                    ------------------------------
                      PowerPCB 5.0 Readme File
                           March 15, 2002
                    ------------------------------
            (c) Innoveda, Inc. 1995-2002. All rights reserved.

This document provides late-breaking and important information that supplements the PowerPCB 5.0 and BlazeRouter 5.0 documentation. The PowerPCB Installation program copies readme.txt (this file) to the C:\padspwr\PowerPCB directory. 

Because BlazeRouter is included in this PowerPCB release, references to PowerPCB in this document include BlazeRouter.

-------------------------
How to Use This Document
-------------------------

To best view the Readme file in Notepad, maximize the Notepad window. On the Edit menu (or the Format menu, depending on your operating system), click WordWrap. 

To print the Readme file, open it in Notepad or another word processor, and then use the Print command on the File menu.

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CONTENTS
---------

1. INTRODUCTION
   1.1 FLEXlm Security
   1.2 Demonstration Software 

2. INSTALLATION NOTES
   2.1 System Requirements
   2.2 Installation Preparation
   2.3 Help on Installation 
   2.4 Important Installation Information
   2.5 About Security
   2.6 About License Files
   2.7 BlazeRouter Directory and License File
   2.8 Starting BlazeRouter
   2.9 Using Multiple Versions of PowerPCB
   2.10 ViewDraw Support

3. DOCUMENTATION
   3.1 PowerPCB 5.0
   3.2 BlazeRouter 5.0
   3.3 Tutorials

4. ADVISORIES
   4.1 Last Minute Advisories
   4.2 File Compatibility

5. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
   5.1 File Compatibility
   5.2 ASCII Format
   5.3 OLE Directories and Content
   5.4 Corrected Defects
   5.5 Frequently Asked Questions
 
6. CONTACTING INNOVEDA


1. INTRODUCTION
===============

Welcome to version 5.0 of PowerPCB and BlazeRouter. This document describes how 5.0 defects were resolved for this release of PowerPCB and BlazeRouter. For information about the new functionality and enhancements to PowerPCB 5.0, see the PowerPCB 5.0 Release Highlights document. This Readme file contains the latest information for installation and using PowerPCB 5.0.

1.1 FLEXlm Security
-------------------
The security version 7.0g of FLEXlm is used in this release.

1.2 Demonstration Software
--------------------------
In addition to the standard PowerPCB and BlazeRouter 5.0 installation, this distribution CD-ROM also includes demonstration versions of Innoveda's industry-leading physical layout, autorouting, and design verification products. Together, these products provide you with a complete software solution to help you design, verify, and manufacture your most complex, high-speed printed circuit boards. 

- PowerPCB with BlazeRouter - A rules-driven PCB layout system with all the advanced functionality you require to handle your toughest designs. BlazeRouter combines high completion rates with minimal postroute rework for unparalleled productivity gains.

- LineSim - Affordable prelayout signal integrity simulation tool that performs "what if" analysis to find potential signal integrity issues before board layout. LineSim shortens your design process and improves product quality.

- BoardSim - Accurate postlayout signal integrity simulation tool, includes EMC and crosstalk analysis, to verify designs before prototype. BoardSim reduces design iterations, saving time and money.

Limitations

Note: The demonstration versions of BoardSim and LineSim are fully functional with the exception of importing and exporting new files. This product requires a security code to run. When you install and run the BoardSim and LineSim demos, information on obtaining a security code appears.

The limits for demonstration products are:

	   PowerPCB	   BlazeRouter	

Parts          	30	       30	      
Nets	       	65	       65	      
Attributes	-	        -	      
Connections     150	       150	      

Expiration 

- PowerPCB and BlazeRouter demonstrations do not expire.

- The LineSim and BoardSim demonstrations use a security code that does not expire.

Installation

To install any of the demonstration products:
1. Close any open Windows applications and disable virus shields and screen savers.
2. Insert the distribution CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive. An Autorun screen appears. 
3. Choose Install PowerPCB Demo or Install HyperLynx Demo from the Autorun screen. 
4. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. 


2. INSTALLATION NOTES
=====================

The PowerPCB installation was changed for this version. Carefully read all dialog boxes during the installation process. For more information press F1 for PowerPCB Installation and Security Help. 

Before you install PowerPCB you should read "Advisories" in this readme file. 

