Best Pcb Design Software
Posted : admin On 29.01.2020- Ni Ultiboard
- Best Pcb Design Software List
- Pcb Design Software Comparison
- Best Pcb Design Software Quora
Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) are an integral part of the electronic products, large and small. The size of the electronic gadgets is heavily dependent on the design of the PCB. They are not only used by professionals but also by small designers and hobbyists who want implement the prototypes in a more practical way.
So, with that disclaimer out of the way, the following are widely considered the best free PCB design software platforms, listed in alphabetical order: DesignSpark PCB DesignSpark PCB is one of the world’s most popular and easily accessible electronics design software platforms. And for good reason — the program is easy-to-use and learn.
[Read: Circuit Design and Simulation Softwares]
It is a powerful schematic capture and PCB design software package developed by CadSoft. Eagle is a fully integrated tool providing necessary features to create the simplest to complex designs. It offers user friendly yet powerful solutions for PCB design with the help of three modules: Schematic Capture, Board Layout, and Auto-router. Is an excellent pcb layout design software tool to create professional printed circuit board ( PCB ). It is a flexible easy to use CAD program, which allow you to realize your projects in a short time. With ZenitPCB Layout is possible to create the project starting both from the schematic capture or by the layout itself. So, we present you 10 of the best PCB software tools available on the internet that will help you to develop your printed circuit board faster and with ease. 0 ∴ PCBWeb Designer PCBWeb is a free CAD application for designing and manufacturing electronics hardware.
There are many PCB Design Softwares available. Some softwares are proprietary and paid while some are available for free with some restrictions. The article gives a list of few commonly used PCB layout design softwares. The softwares mentioned here are not listed or categorized in any specific order. Depending on the requirement of the user and the project, one must select the software.To download these softwares click on their names.
Free or Open Source Software
KiCad
KiCad is very easy to use and has a huge support in the open source hardware community.
Features
KiCad is available for different platforms like Windows, Mac and Linux.
KiCad has an integrated environment for schematic entry (Eeschema) and PCB design (Pcbnew) along with some tools like 3D visualization of PCB, bill of materials and Gerber file generation (GerbView).
It has tools to import components from other EDA tools such as eagle.
ExpressPCB
ExpressPCB is another popular free PCB design software.
Features
Here are some features of this software
- Add on device drivers
- Rats-nest generation from simple net lists
- Drawing directly on the silk layer
- Netlist window
- Trace optimizer
- Connectivity verification
- Auto router
ExpressPCB design software has two applications included: ExpressSCH, for drawing schematics and ExpressPCB, for PCB layout.
The schematic files can be easily linked with the PCB application.
It is available only for Windows.
DesignSpark PCB
DesignSpark PCB is a free software package for schematic capture and PCB layout.
- The software consists of schematic entry and PCB layout and the link between them is very easy.
- The libraries for components are aligned with RSComponents.
- It can be easily interfaced with other tools like LTSpice, Tina and Eagle. Even though it is free of cost, users must register with the website to unlock all features.
PCB/gEDA/XCircuit
PCB is a free, open source and interactive PCB editor available for Windows, Linux, Mac and UNIX systems.
PCB includes many professional features like 16 copper layers, auto-router, trace optimizer, DRC etc.
While PCB is the printed circuit board layout tool, gEDA is the free schematic capture software.
XCircuit can also be used for schematic diagrams. PCB can be interoperated with gEDA and XCircuit.
Fritzing
Fritzing is an open source EDA tool for Arduino prototyping and PCB design.
- It is created to allow artists, hobbyists and designers to create their own PCB’s so that non-engineers can also learn, teach and share electronics.
- Fritzing is one of the easiest tool to produce PCB’s and the designed PCB can be manufactured with the help of FritzingFab.
ZenitPCB
ZenitPCB is another excellent PCB design software tool to create professional printed circuit boards.
- ZenitPCB has a friendly user interface and a huge part libraries.
- It It can be used for personal and hobby projects and the only restriction is it is limited to 800 pins.
- The software consists of two applications: ZenitCapture, for schematic designs and ZenithPCB, for PCB layout.
TinyCAD
![Best Best](http://www.theorycircuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/PCBWeb-Designer.png)
TinyCAD is a free and open source program for schematic capture and PCB layout. It is available only for Windows systems.
