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.

Always Test Your Circuit Design

One of the problems that cause delays and added costs to many companies is not ensuring that their boards are the best they can be before they go into the manufacturing phase. Even the most talented people can make small mistakes on their circuit design, which can cause a host of problems.

Rather than ordering a large number of these PCBs, it makes far more sense to take a step back and ensure that the design is correct first. Prototype the board and get a sample of the board to test out. This will let you know not only whether it works, but whether there might be some small design changes and tweaks that you could make to improve it further.

Do you have enough space between the components? Are you getting too much delay? Does the board become too hot? Look for the various ways that you can make some changes and improvements to your design, and then create another prototype, or at least have it checked by a third-party engineer, such as one of the specialists at Advanced Circuits. Doing this ensures that you have the best possible design. Only then should you move ahead with production.

Use Software to Make Circuit Design Easier

The world has changed, and technology has improved in many ways thanks to PCBs. With these changes, it means that the boards and circuit design is becoming more complex. The simple breadboards that were used for prototypes in the past may not be able to handle what you need in terms of your prototype circuit design. Instead, you will want to make sure that you are using software that will help to make the process of designing faster, easier, and more accurate.

If you are worried about the cost of this type of software, it’s understandable. Some of the software options that people use cost thousands of dollars. However, that’s not the case with our software, PCB Artist. We don’t charge anything to use the software, and it will work on computers that have a Pentium processor faster than 1.8 GHz and that have 512MB of RAM. The installation will take up 1.26GB on the hard drive, but most computers will have plenty of space to spare.

Just because our software is free doesn’t mean that it is lacking in power and features. We have a fully-featured program that has elements that you won’t even find with the expensive software options. Why do we offer the software for free? It’s simple. We want you to create high-quality boards that are ready to go. We want to make the process as simple as possible for you because it also helps us.

The software features hundreds of thousands of parts in the library. It’s easy and intuitive to use, and it can help to reduce the amount of time that it takes to go from an idea to a completed prototype and then to the manufacturing phase. Check out the software to see how much easier it will be to improve your circuit design.

Double-Check the Board

You believe that you have created the perfect board. Using software and prototyping as we suggested, that might be the case. However, you still don’t want to rush to the manufacturing process quite yet. Take some time to test the board in a real-world setting to see how it performs. You might find that you need to make just a few more small changes to improve the quality and efficiency of the board. While the board might work “just fine”, you should strive to ensure it is the best possible quality. This means double-checking the board to see if there may be ways to improve its speed or heat dissipation, for example.

If there are some changes you can make, apply them to your design, and get another prototype. Test it out until you are satisfied that it is exactly what your electronics will need. After all, you do not want a workable circuit design. You want an extraordinary design. Your customers, whether they are retail consumers or the military, will be glad that you did.

The Right Manufacturer Makes a Difference

Once you are certain that the board is in perfect shape, you can move ahead with manufacturing. However, you can’t simply choose just any manufacturer for the job. You need to be sure you are working with the team that can provide the best assembly and the best materials for your boards. Always take the time to investigate the history of the company and its size. You want a company that can provide you with what you need.

Advanced Circuits provides state of the art facilities and only uses high-quality materials for the creation of the boards. You have the option of ordering as many or as few boards as you need, and we can always provide a fast turnaround time. Often, you can get boards in a matter of days, which can help to speed up your manufacturing process. We have the best PCB shipping record in the field.

We are a top-rated PCB manufacturing company that is financially stable. You won’t have to worry about Advanced Circuits cutting corners or going out of business. We strive to be as efficient as possible in all of our departments. We even have 24-hour tech support, so you can always get in touch with a specialist regarding your project. Visit our website today to receive an instant quote online. We make things as easy as possible for you, so you can be sure you have the best circuit design.

Those who work in the field know this and they are well aware of how important circuit boards are, and they are always looking for ways that they can improve on their own designs. Below, you will find some tips that can help with printed circuit board design.

