==RTEPLUS.DOC============== Tango-Route PLUS ==============Version 2.10== INTRODUCTION This file contains the latest information regarding Version 2.10 of Tango-Route PLUS. It is to be used in conjunction with the Tango-Route PLUS Reference Manual. Note that the .PCB file formats have been enhanced from Version 1.XX to include support for polygons, additional signal layers (in PCB PLUS), editable power and ground planes, autoplacement (in PCB PLUS), and an imbedded net list for Route. Version 2.XX of Tango-PCB will read either Version 1.XX or Version 2.XX files and produce a 2.XX file as a result. Tango-Route only reads a Version 2.XX file. Thus, Tango-PCB Version 2.XX is a prerequisite to Tango-Route Version 2.XX. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ACCEL is standardizing on an automatic installation program, INSTALL, which uses compressed files on the distribution diskettes. The Tango- Route PLUS Reference Manual contains complete instructions for using this utility. The minimum free disk space required for a full installation is 1 MB. NEW FEATURES and ENHANCEMENTS The following features have been added or improved in this release. Please consult the Release Notes for a detailed description of these enhancements. SMART NETS - The router now adds Nets information to lines and vias that it places. The router also maintains the individual Net Names for any connections that it doesn't route. You will no longer have all of the connections grouped together in a no-routes net when you call up the board in PCB. Each connection line now has the appropriate Net Name (Nets ID of a blue line will show the net name). BINARY FILE SUPPORT - The router now supports binary files created with Tango-PCB version 2.10. The router will automatically detect if the file is binary or ASCII, and it will write out the PCB file in the same format as the original file. Binary files will be approximately half the size of ASCII files. BUG FIXES 1. Routing into Polygons and Keepouts - We fixed a problem that would sometimes result in traces being routed through polygon and keepout areas. 2. Duplicating PWR and GND Traces - We fixed a problem that was causing the router to duplicate pre-routes on the PWR and GND planes each time the board was routed. Page 1 ==RTEPLUS.DOC============== Tango-Route PLUS ==============Version 2.10== KNOWN PROBLEMS AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 1. The MAIN MENU selection available on the menu which is pulled down during routing clears all memory allocated to the routing process and returns control to the main menu in preparation for a new route. If the program was invoked with a .SET filename on the command line, the previous setup information is preserved, allowing the designer to readily change parameters and begin another route. 2. Tango-Route PLUS accepts connections made with polygon fills for pre-routes in all cases except as part of the enumerated Wide-Line nets. Polygon fills used as pre-routes for Wide-Line nets are currently ignored. 3. Tango-Route PLUS will route your pre-routed connections if the endpoints of the line segments are not concentric and/or if the endpoints are not connected exactly to pad centers. This problem occurs most often when the pre-routes are done on a 1 mil grid. Make sure all of the endpoints are centered over other endpoints or pad centers to avoid this problem. A similar situation exists for T routes. Route will often route pre-routed T routes that are not made up of 3 endpoints 4. Tango-Route PLUS may try to route to pads that have the center point covered by a keepout. To avoid this problem, make sure that the entire pad that you want protected is covered by the keepout. Page 2
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