Design++ - Version 4.2
This document describes the major enhancements in the released Design++ 4.2 version over and above version 4.1:
We are pleased to announce the release of Design++ 4.2 for Windows NT. This is the second major Design++ release for the PC platform after the highly successful release of Design++ 4.1. Design++ 4.2 is the basis for the recently released PlantBuilder/AutoRouter 2.0. Design++ 4.2 includes several new modules and enhancements, the most important ones being the following:
COM/API
Design++ Component Object Model Application Programming Interface (COM/API) is a library of Windows COM functions that let any COM compliant application, like Visual Basic, communicate with Design++. The emphasis is in supporting Visual Basic as a GUI development tool for Design++.
AutoCAD 2000 Link
New ObjectARX-based AutoCAD link supports both AutoCAD release 14 and 2000. The old ADS-based AutoCAD Link is still supported with AutoCAD release 13 & 14.
Microstation/J Link
MicroStation Link supports now also MicroStation/J. As a result, Design++ now integrates with MicroStation 95, MicroStation SE, and MicroStation/J.
Dynamic Configuration Enhancements
- Dynamic Configurator (DDC) has been optimized to reduce trashing. Also, model creation based on product structure files is now compatible with earlier Design++ versions.
- Intelligent Change Manager (ICM) and Execution Order Controller (EOC) have been optimized significantly. They also have more robust exception (cycle) and error handling.
- Design rule compilation has been upgraded to initiate proper change propagations in all situations.
- Substructure attribute is now inherited automatically to all library classes of type assemblies as they most likely will need it. This simplifies the use of the dynamic configuration capabilities.
Windows Mode in Command Interpreter and Design Rule Editor
Emacs-based Command Interpreter and Design Rule Editor come with a new Windows-like command set including standard Open, Close, and Print dialogs.
Multiprocessing Support Enhanced
The new native NT threads-based multiprocessing implementation fixes the infamous "sleeping" problem, where Design++ occasionally failed to detect client requests.
Network Licensing
Licensing mechanism has been extended to support network licensing. Now any workstation capable of running Design++ as a stand-alone installation can also host a license server installation. Any client workstation connected to the same local area network as the server will be able to run Design++. Due to the network licensing support, SiteKeys issued for Design++ 4.1 need to be renewed. To smooth the transition each workstation is granted a new 10-day evaluation license for Design++ 4.2 regardless of their prior license status.
Automated Installation
Automated installation program has been upgraded to support license server and client installations. It also supports installation upgrades.
License Manager Dialog
To facilitate the handling of licensing issues, Design++ has a new License Manager that displays the current license status and allows on-the-fly license upgrades.
New Documentation - Available Online
Design++ User's Manual has gone through a complete overhaul. In addition, all Design++ Function manuals have been merged into a new Design++ Lisp/API Manual. Starting with this release all manuals are available in PDF format on the delivery CD.
Year 2000 Compliant
The representation of the year in Design++ knowledge base time-stamps has been extended to use four digits. After this modification and related testing, Design Power believes that Design++ will conform with the year 2000 requirements. Additional enhancements and upgrades are listed in Design++ 4.2 Release Notes.
Find out about enhancements made in Version 5.0
