DesignSpark PCB v6.0 launched

Version 6.0 of the free design tool offers simplified export to DesignSpark Mechanical and includes new Cross Probe and Custom Shortcuts functionalities. "RS continues to remove the barriers of cost and complexity in electronics design and the release of version 6.0 is a further confirmation of our commitment to support the growth of the DesignSpark PCB user base," said Mark Cundle, head of technical marketing at RS. RS says the upgrade has been largely driven by feedback from the DesignSpark community. In response to requests to make it easier to export between DesignSpark PCB and DesignSpark Mechanical, version 6 offers simplified IDF export with various parameters pre-configured so that risk of error is minimised and design time is reduced. In addition, RS says the new Cross Probe (X-probe) functionality in version 6.0 further speeds up the design process by allowing instant referencing between the schematic and the pcb design views within the software. The Custom Shortcuts functionality also allows more customisation flexibility within the user interface. Users can now configure the tool, defining their own shortcuts and hot keys.