PCB Design Packages

speakerguy79 · 10th December 2006, 02:20 PM

Yes, I searched, but I must be bad at searching because I didn't find a whole lot.

I am looking for a schematic/layout/autorouter suite. We use Mentor Graphics PADS (Logic, PowerPCB, Blaze Router) at work, and my boss has actually encouraged me to do my hobby stuff after hours/on weekends on the work computers to learn/practice since I am new, but sitting up at work doesn't exactly seem like hobby time.

I like PADS, but I don't know what it costs. Also, I am open to other alternatives. I like that it is easy to create my own parts in PADS and it was pretty easy to learn, but I hear that Protel is regarded as the more common/professional package? Also I see a lot of people like Eagle.

What's the best out there? Cost isn't a big factor, but if you know pricing please post it.

ingrast · 10th December 2006, 02:34 PM

Eagle is both easy and powerful, the light edition limits size and parts count but this usually is not a issue for small projects.

Being free, price can hardly be beaten.

Rodolfo

Nico Ras · 10th December 2006, 03:15 PM

There are very nice packages on the market CADSTAR 9 is available at http://www.cadstarworld.com/products.asp

A lees expensive package yet still very good and I use it at home is EasyPC http://www.numberone.com/index.asp

blu_line · 10th December 2006, 06:32 PM

i use tinycad for schematic entry and Freepcb

lately i started using the gEDA toolsuite on my linux box
This includes schematic entry (gschem), spice and layout (PCB) and much more.

grtz

Simon

10th December 2006, 02:20 PM	#1
speakerguy79 diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2006	PCB Design Packages Yes, I searched, but I must be bad at searching because I didn't find a whole lot. I am looking for a schematic/layout/autorouter suite. We use Mentor Graphics PADS (Logic, PowerPCB, Blaze Router) at work, and my boss has actually encouraged me to do my hobby stuff after hours/on weekends on the work computers to learn/practice since I am new, but sitting up at work doesn't exactly seem like hobby time. I like PADS, but I don't know what it costs. Also, I am open to other alternatives. I like that it is easy to create my own parts in PADS and it was pretty easy to learn, but I hear that Protel is regarded as the more common/professional package? Also I see a lot of people like Eagle. What's the best out there? Cost isn't a big factor, but if you know pricing please post it.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Surface Mount Packages	cantskienuf	Parts	0	6th November 2008 08:02 PM
AutoCAD of tube Packages?	Zero Cool	Tubes / Valves	4	31st August 2008 06:15 PM
layout / component packages	metebalci	Parts	5	9th June 2004 04:36 PM
How do you solder soic packages?	protos	Everything Else	5	29th May 2004 08:31 AM
Insulating TO-264 packages	mbroker	Parts	5	13th December 2002 04:50 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

10th December 2006, 02:34 PM	#2
ingrast diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Montevideo	Eagle is both easy and powerful, the light edition limits size and parts count but this usually is not a issue for small projects. Being free, price can hardly be beaten. Rodolfo

10th December 2006, 03:15 PM	#3
Nico Ras diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Amanzimtoti - East Coast of South Africa	There are very nice packages on the market CADSTAR 9 is available at http://www.cadstarworld.com/products.asp A lees expensive package yet still very good and I use it at home is EasyPC http://www.numberone.com/index.asp

10th December 2006, 06:32 PM	#4
blu_line diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Netherlands	i use tinycad for schematic entry and Freepcb lately i started using the gEDA toolsuite on my linux box This includes schematic entry (gschem), spice and layout (PCB) and much more. grtz Simon

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)