PCB Layout – Advanced Circuits | PCB Manufacturing & PCB Assembly https://www.4pcb.com/blog Printed Circuit Boards and PCB Assembly Manufacturer Blog Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:57:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Circuit Boards: A Guide to Choosing Materials /blog/circuit-boards-a-guide-to-choosing-materials/ Fri, 05 Mar 2021 18:39:55 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2382 Continue reading ]]> At Advanced Circuits, we offer critical solutions for clients in virtually every industry, from prototyping to final products. Whether you have ultra-demanding requirements or simply need a partner capable of producing a single design one time, we can help. One important aspect of designing circuit boards is choosing the right material.

A range of different materials can be used when manufacturing circuit boards. However, they are not all the same. Each material brings something different to the table in terms of performance, tolerances, durability, and more. An informed decision here will maximize performance and durability, reduce weight, and ensure that your design performs to expectations.

Board Types

Circuit boards come in a wide range of types and are classified by component location, stack-up, design, bendability, strength, and electrical functionality. Before choosing a material, make sure you know which classification your design falls into, as this will affect material choices and other decisions.

FR-4

FR-4 is a commonly used material in the design of circuit boards. It is actually made of fiberglass (technically a glass-reinforced epoxy laminate), which means it is relatively lightweight and affordable. For this reason, it is often used in lower-end consumer electronics. The letters FR indicate that this material is also flame retardant, which can be important in applications where heat dispersal is a consideration. It is also known for its high mechanical values, as well as its ability to insulate and perform well even in more humid conditions. However, it may not have the thickness, durability, or capacity for higher-end or higher-performance applications.

When to use it: use FR-4 material in products where cost is a consideration, but you want effective performance across a wide range of applications. Typically, you’ll find FR-4 used in substrate/laminate boards. We recommend it for standard circuit boards.

Rogers Material

The Rogers company also manufactures material for circuit boards. The company offers several options, but one they are best known for is PTFE (Teflon). Teflon costs more than FR-4, but it provides better performance for RF circuit boards because it has a lower signal loss rate. Other advantages include a wide range of dielectric constant values, improved management of heat, and better control over impedance. The trade-off is the higher cost, coupled with slightly more weight.

When to use it: use this material in applications where power management is important, as well as where RF, microwave, or high-performance functionality are necessary. Note that this is a good material for mobile use, too. Typically used in laminate boards, we recommend this option for high frequency, microwave, and high-power situations.

Metal

Metal is an option for the base of circuit boards. So-called “metal core” boards offer greater heft, but also provide better durability and strength. Most are made from aluminum, but alloys exist that can be used instead. Typically, these boards feature the metal base layer, a second layer of conductive dielectric material, and then the final layer of copper on the top. Metal core circuit boards are widely used in solid-state applications, and in use cases where ceramic substrates cannot be used.

When to use it: metal core circuit boards are well-suited for LED applications, but can also be used for other lighting applications, and they also play a role in automotive electronic design.

HDI

HDI, or high-density interconnector, is yet another option for circuit board design. The name says it all – this material offers a high line distribution density and is often used in situations where designers need to reduce weight and size without sacrificing electronic performance. HDI can make use of blind and buried vias, as well as microvias, vias in pad, and through vias from surface to surface.

When to use it: use HDI where density is a consideration, as well as when size and weight are serious concerns. Note that HDI also offers reduced heat transfer included stress.

High Tg

As the temperature of the circuit board and surrounding environment rises, the material of the board’s base layer actually shifts states. The higher the temperature at which the material can remain rigid, the better performing the material will be for board design. Of course, in low-temperature environments, this is not much of a concern. However, with high-temperature environments, the glass-transition temperature (Tg) is important. High Tg materials offer the temperature resistance required for these applications, and they are beginning to be more commonly used across industries.

When to use it: high Tg materials are all about heat control, so this material is well-suited for designs where stability at high temperatures is critically important. We recommend this material for high density needs.

