You need to take your time to think about just what you need the board to do and the components that will be required. You also need to consider the benefits of having a prototyping board that you can use before you move on to manufacturing on a large scale. Even if you only plan to have a relatively small run of boards, using a prototyping board to ensure that everything is just right is essential.

Let’s look at some of the biggest benefits that a prototyping board can provide.

What Makes Using a Prototyping Board a Good Solution?

No matter how long you might have been designing PCBs, you know that there is always the risk of making a mistake during the design process. This is truer today than it was in the past because the PCBs have become so complex in recent years. Mistakes can do more than just be an embarrassing moment for a designer. They can cost a company a substantial amount of money. They can cause delays in manufacturing, damage to the electronics they are meant for, and more.

Prototyping boards is a way to reduce the risk of making these types of mistakes, whether they are large or small errors. Prototyping the board is made easier when you utilize quality software, such as PCB Artist from Advanced Circuits. This software is free and has a full range of features to make creating the board as simple as possible. There is a large component library, and it allows the designers to tweak the design until it is as perfect as it can be. They can then send it to Advanced Circuits for a free review from the engineers to see if there are any hidden issues.

Once they are satisfied that the board will work properly, they can then move on and order one or more physical boards. There is no minimum order through Advanced Circuits. This means that you can get just one or a handful of boards to test in real-life situations with the electronics. You can see if there might be hidden issues or if there are problems with overheating, speed, etc. After you are sure the board works well, you can move on from the prototyping board and order as many as you need.

While this might seem like it adds some steps to the process, consider the alternative. If you believe that you have a good board and order 4,000 PCBs for the electronic devices you plan to ship, what happens when they don’t work? What if they cause overheating issues? Your customers would be irate, naturally. Prototyping and testing help to reduce these types of expensive problems.

When you order through Advanced Circuits, you will also find that we have a very fast turnaround time. Whether you are placing a large order, or you just need one board, they can be delivered to you quickly. It’s the best solution. You will reduce issues and you could even reduce the manufacturing costs.

Why Choose Advanced Circuits?

We understand that you want to make sure that your boards are working properly and that you receive them quickly. Advanced Circuits is one of the top manufacturers in the country and we have a very fast turnaround time, regardless of how many boards you might be ordering. If you only want to order a couple of your initial boards as prototypes, so you can see how they work in practice, you can. You could even order just a single board if you would like, as there is no minimum.

Additionally, we utilize high-quality materials. You can rest easy knowing that only the best quality components will be going into the boards you design.

We Make It Easier with Great Software

Most circuit board designers today know that it is best to use software that can help to design the printed circuit board rather than trying to use a breadboard. However, that software can be hit or miss. Sometimes, it can be extremely expensive.

Fortunately, we have a solution that’s available for you, as mentioned. Best of all, you won’t have to pay anything for the fully-featured software. Our software, PCB Artist, has features that you won’t find even with some of the expensive options.

We have a large library that you can use for designing the prototype. It features more than half a million parts. With the software, you can create up to 28 layers, which should be more than enough for most designs. It utilizes Gerber format files, and it is easy for you to check your work to make sure the board is working properly.

It is an easy-to-use piece of software that can change the way you work, and it can even speed up the process. If you don’t have a powerful computer, you don’t have to worry. Even a relatively modest computer should not have any trouble running the software, and you only need half a gig of RAM. Most people who have even a passing familiarity with this type of software will be up and running in no time.

Prototyping Boards Make Your Life Easier

Ultimately, you want to prototype your boards to make the process as simple as possible. Advanced Circuits can help you with each step along the way. You have the idea, and then you can design it with our software. Our engineers can check the design and you can move forward with the manufacturing once you are certain the board is what you need. Whether you need to order a large number of the boards, or you only need a few for a special project you are doing, we make it nice and easy. Get in touch with us today to see what we can do for you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Advanced Circuits’ own PCB design software, PCB Artist™ is a professional-grade tool that helps electronic design engineers accelerate the PCB layout process with an easy to use interface.  PCB Artist™ users enjoy the benefits of advanced features without paying the high price tag that come with similar PCB layout tools.  Our PCB Artist™ software does not require a subscription of any kind and all PCB design features are 100% unrestricted with no pay-walls or fees.

Build Faster with Quote, Layout, Parts, and Ordering Within The PCB Design Software

Advanced Circuits’ PCB Artist™ software was made to be the tool of choice to create printed circuit boards quickly without compromising on capability.  The PCB design software comes with a built-in quoting matrix that allows you to input your board specifications like size, number of conductive layers, plating finish desired and more to obtain a quote from Advanced Circuits instantly.  Once you are ready to plan your printed circuit board design, you can use the layout software’s Multi-sheet Schematics, a huge library of over 500,000 parts ready to use for your PCB design.  The built-in component library is also free to use and contains up-to-date footprints, symbols, and component specs all in one easy-to-access location.

Quickly Export Files For Production From The PCB Design Software

Since PCB Artist™ is backed by a leading printed circuit board manufacturer, the process to export your PCB design files for fabrication is a very simple and seamless one.  Within the software, you are able to begin your PCB manufacturing order with Advanced Circuits by following the prompts and selecting your desired ordering options.  The last steps packages all the necessary data to accurately manufacture your printed circuit board into a single .zip file for your Advanced Circuits order.

What about Gerber files?  PCB Artist™’s in-app ordering system takes care of packaging the files quickly and easily to place your printed circuit board order with Advanced Circuits, but you can also receive your circuit board design files in the industry standard Gerber format.  Once you have placed your circuit board order with Advanced Circuits, you can request your printed circuit board’s Gerber files at not cost.

To learn more about Advanced Circuits’ free PCB design tools and services, please contact your Advanced Circuits Sales Representative or call 1-800-979-4722.

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.

Below, we list the many reasons why our customers choose PCB Artist for their PCB design projects and why it has become the best 100% free and unrestricted PCB design software available.

PCB Design With PCB Artist Software

PCB Design With In-App Quote & Ordering – When you use PCB Artist to create your circuit board design, you are able to get a quote for the cost of the board with your design requirements.  Once your PCB design is ready for fabrication, PCB Artist makes it easy to send your design to Advanced Circuits and process the order within the software.

Free Live Tech Support – It is not often that a PCB layout software comes with tech support, much less Live Tech Support from the industry leading PCB manufacturer in North America.  At Advanced Circuits, we pride ourselves in providing outstanding customer service, when you order your printed circuit boards from us, you get hands-on support from the industry’s largest support team.

Huge Component Library – Designing your printed circuit boards with PCB Artist enables you to used its free components library of over 500,000 parts.  While PCB Artist software also includes an easy to use Parts Creation Wizard, the Component Library lets you find the parts you need with corresponding symbols, footprint, and manufacturer data.

Powerful PCB Design Features – With our PCB design software you have the ability to create advanced layouts using multipage schematics, up to 28 layers, controlled autorouter, and many more features. PCB Artist has evolved and has been improved upon over the years to offer more complex features for advanced layouts with comprehensive tools while maintaining a user-friendly interface.  Features include:

• Integrated Schematics/PCB
• Native Eagle File Import
• Symbol/Footprint/Part Creation wizard
• Components/BOM/Positions CSV Export
• Design Rule Check & Report
• Component Autoplace
• Individual Colored Nets Options
• Ratsnest Connections Optimization
• Design Status Reports
• Moved Component Tracks Stay Connected
• Integrity Check & Cross Probe
• Adjustable Design Rule Check/Navigation
• Library Manager

To download the full software package for PCB Artist, click here.

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.