Use the Right Software

One of the best things you can do to improve the quality of your PCB design is to use quality software for the creation. Of course, some might worry that software will be expensive or difficult to use. While this is certainly a potential problem with some pieces of software, it doesn’t have to be.

Advanced Circuits offers PCB Artist, a robust piece of software that can provide you with the guidance and tools you need for your PCB design regardless of how simple or complex it might be. It offers more than is found with most other pieces of software on the market that provide similar features. One of the best features of the software is the price. It is entirely free, so you will not have to worry about paying anything when you are getting started. Whether you are a hobbyist or working for a company, you will appreciate this benefit.

While the software will have a learning curve, like any piece of software, it tends to be easy to use. Those who have any experience with PCB design should not have a problem getting started with the intuitive software. When you use PCB Artist, you can create up to 28 layers on your PCB. It features Gerber format files, has design rule and check support, and a host of other helpful features.

The software does not take up too much computing power either. You will only need to have a Pentium processor that’s at least 1.8Ghz. You will also need 512MB of RAM and 1.26 GB of storage space on your hard drive. These small requirements should be achievable by just about any computer today. However, it does need to be a Windows computer because MAC and Linux are not supported currently.

The software can help to make the PCB design process faster and easier, but it’s important to realize that this is just a tool. You still need to understand the concepts of good design.

Streamline Your Circuit Design

One of the most important aspects of PCB design is keeping things functional, often through the simplicity of design. You don’t need to jam as many components as possible onto a single board. Instead, you want to be sure that you are creating a circuit that can perform the functions that you need without being too crowded. Think about what you need the circuit to do and design for that. Streamline the board, use good, basic design principles, and build from there.

Beware of trying to do too much on a single board. There is a chance for more to go wrong. There is also the worry that too many components could cause overheating if you don’t consider how it will be cooled.

The software can make circuit design easier and have a good representation of what it will look like and how it will work. You can often see issues that would come into play even before you prototype. Additionally, you can send the design for an engineering review. Advanced Circuits offers a free engineering review. This will give you a better idea of whether your PCB design will work or not.

Always Use a Prototype

Of course, the next step should be to prototype the board. Even if you have checked it virtually and the engineering review looks good, get a prototype. This will help to ensure that it is working properly in the real world. You can see how it fares in the case you have designed. You can see if there are overheating issues, if it doesn’t always trigger properly, etc. The testing will give you a better look at the board and the areas where you might need to make some changes.

In a perfect world, you will find that the prototype works without a problem. If that’s the case, you can move on with manufacturing. However, if there’s an issue, it is better to know now, so you can go back and fix it and then test again before unleashing your PCB design into the world.

Use Advanced Circuits for Your Manufacturing Needs

Advanced Circuits is one of the largest PCB manufacturers in the country. We have decades of experience and can provide you with everything you need from start to finish. Not only do we have the free PCB Artist software you can use for the PCB design and free engineering reviews before you go into manufacturing, but we also have quality manufacturing facilities. We can be the “one-stop-shop” for all of your PCB needs.

As the third-largest manufacturer of PCBs in the United States, we provide a fast turnaround time, so you can get your boards quickly once you place your order. You will be happy to know that there is no minimum order either. This will make it easier for you to get those prototypes you’ll want to use for testing.

Advanced Circuits is not a broker. All of the work is done in-house at our facilities. This includes the manufacturing and assembly of your PCBs. We have a fantastic shipping record, we’ve been around for years (so you can be sure we aren’t going to disappear overnight), and we strive to make the entire process as easy as possible for you. Contact us to learn more and to get a quote. We are looking forward to helping you with all of your PCB design needs.

Fortunately, there are good options for free PCB design software you can start using. At Advanced Circuits, we provide what we believe to be one of the very best options, and it will not cost you a thing. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of using the right software.

PCB Artist Design Software – Free and Fully Functional

Today, creating and designing printed circuit boards is easier than it has been at any time in the past. One of the big game changers in this area was the creation of design software geared toward printed circuit boards. Quality software can make the process faster because it is possible to look for and find potential mistakes before making a prototype or going into production. It can save time and money.