2.1 System Requirements
-----------------------
- PowerPCB 5.0 was developed for use with Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows ME, and Windows XP.

- Pentium-based (or equivalent) CPU minimum, high speed CPU recommended. Faster processors increase performance.

- 128 MB minimum memory, 256 MB or higher recommended. 

- A three-button mouse or wheel mouse.

- 1024x768 display with 256 colors minimum.

- Typical installation (full PowerPCB and BlazeRouter installation) requires 150 MB.

- For floating security users only, TCP/IP protocol must be installed and operational on all end-user systems and on the designated license server. 

Note: The floating security server does not need to be a network server. You can use any system on a network, except a Novell server, as a security server, providing that it meets the aforementioned requirements. 

2.2 Installation Preparation
----------------------------
- Back up any existing libraries that contain custom parts.

- Back up any PowerPCB design files.

- Back up any customized PowerPCB startup (.stp) files.

- If you have a previous version of PowerPCB on your system and you want to continue to use it, see section 2.9 "Using Multiple Versions of PowerPCB" in this document for more information. 

- If you do not want to continue using your previous version of PowerPCB or BlazeRouter, uninstall it before you install this new version.

- Disable virus shields and screen savers.

- For Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows ME, and Windows XP users, you must have full administrator privileges on your system to install PowerPCB.

- For floating security servers, you must shut down the existing PowerPCB floating security server before installing this version of the Security Server.

2.3 Help on Installation
------------------------
For help on the installation and security setup process, press F1 during installation. You can also access help before installing by clicking Help on the Autorun screen that appears when you insert the distribution CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. 

To troubleshoot security issues, open PowerPCB Installation and Security Help, click the Index tab, type "Troubleshooting," and go to the "Troubleshooting FLEXlm Security" topic. You can find the PowerPCB Installation and Security Help (install.hlp) on the distribution CD-ROM and, after installation is complete, in the C:\padspwr\PowerPCB directory. 

2.4 Important Installation Information
--------------------------------------
- If you are upgrading from a previous version of PowerPCB, you need to install a new license file. If you are under current maintenance you should install your new license from the distribution CD-ROM when prompted during installation, unless you received your license by e-mail (copy that license file onto a 3.5 inch disk) or on a 3.5 inch disk.

- If you are a new user or have reinstated maintenance you should have received your license either by e-mail (copy that license file onto a 3.5 inch disk) or on a 3.5 inch disk at time of purchase. You will need your license file during the installation. 

- The current SPECCTRA translator is not installed with a Typical installation. To install the translator use a Custom installation and select SPECCTRA Translator.

- Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you need to read documentation in PDF files, is not installed with a Typical installation. To install To install Acrobat reader, select the button labelled "Install Acrobat Reader" in Autorun.

- If you install this version of PowerPCB into the same folder as an earlier version of PowerPCB and an earlier version of SPECCTRA translator is present, the SPECCTRA translator will be automatically updated to avoid potential conflicts.

- Do not use spaces in directory names.

- If you install over a previous version of PowerPCB, the installation process may indicate that a read-only file was detected and prompt for permission to overwrite it. If this occurs, let the installation update the file.

- Because the file structure of the PowerPCB.ini and BlazeRouter.ini files have changed, do not copy PowerPCB.ini or BlazeRouter.ini from previous versions to use with this version of PowerPCB and BlazeRouter or vice-versa. Using an older version PowerPCB.ini or BlazeRouter.ini with this software version or using this version PowerPCB.ini or BlazeRouter.ini with a previous version of the software may cause system failure and other anomalies. Installation updates the existing PowerPCB.ini and BlazeRouter.ini files. 

- Portions of Microsoft Internet Explorer are installed with BlazeRouter. This is not a full version of Internet Explorer and it will not affect your current Web browser settings. These files are used only for the BlazeRouter command window and BlazeRouter Help. These files are installed only when you install BlazeRouter.

- PowerPCB version 4.0 libraries are compatible with PowerPCB version 5.0 libraries, therefore you do no need to convert your version 4.0 libraries.

2.5 About Security
------------------
PowerPCB uses FLEXlm v7.0g for security. This new version of security contains several enhancements and new features. For more information, see the updated FLEXlm documentation available in the \Flexdoc directory on the distribution CD-ROM. These documents are in HTML format; you can view them using any Web browser.

