Why PCB Design Matters

Why is PCB design such an important consideration? Simply put, it affects all aspects of the electronic device. If the board is designed with the wrong materials, if the traces are not correctly routed, if the vias are not properly designed – the board will either not work, or will not work as expected. That could lead to problems as basic as a lack of functionality, or as dangerous as overheating.

The key to PCB design is software. However, the market has grown immensely in the last few years. How do you choose the right PCB design software for your needs? We’d like to offer a helping hand here by outlining the things to look for in PCB design software.

Ease of Use

The first consideration has nothing to do with feature sets, automation, or component libraries. Instead, we’re going to focus on how easy the software is to use. Of course, ease of use is a deep topic and touches on everything from the intuitiveness of the user interface to the ease of accessing tools and features. It is also one of the most difficult qualities to quantify.

We’ll limit our discussion here to a simple formula: the number of clicks, keystrokes, and mousing required to achieve a goal. The more clicks, keystrokes, or mouse movement necessary to complete a step, the less easy to use the software is. The fewer clicks, keystrokes, and mouse movements necessary, the easier the software is to use.

Why does this matter? Simply put, if you have to click, hit multiple keys, and then move the mouse several times to accomplish a common action, it will require a significant investment of time and effort. Instead, look for PCB design software that helps streamline common actions to save you time and hassle.

Learning Curve

This is tied directly to ease of use but also touches on other aspects, such as design language (not coding, but the way the software is designed with users in mind), and more. Shorter learning curves mean you can get started using the software sooner. Steeper learning curves mean increased time learning how to do things within the program. Shorter learning curves are always preferable, as this ensures you’re able to hit the ground running. However, make sure that you’re not sacrificing features for a shorter learning curve.

Feature Set

The feature set offered is a critical consideration with any PCB software. While features and capabilities vary dramatically from one software option to the next, there are some commonly needed features to look for, as well as nice-to-have options that make one option stand out from the others.

• Component Library – A robust component library helps reduce design time by allowing you to drag and drop commonly used components from the library onto your board design. However, to get the most value from this feature, you must know the components your board will need and then verify that they’re included in the library.

• Layers – How many layers can the software handle? While simple PCB designs might call for just a few layers, complex boards that support multi-functionality will require many layers. Today, most PCB software can handle multiple layers, but it is important to verify that the option you are considering matches your design complexity.

• Simulation – Any PCB software worth considering should provide you with a simulation function. Essentially, once you finish designing the board, this feature allows you to test operation and model usage scenarios. It is important for identifying potential flaws in traces and vias, components set too close together, verifying heat resistance during operation, and so much more. Without an ability to accurately simulate real-world use, you’re relying on guesswork.

• 3D Modeling – Three-dimensional modeling capabilities are vital to creating an optimized PCB. This feature allows you to get a bird’s-eye view, but also to zoom in on the smallest features of your board. From component placement to lamination, layering to design changes, 3D modeling offers powerful capabilities that every board designer needs, whether you’re creating a single prototype or gearing up for a full production run.

The Cost Factor

Finally, let’s touch on cost. Robust PCB design software can be costly. Those costs can rise even more when you factor in add-ons, such as multiple user licenses, or limits set on the number of signal layers or pins. However, many engineers assume that PCB software must come with a high price tag to be worthwhile. The truth is that cost is not always an indicator of quality or capabilities. In fact, free PCB design software can be both high-quality and highly capable.

Free PBC Artist Software

At Advanced Circuits, we’ve led the PCB industry for decades and understand the complexity of finding the right PCB design software. In addition to our groundbreaking production capabilities, we also offer access to PCB Artist at no cost. It supports native Eagle import, multi-page schematics, controlled auto-router, up to 28 layers, and comes with a library of over 500,000 parts. All that, plus it’s unrestricted and requires no licensing fees.

Contact us today to learn more about our free PCB design software or our capabilities when it comes to board manufacturing and assembly.

The Pros of Prototyping Board Design

Although the world of technology moves quickly, it also moves intelligently, or at least it should. This means that before a circuit board can be used in electronics, it should go through plenty of testing to ensure it does what it is supposed to do. The best way to do this it by prototyping the board design.

