When it comes to PCB design, Zuken’s CADSTAR and eCADSTAR are two well-known names but they’re not equal. CADSTAR is the long-standing, reliable veteran; eCADSTAR is its modern, internet-connected successor, designed to meet the demands of today’s electronics industry.
CADSTAR: Proven and Trusted for Decades
First launched in the late 1980s, CADSTAR has been the go-to PCB design solution for thousands of engineers. It offers schematic capture, PCB layout, routing, and verification in a single package. CADSTAR is still used across sectors including industrial controls, consumer electronics, instrumentation, and smaller-scale automotive projects. Its stability and familiarity make it a comfortable choice for teams with well-established workflows and smaller to medium-complexity boards.
eCADSTAR: The Next-Generation Platform
Introduced in 2019, eCADSTAR retains CADSTAR’s strengths but adds modern architecture, advanced graphics, and built-in internet connectivity. It’s designed for complex, high-speed, multi-layer boards and integrates schematic capture, PCB layout, native 3D design, simulation, and online part sourcing in one environment. eCADSTAR is already being adopted across automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and medical device industries. Anywhere where design speed, accuracy, and collaboration are critical.
Pros and Cons of CADSTAR
CADSTAR’s appeal lies in its maturity and reliability. It’s a tool many engineers know inside out. However, as technology has moved on, it hasn’t kept pace, which limits its suitability for modern, high-demand PCB projects.
Pros
- Reliable and proven with over 30 years of industry use.
- Complete PCB design flow from schematic to manufacturing outputs.
Cons
- Legacy technology with no major updates since 2018.
- Limited 3D capabilities – verification only, no native 3D editing.
- No built-in internet integration for parts sourcing or collaboration.
Pros and Cons of eCADSTAR
eCADSTAR takes the foundation of CADSTAR and adds the power, speed, and connectivity needed for today’s PCB design challenges. While it’s a newer platform that requires up-to-date hardware and some learning, its benefits far outweigh these considerations.
Pros
- Modern 64-bit, multi-core architecture for faster, larger designs. Can handle complex boards without the lag common in legacy tools.
- True 2D/3D design with real-time clearance and fit checking. Spot enclosure issues while placing components, not after fabrication.
- Built-in internet portal for sourcing parts with live stock and pricing. Eliminates the need to manually hunt for datasheets or models.
- Integrated high-speed constraint management and simulation. For example, length-matching DDR5 buses or verifying power integrity before layout is complete.
Cons
- Learning curve for legacy CADSTAR users.
- Higher system requirements to run at its best.
Why You Should Choose eCADSTAR Over CADSTAR
If you’re deciding between the two, the case for eCADSTAR is strong. It offers everything CADSTAR does – and much more – with speed, scalability, and modern capabilities that CADSTAR simply can’t match.
As a working PCB designer, the advantages are felt in day-to-day tasks. When routing high-speed memory lines, eCADSTAR’s constraint browser flags any mismatch instantly. No need to run a separate post-layout check and manually hunt for problems. When designing for tight enclosures, the native 3D mode lets you rotate the board and spot that tall capacitor fouling the casing before you send Gerbers to manufacturing.
For teams already using CADSTAR, migration is straightforward. You can import your existing designs and libraries directly into eCADSTAR, so you keep your proven IP while upgrading your capabilities. In fact, many designers see reduced re-spin rates and shorter design cycles because issues are caught earlier in the process.
Importantly, eCADSTAR is under active development – meaning your tool will keep pace with new technology standards, while CADSTAR remains frozen in time. For industries where high-speed design, compliance checks, and rapid time-to-market are essential, eCADSTAR is the clear forward-looking choice.
What Should I Do Next?
CADSTAR remains a capable, reliable solution for simpler boards and existing workflows, but it’s ultimately yesterday’s technology. eCADSTAR brings PCB design into the modern era by being faster, more connected, and more capable of handling today’s complex, collaborative projects.
If you want to maintain competitiveness, improve design efficiency, and future-proof your PCB design process, eCADSTAR is the right move.
Contact us at hello@quadrasol.co.uk for free, personalised assistance on which software will most benefit you.
For more information please contact us today!