Case Study: dB Broadcast achieves reliable signal integrity and agile PCB development with Zuken CADSTAR

dB Broadcast - undertaking product development in a rapidly changing technology environment

dB Broadcast, a UK-based systems integrator and product designer for the broadcast market, faced the challenge of developing mixed-signal PCBs in a rapidly changing technology environment with a small design team. For three decades they have relied on Zuken’s CADSTAR desktop PCB design software to provide ease of use, reliability and technical support while handling boards that combine mains voltages, sensitive low‑level electronics and high‑frequency digital/RF signals.

Zuken’s CADSTAR enabled dB Broadcast to manage signal integrity and track impedance for demanding designs (examples include the Cardinal iMDU with ~450 components and MERlin boards carrying up to 1 GHz and ASI at 270 Mb/s), supporting routine updates and new product introductions. As a result, dB Broadcast continues to deliver four to five PCB designs per year, hit critical impedance targets (e.g., 75 Ω), and confidently scale production (Cardinal runs up to 1,000 units/year) while maintaining faster revisions and reliable manufacturing outcomes thanks to Zuken.

dB Broadcast

Nigel Hoyland

Development Director