PCB/EDA software list

[jahonen]

A very useful tool for selecting commercially available resistors for a given calculated value is Resistor CAD. There was a DOS version of similar functionality but this one has a GUI. It also provides the error for the verious combinations.

For a bit more functionality (constraints on values) and customizable resistor value sets via text files, Resistor Optimizer is also an option.

Regards,
Janne

[Alex]

Thats great Janne. It would be useful if it allowed you to select more than one series at the same time, say E24 and E96. However, one could create a custom resistor list and load that as a workaround. It's great that you can select specific values within the same series.

[RichardSim]

I recently came across the PCB Matrix LP Calculator - you enter the part type, pin count, and dimensions from the datasheet for a part, and it gives you back a IPC-7351B pcb footprint. It takes all the guessing and math out of it, and makes it *damn* quick to make footprints for new parts (my most hated part of a project). PCB Matrix was absorbed into Mentor Graphics recently and the product stopped being available for free - but if you Google for "PCBM_LP_Calculator_V2010.zip" you can still find the last free version available for download in a number of places. I just tried uploading it to oldversion.com, so hopefully it'll appear there in the next couple of days.

[RichardSim]

Here we go, saved for the ages (hopefully): http://www.oldversion.com/download-PCB+Matrix+LP+Calculator-2010.00.00.html

*edit 2021-11-16: It looks like oldversion has updated their site at some point in the last 10 years(!!), but the new URL is: http://www.oldversion.com/windows/pcb-matrix-lp-calculator-2010-00-00

[gregariz]

Here's two more free packages (albeit in french)

SDS (schematic capture) http://b.urbani.free.fr/pagesds/sds.htm

and

TCI (pcb layout) http://b.urbani.free.fr/pagetci/tci.htm

[SoftwareSamurai]

Speaking of Gerber viewers...

PentaLogix (http://www.pentalogix.com/) offers "ViewMate" in three flavors: free, $100 USD, and $500 USD. The free one not only reads Gerbers but also Excellon (DRL) files automatically. (As opposed to GerberLogix which I can't seem to get to read a DRL file correctly for the life of me!)

[SoftwareSamurai]

While I'm at it...

I highly recommend "Saturn PCB Toolkit" by Saturn PCB Design (http://www.saturnpcb.com/) This free utility gives you lots of different calculations for many PCB design details. (I personally love the "Via Properties" tab!)

[EasyLogix]

Hey SoftwareSamurai,

we just released a new Version of GerberLogix (V2.5).
Now there is a new auto format recognition for Excellon files (Drills), which tries to find out which number-format (3.3 / 2.4 / ...) and which unit (MM / Inch) is used in the file. This works in most cases, if there is at least one gerber file already read in (e.g. one Copper/Paste/Mask layer).

Best Regards,
EasyLogix Team

[SoftwareSamurai]

we just released a new Version of GerberLogix (V2.5).
Now there is a new auto format recognition for Excellon files (Drills), which tries to find out which number-format (3.3 / 2.4 / ...) and which unit (MM / Inch) is used in the file. This works in most cases, if there is at least one gerber file already read in (e.g. one Copper/Paste/Mask layer).

Well hot dog! It works great now! Okay, GerberLogix is my favorite again! 

[LEECH666]

I never had any troubles with the older 2.4 version of GerberLogix. Sure setting up the drill files is (was) a bit cumbersome but not that problematic if you only have 2 drill files (PTH / NPTH) and know exactly what format has been used to generate the files.

It's a nice free tool. And even the comerical license doesn't seem to be that expensive.

Greetings from Germany,
Florian

[EEVblog]

I've added this list to the EEVblog Wiki:
http://www.eevblog.com/wiki/index.php?title=PCB_CAD_programs

Dave.

[ChrisKiwi]

Hi all,
I was looking for PCB software to test and eventually use. This is the list of suppliers I ended up with. Please add what's missing and correct mistakes.

That was a great list, thank you for the effort!
I do have one more to add though
TinyCAD http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/tinycad/index.php?title=TinyCAD

... Which I have now added to the wiki ...

[IanJ]

Hi,

Here's a couple of legendary DOS based ones I use to use by www.wintek.com

SmartWork
HiWire II

However, I do believe Wintek just recently pulled the products from their website.

Ian.

[elCap]

I've added this list to the EEVblog Wiki:
http://www.eevblog.com/wiki/index.php?title=PCB_CAD_programs

Dave.

Cool!  . And great with a Wiki page!

Hi all,
I was looking for PCB software to test and eventually use. This is the list of suppliers I ended up with. Please add what's missing and correct mistakes.