Going through a prototyping phase allows you to see whether there are any issues with the board that will arise when it is being used. You can note the errors and places where you can make improvements to the board before going into full manufacturing mode. Once you have your design created and sent to Advanced Circuits, for example, our engineers will test the design. This helps to ensure that everything is working as it should.

You will also find that prototyping the board design will help you to save time and money. If you find that there is a problem with the board early, it will be easier for you to make changes to get the board to where it needs to be. You won’t have to worry that your boards don’t work and that you will have to go back to the proverbial drawing board after you’ve ordered a few thousand of them.

You will also have more peace of mind knowing that your design works even before you place an order for one. This makes projects far easier to handle from the design perspective, as well as giving you confidence in your design.

The Cons of Prototyping Board Design

There aren’t many cons when it comes to using prototypes. However, it will depend on how you prototype the board design. If you are using a breadboard, which is what many people do because it’s relatively simple and it is how many people learned, it can cause problems.

The problems stem from the fact that these breadboards tend to have limitations compared with prototyping a board using software. They tend not to be a good option if you are working with a design that has high voltage or that is extremely complicated. It can also be difficult to “map” exactly what you are doing, and this could lead to mistakes down the line. Software, on the other hand, can catch these issues and eliminate them before you have a test board manufactured and sent to you.

You will also find that breadboard prototypes have trouble dealing with higher and more precise frequencies. Since boards today utilize surface mount technology that thrives with higher frequencies, it might be difficult to make a viable prototype using a breadboard. The breadboard strips also typically have a high resistance and could cause stray capacitance that can cause problems with the prototype. You might end up with a board that should work but doesn’t, simply due to the limitations of the board.

Fortunately, you can use software that can help to mitigate the problems of the standard, traditional breadboard.

Prototyping Board Design Using Quality Software

There are many software options available today for designing printed circuit boards. While we might be biased, we believe that our option, PCB Artist, is the best. It helps make the prototyping and the design of boards much faster and easier. It allows you to test out different designs and components to ensure everything on the board works well together and it can provide the results you need.

While there are some expensive PCB software options available, this doesn’t mean that they are the right choice. Because we offer a full manufacturing facility, and we want to make sure our customers get exactly what they need, we provide our software free. You won’t have to pay anything to use PCB Artist.

Just because the software is free does not mean it lacks in features. We have more features than the paid software many people are using. This is a fully-featured piece of design software that offers free, live technical support.

It’s professional-grade software that is sure to provide you with a faster and easier method of designing your boards. Some of the features of the software include a controlled autorouter, component autoplace, individual colored nets options, ratsnest connections optimization, and multipage schematics.

Once you design your board, you can test it to make sure that it works. We even provide a free engineer review to ensure it will work. If you would like, you can then order a handful, or even just one of the boards. It can be sent to you so you can then put it through its paces and make any changes that could be needed to improve the board.

Our goal is to make the process of getting quality boards that work as simple and as fast as possible. You will never have to use another plastic breadboard again.

What’s Right for You?

Unless you are 100% certain that your boards are perfect and that there are no potential issues that could arise, you should consider getting a prototype. It allows you to look for any small details that you might have missed. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Take the time to check out Advanced Circuits to see everything that we have to offer in addition to the PCB Artist software. Our manufacturing facilities are state-of-the-art, and we can provide you with a fast turnaround no matter how many boards you might need to order once you are sure your prototype works. Learn more about our services and facilities to see why we might be the right solution for your 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.

Anyone who creates circuit boards knows that perfection is unattainable, and that first attempts will usually have some flaws or glitches. However, having a better understanding of exactly how circuit board design works can help ease frustrations. By following these steps and knowing the importance of each, you can be more confident in your final product.

Think Like an Engineer

Before you even fire up your PCB design software, try spending some more time thinking like an engineer. Thanks to Silicon Valley, the term “design thinking” has become the buzzword of our times. This method isn’t just all hype, though; it is incredibly helpful before dedicating time and resources towards your product.

You can start your product by engaging in a discovery phase. During this time, make sure you’ve identified the problem that you want your circuit board to solve. This might not be a physical problem, but perhaps something that’s missing from the market or a niche that you think your innovation could fill. This will ensure that your circuit board is designed for a purpose from the start and will keep you from being side-tracked during the process.

