Board schematic layout programs recommendation
Board schematic layout programs recommendation
(OP)
I am searching for a new software program for me to design schematics and board layouts. I have been using EZ-route for the longest time and I have tried a demo of Smartdraw, which I hated. Plus I am currently trying a demo of Designworks. Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.





RE: Board schematic layout programs recommendation
http://www.cadsoft.de/eagle41e.pdf
I went back to my original custom package developed by my layout guy for ease of dealing with him.
RE: Board schematic layout programs recommendation
RE: Board schematic layout programs recommendation
Who's nutty enough to use an autorouter?? :)
RE: Board schematic layout programs recommendation
If time is a bigger issue than the number of vias, then ...
If nothing else, you do get a runing start with one.
However, if 85% of the tracks take 5% of the routing time using an autorouter, then the last 15% usually takes 399% of the time doing manual routing
RE: Board schematic layout programs recommendation
I've had good luck with PCB a GNU freebie layout package that works with many varients of X11 (unix/linux). The output is either in postscript (which is nice for doing home layouts) and gerbers (which is nice for shipping the design to fab houses).
The design library of parts is quite extesnive, although I've had a couple of problems with hole size. Fortunately, there is a tool to adjust hole sizes fairly easily. Depending on the fab house, you should see what their design rules are and in the case above, plating variences. Just a word to the wise.
The software, although free, seems to be actively maintained.
Hope this helps. The link is:
http://pcb.sourceforge.net/
Cheers,
Rich S.
RE: Board schematic layout programs recommendation
I too never use autorouter!
I understand that you get what you pay for and that I will have to spend some coin$$$ for something better than what I have been using.
If there are any more recommendations please let me know.
Thanks again.
RE: Board schematic layout programs recommendation
RE: Board schematic layout programs recommendation
RE: Board schematic layout programs recommendation