However, if the software being used is not high quality, it could end up causing problems. Poor software is one of the reasons that some PCB designers still struggle at the design stage. Some of the free PCB design software options that are available are woefully lacking in terms of features and capabilities. Other types of software are very expensive, and not everyone is capable of paying for a pricey piece of software that they might not use very often.

It does not have to be that way. We have an option called PCB Artist. This free PCB design software is a fully-featured option that is sure to please even the most critical designer. The design software has features that are not found even in expensive options on the market today. It is considered professional-grade software and offers free, live technical support. The software includes many features that help to make the design of the PCBs faster and simpler.

Some of the Features of the Free PCB Design Software

The robust library is one of the draws of the software. The library for PCB Artist has more than half a million parts. In addition, you can create up to 28 layers. The software features Gerber format files, and there is a design rule check and report. You can spot errors and correct them before you try to make a prototype of your PCB, which means you will not be wasting your time and money with designs that are not going to work.

The software has a controlled autorouter, component autoplace, individual colored nets options, ratsnest connections optimization, multipage schematics, and a host of other features that help to make it a standout option among the software choices that are available today. When you take the time to compare this software with both free and paid CAD software options on the market, you will see that PCB Artist is head and shoulders above the competition.

One of the best things about this free PCB design software is the fact that it is intuitive and easy to use. While those who have experience in designing printed circuit boards and using other software will not have any trouble, neither will someone who is still learning. It has an easy-to-understand interface. You should be up and running with the system quickly.

In addition, there is a user’s guide that is available for download, tips and tools, and video tutorials. These help to answer questions that people might have about the software and get everyone up to speed. The live tech support is available by email or phone.

You will not need to have a powerful PC to run the software. As long as you have a Pentium processor that is faster than 1.8Ghz and 512MB of RAM, you should be fine. Keep in mind that you will need to have at least 1.26GB of space on your hard drive for the install, but this should not be an issue with most. However, you will want to keep in mind that Linux and MAC OS are not supported at this time.

Creating the PCBs After Designing Them

After you have gone through the process of designing the PCBs and running them through virtual tests to ensure they work, you will want to create a prototype or a production run. Getting a prototype is often a good idea, as it will allow you to see how the PCB works in practice, and you can make any needed changes before going into production.

Once you are certain it is ready, it is time to place your order. Advanced Circuits has decades of experience in this field and is one of the largest manufacturers of PCBs in the United States. The materials used in the construction of the PCBs are always of the highest quality, and you can expect the same quality in the construction of the boards. All of the files for PCBs we make will receive a free engineering file review. This provides you with an additional check to ensure that your circuit boards are ready.

Save Time and Money with Free PCB Design Software

When you choose the software from Advanced Circuits, you will find that you are saving not only on the cost of the software but also saving on wasted time. For those who are using low-quality pieces of software or who do not have software that allows for comprehensive testing, it means mistakes are likely. Those mistakes will cost time and money that most people do not have today. Instead, start using our free PCB design software to get your printed circuit boards ready, so you can have them manufactured.

While jumping into PCB design was once daunting and inaccessible to beginners, PCB design software opens up a new world of possibility. Check out this guide to get the basics of PCB design and how to get started with PCB design software today.

Who Will Enjoy PCB Design

PCBs are the foundation for all modern-day electronics. Although they’re incredibly complex and challenging to design, at-home hackers and tinkerers have been re-configuring and designing their own PCBs since the 80’s – even on cardboard plates! Anyone interested in electronics will enjoy learning about the mechanics of a PCB and creating their own. PCB design is also a great way to bond with older kids and teens over an engaging project that’s still educational!

Ditch At-Home DIY 

While there are tons of blogs dedicated to at-home DIY PCB fabrication, this is the fastest way to burn out, become frustrated, and it is potentially dangerous. Some aspects of a well-designed PCB, such as drilling holes, creating two-sided boards, plating, and soldering, are extremely challenging with the tools you have at home. Some DIY PCB creators also use toxic etching chemicals to create traces on their boards.

Rather than going this route, we recommend using a PCB design software program. You can find these for free on the internet, and they will allow you to rapidly create prototype PCBs without the hazards and hassle. PCB design software will connect you to a community of minds that you’ll never get by tinkering in your garage.

