Electronics > RF, Microwave, Ham Radio

Best CAD to build an RF board with?

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nth_degree:
What CAD is best for RF work? I want to build a SDR PCB

Bud:
PCB layout programs are generic software, you use one for any purpose. What features are you looking for?

nctnico:

--- Quote from: Bud on February 18, 2023, 07:43:52 am ---PCB layout programs are generic software, you use one for any purpose.

--- End quote ---
Not at all! Remember that in RF designs, PCB traces often are components. Having support for creating free-form traces or components with pads that can have all kinds of weird shapes can be super helpfull. On top of that, being able to simulate the board in order to check impedances is a big plus.

One step further is integrating the RF design flow with the board layout: https://resources.pcb.cadence.com/orcad-datasheets/allegro-pcb-rf-4 I have not used this myself but if I need to get really serious with RF layouts, I'd give this a look.

tggzzz:

--- Quote from: Bud on February 18, 2023, 07:43:52 am ---PCB layout programs are generic software, you use one for any purpose. What features are you looking for?

--- End quote ---

CAD is more than PCB layout, especially at RF.

Here are some examples of RF filters. It is challenging to represent the individual components on a schematic!

Typically RF CAD will enable design and analysis of such structures, often involving modelling the electromagnetic waves.

djsb:
tggzzz,
Don't keep us in suspense. Which CAD software was used in the picture you posted? Thanks.

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