Zuken CR-8000 Design Force is an advanced, system-level electronic design automation (EDA) software solution designed for complex IC package and printed circuit board (PCB) design and analysis. Launched by Zuken, a leading Japanese EDA vendor, in 2011, it is part of the CR-8000 suite, which represents a next-generation evolution from the single-board-focused CR-5000. Design Force is tailored for multi-board, high-density, and intricate system designs, offering a robust platform for modern electronics development.
Key Features and Capabilities
Native 3D Design Environment:
Design Force enables seamless switching between 2D and 3D design views, supporting accurate modeling of complex structures like embedded components, die-in-cavities, and system-in-package (SiP) designs. Its true 3D architecture ensures precise collision and clearance checks, improving enclosure fit and reducing design iterations.
The software leverages 64-bit, multi-core, multi-threading processors with OpenGL and DirectX graphics for optimal performance, allowing real-time rendering and refreshing.
System-Level Design:
Unlike traditional PCB-centric tools, Design Force supports hierarchical multi-board design, enabling teams to layout multiple PCBs concurrently while considering the entire system. It facilitates chip-package-board co-design, optimizing I/O routability and system connectivity.
The tool integrates with System Planner and Design Gateway, allowing early-stage planning, schematic design, and verification within a unified environment.
Advanced Analysis and Verification:
Design Force includes embedded signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI), and electromagnetic interference (EMI) analysis, with integrations to third-party tools from Ansys and Keysight for multi-physics simulations.
Built-in design for manufacturing (DFM) checks ensure compliance with manufacturing specifications, reducing errors and costly respins. Features like automated via stub identification for back-drilling enhance high-speed design reliability.
User-Friendly Interface:
The software supports innovative input methods, such as simultaneous mouse and touchpad use, reducing menu navigation and mouse clicks for enhanced productivity.
Features like automated component push-aside, semi-automatic routing, and skew control optimization streamline the design process.
Advanced Packaging and Flexibility:
Design Force excels in advanced packaging, including fan-out wafer-level packaging (FOWLP), package-on-package (PoP), and 3D die stacks. Its hierarchical database simplifies complex daisy chain configurations and multi-substrate designs.
It supports flex-rigid PCBs and electro-mechanical co-design with direct MCAD data import/export, ensuring seamless collaboration between electrical and mechanical teams.
Concurrent Multi-Area Design:
The Concurrent Multi-Area Design feature allows up to 10 engineers to work on the same design data simultaneously, improving team collaboration and accelerating project timelines.
Data Management and Integration:
Integrated with Zuken’s DS-CR platform, Design Force offers comprehensive library, module, and configuration management, ensuring data consistency across projects.
It supports cloud-based workflows and client-server implementations, enhancing accessibility and scalability.