What is PCB Design Software?

PCB design software is like a window into the minds of other PCB designers. PCB design software is a library of PCB designs from other users to simplify collaboration and testing out new models for an entire community of hobbyists and professionals. Using PCB design software, you can create your schematic and then convert it to a PCB with every precise detail in place. Many PCB manufacturers offer their software for free so that users can complete the entire process without converting files or adding in more steps. No more frustration with drilling holes or etching by hand!

Getting Started

To get started, you’ll first need an idea of what you’d like to prototype. Here is where you can get creative. You can either improve an electrical product you already own or even build your own. For folks looking to customize their remote work set-up, perhaps you’ll design a PCB to improve your keyboard or computer. Or, if you’re looking to entertain the kids, maybe you’ll create a fun LED board, light-up ornaments for the holidays, or a toy. If you’re a big kid yourself, try going out on a limb and building your very own drone. The possibilities are truly endless since PCBs are so customizable and are present in every electrical system. Once you have an idea in mind, you’ll find a community of tinkerers that can give you tips and tricks based on trial and error.

Next, look at finding the right PCB design software for your purposes. There is an overabundance of PCB design software tools on the market, and many of them are free. Make sure to choose one that’s connected to a PCB manufacturer. This is important because the free PCB software will allow you to create your schematic and convert it to a PCB, with all the resources within that library, but also give you the relief of knowing that the file the software creates is compatible with your PCB manufacturer. It would be such a bummer to design your PCB, but then be unable to build it because the manufacturer of your choice doesn’t accept your file type.

As you get started, you’ll probably first want to design a PCB prototype. Using PCB design software is a low-risk and cheap way to tinker. It gives you the freedom to make and learn from your mistakes. Some software also allows you to test your prototype virtually to make sure that all of the components are in place or help you spot where there might be issues with your design.

Once you’re fully satisfied with your prototype, you’ll be ready to hit print. If you’re taking advantage of a free PCB design software that is connected to a PCB manufacturer, this process is incredibly easy and quick. You’ll have your custom made PCB in no time to power up your newest creation.

PCB Design Made Easy

For PCB design beginners, hobbyists, and tinkerers, Advanced Circuits is the best choice. Advanced Circuits is a full-service PCB manufacturer that can bring your innovations to life. Their free PCB design software, PCB Artist, includes a components library with over 500,000 parts. Their software is incredibly intuitive for fast and free PCB layouts. Create as many virtual prototypes as you’d like until you get it just right. Once you’re satisfied with your prototype’s design, you can run your Gerber file through their free file checker to ensure you have all the necessary data, which also eliminates errors during the manufacturing process.

Keep On Creating

The best part of the tinkering community is their curiosity and creativity. If you’re starting to dabble in PCB design, don’t be discouraged or intimidated. Everyone started as a novice who slowly worked their way up to more and more complicated designs. With so many blogs and forums, you’ll be able to find advice from more experienced tinkerers to get you past any hurdle. And free PCB design software like PCB Artist will give you the extra confidence you need to keep on innovating.

While many people know what one of these boards is when they see one, they might not know exactly what they do or what types of parts go into creating the board. Below, we will learn more about the boards and how to create them using quality software. You will also learn why Advanced Circuits is the best place to go for help when manufacturing boards.

Printed Circuit Board Design – What’s on a PCB?

To get an understanding of printed circuit board design, it is important to have an understanding of the various parts of the board. The main element of the board is called the foundation. This substrate acts as the framework for the rest of the design. Typically, the substrate will be made from fiberglass, which helps to ensure more strength for the board, so there is less risk of it breaking. Other layers make up the framework of the board.

The boards include pathways made from copper, which is conductive, and which allows the electrical current to flow to certain areas where it is needed to perform tasks. The copper traces are the lines that connect the various components of the circuit board to one another. The benefit of using traces is that they help to keep the printed circuit board design smaller than it had been in the past.

There is a solder mask layer that can provide some additional protection to the PCB, which helps to reduce the risk of short circuits. There is also a silkscreen, which provides information about the circuit board. This might include part numbers, references, and even logos, for example.

