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PCB Design Software

  • Thread starter John Eric Voltin
  • Start date
J

John Eric Voltin

Jan 1, 1970
0
Can anyone recommend a good PCB design tool (schematics, PCB layout/routing,
Gerber file generation) with a price under $1,000? I have seen some of the
free PCB tools provided by board manufacturers, but they all seem to have
serious limitations.

I would need the ability to create multi-layer boards up to 6 layers with
ground and power planes. Generally, I am working on very simple boards.

I have previously worked with a designer that uses Protel and that had
plenty of capability for my needs.

Is there a web site that reviews such tools? I haven't found anything yet,
but I'll keep looking
--

- John

John Eric Voltin
Mechanical Engineer
Agile Technology
512-633-0394
 
J

James T. White

Jan 1, 1970
0
John Eric Voltin said:
Can anyone recommend a good PCB design tool (schematics, PCB layout/routing,
Gerber file generation) with a price under $1,000? I have seen some of the
free PCB tools provided by board manufacturers, but they all seem to have
serious limitations.

I would need the ability to create multi-layer boards up to 6 layers with
ground and power planes. Generally, I am working on very simple boards.

I have previously worked with a designer that uses Protel and that had
plenty of capability for my needs.

Is there a web site that reviews such tools? I haven't found anything yet,
but I'll keep looking
--

- John

John Eric Voltin
Mechanical Engineer
Agile Technology
512-633-0394

I use Eagle and find that while it has some quirks, meets all of my needs. To
get the number of layers you are after you'll be looking at one of the Eagle
professional packages. Cost of the full package with autorouter is $1200USD
which is a little bit more than you indicated you are willing to spend, but a
lot less than Protel will cost you.

Terry Pinnell maintains a list of ECAD packages you should take a look at.

http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/terrypin/ECADList.html

Good luck.
 
John Eric said:
Can anyone recommend a good PCB design tool (schematics, PCB layout/routing,
Gerber file generation) with a price under $1,000? I have seen some of the
free PCB tools provided by board manufacturers, but they all seem to have
serious limitations.

I would need the ability to create multi-layer boards up to 6 layers with
ground and power planes. Generally, I am working on very simple boards.

I have previously worked with a designer that uses Protel and that had
plenty of capability for my needs.

Is there a web site that reviews such tools? I haven't found anything yet,
but I'll keep looking0
One option is Vutrax. Does all the things you suggest plus design
checking which I suggest you add to your features list anyway.
You don't mention operating system or capacity requirements.
You can download the 256 pin free issue for Windows or Linux
at either of
http://www.vutrax.co.uk (Main UK site)
http://www.protonique.com/vutrax (Central Europe Mirror)
Pricing for larger capacity bundles is on the site.
 
G

Glassman

Jan 1, 1970
0
F

fred*

Jan 1, 1970
0
I'm just in the same case and just find (yesterday) Rimu :
http://www.hutson.co.nz/rimupcb.htm

I didn't do many tests yet with the demo version, but it really seem to be what I was looking for
and less than 200Euros..!!
and it even has some little things that could remind you of the Protel interface :
- Ctrl+wheelmouse for zooming
- middle button + drag for Panning (was right button on Protel)
...
 
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