Use PCB Design Software

In the past, designing printed circuit boards was more time-consuming and difficult than it is today. Now, it is possible to find and use design software created for printed circuit board design. The software allows designers to construct the software in a virtual space. They can add and remove components as needed and then test them in the digital space to see whether they would work properly in the real world.

This gives designers the freedom they need to create new and interesting designs while allowing for testing to weed out the errors and problems from the board. The software can be a huge time saver and money saver for companies, and for individuals who might be making their own boards as an amateur or hobbyist.

Best of all in this day and age, you can find great software and you won’t have to spend a dime on it. PCB Artist from Advanced Circuits is fully-featured software that will make it easy for you to create the boards you need and to test them. Once you have created the boards and have the files you need, you can send them out to be manufactured.

Proper Spacing on the Board

Many times, new designers will try to pack as many components onto a PCB as possible. They may think that it will provide them with the best use of space, but that is rarely the case. Often, it simply means there will be more problems down the line when the board is tested. When components are too plentiful or too tightly spaced, it can cause issues with heat and with the wiring and soldering processes. Instead, it makes sense to have a printed circuit board design that is as clean as possible. By orienting similar components in the same direction, it can help with proper routing, for example.

Working with software, as mentioned above, is a good way to let you “see” the design first. You can also make sure it will work with your current spacing before committing to the design.

Consider the Trace Angles

The angle of the traces will be important, too. Many people create 90-degree traces, but this is not an ideal option. In fact, this could cause problems. Many boards designed by professionals will instead have 45-degree traces. This is something that you should strive for with your printed circuit board designs. The 45-degree traces help to relieve overcrowding as discussed above, and it can also help to improve the transfer speeds.

Be Aware of Heating Issues

Heat is often a problem for printed circuit boards. Designs need to account for proper heat dissipation, which can vary depending on the device type. You will want to examine any components that might be considered problematic from a heat perspective. You might also want to add thermal reliefs to the design as a means to help keep it somewhat cooler. Other elements in the device can help to keep the board cool, such as fans. However, you should do what you can on the board to reduce heat issues in the first place.

Choose a Quality Manufacturer Offering Great Materials

You should consider not just the initial printed circuit board design, but also what happens once you have a design that is complete. You need to have a reputable manufacturer create the boards for you. Regardless of whether you are only printing a few of the boards or you need thousands, make sure you choose a manufacturer that can deliver.

You should look for a company that uses high-quality materials and that has been in the field for years. Learn about the company’s reputation, the certifications it has, assembly services, and the overall capabilities.

Having a great design is essential, but if you do not also have a great manufacturer that can deliver on your design, it will not matter. Do not neglect the importance of a great manufacturing company for your printed circuit boards.

Once you believe you have found a good manufacturer, it is a good idea to order a prototype or a small batch. This ensures you are not spending a large amount of money on your first order, and allows you to test out the boards to ensure they are of sufficient quality. You do not want to make the mistake of ordering 10,000 PCBs from a company that you have never worked with or tested before. You need to know what you are getting before you commit.

Get in Touch with Advanced Circuits

Above are just some of the things that you will want to keep in mind when you are creating printed circuit board designs. When you work with Advanced Circuits, you will find that we can make many parts of the process much easier for you. We offer free high-quality PCB software to help with your designs and testing. We run engineering tests on the designs before manufacturing and will make you aware of any issues that might be present. Advanced Circuits offers excellent customer service and ensures that you are getting what you need, when you need it. Our quick turnaround time means you will get your boards quickly. Over the decades we have been in this field, we have strived to provide the best service possible for all of our customers, large and small.

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.

Whether you’re an expert engineer or an at-home inventor, you’ve likely designed PCBs that fail due to a short circuit or burnt-out component. PCB designs are incredibly intricate, and you’re not alone in your trial and error. Circumvent some of these hard lessons by checking out these tips to optimize your PCB layout for a better performing PCB.

Research                                                                                                                   

Before you begin drawing up the plans for your next PCB, pause for a moment to consider why. Is your goal to improve an existing circuit board? Are you dreaming of an entirely innovative concept? Whichever your reason, make sure you know your end goal and research whether there are existing circuit board templates that you can use. This pre-work will save you a ton of time and keep you from reinventing the wheel if a solution already exists. You’ll also avoid repeating the mishaps of others when designing your PCB layout.