To ensure that you receive the latest security, PowerPCB automatically installs security when it is newer than your existing security, unless you use a Custom Installation and turn Security off. Innoveda recommends that you install security because only older files are updated.

Security for PowerPCB is now installed locally, meaning that all security files and information for PowerPCB are installed within the C:\padspwr\Security directory structure. Innoveda strongly recommends that you use this default location. 

Note: DO NOT install PowerPCB 5.0 security to C:\flexlm. To ensure that PowerPCB 5.0 security will not interfere with security of other programs that use FLEXlm or vice-versa, use the local default directory.

Troubleshooting 

To troubleshoot security issues, open the PowerPCB Installation and Security Help (install.hlp on the distribution CD-ROM), choose the Index tab, type "Troubleshooting," and go to the "Troubleshooting FLEXlm Security" topic. 

After installation is complete, you can find the PowerPCB Installation and Security Help (install.hlp) in the C:\padspwr\PowerPCB directory. 

2.6 About License Files
-----------------------
PowerPCB 5.0 uses a license file named pcblic.dat, installed by default into the C:\padspwr\Security\Licenses directory. You can install the new license file during PowerPCB installation.

Note: For users of the demonstration version of the software, no license file is needed.

License File Environment Variable - The license environment variable named PADS_LIC_FILE_PCB is used by PowerPCB 5.0. 

2.7 BlazeRouter Directory and License File
------------------------------------------
BlazeRouter is installed by default. All BlazeRouter files are installed in new directories, C:\padspwr\BlazeRouter, C:\padspwr\Router_Documentation, and C:\padspwr\RouterOLE. 

You do not need an additional license file for BlazeRouter. All necessary security lines are included in the PowerPCB 5.0 license file.

2.8 Starting BlazeRouter 
------------------------
Access BlazeRouter using a shortcut in the PowerPCB program group, the shortcut on the desktop, or choose BlazeRouter in the PowerPCB Tools menu.

2.9 Using Multiple Versions of PowerPCB
---------------------------------------
This section is for users who want to install PowerPCB 5.0 and keep previous versions of PowerPCB. This does not apply to users of the demonstration version.

- During PowerPCB installation specify the location into which to install PowerPCB. You need to install the latest version of PowerPCB into a directory different from the existing version of PowerPCB. For example, if PowerPCB 4.0 is installed in C:\padspwr (the default directory), install PowerPCB 5.0 into C:\padspwr50.

- When installing PowerPCB, you are prompted to select a program group into which to install PowerPCB. Install PowerPCB 5.0 into a program group different from where you installed a previous PowerPCB installation. For example, if PowerPCB 4.0 is installed in PADS-PowerPCB, install PowerPCB 5.0 into PowerPCB5.0.

- To save the existing installation of PowerPCB, you do not need to change the existing security location. PowerPCB 5.0 uses a security location different from earlier versions of the software.

2.10 ViewDraw Support
---------------------
PowerPCB 5.0 will work with the latest version of DxDesigner in ePD 2.0. To work with the version of DxDesigner in ePD 3.0, you will need to download the PowerPCB and BlazeRouter version 5.0.1 Web update when it is available. Check the Innoveda Web site for availability.

3. DOCUMENTATION
================
End-user documentation is available in a combination of help and PDF files. Printed documentation is not available for this release, however, you can print the PDF files. Innoveda recommends that you print the table of contents and the index of each PDF for reference, and then print chapters or pages as you need them.

3.1 PowerPCB 5.0 
------------------ 
The following documentation is available:

Help

PowerPCB Installation and Security Help - install.hlp
Library Converter Help - libconv4.hlp 
SPECCTRA Translator Help - pads2sp.hlp
PowerPCB Help - powerpcb.hlp
Automation Reference Help - ppcbole.hlp
ViewDraw Link Help - viewdrawlink.hlp 

PDF

Navigation Tips: 
- The Table of Contents for each PDF file is linked to the actual page to help you navigate through PDF files with greater ease. 
- The PDF files also include bookmarks for navigation.

PowerPCB Concepts Guide - PCB_concepts_guide.pdf
Available at C:\padspwr\Documentation or by clicking Start/Programs/PowerPCB with BlazeRouter 5.0/PowerPCB Documents.

