Mentor adds S1000D compliance and more with latest release of Capital software

WILSONVILLE, USA: Mentor Graphics Corp. announced support for the S1000D documentation standard as part of the latest Capital software release. The Capital suite addresses vehicle electrical system definition, design, manufacture and service.

S1000D support is just one of over 60 new capabilities available in the latest version of the Capital software suite. Users can automatically generate S1000D-compliant information packages directly from their electrical design data using the Capital Publisher tool, thereby reducing the costs and lead times associated with technical documentation creation. Also new in this release is tablet device support, enhanced security, and further support for regulatory compliance.

S1000D is an international specification for the production of technical publications. It was initially developed by the Aerospace and Defense Industries Association of Europe (ASD) for use with military aircraft. The specification has since been modified for use with land, sea, and commercial equipment.

The S1000D is maintained by the S1000D Steering Committee, which includes board members from ASD, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) in the United States, and the Air Transport Association (ATA), along with national industry and defense representatives.

Werner Schadelbauer, MD of HiCo-ICS and chairman of the ASD Integrated Logistics Support Specifications Working Group in Austria, said: "Standards such as S1000D are increasingly the choice for technical documentation. Capital's feed into S1000D environments will significantly streamline electrical system documentation creation for companies that have adopted this standard."

In addition to automatic creation of S1000D compliant documentation, Capital Publisher is a unique tool that delivers a highly navigable, vehicle/configuration-specific environment for maintenance technicians. Even with the aid of diagnostic systems, faults within the complex, multi-configuration electrical systems found on wheeled and flying vehicles are often time-consuming to troubleshoot.

Capital Publisher's technician environment can substantially aid this task. With the new Capital release this environment can now be delivered to tablet devices, which may be either online or offline, thereby making troubleshooting easier even in remote locations.

Martin O'Brien, GM of Mentor's Integrated Electrical Systems Division, said: "Rapid fault rectification is a particularly high-impact activity. It directly affects the availability of industrial vehicles ranging from agriculture equipment to military aircraft, while for passenger cars or motorcycles the impact is felt in terms of reduced repair costs and improved brand image. Delivering electrical system troubleshooting assistance to mobile platforms is a natural extension of the Capital capability first introduced in 2011."

In addition to the new capabilities noted above, the new Capital release delivers multiple improvements such as enhanced security, and further support for regulatory compliance. This latest release of the Capital software suite is available for immediate download by new and existing customers.