Create a Blueprint

Once you’re set on the outcome you’re hoping to achieve, it’s time to put your ideas into something tangible. Start with a hand-drawn sketch to map out your circuit board. This will allow you to see the flow and catch any errors before adding in the complication of technology. You can also have colleagues or other PCB hobbyists review your circuit board layout ideas for input before creating your virtual design.

Use a (Free) PCB Software

With your blueprint in hand, you’re ready to start designing the layout of your PCB. The best way to create a PCB layout is by using free PCB design software, like Advanced Circuit’s PCB Artist. PCB design software, like PCB Artist, will give you access to a components library with over 500,000 parts. It’s incredibly easy to search for a previously used component, add it, and rearrange as needed for your PCB layout. Never pay money to use PCB design software, as there are so many excellent free choices on the market.

This digital blueprint that you create using a PCB software is called a schematic. In your schematic, you’ll place your components, connectors, connections, and power sources. Eventually, this will become your PCB design that a manufacturer will use to create your PCB.

Most free PCB design software also comes with a design rule check so you can be confident that your PCB layout works and can be produced by the manufacturer of your choice.

Placement

The placement of your components during the schematics stage is incredibly critical to the viability of your PCB. Typically, you want to start by placing your most essential elements first, and then go from there with any flairs or add-ons. Keep in mind that you don’t want to overcrowd your PCB. Placing components and active elements too close together can result in high temperatures. Overheating your PCB can cause components to burn and, ultimately, lead to your PCB failing.

You’ll also want to check with the manufacturer, and during the design, rule check to see if there are placement restrictions. In general, you want to leave at least 100 mils of space between any component and the edge of your PCB. You also want to evenly space out your components and organize so that like-components are oriented the same direction, as possible.

Routing

As you plan and design your PCB’s layout, you’ll want to consider the different routing options and specifications. On a finished PCB, the routing is the copper traces that run along the green board and indicate the flow of electricity between the components. The general rule of thumb is to make the route distance between elements as short and direct as possible. You also want to make sure that you make your traces wide enough to handle the high temperatures in an electrical circuit. When in doubt about your PCB overheating, you can always add in via, or holes, to channel electricity to the other side of the PCB.

Layers

Thanks to advances in our scientific understanding of electricity and circuits, we can now easily manufacture PCBs with multiple layers. The more layers you have on a PCB layout, the more complex your circuit will be. Extra layers allow you to add in more components and tends to have higher connectivity.

Multilayer PCBs appear in more sophisticated electrical devices, but if you find your PCB layout is becoming overcrowded, this could be an excellent way to problem-solve. Multilayer PCB designs do come with higher costs, but Advanced Circuits offers excellent deals on two and four-layer PCB fabrication.

PCB Manufacturer

You’ve put in the hard work and effort to design your PCB, so make sure you select a manufacturer that can bring your plan to life. Different PCB manufacturers use different fabrication processes and use varying qualities of components. It would be a shame to have an incredible PCB layout, only to receive a low-quality product with a lousy soldering job or faulty components. Choosing a manufacturer that uses surface mounting technology is your best bet for a PCB that precisely represents your PCB layout. This fabrication method is mostly automated and reduces the risk of human error when creating your physical PCB.

Create a Prototype

Even if you’re 100% confident in your PCB, it’s always a good idea to order a prototype. Even experts know that you’ll likely want to make tweaks to your PCB design once you see how your prototype performs in its given application. After testing out your prototype, you can go back to the drawing board and update your PCB layout for optimal output.

Advanced Circuits Can Help

Advanced Circuits is the third largest PCB manufacturer in the U.S. Their company has you covered from beginning to end in your PCB layout process. You can utilize their free PCB design software and file check to ensure your layout is bug-free and ready to go. Advanced Circuits has an incredibly accurate fabrication process that will ensure your PCB is delivered precisely as you designed it.