PowerPCB Tutorial - tutorial_pcb.pdf
Available at C:\padspwr\Documentation or by clicking Start/Programs/PowerPCB with BlazeRouter 5.0/PowerPCB Documents.

Advanced Packaging Toolkit Tutorial - tutorial_bga.pdf
Available at C:\padspwr\Documentation or by clicking Start/Programs/PowerPCB with BlazeRouter 5.0/PowerPCB Documents.


PADS-Format ASCII Specification PowerPCB 5.0 - Ppcb_ASCII50.pdf
Available at C:\padspwr\Documentation or by clicking Start/Programs/PowerPCB with BlazeRouter 5.0/PowerPCB Documents.

Parts Library ASCII File Format Specification - plib_ascii.pdf 
Available at C:\padspwr\Documentation or by clicking Start/Programs/PowerPCB with BlazeRouter 5.0/PowerPCB Documents.

3.2 BlazeRouter 5.0
---------------------
BlazeRouter help is context-sensitive. 

The following documentation is available:

Help

BlazeRouter Help - BlazeRouter.chm  
BlazeRouter help appears in the Help window when you start BlazeRouter. Available as stand-alone help at C:\padspwr\BlazeRouter or by clicking Start/Programs/PowerPCB with BlazeRouter 5.0/BlazeRouter Documents/BlazeRouter Help. 


BlazeRouter Macro Language Reference Help - BlazeRouter_macro.chm  
Available as stand-alone help at C:\padspwr\BlazeRouter or by clicking Start/Programs/PowerPCB with BlazeRouter 5.0/BlazeRouter Documents/Macro Language Help.

BlazeRouter Automation Reference Help - BlazeRouter_ole.chm  
Available as stand-alone Help at C:\padspwr\BlazeRouter or by clicking Start/Programs/PowerPCB with BlazeRouter 5.0/BlazeRouter Documents/Automation Help. 

PDF

Navigation Tips: 
- The Table of Contents for each PDF file is linked to the actual page to help you navigate through PDF files with greater ease. 
- The PDF files also include bookmarks for navigation.

BlazeRouter Concepts Guide - BR_Concepts_Guide.pdf 
Available at C:\padspwr\Router_Documentation or by clicking Start/Programs/PowerPCB with BlazeRouter 5.0/BlazeRouter Documents/Concepts Guide.

BlazeRouter Tutorial - tutorial_blaze.pdf  
Available at C:\padspwr\Router_Documentation or by clicking Start/Programs/PowerPCB with BlazeRouter 5.0/BlazeRouter Documents/Tutorial. 


3.3 Tutorials
-------------
The Tutorials and associated design files walk you through a complete PCB design flow using PowerPCB and BlazeRouter. You can also use the tutorials for an in-depth functional evaluation of each tool.

Note: The Release Highlights and the tutorials for PowerPCB are PDF (portable document format) files. To view and print these files you need Adobe Acrobat® Reader, which is included on the distribution CD-ROM. Install the Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Autorun screen.


4. ADVISORIES
=============

Advisories for PowerPCB and BlazeRouter are available in the Innoveda knowledge base on the Innoveda Support Web site at http://www.innoveda.com/support/. 

4.1 Last Minute Advisories
--------------------------
Last minute advisories are listed below:

- FLEXlm Diagnostics tab on security servers is incorrect.

The utilities on the FLEXlm License Manager Diagnostics tab (in the Control Panel) do not read all keys correctly or provide the correct environment settings. Use the Licensing Diagnostics tool (lmtools.exe) or License Debug Tool (InovLicTools.exe) instead of the utility in the Control Panel.

- Old user environment variables conflict with new system environment variables in Windows NT and Windows 2000.

In past versions of PowerPCB, environment variables were placed under User Variables. Version 5.0 now places the environment variable under System Variables. If PowerPCB 5.0 is installed on a system that has an earlier version, there will be environment variables in both sections.  Under certain circumstances, such as using multiple versions, this may cause problems. To avoid difficulties, delete the PowerPCB environment variable from User Variables, leaving the PowerPCB environment variable in System Variables.

- Preserve Settings will not preserve the library list.