A Note on Solder and Toxicity

Soldering circuit boards can expose you to lead-carrying fumes (lead is sometimes contained within solder). Since any circuit board will require soldering, always solder boards in a well-ventilated area, while wearing appropriate protective gear.

A Full Range of Capabilities for Circuit Boards

At Advanced Circuits, we offer an end-to-end service for your needs in designing and manufacturing circuit boards. From choosing the right material to determining the right number of layers to full PCB assembly, we offer fast turnarounds and affordable pricing. No order is too large or too small. All circuit boards are manufactured within one of our US-based locations, which allows us to manufacture circuit boards for virtually alllayout projects, including DOD contracts.

Layout and Design Help for Circuit Boards

We believe in giving our customers every advantage possible. We understand that designing circuit boards can be incredibly complex, time-consuming, and frustrating. To help ease that burden, we offer free access to PCB Artist — our intuitive, unrestricted PCB design software — to walk you through the entire design process. Create designs of up to 28 layers, import from Eagle, and access a library of over half a million parts all in one place.

 

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Benefits of PCB Layout Software /blog/benefits-of-pcb-layout-software/ Wed, 30 Sep 2020 18:59:23 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2247 Continue reading ]]> In the past, it could take a lot of time to design a printed circuit board even before the first prototype was made. The design process, which is where much of the work is done, is complex. There are many factors to consider when designing PCBs, but technology has started to make some aspects of this easier. PCB layout software, in particular, has the potential to help save time, money, and frustration on the parts of the designers.

Let’s look at some of the biggest benefits of using high-quality PCB layout software for your designs.

Reduce the Complications of Design

As mentioned, designing a printed circuit board is not easy. There are many elements that need to be considered during the construction of the board and it gets complex rather quickly. Using quality PCB layout software helps to strip away those complications. Everything is digital and can be changed, updated, and manipulated quickly and easily. It becomes easier to keep track of everything you are doing during the design process. Many find that using PCB layout software helps them to work faster because they know that they can change things so easily if needed.

Find and Fix Errors Early

When you are using PCB software, you will likely find that you are making fewer errors. This is because it is easier to keep track of what you are doing, and software can look for compatibility problems and errors. It can point out those errors and, in some cases, even offer fixes. By finding these issues early and fixing them, it means that you will be able to move on to production faster than you would have otherwise. It also means that you are not going to be spending money making prototypes, or a run of thousands of PCBs, that have errors.

Save Time and Money

Because you are working in a digital space, it also means that you are saving money on your own materials. You can create the board virtually, test it in the virtual space and have it double-checked, and then order a prototype to use. Because the software helps to reduce complications, it means you are not spending as much time with back and forth on the design process. You can fix the errors faster, which means you can move ahead with an order to create the products you need. You are saving time and money by using PCB layout software.

Try New Ideas

Working with PCB layout software also means you are capable of thinking outside of the box with your design ideas without any risk. You can create a design and test it virtually to see whether it will work or not. This gives designers more freedom than they might have had otherwise.

What Should You Look for When Choosing PCB Layout Software?

  • Cost: Today, there are many options on the market for this type of software, but you need to be sure you are choosing an option that will provide you with the results you need. One of the first things that you are likely to think about when it comes to choosing software will be the cost. This is natural. Whether you are a solo hobbyist creating your own PCBs or you are a large company that is in need of PCBs for new devices you are making, price is important.

The truth of the matter is that the prices for software can vary. There are some options that are quite expensive, and most people do not want to spend $1,000 or more on software. Fortunately, there are free options, as well, such as PCB Artist. Keep in mind that cost does not mean quality. An expensive piece of CAD software will not have the capabilities of free software that was designed specifically for PCBs.

  • Features: Regardless of which type of software you opt for, you will want to be sure that you are choosing an option that has all of the features you need. Compare the software you are considering to the other choices on the market to see that it has what you require. Does it offer Gerber format files? Does the software provide design rule checks and support? Does it offer integrated schematics? Will it have a library manager? How large is the library? Can you create the types of PCBs that you need with the software or not?
  • Ease of Use: Additionally, you will want to have software that is easy to use. Some software will have a steeper learning curve than others, but it should not be so complicated that you have to spend weeks trying to figure out how to use it correctly. The software should offer a guide to help you get started. If the company offers video tutorials, it is even better.

