PADS Router Details

PADS Router is a shape-based, gridless route editor that enhances design productivity through the following capabilities:

• Single-button route tools
• Push-and-shove methodology
  • Plow by mouse (as the cursor moves)
  • Plow by click (postpone plowing until you click)
  • Plow by rip-up (un-routes crossed traces)
  • Plowing can push traces ahead or behind the trace being routed
  • "QuickRoute" utility that follows bend points and pushes existing traces away
• Real-time visualization of traces, vias, and unroutes enables preview and modification of placements prior to committing to a pattern
• Dynamic routing, including the ability to:
  • Add and move vias and testpoints
  • Add and stretch segments while maintaining adjacent angles
  • Add and move corners or t-junctions, while automatically stretching adjacent segments and maintaining net rules
  • Create and modify arcs
  • Convert line segments and corners to stretchable, arc'd (mitered) segments and corners
• "On the fly" pin-pair modifications
• Routing controls that maintain pad order and produce special routing patterns to meet specific net geometry requirements
• Multiple options for obstacle handling, including the ability to bend traces or hop over obstacles
• Unique aids for semi-automatic routing of signals driven by design rules
• Rescheduling of net topologies without an ECO
• Real-time graphical aids include:
  • A trace-length monitor that:
    • Displays routed trace length
    • Shows estimated length to completion
    • Shows whether a trace is violating or within its length constraints
  • Guard bands that:
    • Show DRC boundaries
    • Distinguish between individual obstacles
    • Maximize routing density
  • A filter for viewing and explaining design rule check violations
    • Familiar keyboard commands, including combinations from PADS Layout (PowerPCB)