BOLTON, MA, Jan. 10 -- DownStream Technologies will release the latest revision of its PCB CAM software next month, the company said today.

CAM350 v. 8.7 will include modules for Fast Array and ODB++ Import. All mid-range and high-end configurations will include the ODB++ Export module.

Company officials cited a growing demand by mainstream PCB designers for new alternatives to Gerber and greater functionality to array PCBs.

Fast Array automates the sub-panel process to quickly array a PCB or a group of PCBs on a panel, feeding the fabrication and assembly process. The bidirectional ODB++ format permits easy import and export of symbols, step and repeat, components and drills.

"We have continued to see the mainstream market become increasingly conscious of how PCB design impacts PCB manufacturing," said Rick Almeida, founder of DownStream (www.downstreamtech.com), in a press statement. "With release 8.7, we are delivering what used to be 'exclusive' technology with virtually every new product we ship. This will allow our customers to design the most manufacturable PCBs they can."

The new release also supports Altium's PCAD 2004 and the next product update of Mentor's PADS PCB layout software, and has a number of other software corrections.

The release comes at no additional charge to all existing customers with a valid maintenance agreement. The update will be available in February.

In a press statement, the company said it plans "several other important" announcements for PCB design this year.

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