Key Features of the Xpedition Platform

The Xpedition platform offers a wide range of features and capabilities to streamline the PCB Design process:

1. Unified Design Environment: The platform provides a unified design environment that allows all members of the design team to work together seamlessly, from concept to manufacturing.

2. Advanced Layout and Routing: Xpedition includes advanced layout and routing tools that enable designers to create high-quality, manufacturable PCB designs quickly and efficiently.

3. Multi-Board Design: The platform supports multi-board design, allowing designers to create complex, multi-board systems with ease.

4. HDI and Rigid-Flex Design: Xpedition offers specialized tools for designing high-density interconnect (HDI) and Rigid-Flex PCBs, enabling designers to create advanced, high-performance designs.

5. Simulation and Analysis: The platform includes powerful simulation and analysis tools that allow designers to validate their designs and ensure optimal performance before manufacturing.

Benefits of the Xpedition Platform

The Xpedition platform offers numerous benefits to PCB design teams:

1. Increased Productivity: By providing a unified design environment and streamlining the design process, Xpedition enables designers to work more efficiently and effectively.

2. Improved Collaboration: The platform’s collaborative features allow all members of the design team to work together seamlessly, improving communication and reducing errors.

3. Faster Time-to-Market: With its advanced layout and routing tools and simulation capabilities, Xpedition helps designers bring their products to market faster.

4. Higher Quality Designs: The platform’s comprehensive suite of tools and features enables designers to create high-quality, reliable PCB designs that meet the most demanding requirements.

Xpedition Platform Modules

The Xpedition platform consists of several key modules that work together to provide a complete PCB design solution:

Module	Description
Xpedition Enterprise	A comprehensive PCB design solution that includes schematic capture, layout, and routing tools
Xpedition Layout	A standalone PCB Layout and routing tool for creating complex, high-density designs
Xpedition HDI	A specialized tool for designing high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs
Xpedition Rigid-Flex	A tool for designing rigid-flex PCBs, which combine rigid and flexible substrates
HyperLynx SI/PI/Thermal	A suite of simulation and analysis tools for optimizing signal integrity, power integrity, and thermal performance of PCB designs

Xpedition Platform Use Cases

The Xpedition platform is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of PCB design applications, including:

1. Consumer Electronics: Xpedition’s advanced layout and routing capabilities make it well-suited for designing compact, high-density PCBs for consumer electronics devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables.

2. Automotive Electronics: The platform’s simulation and analysis tools help designers create reliable, high-performance PCBs for automotive applications, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment systems.

3. Aerospace and Defense: Xpedition’s multi-board design capabilities and specialized tools for HDI and rigid-flex PCBs make it an ideal solution for creating complex, high-reliability systems for aerospace and defense applications.

4. Medical Devices: The platform’s comprehensive design environment and collaboration features help medical device manufacturers create innovative, high-quality PCBs for a wide range of medical applications.

Xpedition Platform Integration

The Xpedition platform integrates with other Mentor tools and third-party solutions to provide a complete, end-to-end PCB design solution:

1. Valor NPI: Xpedition integrates with Mentor’s Valor NPI software, which provides a comprehensive New Product Introduction (NPI) solution for PCB design and manufacturing.

2. Mechanical CAD Tools: The platform supports bi-directional integration with popular mechanical CAD tools, such as PTC Creo and Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS, enabling seamless collaboration between electrical and mechanical design teams.

3. PLM Systems: Xpedition integrates with leading product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, such as Siemens Teamcenter, to provide a complete, end-to-end solution for managing the entire product development process.

Xpedition Platform Licensing and Support

Mentor offers flexible licensing options for the Xpedition platform, including:

1. Perpetual Licenses: Customers can purchase perpetual licenses for individual Xpedition modules or the entire platform.

2. Subscription Licenses: Mentor also offers subscription-based licensing, which provides access to the Xpedition platform for a fixed term, with the option to renew.

In addition to licensing, Mentor provides comprehensive support and training services for the Xpedition platform, including:

1. Technical Support: Customers can access Mentor’s global technical support team for assistance with installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.

2. Training: Mentor offers a wide range of training options, including on-site training, online courses, and self-paced learning materials, to help customers get the most out of the Xpedition platform.

3. Consulting Services: Mentor’s team of experienced PCB design experts can provide consulting services to help customers optimize their design processes and achieve their business goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Xpedition platform?
   The Xpedition platform is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to optimize productivity and efficiency in advanced PCB systems design. It brings together Mentor’s industry-leading PCB design technologies into a single, integrated solution that enables seamless collaboration across the entire design team.

2. What are the key features of the Xpedition platform?
   The Xpedition platform offers a wide range of features and capabilities, including a unified design environment, advanced layout and routing tools, multi-board design support, specialized tools for HDI and rigid-flex design, and powerful simulation and analysis capabilities.

3. What are the benefits of using the Xpedition platform?
   The Xpedition platform offers numerous benefits to PCB design teams, including increased productivity, improved collaboration, faster time-to-market, and higher quality designs.

4. What types of PCB design applications is the Xpedition platform well-suited for?
   The Xpedition platform is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of PCB design applications, including consumer electronics, automotive electronics, aerospace and defense, and medical devices.

5. What licensing options are available for the Xpedition platform?
   Mentor offers both perpetual and subscription-based licensing options for the Xpedition platform, providing flexibility for customers to choose the licensing model that best fits their needs.

Conclusion

The Xpedition platform represents a significant advancement in PCB systems design, offering a comprehensive suite of tools and capabilities that enable designers to create high-quality, reliable PCBs faster and more efficiently than ever before. With its unified design environment, advanced layout and routing tools, and powerful simulation and analysis capabilities, the Xpedition platform is well-positioned to meet the needs of today’s most demanding PCB design applications.

As the complexity of PCB designs continues to increase, tools like the Xpedition platform will become increasingly important for helping design teams stay competitive and bring innovative products to market quickly. By investing in the Xpedition platform, Mentor demonstrates its commitment to providing its customers with the most advanced, comprehensive PCB design solutions available.