- Other tracks and vias are pushed out of the way.
- New Visual DRC displays where you can or cannot route accordingf to the DRC Rules.
- A new Route Command Center provides all routing options in one form.
New Features
We are pleased to announce that Proteus Design Suite 8.16 has now been released. It can be downloaded from the home page of the software. Note that this version involves a file format change which is not backwards compatible with older versions of the software.
New features include:
- Push and Shove Routing: There are now two main placement mods, namely Push mode and traditional FMR mode. The former allows the route being placed to move other tracks (and optionally vias) out of the way while the latter is more akin to a hug mode which will obey design rule clearances but will not affect other objects on the PCB. Keyboard shortcuts enable you to seamlessly switch between modes at any time.
- DRC Aware Route Editing: Track editing operations are now by default all design rule aware, allowing you easily make the most of the available board space and keep a tidy board layout. This can be disabled via keyboard shortcut or through the Route Command Centre.
- Route Command Centre: The Route Command Centre is the home for all route placement, editing and Visual DRC configuration options in Proteus. It can be launched from the Tools Menu or, more commonly, via the 'R' keyboard shortcut. Importantly the keyboard shortcut can launch the dialogue form while in the middle of placing or editing a route meaning that you can make changes or adapt the routing modes at any time.
- Visual DRC: Visual DRC provides a viewport around the mouse and each object shows an expansion corresponding to it's design rule clearance in an overlay. This instantly lets you see whether the route being placed can move where you want it to go and then take action such as toggling push mode or changing track style to squeeze through a tight gap.
- Status Bar Messaging: Status Bar messaging has been upgraded during route placement and editing to include live route lengths, current routing mode and route styles and net information.
- Length Matched Tracks Viewer:New matchgroup view directly in the parts bin gives a live board insight on length matched routes and their compliance status with target lengths.
For a full listing of features and fixes please log on to our support forums and look under the 'Updates and Fixes' section. Proteus 8.16 is available free of charge to all customers whose USC is valid as of 20th March 2023.