Ten free and powerful PCB design software
PCB design can be divided into several parts, namely schematic design, PCB layout, circuit simulation, CAM engineering software, board copying software, etc. PCB design software generally includes two major modules: schematic design and PCB design. Some powerful PCB design software even includes the above modules. Let’s introduce some free and powerful software to you, let’s take a look.
1. Zenti PCB
First on our list is the ZentiPCB platform from Mirko Bruno Sortini, which provides a range of free software to help users design their own PCBs. ZentiCapture allows users to quickly and easily design schematics using a simple toolset that allows users to place parts (component symbols) with orthogonal locking and pin snapping. Once the schematics (in diagram form) are complete, they can be ported to ZentiPCb.
ZentiPCB is a CAD-based program that allows users to import netlist files and visualize their diagrams. The layout editor provides the ability to import components directly from the library using cursors, supporting single-sided and double-sided panels depending on needs.
2. TinyCAD
TinyCAD comes from SourceForge users beischer, don_lucas and mattpyne. Don’t underestimate this software just because of its name. This software provides all functions of PCB design and wiring design. The software contains 42 libraries with a total of 755 symbols, including digital logic gates, electromechanical components and even microcontrollers. And each component can be edited, and users can even add their own component symbols. TinyCAD supports multiple netlist formats (Eagle SCR, PADS-PCB, XML, etc.) and can also generate SPICE netlists.
3. CometCAD
CometCAD is another great example of a free software platform that provides an electronic circuit schematic editor and a PCB layout editor. It’s just that this software only supports Windows platform. CometCAD electronic circuit schematic editor supports multi-page schematics, symbol rotation, parts list and netlist schematic output. The PCB wiring editor provides almost all the functions mentioned above (component library, double-sided PCB, etc.), and also has the function of outputting CAM files. It can also be used to design rectangular multi-PCB boards.
4. BSch3V
Those who don't want unnecessary features and only need the most basic functionality can try Suigyodo's BSch3V schematic capture package (where BSch stands for Basic Schematic basic schematic). The PCB editor allows users to design single-layer, double-layer, or even four-layer PCB boards with a design area of 30 square millimeters. It also features a component library, component list generator and a netlist generator. Users can also use two other software to enhance the functions of BSch3V, including SmdICpad (used to obtain QFP, PLCC, SOP data) and POLYGON (area for placing copper).
5.Designer
PCWeb's Designer is one of the most feature-rich editors on the web, and it's also free to use. The software has an impressive lineup of tools, including Schematic Capture (placement of components, routing/nets, annotations, etc.), PCB (placement of components, routing, design rule checking, etc.) and Part Editor (create/define components, add symbols, etc.). In addition, it also includes the BOM table function. The BOM manager integrates Digi-Key, allowing users to assign a number to each individual component on its PCB. This number will be displayed through the BOM table to facilitate procurement. . This software is a software that is conducive to efficient production.
6. Fritzing
The Fritzing platform is more than just a simple PCB editor, but is designed for makers and hackers to actually be able to actually create their own designs. It is designed so that users can implement their own Arduino microcontroller-based designs and create production-ready PCB layouts. Once the user has designed an actual circuit on the breadboard, it can then be transferred to the editor, which contains three different project views. The breadboard view allows users to drag and place virtual electronic components on a virtual breadboard. The schematic perspective is the formal expression of the schematic, which corresponds to the circuit on the virtual breadboard, but users can also edit it as needed. Finally, the PCB perspective allows users to place components on a virtual printed circuit board that can then be used for production.
7. KiCAD
One of the most popular free PCB editors on the Internet can be said to be KiCAD, which is an EDA tool similar to the above-mentioned Fritzing. This software provides virtual environment capabilities at every stage of the design process. Components included are Eeschema (schematic editor), Pcbnew (printed circuit board editor), Gerbview (Gerber file viewer), and Cvpcb (path selector for component associations). In addition, there is a built-in BOM manager, allowing users to mark the bill of materials and calculate costs easily.
8.DesignSpark
DesignSpark's PCB platform is another widely used PCB editing tool for EDA applications. Similar to the two tools mentioned earlier, DesignSpark PCB provides schematic editing functions, while PCB Wizard is used to improve schematics, and Autorouter can complete automatic routing between components. However, this software does have some things that need attention. For example, this software consumes a lot of resources. If the project does not exist on the same computer, problems may occur. In addition, some functions must be registered by the user before they can be unlocked. The worst thing is The software also displays ads.
9.gEDA
Despite the fact that most PCB software runs on Windows-based computers, there are some designed specifically for Linux users, including Ales Hvezda's gEDA project, which provides a collaborative open source EDA tool. The collaborative component refers to the ongoing efforts of collaborating developers to develop and update the gEDA toolkit, which includes gEDA's schematic capture and netlist platform for circuit design, PCB layout design and optimization, and Icarus Verilog, a tool for simulation Hardware description language for electronic systems). In addition, it also includes ngspice/ngucap SPICE/analog emulator, gerbv Gerber viewer and GTKWave digital waveform viewer.
10. Osmand PCB
A PCB editor for Mac comes from Osmand PCB, which allows users to make PCB designs of almost any size and shape, and can create as many layers as they want. The software can design routing with spatial resolution down to 10 nanometers and routing at any angle, and supports both imperial and metric units. Osmand also allows users to move and reposition components, connect/route/modify paths, and design PCB labels using its included libraries. This software also supports Lua language script support and can generate Gerber (RS-274X) files and Excellon demonstration files. This is a luxurious configuration for a free software.
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