Next, start to brainstorm the potential solutions. You can use this time to consult with the tinkering community and PCB blogs for what others have done with their designs. By tapping into PCB circles, you’ll avoid having to reinvent the wheel when an idea might already exist that just needs some refining for your purposes. Once you’ve done your research, spoken with others, and considered multiple approaches, you’ll be ready to start designing.

Create a Schematic

Even with the best idea in the world, you wouldn’t just want to build it immediately without planning. As the saying goes, it’s better to measure twice and cut once. Just like the blueprints to a building, schematics are a low-risk way to lay out your plans. You’ll probably want to first draw this out by hand to get an idea of the components involved. If you’re creating a more complex PCB, you’ll want to determine the function of each part of your circuit and group components accordingly.

At this point, you’ll want to bring in a free PCB design software, like Advanced Circuit’s PCB Artist. PCB design software will give you access to layouts and components used by other PCB creators. PCB Artist’s library includes over 500,000 components for you to explore and experiment with on your circuit board design.

As you design your virtual schematic based on your hand-drawn template, you’ll want to start by adding in and placing the components. The most common components you’ll add in are resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and batteries, depending on your design. Make sure you keep in mind the size constraints of your PCB and not to overcrowd the circuit board. Placing too many components on a small area size of a PCB can cause overheating and, ultimately, failure. If your design does require a lot of components, be sure to plan on budgeting for a multilayer PCB.

At this point, you’re halfway done finishing your schematic! Once all your components are in place, you can now add your connections, connectors, and power sources. The last step to completing your schematic is to name your connections. Now, you’re ready to hit file and save or print it out so that you can double-check your work before converting it to a PCB layout.

PCB Design at Last

With most PCB design software, like PCB Artist, you’ll easily be able to convert your schematic into a PCB design. The schematic creates a netlist, which is data that helps build your PCB design. At this point, your screen will actually look like a circuit board. You’ll be able to determine the specifications of your product, such as how big your PCB will be and how many layers you need. You’ll also be able to add in routing directions. This is where you convert the connections from your schematic into the actual copper “tracks” so that PCB manufacturers know how electricity should flow from pin to pin. Pin-to-pin, daisy-chaining, star, and bus routings are the most common, and you’ll want to make your choice based on how your PCB needs to function.

Trust, But Verify

Even though you’ve done the planning and poured in a ton of research, you’ll still want to triple-check your circuit board design before sending a prototype off to be manufactured. Each prototype costs money to make and ship, and your budget probably isn’t infinite. While your design might not be perfect with the prototype, you’ll want to know you’ve done due diligence to make sure it’s sound. PCB design software, like PCB Artist, has a design rule check that you can run to make sure the manufacturer will be able to produce your design and catch any errors.

Start Creating Today

Creating a circuit board design has never been easier than it is now. Rather than struggling like past techies ­­­­­­­­­–– laboring over homemade cardboard PCBs –– you can get a high-quality product with less hassle and more support. Free PCB design software, like PCB Artist, has made the art and science of producing a circuit board accessible and fun.

While your first few circuit board designs might not come out perfectly, following these steps will help make sure you’ve covered all your bases. You’ll also find you’ll become more comfortable as you get familiar with PCB design software. The only way to improve, though, is by continuing to learn about circuit board design, whether through online blogs, forums, or tutorials. And of course, practice makes perfect.

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.

However, not all PCB design software solutions are the same, and you’ll need to make an informed decision on your needs. What should you look for when considering the use of such software? We’ll explore the most important differentiation points below.

Layers

Like creating images in Photoshop, you should be able to add layers to your PCB design. This allows you to add elements, remove them, adjust individual element types, and do all of this without disturbing the rest of the PCB design. However, not all PCB design software can accommodate the same number of layers. Obviously, the more layers the software can support, the more detailed your planning can be and the more easily you can modify specific design elements without disturbing the whole. With PCB Artist, you can add up to 28 layers, simply and easily.

Custom Layout Capabilities

While all circuit boards share specific similarities, they’re all different. You must ensure that your PCB design software gives you the ability to layout the PCB in a way that works best for your design. This ensures that you’re able to create fully-functional PCBs that fit within your application, whether you’re interested in IoT, toy design, PC and laptop design, or something completely different. With custom layout capabilities, you can create a board to fit any application, and then add layers to build in the necessary functionality.

