March 3, 2009 -- Sunstone Circuits has joined forces with National Instruments (NI) to offer an integrated PCB prototype and quick-turn design environment, enabling NI Multisim and NI Ultiboard users to easily order prototype PCBs via the Sunstone ECOsystem Design Environment.

"Traditionally, the PCB prototype-esign process included barriers between the design flow and the prototype process. As a result, design problems often do not emerge until the fabrication phase, forcing costly and unnecessary redesigns," said Terry Heilman, President and CEO of Sunstone. "Through our collaboration with National Instruments, we provide resources, best practices and important manufacturing information to engineers while they design—not after—which vastly improves productivity."

Once a prototype design is completed in the Multisim and Ultiboard circuit design tools, designers can easily order PCBs online, via Sunstone, on the NI website. NI provides Sunstone’s DFM rules and file specifications of the Ultiboard layout tool, helping to ensure board designs will be manufactured correctly the first time. Those who order through Sunstone may also access Sunstone’s live customer support anytime, 24/7/365.

Sunstone ECOsystem provides design options