Basic Circuit Layout
Basic Circuit Layout
(OP)
Hi!!
I am new to circuit work and need a basic piece of software here at work to design boards. Mostly 2 layers boards but maybe as many as 3 or 4 layers. Suggestions??
Budget is an issue, preferrably less than $200!! Look forward to hearing ideas.
I am new to circuit work and need a basic piece of software here at work to design boards. Mostly 2 layers boards but maybe as many as 3 or 4 layers. Suggestions??
Budget is an issue, preferrably less than $200!! Look forward to hearing ideas.





RE: Basic Circuit Layout
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/section/0,,137592-123112,00.html
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
Thread797-15135
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
It has apparently won some awards from some German magazines. They also have some freeware. Also check www.mcad.com
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
But now, to my mind the operating system based problems are over and eagle is again a powerful tool for electronic design.
I have used eagle during my time as research assistant at a well known european univerity and during that time I supervised lots of students desiging the boards for their diploma thesis. Judging from that experience eagle usage can be learned very easily.
I designed about half dozen double sized eurocards with up to four layers and lots of smaller boards with eagle. One major feature of eagle is, that it is possible to read even the files generated by versions several generations older without major problems.
In Europe the support supplied by Cadsoft is quite good.I received support via phone and email contact for the few problems I couldn't solve with the documentaion supplied. The users manual is a very small booklet which I think is a very good feature. Software which needs thousands of pages of documentation isn't well programmed. Further the forum at the cadsoft site contains lots of useful information.
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
http://www.eedesign.com/story/OEG20000217S0007
http://www.devrs.com/e/apps.php
etc. for more info
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
I use the PROTEUS systems from Labcenter which are in modules that you can up-grade as the need arises. The basic modules which I believe will meet your specification are ISIS (Circuit diagram) and ARES (PCB artwork). Having tried and thrown away in disgust many more expensive packages, I can vouch for the PROTEUS modules.
Good luck G
http://www.labcenter.co.uk/
http://www.labcenter.co.uk/
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
In "normal" Windows programs, you would select objects, then perform actions on them. With Eagle, you select a mode/action, then start picking objects to act on. The systems itself works well, you just have to get used to it.
When you're not used to it, it's very easy to have the delete tool selected, and click in the workspace. In that case, it deletes the nearest object, which is probably not what you intended. You just have to remember to change to whatever mode you need.
Eagle has a very complete set of parts libraries. Copying parts between libs is a real pain though.
Choosing a design suite will really depend on what you want to design. You say mainly 2-layers, but maybe sometimes 4-layers. Do you want/need to do schematic design/capture to feed into pcb layout design ? Can you do your work just at the pcb layout level, without "real" schematics ? Do you need complete parts libraries with simulation models ?
If your designs get complex (heh, define THAT) you will find that a system that uses design rules to be a godsend. Unfortunately, that will probably break your $200 budget.
I would say to take a look at CircuitMaker 2000. I don't know the current price (probably too much) but I've used it before, and it has a nice easy interface, and does a great job of smaller projects. It will handle 4-layers just fine as I recall. It's put out by the same people (Altium) that do Protel 99SE / Protel DXP.
Dean.
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
tiki
RE: Basic Circuit Layout
I print positive transparencies directly out, which works well on right printer setting with good transparencies.
Good for starters.
For further info you can talk to me on MS messenger or email waterconservation@hotmail.com
Paul