Today’s printed circuit board design will also have tiny holes that have been drilled into it at the locations where various components might need to be added. The designs of the boards today have essentially removed the need to have wires soldered to and connected to the board, which is a huge benefit. Not only does this make the board easier to understand, but it helps to reduce the risk of failure in any of those other parts, such as a faulty wire. It also helps to streamline the appearance of the board and makes it smaller. This means that the electronics become smaller, which is something we’ve seen with most types of electronics today.

Creating Printed Circuit Board Designs

Designing a circuit board today is easier than it has ever been thanks to the quality of software that can be used. If you are designing a PCB, you will find that using PCB Artist from Advanced Circuits is one of the best options you will find. The system provides users with a simple tool for designing their PCBs and making sure that they work properly before submitting them to be manufactured.

The software from Advanced Circuits is easy to use, and one of the best features is that it is entirely free. The library features more than half a million parts, and you will be able to create printed circuit board designs that are up to 28 layers deep. Most engineers, whether they have a lot of experience or are just getting started, will find that PCB Artist is simple to use. It is the perfect place to lay down the blueprints of the design that you want and then to see if it will work or not. The software even has the capability to provide users with the fixes they need to ensure the board works properly.

Additionally, the users who are setting up their PCBs with Advanced Circuits can receive a review of their design from engineers to double-check that everything will work properly once they have submitted it. This adds another layer of protection, which can provide you with peace of mind when you are creating your PCB.

Knowing that there are issues with the design as early into the creation as possible helps to streamline the process. You can reassess the problem and make the fix before you place an order. It’s far better to find out about the errors with the printed circuit board design at this stage rather than after you have started manufacturing even some prototypes. It ultimately saves both time and money.

Advanced Circuits Provides Plenty of Help

No matter the size of the project, it is important to only put your trust in the best. From the printed circuit board design to using the software and going through the process of manufacturing the boards, Advanced Circuits strives to make the process as easy as possible. The company has a range of support features that help to provide a smooth path from the concept of the board through to the manufacturing process. You will find some great benefits to choosing Advanced Circuits, including a fast and simple process for getting a quote.

There is no minimum when it comes to ordering your boards. This means that if you only need to have one or two, whether they are prototypes or for a personal project, that is all you need to order. Of course, we also have the capacity to provide our customers with large orders if they need that. You can contact tech support around the clock and connect with people who can help you through each phase of the project.

Those who are going to be creating printed circuit boards with designs for large scale production or a solo project can benefit from the use of Advanced Circuits. Consider what you need, whether you will be using our free, available software or providing your files, and then get in touch to find out how much it will cost. Get started today.

Advanced Circuits offers many innovative services to help design engineers speed up the PCB prototyping and production process such as our Quickturn PCB Prototyping options as fast as same day.  We also offer free circuit board design tools such as PCB Artist design software and FreeDFM.

• Download PCB Artist Design Software 4.0→
• Check Gerber Files for Manufacturability Issues with FreeDFM→

Why Use Advanced Circuits Free PCB Design Software?

Advanced Circuits’ free design software rivals expensive layout software with its professional-grade design capabilities without paywalls or subscriptions of any kind.  Our free design software has become the most actively downloaded PCB Design Software on CNet’s Download.com for its ease of use and powerful features.

PCB Artist design software includes features such as up to 28 layer boards, Controlled AutoRouter, Multi-Page Schematic, and has the ability to import Native Eagle files (.brd, .sch, and .lbr) along with many other features to help speed up the design process.  Below is a comparison of our FREE PCB Artist software and other PCB design software:

Quote & Order Directly from our Free PCB Design Software

PCB Artist makes quoting and ordering from Advanced Circuits convenient.  At the start of the software, you are able to put in the basic criteria and specifications of the board you will be creating and the quantities you would like to order after your PCB design is ready.  The software will quote a price of your boards before you begin and once finished, you can easily order and pay for production by following the prompts within the software.

The process allows you to go from a design to an order quickly and without the need to export different file types and you can still take advantage of our 2 and 4 layer special pricing options through the free PCB design software.