Once you have the software, you will want to familiarize yourself with it by using the guide or the tutorials previously mentioned. Do this before diving in and trying to create an important PCB design. This ensures that you will have a good understanding of how to use the software and where to find various features when you start using it for PCB design.

Make PCB Artist Your PCB Layout Software Choice

There are many options on the market for CAD software that could be used for PCB design, and there are some specifically made PCB layout software choices available. With all of those options, why should you choose PCB Artist from Advanced Circuits? One of the major reasons is the fact that the software will not cost you a thing. We offer free software, so you can easily design quality PCBs that will work well once they are manufactured.

Take the time to check out the features of our free PCB software including more than half a million parts in the library and the free technical support we offer. Whether you are new to the field or you have been creating printed circuit board designs for years, this will soon become the first piece of software you consider when you are designing a new PCB.

 

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Optimize Your PCB Layout /blog/optimize-your-pcb-layout/ Fri, 31 Jul 2020 19:35:42 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2220 Continue reading ]]> PCBs are the foundation of electrical devices all around us – from children’s toys to kitchen appliances to the smartphone you’re probably using to read this article. To function, these items all rely on a functioning PCB or printed circuit board.

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.

 

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PCB Layout Tools Avoid Delays and Waste /blog/pcb-layout-tools-avoid-delays-and-waste/ Fri, 26 Jun 2020 20:05:31 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2195 Continue reading ]]> Buyers may not understand PCB layout and manufacturing processes fully, and most are surprised at their complexity. Because PCBs are used in almost every modern electronic device – from that IoT array of kitchen appliances to the key fob for your car, they represent a diversity of designs. Innovation is a hallmark, and one of the most significant elements of design is PCB layout.

There are many tools and resources used in the PCB layout, design, and manufacturing processes, and this leaves a lot of room for error and waste. One small glitch and production delays may occur, or entire batches of PCBs end up tossed into the trash. Thus, it is best to start with the best design and layout, and this is where software and experts can save the day.

Advanced Circuits offers an astonishing range of PCB layout and design tools that can almost guarantee a simple and flawless process. It all starts with the right file types…

Gerber Files and PCB Layout

IX274X files (typically called Gerber files) are the most commonly used for PCB layout and design. They are what we might call the first step in production and are often described as digital or physical blueprints for the printed circuit boards to be manufactured.

Typically, designers or engineers would print layers of transparent films or overlays that were color-coded to show the PCB layout and to support design evaluations. In other words, the layers could be looked at individually or all at once to detect glitches or shortcomings.

The creation of PCB layout software and programs gave designers and manufacturers the ability to eliminate the printed films and to begin to adjust the layers with greater ease. Though they might still be described as blueprints, Gerber files may still have design or function flaws.

Even if an expert uses the best PCB layout tools, there could be problems in the file, and it could cause a production delay or result in a batch of useless PCBs. This is particularly true if the PCBs are being made by a no-touch resource or outsourced producer. For instance, the overall appearance of a Gerber file or PCB layout may look acceptable to the untrained eye. A subcontracted producer may not even review the files but simply use them to make the entire batch of PCBs without any troubleshooting or evaluation. This can easily result in a long list of problems if there is a flaw in the design, including scheduling, production, and financial issues.

Use Optimal PCB Layout and Design Tools

This is why it is so valuable to find producers of PCBs able to offer services and resources that avoid such issues. For example, a tool that can evaluate a Gerber file and detect or even correct errors can be a lifesaver. At Advanced Circuits, clients can count on tools meant to ensure that PCB layout and design are exactly as needed, even correcting some errors, generating reports, and offering discounts along the way.

Here are a few of the tools Advanced Circuits offers to clients.

