Schematic/PCB layout software Reviews

Steel

Hey, Everybody-

I am trying to get a thread going just to review Schematic/PCB Layout software.

I am currently using Eagle's free software, and I have experience with Electronic Workbench, and a little Orcad...

...I would like to make a software purchase as an independent contractor, but price is still an issue.

What do you think has been the most beneficial tool that you use?
How are the libraries and abilities to create new components?
Is it intuitive to use?
Does it output files that any manufacturer can understand?
How much does it cost?

I think·that this will also be able to help a lot of people·be able to make solid purchasing decisions·in this department.

Shaun

StarMan

First, let me say I'm not an electronics designer but I use electronics my company's products so by neccesity I've learned enough to get by.

I have only been exposed to two differnet packages: Accel P-CAD and Eagle (free version).·

The Accel was a very old version and only ran on Windows NT.· It was very difficult to learn, especially as a beginner.· I got it at a bargain price but ended up hiring someone to finish the layout because the learning curve was too steep for me.· My NT station died so I abandoned it.

I've been able to get up to speed on Eagle without too much trouble.· I'm still a little shakey on creating my own library parts but overall I think it's a good package.· I've been able to find almost everything I need in the standard libraries or from a download from Cadsoft.· It outputs standard Gerber files and I've had no trouble with the designs I've sent out to Sierra Proto.· I plan on purchasing the full version unless someone on this thread·knows of something better.· The price keeps rising and it's up to $1200 for the full version.

Chris I.

Newzed

Shaun, I have used Expresspcb for years.· I have tried several other programs but I found nothing that was as easy to use.· Creating new components is a breeze, and their library is very extensive.· And they don't use odd, proprietary names for things in the library.· They are named exactly what they are - cap, radial .1, DIP 16, SOIC 16 and so on.· The program can only be used for purchases from Expresspcb, but when you consider the cost of full versions of other programs, that will buy a lot of PC boards.· And its free.

Sid

Steel

^^
Yeah. I've worked with ExpressPCB a great deal. For anything other than manufacturing, they are great. It is much more intuitive than Eagle. The schematic program is fairly odd, and doesn't seem to really link with the PCB application, but for getting prototype pcb's or low number of PCBs, they are great.

I just wish that you can use their files for other PCB manufacturers.

Right now, I am working a bit with WinQCad, and some features seem a bit shaky, but the schematic portion is much easier to work with than Eagle. The PCB layout has an autoroute, and decent *looking* (I haven't done a layout in it yet) interface.

There is a free demo that has a 499 pin schematic and 100 pin pcb (with limited printing).

THe software is $150 for 500 pin schematic and PCB w/ autoroute, and $300 for 1000 Pin schematic and PCB w/ autoroute.

It seems pretty decent, it is understandable (but the partslibrary has no search function) and does a good job with a price that destroys EW and Protel.

Chris Savage

I want to add one vote for ExpressPCB.· I have been using it a lot lately.· But on/off for years.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support
csavage@parallax.com

Paul Baker

There is one serious issue with ExpressPCB, and that is it does not fit your·4th criteria. At present to get a house independent output from thier software you must spend money (around $100) for each design, after a dozen or so designs, you will have paid enough to buy a professional package.

Most design packages provide evaluation versions, I suggest downloading a few and giving them a test run. Asking people for thier input is sortof asking what is the best flavor of ice cream, everyone has thier own ideosyncratic preferences. I myself like using Eagle's free version, but others find it difficult to learn or too time consuming. Parallax uses PADS layout in house, I am currently evaluating it myself.

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Javalin

For non-SMT work have a look at PCB Wizard - its the most friendly (and its never crashed!!) package i've used. I find PCB Express's (or Express PCB - always get them confused) difficult to find all the part footprints I want!

PCB Wizard website is: http://www.new-wave-concepts.com/

How are the libraries and abilities to create new components? - Excellent
Is it intuitive to use? - Very
Does it output files that any manufacturer can understand? - No
How much does it cost? - £35 ish.

James

Dave Paton

I suppose I'll throw my hat in the ring, since layout is all I've been doing now for a few months.

At home I use the full version of EAGLE. It was the first package I used that actually worked for me. Orcad 6 was a joke IMO, the version I used (a legal one, despite being a student) crashed more than it ran. Hopefully it's improved since then. I've used ExpressPCB for quick things, but as I'm in a production environment, the lack of real DRC/ERC tools and it's inability to spit out true fab drawings and gerber/NC drill sets keeps me from using it much at all. At one time or another, I've used everything from the freebie DOS package way back to Mentor and PADS. These days I use a product from Altium called Designer (version 6 just came out). It's not cheap by any means, but I work faster and more accutately in it than in anything else I've ever used. It was in a shootout here at the office with PADS, and the win margin was narrow (3-2), but the comment sheets were the real differentiating factor. Library management is wonderful, part creation is easy and accurate, and the DRC/ERC rulesets are extremely granular. It handles multiple sheet designs very well. If I didn't already have EAGLE at home, I'd probably buy myself a copy.

My $0.02.

-dave

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