Through PCB123 Design Software, Designers Can Now Order Parts in Real Time

Mulino, Ore. – Sunstone Circuits, the printed circuit board (PCB) prototype solutions provider, is coordinating efforts with NXP Semiconductors to build and certify the complete NXP parts catalog within Sunstone’s PCB123 V3.2 design software. Design engineers can search the manufacturer’s parts library, including certified footprints and schematic symbols, and then order parts in real time directly from Digi-Key’s online database via PCB123’s LiveBOM functionality.

By integrating NXP’s comprehensive parts library into the Sunstone ECOsystem ^(SM) Design Environment, PCB designers can now conceive, design, order and accurately manufacture assembled prototypes through a single design flow, all supported by Sunstone’s live customer service (24/7/365).

“By eliminating the need for designers to build out their own parts libraries, we are saving designers a tremendous amount of time and energy, which translates into greater productivity and reduced costs throughout the entire design flow,” said president and CEO of Sunstone Circuits, Terry Heilman. “Not only does the comprehensive parts library make PCB123’s LiveBOM functionality much more powerful, it is indicative of why Sunstone remains the easiest PCB solutions provider to do business with.”

The Sunstone ECOsystem Design Environment serves as the centralized force that brings each partner’s area of expertise together to benefit designers. In turn, the Sunstone ECOsystem enables all the participating partners to better service their customers.

“Digi-Key’s enthusiasm about its partnership with Sunstone Circuits is enhanced as NXP Semiconductors joins forces with Sunstone in support of its initiative with PCB123,” said Mark Larson, Digi-Key president and COO. “We know our colleagues at NXP share our view that providing reliable information and getting components in front of engineers at the point of part selection through the integration of our information databases into design software such as the PCB123, is another way of providing our mutual customers within the engineering design community with superior service.”

“NXP continually looks for industry innovators to collaborate with to best serve our customer base,” said John Tuley, senior director, distribution Americas of NXP Semiconductors. “Sunstone Circuits and its world-class PCB123 software, combined with Digi-Key’s electronics parts database, present design engineers with the perfect solution to quickly and easily design and build prototype PCBs - creating unique opportunities for NXP and our customers.”

Sunstone ECOsystem Provides Best-in Class Design Options

Breaking down barriers in the PCB industry, the Sunstone ECOsystem improves the PCB prototyping process for designers, from concept to delivery, by integrating the four discrete segments of PCB prototyping:

• Knowledge – PCB designer expertise
• Tools – Design packages and software
• Parts and Libraries – Sourcing and tracking of PCB components
• Manufacturing – PCB manufacturing capability and expertise

The NXP parts library integrates the parts ordering process into the design process, enabling designers to efficiently verify parts availability and pricing before committing the design to a manufacturer. The NXP parts library is only available in PCB123 V3.2. Download a free copy of V3.2 at http://www.sunstone.com/.