Free PCB Design Software and Analytics: As one of the most trusted domestic producers of PCBs and prototypes, Advanced Circuits provides full design to shipping services. There are also full assembly services that can all be put to use to ensure clients avoid costly errors. Using free design and evaluative tools, customers (whether using Gerber files or another design program) can export design files into the company’s free PCB file check software known as FreeDFM. They then receive a comprehensive analysis of the layout and design.

Then, the free software quickly evaluates and repairs problematic issues in the PCB layout and design files and generates a report of any questionable issues left uncorrected. Labeling them as problems, it ensures that a customer cannot waste time or resources on flawed or unusable batches of PCBs. And even more exciting is that those who run the Gerber files before submission enjoy a discount on the project.

PCB Artist: This unrestricted version of the leading PCB layout and design software is provided to all clients. It can be used to design PCBs of up to 28 layers and features a library of more than 500k common parts and components. This is in addition to the troubleshooting software and comes with such functions as controlled auto-routing design tools, digital schematics, and much more. It helps reduce risks of a flawed layout or design, and the files from this are also capable of the same evaluation and analysis.

Common PCB Layout and Design Issues

 What types of problems will the software evaluate and/or correct? The most common include:

Empty files: Designers frequently move, erase, or negate data, and this inserts zero data files into the process, which runs the risk of causing issues in the design and fabrication process.

Missing data: While an empty file is bad enough, a file with incomplete data is worse. Using free PCB layout software and checking services indicates when data cannot align with job specifications or when information is mismatched. Gerber files must not be without key data, so any opportunity to eliminate problems of this kind will save a lot of time, money, and headaches

Flawed file name: It is not at all unusual for Gerber files to be created via a flawed naming protocol. This causes confusion within the process and can only be detected by file checking or troubleshooting ahead of the game.

Conflicting layers: Gerber files feature design specifications at every layer. The designer must ensure that the specs function synchronously, or there will be errors at every subsequent layer.

There is no real reason for any glitches to occur in the layout and design processes, but there are many reasons for such mistakes to occur at other times. Accessing free resources like those from Advanced Circuits erases almost all risks and helps customers to ensure that their layout, design, fabrication, and manufacturing processes are moving smoothly and result in the PCBs needed for production.

 

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What You Need to Know about PCB Layout /blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-pcb-layout/ Wed, 29 Apr 2020 20:55:20 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2147 Continue reading ]]> Understanding best practices when it comes to PCB layout and design is critical. Whether you’re helping students understand how modern consumer electronics work, or you’re designing consumer electronics yourself, PCBs lie at the heart of the matter. From clocks to computers, ovens to pool timers, there’s a printed circuit board (PCB) in almost every single device today. However, to ensure functionality, safe operation, and to protect against shorts and other damage, specific layout steps should be taken. Below, we’ll explore some of what you’ll need to know when it comes to PCB layout and design.

PCB Structure

To ensure that you have a good PCB layout, it’s important to understand a bit more about the structure of PCBs.

  • Base – The base material is most often made from fiberglass or glass epoxy fibers. FR4 is the most commonly used such material, but there are other options available depending on your project and other factors. One example is high-temp resistant plastic. A solid base is used to help ensure that the PCB is rigid and can hold components. With that being said, board thickness can vary dramatically from one application to another, ranging from 0.8mm to as thick as 1.6mm or even more in some cases.
  • Components – A very broad range of components will need to be integrated with the PCB, including resistors, and numerous others. The number of components and their relative size will determine the size of the board, as well, although some techniques can be used to reduce the size, such as miniaturization, as well as creating double-sided PCBs and multilayer PCBs. These latter two options help you condense what would be very large PCBs into a footprint that is a fraction of the size.
  • Copper – Copper is used with most PCBs, and is the metal through which electrons flow, powering the components and, ultimately, the device in which the PCB is installed. Copper may be layered directly onto the board in varying thicknesses, or copper foil may be applied instead, depending on the needs of the project. Copper is usually measured in ounces per square foot, with the most common being one ounce per square foot. However, high-capacity PCBs can hold much more copper, up to three ounces per square foot.

