CADSTAR

CADSTAR
CADSTAR
	CADSTAR PCB Design Editor
Developer	Zuken
Release	1987; 39 years ago
Stable release	2018 / 1 April 2018; 8 years ago
Operating system	Windows, MS-DOS (early versions)
Platform	x86-64, x86
Available in	English
Type	ECAD/EDA, CAM
License	Perpetual
Website	zuken.com/CADSTAR

CADSTAR is a Windows-based electronic design automation (EDA) software tool for designing and creating schematic diagrams and printed circuit boards (PCBs). It provides engineers with a tool for designing simple or complex, multilayer PCBs. CADSTAR spans schematic capture, variant management, placement, automatic and high-speed routing, signal integrity, power integrity, EMC analysis, design rule checks and production of manufacturing data.

Originally developed by British PCB vendor Racal-Redac, CADSTAR has been part of the Zuken product portfolio since its acquisition in 1994. The software is developed at Zuken's Technology Centre (ZTC) in Bristol.

The basic features of CADSTAR can be tested with the free version of CADSTAR Express. Schematic and PCB files produced by CADSTAR can be reviewed using the free CADSTAR Design Viewer.

History

The first version of CADSTAR was released in late 1987 for MS-DOS. CADSTAR for Windows was released in 1994. Since then, there has been about one major release per year. Zuken subsequently released eCADSTAR in 2019.

Features

CADSTAR contains modules for specific uses:

Design Editor – This enables the engineer to draw schematic circuits, define the PCB layout and produce the manufacturing data from the completed PCB.
Library Editor – Used for the creation of Symbols, Component and Parts. Supports ODBC compliant databases.
Embedded Router – Used to create the tracks (layout) and other copper features of the board within the Design Editor environment.
P.R.Editor – Used to create the tracks and other copper features of the board in an external environment to the Design Editor with many more features than the Embedded Router.
High-Speed P.R.Editor – Allows the user to define a wide range of circuit rules and routing constraints to control the layout process.
Signal Integrity Verify – Post-layout signal integrity simulation toolset and what-if analysis.
Power Integrity – Fast analysis methodology including what-if analysis for concurrent power integrity.
EMC Adviser – Helps designers predict, analyse and control EMC design issues.
Design Migration Tool – Used to migrate designs and libraries from other EDA-tools into CADSTAR.
Variant Manager – Allows support of variant assemblies for different part values or not fitted components on the same PCB.

References

↑ Steffora, Ann (29 June 1998). "PCB World To IC Designs". Electronic News. Vol. 44, no. 2225. Sage Publications. p. 33 – via Gale.
1 2 Staff writer (5 April 2000). "Zuken demonstrates latest Cadstar tool". Electronics Weekly. Metropolis International Group. p. 20 – via Gale.
↑ Staff writer (January 2002). "Zuken offers free CADSTAR". Printed Circuit Design. Vol. 19, no. 1. UBM LLC. p. 6 – via Gale.
↑ Grey, Mike (March 1991). "Joining the Board". CadCam. Vol. 10, no. 3. EMAP Media. pp. 31 et seq. – via Gale.
↑ Staff writer (7 January 1988). "Complex printed circuit boards with surface mounted parts on each side can be designed on a PC". Electronic Design. Vol. 36, no. 1. Endeavor Business Media. p. 166 – via Google Books.
↑ Maliniak, Lisa (1 April 1996). "A Guide to PCB Layout Tools for Windows". Electronic Design. Vol. 44, no. 7. Endeavor Business Media. pp. 65 et seq. – via Gale.
↑ Tyler, Neil (19 December 2019). "Zuken unveils high-speed features for Internet-connected PCB design". New Electronics. Mark Allen Group. Archived from the original on 24 May 2025.