TinyCAD supports several standard libraries as well as custom symbol libraries. TinyCAD can also be used for one line diagrams, block diagrams and also presentation diagrams.
TinyCAD allows the users to publish the PCB layouts as image files in PNG or BMP formats for documentation.
Osmond PCB
- Osmond PCB is a free PCB design software for Macintosh systems.
- There are no restrictions and limitations imposed and boards of any size and shape can be designed.
- Osmond PCB supports multiple copper layers and has libraries for both through-hole and SMD parts.
- Small designs up to 700 pins can be designed freely and is suitable for beginners and hobbyists.
- For larger designs (boards with more than 700 pins), we need to purchase the license to generate and view Gerber files.
PCBWeb
- PCBWeb is another good platform for PCB layout. It is a free software with no restrictions on the copper layers, size of the board and number of components on the board.
- It is currently available for Windows systems and support for other platform is being planned.
- We cannot import files from other CAD tools at present. The software is developed by Digi-Key.
- The schematic capture tool is called SchemeIt and the parts are from Digi-Key.
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PCB123
PCB123 is developed by Sunstone circuits.
- It is a free and award winning PCB design software.
- A schematic editor can be used to create multi-page schematics or the PCB layout can be directly designed by placing the components and the software will automatically create the schematic.
- PCB123 has 750,000+ predefined parts which can be used while designing.
- Other features include flexible importing of NETLIST, inbuilt DRC (Design Rule Check) and DFM (Design for Manufacturing), user friendly graphical user interface and real time search option to check the availability of components in the market.
- PCB123 is fast and easy to use and got proven from Intel, Texas Instruments, HP, Honeywell etc.
FreePCB
- Free PCB is an open source PCB design software for Windows systems.
- Even though it doesn’t have an auto-router tool, a free web based routing tool called Freerouting can be used for partial or full auto-routing.
- The FreePCB software can support up to 16 copper layers.
Proprietary or Paid Software
Altium Designer
Altium Designer is a premium EDA software for PCB, FPGA and embedded system design.
It is one of the popular PCB design package. Altium Designer tool suite includes all aspects of product development like schematic capture, PCB design or layout, embedded software development, FPGA design etc. in a single design environment.
It is available for Windows platform.
OrCAD PCB Designer
OrCAD PCB Designer is another popular PCB design software from Cadence. It is a part of OrCAD Circuit Design Suite, which also includes OrCAD Capture, OrCAD PSpice Designer etc.
OrCAD PCB Designer includes various automation features for PCB design, board-level analysis and design rule checks (DRC).
The routing in the PCB design can be done either manually or using the Auto-Router provided.
It is available for Windows and Linux platforms.
DipTrace
- DipTrace offers everything to create simple or complex multi-layer printed circuit boards.
- The DipTrace software has four modules: Schematic capture, PCB Layout editor, component & pattern editor and 3D modelling of PCB. It supports Windows, Mac and Linux.
- There are different versions like starter, standard and full with DipTrace full version being the ultimate edition will no restrictions.
- There is also a 30-day trial version available for free.
Eagle
- EAGLE stands for Easy Applicable Graphical Layout Editor.
- It is a powerful schematic capture and PCB design software package developed by CadSoft.
- Eagle is a fully integrated tool providing necessary features to create the simplest to complex designs.
- It offers user friendly yet powerful solutions for PCB design with the help of three modules: Schematic Capture, Board Layout, and Auto-router.
- It is available for all the major platforms like Windows, Mac and Linux.
- There are both paid and free versions of Eagle available. The free version has many limitations and is suitable for hobbyists to design small circuits.
Mentor Graphics Xpedition
- Xpedition is a PCB design software from Mentor Graphics.
- It is generally used in FPGA designs. The software comprises of six PCB design tasks: Design creation, Simulation, PCB Layout, Design Collaboration, Library Management and Design for manufacturing.
Auto TRAX DEX
Auto TRAX Design Express (DEX) is a powerful PCB design software for electronic engineers developed by DEX2020.
It is an integrated EDA tool that has tools like schematic capture, PCB design physical layout, built in SPICE simulator, 3D board visualization etc.
Best Pcb Design Software List
TINA
- TINA Design Suite is an integrated circuit simulator for analog, digital and mixed signals and PCB design.
- TINA is available for Windows, Linux and Mac and there is a cloud based online version which can be accessed using any web browser.