Discovery

The first thing you need to do in the PCB design process is what’s called discovery. This begins with the need that the PCB will address. What do you need to accomplish? What will the circuit do? Why is it necessary? This will determine a wide range of factors concerning your circuit, including size, functionality, components, and more. However, understand that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to do something. The design is always up to you and should be what:

  • Works best
  • Delivers the desired functionality
  • Uses the least amount of energy
  • Creates the least amount of heat

Create a Schematic

Before you begin actually designing your PCB, it’s wise to create a basic schematic. This allows you to rough out your ideas, play around with layout, think about components, address things like resistance, and more. You can make this schematic in many ways, but the simplest is to use a robust PCB design software. We offer PCB Artist, which is fully functional, powerful, and free to use.

The Design and Layout Process

Once you have started the discovery process and defined the need and goal of the circuit, you can move into the PCB layout and design portion of the process. There several things to consider here, including the following:

  • Components: Where will your components be located in the circuit? What orientation is best? Ideally, you’ll maintain the same orientation for all components to help reduce soldering and routing errors. It also makes your board easier to install and test. So, no matter what your components might be, make sure they’re facing the same direction with the #1 pin at the top left.
  • Relational Placement: In addition to directional placement, you also need to think about relational placement. That is, how close are you placing your components to one another? In PCB layout, you want to leave space between components for your traces and to help reduce heat.
  • Placement Restrictions: Finally, PCB layout will require that you think about placement in relation to component size. Taller components must be placed on areas of the board where they’re less likely to encounter part of the device. Shorter components should be interspersed between taller ones. Taller components cannot block shorter ones, either, as this will often result in poorly soldered joints. Height and width should be checked prior to finalizing your layout.

Note that in some cases, you will need to do more than just place your components using your design software. Make sure that you can rotate and reposition your components to maximize your use of space and ensure accurate placement. You should also remember that if you rotate one component and change the orientation, you’ll need to do the same for other components to keep them oriented in the same direction.

  • Routing: Routing refers to the actual placement of the traces that connect your components to each other and allow electricity to flow through the circuit. If your components are too close together, you’ll have little room for these connections. You should plan your PCB layout from the beginning with routing in mind to make the process easier.

PCB Layout Made Simple

PCB layout and design can be incredibly complex. However, the right tools can help. Our PCB Artist software offers intuitive controls and powerful tools to help you design your boards. You will also find a massive part library, and valuable tips, as well as tutorials to help you get the most out of your software. When you’re done, Advanced Circuits is here to help you bring your board to life through expert manufacturing processes. Ready to bring your project to completion? Get in touch with us today.

 

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Advanced Circuits’ PCB Layout Software Offers More and Still 100% Free /blog/advanced-circuits-pcb-layout-software-offers-more-and-still-100-free-2/ Fri, 06 Sep 2019 16:09:50 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2004 Continue reading ]]> When searching for the best PCB layout software for your next PCB design project, it is important to evaluate features, cost, compatibility and ease of use.  Doing this before starting your PCB layout can save you time and headaches in the long run. Advanced Circuits set out to offer the best free PCB layout software to design engineers that not only provides the basics for PCB layout, but one that can also competes with more advanced professional-grade PCB software packages in the market.

As one of the largest PCB manufacturers in the industry, ensuring accuracy and a seamless transition from design to manufacturing is top priority; so, we created PCB Artist, the best free PCB layout software with a library of over 500,000 components library and packed with professional-grade features and capabilities.

Compare Other PCB Layout Software with PCB Artist

Advanced Circuits’ PCB Artist software is no match for the free PCB layout software packages available today, but how does it compare with the more expensive software packages?  PCB Artist’s long list of features, advanced PCB design capabilities, and dedicated Live Technical Support make it the right choice for most designers and teams with features that include Controlled Autorouter, Multi-page Schematics, Native Eagle Import, built-in quoting and ordering, and much more.

