Over the years, TARGET 3001! has been enhanced with several features, combined under one user interface (
MDI). is supported by universal component databases like
Ultra Librarian and
Footprint Expert. PCBs or ASICs can be designed manually or using an autoplacer and autorouter. A
Specctra interface to external autorouters is available. The design can be automatically checked for spacing violations and many other
design rules. If the PCB is ready designed it can be directly displayed and rotated in a live 3D view. The 3D data can be exported in
STEP format to produce preview 3D dummies of the PCB on
3D printers. Circuit design on 3D bodies (
Molded Interconnect Device, MID) is possible.
CNC data for
PCB milling can be obtained in several formats. Additionally a device front panel can directly be derived from the PCB, using the coordinates on the PCB, e.g. from
LEDs or
potentiometers.
Library System A crucial component of any EDA software is its component libraries. The library system in Target 3001! has undergone several changes: • Initially, the software attempted to include all electronic components from the distributor
Conrad Electronic SE, resulting in cumbersome handling and bloated libraries, which hindered the search function. • From version V15, components have been managed in a parametrically searchable offline
SQL database. • Version V16 introduced dual-monitor operation and a visualized search using a "gallery." • In version V17, a housing generator was added, and the company’s component portal, Componiverse, was integrated. • Version V18 saw the release of a component toolbar and a symbol generator. Moreover, components from the Library Loader portal by SamacSys Ltd. are available for use in Target 3001!.
Functions Target 3001! includes a comprehensive set of functions for designing circuit diagrams and creating corresponding layouts for printed circuit boards (PCBs). During the layout process, the software ensures consistency between the circuit and the layout. A component in the circuit diagram comprises several elements: • A symbol, which typically includes an assigned connection diagram. • A housing. • The footprint, representing the solder terminal shape of the component. Links to component datasheets and suppliers can be stored within the component data. Both circuit symbols and component housings can be custom-designed, assigned to each other, or created and modified using the housing generator. Additionally, 3D models, including STEP-3D formats, can be created and imported for the housings. The software supports (P)SPICE-compatible circuit diagram simulation, allowing users to simulate the functionality of the circuit in advance. The library contains electrical simulation models for numerous components to facilitate this process. Layouts on three-dimensional surfaces, such as molded interconnect devices (MID), are also supported. For this purpose, STEP files can be imported into the software.
Advanced Features in Later Versions From version V20 onwards, Target 3001! introduced advanced manual layout capabilities, including the "push and shove" feature, which automatically clears space for additional traces by moving existing traces aside. Additionally, a "pilot router" feature attempts to autonomously lay traces between the start and finish points.
Automatic Tools The software includes several automated tools to aid in PCB design: •
Autoplacer and Autorouter: These tools facilitate the automatic routing of the PCB layout. •
Design Rule Check (DRC): This feature checks the design for short circuits and other violations of predefined design rules, such as minimum distances and drill diameters.
Relational Consistency Like other EDA software, Target 3001! maintains relational consistency between the circuit design (circuit diagram) and PCB layout (back annotation). This ensures that only the connections intended in the circuit design are made in the layout.
Output Capabilities Target 3001! can generate universally usable data for PCB production and assembly, including: •
Gerber Format Data: Used by PCB manufacturers, with selectable output layers. Many manufacturers can also process supplied Target files directly. •
ODB++ Format Data: Used by PCB manufacturers for the blank PCB and the component assembly as well. •
Pick-and-Place File: A text file listing component positions for the pick-and-place machine. •
Parts List: A customizable list of components used in the design.
Integration of Circuit Diagram and PCB Layout A distinguishing feature of Target 3001! compared to widely used software like Eagle EDA is that both the circuit diagram and PCB layout are stored within a single project file. This integration simplifies the design process and ensures coherence between the circuit and layout aspects of the project. ==See also==