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.

It also opens up the door to the risk of losses due to flaws in the PCB design. Even when top-tier PCB design software is used by a skilled expert, there can always be mistakes that a production team can recognize. The “no-touch” approach used by most subcontractors, though, allows for glitches because files are often received and run without evaluation.

The good news is that some domestic PCB manufacturers have the ability to offer one-stop production, including access to free, premium PCB design software, along with expert evaluative services.

PCB Design Software to Ensure Optimal Results

Advanced Circuits provides customers with PCB design software, and rates as one of the most well-known companies in the PCB and prototype assembly industries. We handle PCB manufacturing (fabrication) and assembly, but it is often our PCB design software and expert support that sets us far apart from the crowd.

A one-stop shop with more than two decades in the industry, we provide customers with exclusive services that support, facilitate, and improve any project. The resources available for the PCB design process include the following.

Free PCB Layout Software – PCB Artist – Whether novice or expert designers, customers are often delighted by the entirely complimentary access they receive to this innovative PCB design software. Unrestricted, it is capable of up to 28 layers and includes more than 500k parts, a controlled auto-router function, multi-page schematics, and more. Easy to use, it is a noted printed circuit board design tool throughout the industry.

Free PCB File Check – Whether or not the free PCB Artist software is used, there is also the FreeDFM program that enables clients to run a free and fast design assessment. The software uses PCB design software files uploaded into the system and then evaluates them fully. The program ensures files feature all essential data, automatically corrects some issues, and provides an easy-to-read and use report. Clients using it also enjoy a discount when they run the designs in advance of submitting them to the team.

If a customer is using Gerber format files, the PCB design software and File Check program can still be put to use. There are free uploading tools, and it takes only the submission of a client email to obtain the full evaluative report. It takes only minutes, and a quote, discount code, and link to the PDF of the results will appear.

End Problems Using PCB Design Software

Worried that you are going to have to relearn the use of PCB design software to enjoy the free tools and resources…as well as enjoy all of those benefits? Don’t be! The PCB Artist software comes with printable tutorials and video options that take even the extreme beginner through the complex process of PCB design and manufacturing. And there are experts on-call 24 hours a day to help.

Additionally, on top of the free file review software, every single order receives a free engineering file review before the fabrication process is initiated. What is this? An actual engineer examines the file and guarantees that customers never experience the kind of financially harmful outcomes they might have received via the more common no-touch services from outsourced work. Rather than an easily correctable design flaw allowed to go through and ruin a batch, the trained eye will detect issues and correct them before a project begins.

And, while the free PCB design resources made available on our website is enough to demonstrate why we are a preferred provider, there are many additional reasons to use and order through the PCB design software, including:

• No tooling charges – When an order features Standard Specifications, we’re always glad to eliminate tooling charges and cancel out such fees on reorders of Standard Spec as Custom Spec items.
• We are NOT a broker – Advanced Circuits never subcontracts work. Instead, we rely on our top-of-the-line, 62,000-square-foot facility that guarantees the kind of quality and speed most want but don’t always receive.
• 24-hour support – Customer service around-the-clock is great, but we also feature a live tech support team that allows design teams to speak directly with a CAM engineer at any hour of the day or night and get answers about the free PCB design software or PCBs, in general.
• No minimum orders – There are no minimum lot requirements, meaning that clients are not forced to invest in huge orders with more PCBs than they might need or use.
• Best shipping record – Advanced Circuits has the best on-time shipping record in the industry.

Partner with Advanced Circuits for Error-Free PCB Design

Don’t spend a moment worrying about learning curves and other similar struggles for our free design tools. They are easy to use and include tutorials. Instead, get ready for a far more efficient design process, simple ordering, and discounted pricing. There are so many reasons to choose Advanced Circuits, and as you have seen, we go well beyond the free PCB design software. We ensure that any designs (whether received as Gerber files or another format) are without easily correctable mistakes. This saves time and money while keeping your firm on schedule. The free evaluation resources available include engineering reviews, and we make engineers available around-the-clock to help with any issues or questions.