One Advanced Circuits’ customer says, “I am so thrilled that my prototype boards were inexpensive, they came back working the first time, and I didn’t have to fuss with figuring out how to get all the right design files together in the right format. For my next prototype, I’m going to start in PCB Artist first.” This testimonial highlights the seamless integration PCB Artist offers for transferring design files directly to Advanced Circuits for fabrication with its easy-to-learn user interface.

With PCB Artist layout software, you simply get more flexibility to create without being restricted by “locked” features, subscriptions or any kind, or Paywalls. See how Advanced Circuits’ PCB layout software compares to its competitors in the features chart below:

Free PCB Layout Software Capabilities

To download the latest and full software version of PCB Artist, click here. For more information about Advanced Circuits’ PCB Artist features, tutorials, and tips & tricks, visit our PCB Artist Resources page.

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Why Use PCB Artist for Printed Circuit Board Layout? /blog/why-use-pcb-artist-for-printed-circuit-board-layout/ Thu, 06 Jun 2019 14:17:28 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1947 Continue reading ]]> There are many PCB layout software packages in the market.  Some are very costly and provide advanced layout features and tools.  There are also free PCB layout software available which often come with limitations to its PCB layout capabilities.  Determining which option is best for your PCB layout needs and PCB fabrication requirements can be difficult.

In this post we discuss some of the main benefits of using Advanced Circuits’ own PCB Artist free layout software.

1. PCB Artist is Completely Unrestricted & Free

Advanced Circuits’ PCB Artist is completely unrestricted and free to download and use.  While many PCB layout software packages in the market require subscriptions and implement pay-walls to grant access to key features and functionality, PCB Artist does not.  Once you download the PCB Artist software, the user is able to take advantage of all of its functionality and powerful tools.

 2.  Get Free Access to PCB Artist Library of Over 500,000 Components

Take advantage of PCB Artist massive library of components that is free to use.  This feature alone will help you have a great deal of time in your PCB layout process by simply searching for the components your PCB requires and eliminating the need to design component footprints and symbols from scratch for most of your parts.

3.  Easy Transfer of Files for Manufacturing and Gerber Format Available

Advanced Circuits’ PCB Artist makes placing your order for fabrication fast and easy with its in-app quoting and ordering feature.  When you enter your board parameters and specifications for your PCB layout, PCB Artist provides an instant quote.  Once your design is completed and you are ready to place your order with Advanced Circuits, the software walks you through each step of the process and exports your files in one seamless process to complete your order.   Once you have placed your first order with Advanced Circuits for your design, you may also request files in Gerber format.

 

For more information about our PCB Artist layout software, please click here or contact our PCB Artist Tech Support via email Layouthelp@4pcb.com or phone (8:00am – 5:30pm MST) Call 1-800-979-4722 x.1025.

 

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PCB Layout Tips: Before You Start /blog/pcb-layout-tips-before-you-start/ Tue, 26 Mar 2019 22:13:24 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1899 Continue reading ]]> One of the most important aspects of electronic product design is the PCB layout. For this reason, Advanced Circuits offers PCB Artist, a professional-grade PCB layout software that is free and lets you create up to 28 layer PCBs and use its library of over 500,000 component to easily incorporate into your PCB. When you use PCB Artist to create your printed circuit board layout, you are able to place your fabrication order directly through the software, making it easier to transfer your layout files to us for manufacturing knowing your design will be produced as intended.  If you are designing a printed circuit board for the first time, here are a few general tips that will help you get the perfect layout.

Check Manufacturer’s Tolerances & Capabilities Before Getting Started on Your PCB Layout

It may be best to review your PCB manufacturer’s capabilities and manufacturing specifications to set up your PCB layout software accordingly before you start.  If you already have a completed PCB layout and would like to check that it meets all manufacturing requirements, you can use our FreeDFM tool to upload your Gerber files and run a manufacturability check within minutes.  You will receive a detailed report of any manufacturability issues found in your PCB layout delivered directly to your inbox.  Each time you run a PCB layout through the FreeDFM tool you also receive a discount code to use on your PCB fabrication order with Advanced Circuits for up to $100 off.

