integration with popular CAD tools such as Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, and Mentor Graphics PADS. This allows you to seamlessly import and export design data between the tools, streamlining your design workflow.

9. Q: Does Z-zero offer training or support for Z-Planner and Z-Solver?
   A: Yes, Z-zero provides comprehensive training and support for their software products. This includes online tutorials, webinars, and personalized training sessions. Additionally, Z-zero offers technical support via email, phone, and their online support portal.

10. Q: How can I purchase Z-Planner and Z-Solver?
    A: Z-Planner and Z-Solver can be purchased directly from Z-zero’s website or through authorized resellers. Z-zero offers various licensing options, including perpetual and subscription-based licenses, as well as discounts for academic and educational institutions.

Conclusion

The 2019 version of Z-Planner and Z-Solver represents a significant advancement in PCB stack-up design and analysis software. With their enhanced features, expanded material libraries, and improved simulation performance, these tools empower PCB designers to create high-quality, reliable designs more efficiently than ever before.

By adopting Z-Planner and Z-Solver into their design workflows, electronics companies can reduce design time, minimize the risk of signal integrity issues, and accelerate time-to-market. As the demand for more complex and high-performance PCBs continues to grow, tools like Z-Planner and Z-Solver will become increasingly essential for staying competitive in today’s fast-paced electronics industry.

As Z-zero continues to innovate and improve their software offerings, we can expect to see even more advanced features and capabilities in future releases of Z-Planner and Z-Solver. With these powerful tools at their disposal, PCB designers can confidently tackle the challenges of designing cutting-edge electronics, knowing that they have the best tools available to ensure success.