During the PowerPCB installation, you can "Preserve Settings." This lets you use settings defined in a .ini file from a previous installation of PowerPCB. This option preserves the logic family settings and the default text editor, but does not preserve the library list. To manually copy library settings, back up the powerpcb.ini before installing PowerPCB 5.0.  After installation, replace the entire [Library_List] section in the new powerpcb.ini file with that section from the old powerpcb.ini backup. 


5. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
============================

5.1 File Compatibility
----------------------
- PowerPCB 5.0 can read PowerPCB 4.0, or earlier, .asc or .pcb files. If you encounter problems while importing data, see the "Recovering from Database Problems" topic in the PowerPCB Help for information on restoring data.

- You can load PADS-Perform 6.0/PADS-Work 7.0 .job files into PowerPCB.

- PowerPCB does not save PADS-Perform 6.0/PADS-Work 7.0 .job format files. 

- PowerPCB does not import or export PADS-Perform 6.0/PADS-Work 7.0 ASCII format files. 

To translate data from PowerPCB 5.0 to PADS-Perform 6.0/PADS-Work 7.0 follow these steps:
1. Export your design from PowerPCB 5.0 to PowerPCB 2.0, or earlier, ASCII format.
2. Import that ASCII file into PowerPCB 2.0, or earlier, format.
3. From PowerPCB 2.0, export that file to Perform ASCII format or save to .job format.

5.2 ASCII Format
----------------
The ASCII Format structure for PowerPCB 5.0 has changed since 4.0. See the PADS-Format ASCII Specification for PowerPCB 5.0 (Ppcb_ASCII50.pdf) at the root of the distribution CD for more information. 

Parts Library ASCII File Format Specification PowerPCB 4.0 and PowerLogic 4.0 (Plib_ASCII40.pdf) describing the library format is also included on the CD. PowerPCB 5.0 uses the same library format as PowerPCB and PowerLogic 4.0.

5.3 OLE Directories and Content
-------------------------------
PowerPCB includes samples of Sax Basic Engine code. In addition to the samples that duplicate existing Report Generation Language (RGL) functionality, user samples collected through the Innoveda OLE Exchange Program are also included. 

The following subdirectories exist in the C:\padspwr\ole directory:

\BasicScripts
Contains PowerPCB-created Basic scripts that appear in the Sax Basic Engine dialog box. They are not compatible with Microsoft Visual Basic. Scripts 0 through 11, 14, and 15 work with BlazeRouter.

\RGL_samples
Contains Basic scripts that replicate current Report and Report Generation Language (RGL) functionality in PowerPCB.

\samples
Contains the automation samples that are based on compiled programs created in Basic or Visual C++. This directory exists only when you choose Custom installation and select OLE Sample Files.

\Unsupported_User_Samples	
Contains scripts created by users and posted on the Innoveda Web site as part of the OLE Exchange Program. These scripts are not documented or supported by Innoveda, Inc.

BlazeRouter has a similar directory (\RouterOLE) for BlazeRouter scripts.

5.4 Corrected Defects
---------------------
For a list of specific customer defects that have been fixed for the previous release, refer to customer_fixes.txt on the root of the distribution CD-ROM.

5.5 Frequently Asked Questions
------------------------------
"Frequently Asked Questions" is no longer available in the PowerPCB Help; it is now in the knowledge base on the Web at http://www.innoveda.com/support/kbase.asp.


6. CONTACTING INNOVEDA
======================

Mailing and Shipping Address:
Innoveda, Inc.
293 Boston Post Road West
Marlborough, MA 01752
U.S.A.

Telephone and Fax Numbers:
Telephone: 508-480-0881
Fax: 508-480-0882

Domestic Sales Telephone and Fax Numbers:
Telephone: 1-800-873-8439
Fax: 508-229-2594
E-mail: askus@innoveda.com

International Sales Telephone and Fax Numbers:
Telephone: 508-485-4300
Fax: 508-485-9580
E-mail: askus@innoveda.com

Technical Support:
The Innoveda Technical Support Department is staffed from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST.
Telephone: 1-800-223-8439
Fax: 508-480-0882
E-mail: support@innoveda.com
Web: http://www.innoveda.com/support/
Knowledge base: http://www.innoveda.com/support/kbase.asp

Web site:
http://www.innoveda.com

END