Determine the Number of Layers Needed for Your PCB Layout

It is important to determine the number of layers needed for the PCB layout that will best fit your application and functionality requirements.  While more layers can help accommodate more complex designs and functionality with a smaller footprint, keep in mind that more conductive layers can also increase the cost of production.

Consider Space Requirements for Your PCB Layout

Calculating the physical space that your printed circuit board layout can take up is key.  Depending on the final application and requirements, space can be a limitation and cost driver as well.  Consider more than just the space needed for the components and their tracks, but also the circuit board mounting requirements, buttons, wires, and other components or other circuit boards that are not part of your PCB layout.  Estimating the size of the board from the beginning can also help you calculate the cost of production.

Identify Any Specific Component Placement Requirements

One of the key steps in the circuit board layout process is knowing how and where to place your components especially when the location of a specific component is mandated by factors outside of the functionality of the circuit board itself; for example buttons or connection ports. At the beginning of your circuit board layout process, you should make a rough plan which will detail where the major components will be placed, this way, the most convenient design can be assessed and used.  Try to always leave at least 100 mils between components and the printed circuit board edge and begin by placing components that require a specific location first.

 

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Advanced Circuits Releases PCB Artist 4.0 with Exciting New Features /blog/advanced-circuits-releases-pcb-artist-4-0-with-exciting-new-features/ Wed, 28 Feb 2018 16:08:44 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1619 Continue reading ]]> PCB Artist – Advanced Circuits’ Free PCB Design Software Gets an Upgrade

Advanced Circuits offers the industry’s best free PCB design software with a library of over 500,000 components and free live technical support.  The latest version available, PCB Artist 4.0, was released in February 2018 with exciting upgrades and new features.

Download PCB Artist→

PCB Artist 4.0 New Features

  • Enhanced Powerplane Thermal Controls for full control of connection parameters to plane layers.
  • Spiral Wizard to simplify the creation of inductive coils.
  • Automatic Component Rename feature for easy organization and modification of reference designators.
  • Native Eagle Import of Schematic (.sch), PCB (.brd), and Library (.lbr) files.

For a full list of new features, updates, and bug fixes, please view PCB Artist Revision History page.

 

 

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PCB Layout Using PCB Artist /blog/pcb-layout-using-pcb-artist/ Sat, 23 Dec 2017 00:19:25 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1555 Continue reading ]]>

Advanced Circuits, North America’s third largest printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer, offers free PCB design tools like PCB Artist. PCB Artist is a free printed circuit board layout software that is available for download and does not require a subscription of any kind.

Download PCB Artist


Powerful PCB Layout Capabilities

PCB Artist is the most downloaded PCB layout software on the popular resource website, Downloads.com with over 265,000 downloads. Its ease-of-use, comprehensive tools, and advanced layout capabilities makes it the best free layout software available. Many customers say they prefer using PCB artist over their high-cost CAD platforms.

PCB layout features included in PCB Artist:

Fetch Component – Quick component placement to the user’s current cursor position from a library of over 500,000 parts.
Free Gerber format – Your PCB layout is received by Advanced Circuits in Gerber format. A free copy of your Gerber files can be requested after your part number has shipped at no cost.
Symbol, Footprint, Part Creation wizard
Part List Report in CSV (Excel)

PCB Layout Tutorial Videos

PCB Artist is an easy to use PCB Layout software that is not only intuitive, but it has powerful design capabilities and a free library of over 500,000 parts. To get a jump start on your first PCB layout project, you can follow our video tutorials found on our PCB Artist Design Tips & Tools Page. There are a series of 7 videos that will review the basics and will help you get started with your first PCB design.

News: Advanced Circuits Releases Upgrades to its Free PCB Design Software: PCB Artist 4.0

 

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