A new standalone platform enables engineers to explore, analyse, and securely share complex PCB design data across design, manufacturing, and service teams without exposing sensitive source files.
A new standalone software tool by XJTAG is enabling electronics teams to securely explore and share complex printed circuit board (PCB) design data across the product lifecycle. Designed for engineers working in design, production, and service environments, the platform integrates multiple board analysis functions into a single interface, enabling faster troubleshooting and collaboration without direct hardware access.
The tool allows users to move seamlessly between netlist, schematic, and PCB layout views, helping engineers quickly trace signals, inspect components, and analyse connectivity. By consolidating these traditionally separate datasets into a single environment, this approach simplifies the investigation of assembly issues and design inconsistencies during manufacturing and field service.
The key features:
- Unified explorer combining netlist, schematic, and PCB layout views
- Secure read-only project sharing with IP protection for external partners
- Fast search engine to instantly locate components, pins, and nets
- Import support for PDF schematics, ODB++ layouts, and Excel/CSV BOM files
- Multi-board and variant handling for complex electronics projects
A key capability of the platform is secure project sharing. Engineering teams can distribute board information to internal departments, contract manufacturers, or service partners using controlled, read-only files. These files enable full project exploration while preventing the extraction or modification of sensitive source data, thereby protecting intellectual property during transfer-to-manufacturing workflows.
The software also supports importing common design documentation formats used in electronics development. Engineers can load schematic PDFs, PCB layout data in ODB++ format, and bill of materials (BOM) files in Excel or CSV format. A fault-tolerant parser ensures layout data can be imported even when design files contain inconsistencies, reducing delays in analysing production problems.
In addition to data exploration, the platform provides powerful search functionality that enables engineers to quickly locate components, pins, or nets within large designs. Once identified, users can instantly follow those elements across schematic, layout, and netlist views with a single click, accelerating root-cause analysis during PCB assembly troubleshooting. The software is also designed to support complex modern electronics designs, including multi-board projects, hierarchical schematics, and product variants. Engineers can examine configuration differences between board versions and inspect design information, such as bill-of-materials details and interface configuration data.
Flexible licensing options—including network and cloud models—allow organisations to deploy the tool across distributed engineering teams. By combining board visualisation, design interrogation, and secure collaboration in a single environment, the platform aims to streamline communication among design engineers, manufacturing teams, and service technicians, improving efficiency throughout electronics product development and lifecycle management.
Click here for the original announcement.