Part Library

Sure, PCB design software can allow you to create your own custom parts, but let’s face it – most PCBs use the same range of parts for various functions. Why go through the trouble of having to design those components by hand every single time you need to use them? It’s so much simpler to choose from a parts library, then just click and add the necessary part to your PCB schematic. It’s easy to move the part around your design and then adjust it to fit the circuit’s orientation. With PCB Artist, you can access a parts library of over 500,000 of the most commonly used parts, saving you an immense amount of time and stress.

Creation Wizard

Of course, there is always a chance that you’ll need to add a part to your PCB that isn’t within a library. Or, you might need to add a custom symbol or portion of a footprint. Doing so should be simple, easy, and intuitive. With PCB Artist, you get the benefits of a fully-fledged creation wizard that allows you to easily create custom parts, add custom symbols, and more with just a few clicks of your mouse. It really can be that simple.

Design Status Reports

If you have ever wondered what the status was of your PCB board design, you know it can be challenging to determine where the project stands. With PCB Artist, you have access to design status reports so that the entire team can be on the same page. That means no more worrying about a project falling behind without stakeholders being aware of the issue, and improves your ability to meet product needs and deadlines.

The Right Files in the Right Format

If you have ever tried to design prototype boards and then send those designs to a board manufacturer, you know the challenges inherent with ensuring that you’ve got the right files in the right format. A single misstep here could mean hours more work, or even missing deadlines and failing to deliver on client expectations. With PCB Artist, you know you have the right files in the right format every single time.

Tips and Tools

While one PCB designer might have years of experience and expertise, another might just be starting out and lack the same level of knowledge. The right PCB design software will provide a good starting point for designers of all experience and knowledge levels. Look for an option that provides you with tips and tools that help you improve production, use the various tool types effectively, create parts quickly and easily, and more. PCB Artist meets all of these requirements.

Tutorials

There’s a learning curve with every new software suite that you use. However, you cannot afford to spend a lot of time learning through trial and error. Instead, look for a PCB design software option that gives you in-depth tutorials. These should you walk you through everything from board layout to part design, and more. With access to high-quality tutorials, such as those offered with PCB Artist, you can reduce the learning curve dramatically and begin using your software more effectively almost immediately.

Additional Features and Functionality

In addition to the capabilities outlined above, you should also consider a few other key features and functions prior to choosing PCB design software. For instance, you may want to ensure that the software comes with a file formatter, a design rule and check function, component autoplace to simplify placement and alignment, adjustable navigation, and a library manager to simplify things for you.

Making Your Choice

Whether you’re interested in creating PCBs for your students, need prototypes for testing a new design, or you’re about to ramp up into full production mode, Advanced Circuits can help. We’re proud of the recognition our free PCB design software has garnered. PCB Artist is the single most capable software suite available today, and you can use it for no cost whatsoever. Couple that with our ability to manufacture PCBs to your design specifications, and you enjoy a seamless process from beginning to end with a trusted partner. In addition, our PCB design software is available to download – just install it and you’re ready to get started designing your own custom printed circuit boards.

Aurora, CO – Advanced Circuits has released version 3.2 of its free professional-grade PCB design software, PCB Artist™, the most active PCB software on Downloads.com with over 265,000 downloads.  Since its first release in June of 2007, Advanced Circuits’ PCB Artist has become well known in the printed circuit board industry as the best free PCB design software for its ease-of-use, comprehensive tools, and advanced PCB layout capabilities.  The software has evolved to offer users more complex features while maintaining its popular user-friendly interface.  Many customers say they prefer using PCB Artist over their high-cost CAD platforms.

The new 3.2 version includes upgrades to the software’s “Library Manager”, improving the way users search and identify components from a library of over 500,000 parts.  Another new option called “Fetch Component”, on the Schematics and PCB Context Menu allows for quicker component placement to the user’s current cursor position with just a few clicks.  The 3.2 version expands its “Color by Net” feature to include “Color by Net Class” on both the Schematics and PCB Drawing modes for easier sorting and visualization of the different nets and net classes in the users’ PCB design.  Finally, a more accessible “Working Grid” that is now easily editable from the Status Bar.

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