It is difficult to beat this approach to PCB design and production, and with guarantees that orders arrive when scheduled (or they are free), it makes good sense to get in touch with Advanced Circuits and get your project started today.

However, if you do not make use of a quality Gerber file viewer, you may find some issues. Even after you have spent a long time making sure that the board has been designed perfectly, it is still possible for errors to exist in the Gerber files. It is very frustrating to have this happen.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to find and handle these problems before they take control. In addition to having a quality design from the start, using a Gerber file viewer to locate issues is very important. Even if you are creating a relatively simple circuit board, you will find that having a file viewer can help to cut down on errors. Even the best designers and engineers can make mistakes. Viewing the Gerber files can help to ensure those mistakes do not persist and cause further problems.

What Are Gerber Files?

Before delving into how a file viewer can help, it is a good idea to have an understanding of what Gerber files are and why they are important. The files are considered the industry standard for printed circuit boards, which means they are what everyone knows and uses.

It has become the industry standard because Gerber is robust and able to describe a range of different circumstances regarding the board that everyone who is familiar with the file system can understand. It also makes it easier to send files out to a manufacturer because everyone is working from the same base. The Gerber file format should be used to ensure there are guidelines for the manufacturer. It describes the components of the PCB image, communicating the information to the manufacturer in a way they will understand.

Over the years, there have been several generations of Gerber files. These include the first generation, RS-274-D, which is also often called Standard Gerber. Extended Gerber, RS0274X is the second generation. The most recent Gerber file format is called Gerber X2.

Easily Check Your Gerber Files

Creating high-quality designs does not always mean you haven’t made any errors. There could still be issues that a Gerber file viewer can help to find so you can fix them. At Advanced Circuits, we offer a PCB file viewer, which makes it easy for you to add your files and view them. You can quickly and easily find out if there are any problems with the files before you move forward. One of the best features of our file viewer is that it can correct some types of problems automatically. This helps to speed up the process even further.

Our free file viewer software is very simple to use. Once you have exported files from the software program you are using to design the PCB, all you need to do is load them onto our site’s file viewer. It is a free system, and you can get your results very quickly. Just add your email address, so the results of the check can be sent to your email.

If there are issues with the design, you will be alerted in the results that are emailed to you. The report that you receive is graphical and very easy to understand. If there are remaining problems, you will know exactly what you need to address. As mentioned, it is sometimes possible for the software to fix certain issues automatically. In the results, you will find out if any issues were automatically corrected.

One of the other benefits of using Advanced Circuits is that we also provide free PCB Artist software. This is an ideal solution for those who need a quality, reliable program to create their printed circuit boards from the ground up.

If there are issues that were not corrected automatically, you will at least know where they are located. This allows you to go back to the proverbial drawing board, so you can then fix the issue or issues on your own.

Being able to check the files helps to eliminate the risk of trying to send through files for production that have errors in them. For anyone who is working in the field and even those who might be making a few prototypes for personal projects, errors cause delays. When projects are delayed, they can cost money, not to mention a substantial amount of frustration. Using a high-quality Gerber file viewer helps to cut down on these issues substantially.

How Else Will Advanced Circuits Help You?

As mentioned, Advanced Circuits also provides PCB Artist software, which makes it faster and easier to create a high-quality PCB design. It is powerful and easy-to-use software that is entirely free for those who want to use it. There are other benefits to working with us that you will discover.

We can provide a speedy turnaround time for those who are looking to have their PCBs manufactured. Not only are we able to manufacture quickly, but you will find that we are also able to ship quickly. We have been in the field for years and have become not only one of the largest companies in the industry but also one of the most trusted. There are no minimum orders when working with us, either. Whether you need one or two boards or you need 10,000, we can provide you with the help you need throughout the project.

Regardless of where you are in your design for a printed circuit board, it is time to check out all that Advanced Circuits can offer. From design software to a Gerber file viewing, manufacturing, and more, we have what you need. Get in touch and make sure that your board is error-free and ready for printing.