- The integrated PCB design software has all the features needed for advanced PCB design like multilayer PCB’s, auto-placement, auto-routing, 3D view of the PCB design, Gerber file output and many more.
Proteus
Proteus is another paid tool.This available for different platforms like windows,MAC,linux.
Features
- Schematic Capture module
- PCB Layout module
- Hardware Accelerated Display Technology
- Global Shape Based Autorouting
- External Autorouter Interface
- 3D Board Visualisation
Web-based Software
Upverter
- Upverter is another web-based EDA tool for PCB layout. The tool is an integration of schematic capture, PCB layout and design review.
- The free version of the software allows up to two projects per registered user with certain restrictions and the professional paid version allows unlimited projects with all the feature unlocked.
CircuitMaker
- Circuit Maker is a web-based schematic entry and PCB design software. It is developed Altium and is free for the open source hardware community.
- There are no limitations on the copper layers and board size. It can be used by students, hobbyists, designers and even professionals for commercial or non-commercial purposes.
- The designs can be shared in the open source community.
PCB Design software is used to create schematic designs. This prepares a sketch of the electrical connections and is used to create various projects in a relatively short period of time. These programs benefit hobbyists as well as those who require it for a profession.
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It is used to route different number of layer boards and integrated digital key parts can be created along with the bill of materials manager.
CadSoft Eagle PCB Design Software
This is one where there is high level of functionality which is offered for commercial circuit boards to be designed. These usually are extremely expensive and so using this software the design can be created at a fraction of the cost. This allows to create schematic designs, layouts and autorouters. It even allows for simulation, importing and exporting of data as well as creating of commands using User Language Programs.
PCBWeb
This is a free CAD application and is used for designing and for the manufacture of electronics hardware. It supports XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 8.1. It’s integrated component catalog allows the user to find, filter or place parts. It allows for wires to be created or pinned or even the moving of existing wire segments.
TinyCAD
TinyCAD helps in drawing of electrical circuit diagrams as well as it supports the custom symbols as well as standard libraries. It supports PCB layout programs and different netlist formats. It also produces SPICE simulation netlists. TinyCAD is used to create one-line diagrams, presentation drawings as well as block diagrams.
Other PCB Software For Different Platforms
Osmond PCB runs on Macintosh and supports various features like different board sizes, board layers, parts, through-hole as well as surface mount parts and much more.
Free Windows Electronics Design software
KiCAD EDA is open source and a cross platform supporting software. It allows for automation and using the schematic editor, the user can create their own designs in addition to the schematic symbols and built in schematic editor for symbols.
Free Android DWF Viewer software
PCB Droid is used to design PCBs. These can be used by users who want to create their DIY projects. This can be also used as an extension for the raspberry PI or for arduino panels. It can also be used for 3D printers or drones.
Free Mac DWF Viewer software
The McCAD PCB-ST Lite can be used for small projects. It can be used by designers who do layout work and need edit tools at their finger tips. It allows for forward and backward annotations of components attributes and allows for cross checking as well.
Most popular PCB Design software for 2016
This tool creates professional printed circuit boards. This is flexible and easy to use. It is a freeware and can be used by both semi-professionals as well as persons who do this for DIY projects. It supports various features such as multisheets, place, adding of attributes, customizable colors, ASCII reports and more.
What is PCB software?
When manufacturing as well as engineering firms want to increase the manufacturing as well as produce more products, they either inhouse manufacture the products or else they outsource it. Small businesses have a tough choice to make as both these are expensive propositions.
With PCB designing software, the cost comes down as well as the companies can manufacture their own products. When PCB designing software is used, the development time decreases and the model can be reused and so cost and time is saved.
How to Install PCB Design Software?
There are different PCB design software. Some are paid and others are open source. There is another differentiator. Some can be run online and for that the user just needs to log in to the software and start working. The other needs the software to be downloaded first before use. Some even support exporting to different formats.
Benefits of PCB Design Software
Pcb Design Software Comparison
These software are used by people who do projects as a hobby. It is used by small enterprises to increase the products or to increase the functionality of the products so as to offer superior products. It is also used by people who want to start a business. These help to decrease their costs, time spent on designing and reusing of designs that are already there.
New features can be tested quickly and with ease. Manufacturing partners based on this can create prototypes and the testing can be done at each stage of the process.Thus everyone can use these software to their benefit and advantage.