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Circuit Design Software for Windows — Parallax Forums

Circuit Design Software for Windows

NosePickerNosePicker Posts: 54
edited 2011-08-07 19:01 in General Discussion
Can anyone recommend any software that is easy to use to build circuit designs?
Ideally would be nice if it were free but I at least need something that would be less than $100.

Comments

  • max72max72 Posts: 1,155
    edited 2011-08-04 05:47
    Diptrace is a nice option (the one I prefer).
    the free version is feature limited, and free as long as you don't make money. Otherwise the payd versions start at a low price.
    Some boards in the parallax site and on gadget gangster are available for free as diptrace files.
    Eagle is a hate/like affair.
    Designspark is a popular solution too.
    In the free realm I would suggest kicad and the combo tinycad+freepcb.
    Search the forum, there have been a lot of similar discussions.
    Massimo
    Massimo
  • zoopydogsitzoopydogsit Posts: 174
    edited 2011-08-04 05:51
    If you are just wanting to draw circuit diagrams I thought expresspcb has express sch. It's free on their site www.expresspcb.com they are mostly known for their pcb board development software and proto board service.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2011-08-04 06:29
    I am still using Eagle CAD. The demo version has always been enough, more than enough for anything I wanted to do. They have Parallax chip libraries as well.

    http://www.cadsoftusa.com/
  • Kevin WoodKevin Wood Posts: 1,266
    edited 2011-08-04 09:32
    I know you asked for Windows software, but I want to throw this out there for general reference... http://spins.fedoraproject.org/fel/
  • TonyDTonyD Posts: 210
    edited 2011-08-05 02:35
    I use DesignSpark PCB, its a full free schematic capture and PCB layout package with no commercial restrictions on its use. It can also import EagleCAD designs and libraries which is usefully.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2011-08-05 02:43
    DesignSpark is actually a stripped down version of Number One Systems' Easy-PC, which I used for many years (I was one of their first customers) until Pulsonix came along. Both are produced by WestDev.
  • Ahle2Ahle2 Posts: 1,179
    edited 2011-08-05 03:54
    KiCad is free, is available on Windows, OSx, Linux and it can do 3D!!
    I have seen it being used by small electronic developers to produce commercial products.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2011-08-05 03:57
    DesignSpark offers 3D, as well.
  • Bobb FwedBobb Fwed Posts: 1,119
    edited 2011-08-05 11:43
    I use DipTrace. They have recently added 3D design features, which are currently in beta testing. But stable builds are quite nice.
    I tried ExpressPCB in the past, and on larger orders, received boards with fabrication errors. That is unacceptable!
    I've tried other design software, like EagleCAD, and others, but found DipTrace to be the best all around package for features and ease of use (that is, in a comparable price range).
  • Jimmy LiebJimmy Lieb Posts: 46
    edited 2011-08-05 12:14
    I use DipTrace, and I love it! it is extremely easy to use, very professional, and it is widely used by lots of people, making the support easy to find. I also like that they have so many components that come with it. It has the propeller, so that is really nice. no importing, etc...
  • Bobb FwedBobb Fwed Posts: 1,119
    edited 2011-08-05 13:09
    Jimmy Lieb wrote: »
    and it is widely used by lots of people, making the support easy to find.
    They have a really active and helpful forum (almost as much so as this forum).
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,069
    edited 2011-08-05 16:19
    Although I have an old licensed version of protel, I use ExpressPCB for schematics. It is quite simple and easy to use. You will need to create some of your own parts but its not difficult.

    I use an old licenced version of Protel for my pcb layouts.

    I use DFM Now! to check my gerber plots.

    I am looking at Target 3001! for 3D representation. IIRC this works with KiCad.
  • Ahle2Ahle2 Posts: 1,179
    edited 2011-08-06 01:05
    The free version of Target 3001 is limited to 250 Pins/Pads, 2 copper layers, 1.2m x 1.2m.
    KiCad is the only free tool with no restriction at all. (That I have found)

    /Johannes
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2011-08-06 01:50
    DesignSpark, already mentioned, is completely free, as is PCB for Linux. The latter is here:

    http://sourceforge.net/projects/pcb/
  • Jimmy LiebJimmy Lieb Posts: 46
    edited 2011-08-07 19:01
    Yeah, It is just an all around great piece of software!
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