That was a great list, thank you for the effort!
I do have one more to add though
TinyCAD http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/tinycad/index.php?title=TinyCAD

... Which I have now added to the wiki ...

Great. Actually I wasn't looking for any schematic-capture-only SW when compiling the list, but now it's time to add a section for it. I will do that when I have some time over.

[Mr J]

does anyone know a good simple PCB editor? We are currently using circuitmaker / traxmaker 2000 and love it but it's been discontinued for some time, it's the only thing bad about it. Eagle, Multisim is way to complex for what we need. All we need is up to double layer and can export in gerber.
 

[ChrisKiwi]

does anyone know a good simple PCB editor? We are currently using circuitmaker / traxmaker 2000 and love it but it's been discontinued for some time, it's the only thing bad about it. Eagle, Multisim is way to complex for what we need. All we need is up to double layer and can export in gerber.
 

I've scene good results obtained with KiCAD

[ElektroQuark]

KiCAD will never be enough praised.
Go for it!

[amspire]

If anyone want to try the latest KiCad build, a link to download the files is in this post:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=5497.0

The latest stable release is Build 3044 (2011-07-08) and this has to be installed first, but I have started compiling some of the daily builds.

There are changes. Brand new icons throughout.  New PCB calculator, and new microwave tools in the PCB package - create specified track length, create specified gap, create  specified stub, create a stub arc, create a polynomial shape. 

If you are interested, this is a development build. I have used the Schematic package of this build, but not the other packages yet. 

If you have to revert, it is just a matter of putting the old files back (keep a copy, or just reinstall).

Richard.

[scopeman]

I would also add OrCAD SDT 386+ and OrCAD PCB 386+ both for DOS but many users are running this venerable product in WinXP (No hope for Win7 except with the use of VMWare (also Free). Windows video drivers, software and manuals can be found:

Yahoo! Groups DOS OrCAD Group

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/OldDosOrcad/

Concerning free Spice. There is a huge group on Yahoo! groups for LTSpice which is available as a free download from Linear Technology www.linear.com

I believe that one of the best bargains in the paid for software would have to be the
Sprint-Layout PCB and SPlan-7.0 Schematic Capture programs. Currently at 39.90 Euro ($52.58 USD at current exchange rates) for each program is is quite a bargain for a 4 layer PCB layout package.

Definitely worth a look.

Full function demos available (but no save or print)

http://www.abacom-online.de/uk/html/sprint-layout.html

http://www.abacom-online.de/uk/html/splan.html

They also have the coolest panel and graphics designer program called FrontDesigner 3.0
I have used this and it works really well for laying out dials and knobs. A lot easier than AutoCAD or
standard non application targeted CAD package.

http://www.abacom-online.de/uk/html/frontdesigner.html

I have to add the usual disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Abacom I just like their products.

Sam

[elCap]

I added a new subject, Schematic Capture. I put TinyCAD and sPlan under there. I guess there is more available so please reply if you know.

Then I added Other for other useful sw. So far it's only two front panel sw there.

For OrCad DOS. Do you know where it officially can be downloaded from? I will added it to the list when I know.

The other (LTspice and Sprint Layout) are already in the list.

[scopeman]

Sorry I missed the ones that were listed. Quite a large list to spin through.

You can find the Old DOS OrCAD in the Yahoo Group files section. You have to sign up to the group to get to the files/manuals/drivers etc.

This link should get you to the group.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/OldDosOrcad/

Sam

Sam

[dizzz]

TopoR (Topological Router) is to be added to Limited free version (up to 8 signal layers and 125 nets) and Commercial lists.

SimOne (electronic circuit simulator) shoud be added to Limited free version (commercial version is due to be released during )

Both are products of Eremex Co Ltd

[miranday]

Gerber Tools: DFM Now! www.dfmnow.com

This tool also allows its users to request PCB Quotes from the PCB Manufacturer directly. It's built right inside the tool!

[Raul_77]

Lacks SIMetrix, perhaps the more intuitive circuit simulator. SIMetrix Intro, a free versión:

http://www.simetrix.co.uk/

http://www.simetrix.co.uk/site/demo.html

[georged]

gerber tools:

online gerber viewer : http://www.gerber-viewer.com/
another online gerber viewer: http://circuitpeople.com/
McCAD Gerber Viewer: http://www.mccad.com/FREE_GerberViewer.html
3d gerber viewer: http://mayhewlabs.com/3dpcb
Gerber Viewer From Altium: http://www.daycounter.com/Downloads/camtasticdxpviewer.exe


hope it helps.

pcb assembly quotes