Newsletter addresses Spice-circuit simulation.

Intusoft Newsletter covers Spice modeling and circuit simulation. Past issues detail a state-machine model that enhances the mixed-mode capability of Spice 3F5. The same issue (Jan 19, 1995) also discusses the use of an NTSC (National TV Systems Committee) signal generator as a complex stimulus source. An electronic version of the regularly scheduled publication is posted on the Intusoft Web site and CompuServe (CAD/CAM/CAE Vendor Forum). Intusoft, San Pedro, CA. (310) 833-0710.

Object-oriented database runs under Windows 95.

Matrix 3.1 product-data-management software, a native Windows 95 32-bit application, is based on the Objectivity V3.8 object-oriented database for distributed-computing environments. The program combines the complex data models of a network database-management system with the query capabilities of a relational-database system. Matrix provides security for all the business objects that are accessed and manipulated and manages the relationship of business objects with each other. Besides Windows 95, Matrix 3.1 runs under NT, 3.1, and Workgroups; IBM AIX; Digital Unix; HP-UX; Irix; Solaris; and SunOS. Prices start at $25,000 for a 20-user package. Adra Systems Inc, Chelmsford, MA. (508) 937-3700.

Software checks high-speed interconnects.

ISIS software provides interactive signal integrity and timing analysis, physical prototyping, and design-constraint management for high-speed pc-board designs. The tool set lets you analyze critical signals within the physical-interconnect environment and synthesize required physical-design constraints. An integral part of the Viewlogic Powerview environment, ISIS also works within major CAE and CAD environments. Initially, ISIS comes with Mentor Graphics' Design Architect and BoardStation. Unix and Windows versions are in the works. Prices are $5000 to $10,000 for the ISIS floorplanner with basic timing analysis. Viewlogic Systems Inc, Marlborough, MA. (508) 480-0881.

Hardware emulator provides fast compile times.

The high-speed design iteration offered by the SimExpress hardware emulator lets you incorporate emulation early in the design cycle, at the RTL or gate level. When performed on a single workstation, SimExpress design compilations are typically 100× faster than conventional emulation systems. SimExpress also provides visibility to every net in the design. The software runs on Sun and Hewlett-Packard platforms, with prices starting at $100,000 for a 50,000-gate configuration. Mentor Graphics, Wilsonville, OR. (503) 685-7000.

Software tools permit shape-based pc-board editing.

The PowerPCB constraint-driven pc-board design tool encapsulates shape-based Unix algorithms in an intuitive graphical user interface. You can set the software's on-line design-rule checking to prevent, warn, or ignore violations of design rules. A dynamic route editor automatically avoids obstacles or moves them out of the way, based on design-rule clearances. PowerPCB runs under Windows 95, NT, and 3.1; Solaris 2.1; and HP-UX. Prices range from $1595 to $21,995 for fully configured systems. PADS Software Inc, Marlborough, MA. (508) 485-4300.