DesignSpark PCB Version 4.0 and ModelSource Component Library represent significant milestone in evolution of highly functional free design tools: RS now offers complete engineering solution and design ecosystem
SINGAPORE, Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the world's leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products, has revealed major new developments in the company's evolutionary programme to transform the online sourcing, design and purchasing experience for electronics engineers and purchasing professionals worldwide. The latest innovations in RS' free suite of technical solutions designed to support engineers throughout the entire electronics design process include:
Version 4.0 of DesignSpark PCB, the world's most powerful free electronics design software for schematic entry and PCB layout, now features a new library manager, which enhances the functionality of the tool's existing library by integrating with ModelSource, a unique new online component library which is freely available as a standalone tool via the DesignSpark website.
The ModelSource library contains over 80,000 PCB schematics and footprints from leading manufacturers and is available for download in more than 20 different formats compliant with the most popular PCB design software packages. In addition, it contains over 30,000 3D models in 24 formats for widely used mechanical 3D software. The libraries are aligned with the RS board-level product offer and enable engineers to focus on innovation, research and development rather than spending time on creating the basic building blocks of the design.
A new Bill of Materials (BOM) Quote function integrated within DesignSpark PCB Version 4.0 provides an instant quotation for the components in the PCB design. The tool automatically generates a BOM user report using the RS part numbers embedded in the new PCB component libraries.
A further time saving feature of the new software revision is the PCB Quote service, which provides independent quote comparisons from a variety of bare-board PCB manufacturers based on the engineer's design specifications. The engineer can then proceed with a direct quote from the selected PCB subcontractor.
Developed by RS in conjunction with Number One Systems, DesignSpark PCB has attracted engineers from all over the world to the RS website since its launch in July 2010, and the number of downloads of the unrestricted schematic capture and PCB layout software has now reached almost 160,000.
DesignSpark PCB Version 4.0 and ModelSource are available at designspark.com, RS' online gateway created to support engineers throughout the design process by bringing together design information, user reviews and blogs, and free-of-charge tools, which today boasts more than 90,000 registered members.
"Supporting innovation in electronics design is an important focus of our business, and we recognise the critical value of time in an engineer's efforts to bring a product to market," said Mark Cundle, Head of Technical Marketing at RS. "Through our advanced eCommerce capabilities, and our continued investment in evolving and upgrading our online tools and resources, we have made major leaps forward in accelerating the find, design and buy process for engineers and purchasing professionals across the globe."
For further information, please visit www.designspark.com.
About RS Components
RS Components and Allied Electronics are the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc, the world's leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products. With operations in 32 countries, we offer more than 550,000 products through the internet, catalogues and at trade counters to over one million customers, shipping more than 46,000 parcels on the same day the orders are received. Our products, sourced from 2,500 leading suppliers, include electronics, automation and control, test and measurement, electrical and mechanical components.
Electrocomponents is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year ended 31 March 2012 had revenues of GBP 1.27bn.
For more information, please visit the website at www.rs-components.com.
Further information is available via these links:
Twitter: @RSElectronics; @alliedelec; @designsparkRS
RS Components on Linkedin
http://www.linkedin.com/company/rs-components
Relevant Links:
Electrocomponents plc
www.electrocomponents.com
RS Components
www.rs-components.com
DesignSpark
http://www.designspark.com
Editorial Contact:
RS Components
Tan Soo Chun
Public Relations Manager - Asia Pacific
Tel: +65-6391-5745
Email: [email protected]
PR Agency Contact:
The Hoffman Agency
Rasheed Abu Bakar
Senior Account Executive
Tel: +65-6361-0250
Email: [email protected]