* Lowest Price? * Easiest to use? * Greatest vender support? * Greatest community support? * Most features in the free version (in cases where there _is_ a free version)? * The best student deal? * Most features or has specific features that you need? * Closest to your preferred user interface preference? * The most tools (e.g. schematic capture, PCB layout, simulation, embedded video so you can watch your shows while banging out a design [do they have that???])? * ???
It depends on your experience in PCB designing. If you are just a beginner, I suggest you start with Eagle. Very simple to use. But f you have considerable background in PCB designing, you can go with Altium 16.2. Actually, it all depends in your application. If the features of your PCB design software matches your needs, then you can say it is the best PCB design software for you.
For my own suggest CadSoft Eagle PCB software you may use for your project. I’m not recommending but perhaps you could check out this "PCB(PCB)":http://actpcb.com/pcb-calculator Thanks!!!
I've learned of a couple of new possibilities since this thread began: * http://fritzing.org [more for the beginner and/or hobbiest, but really cool!] * http://www.pcbfx.com/main_site/pages/start_here/overview.html [do-it-yer-self -- but, no plated-through holes or masking] * CircuitWizard has PCB design [that I have never used, so I can't vouch for it's functionality]. Circuit Wizard is great as a tool for learning electronics, but it is severely limited: Only basic ['90s era] components, no voltage regs below 5V, no LDO, no LM317, 4000 series only simulate at 5V, the part number list for active discretes, such as transistors is sparse [no PN2222A or PN2907A or modern MOSFETs], and no shottkey or fast recover diodes (you can create your own components but they won't simulate.] * Check out BayArea Circuits "weekend warrior" special: http://store.bayareacircuits.com/weekend-warrior-special/
I’ve learned of a couple of new possibilities since this thread began:
* http://fritzing.org [more for the beginner and/or hobbiest, but really cool!] * http://www.pcbfx.com/main_site/pages/start_here/overview.html [do-it-yer-self — but, no plated-through holes or masking] * CircuitWizard has PCB design [that I have never used, so I can’t vouch for it’s functionality]. Circuit Wizard is great as a tool for learning electronics, but it is severely limited: Only basic [‘90s era] components, no voltage regs below 5V, no LDO, no LM317, 4000 series only simulate at 5V, the part number list for active discretes, such as transistors is sparse [no PN2222A or PN2907A or modern MOSFETs], and no shottkey or fast recover diodes (you can create your own components but they won’t simulate.] * Check out BayArea Circuits “weekend warrior” special: http://store.bayareacircuits.com/weekend-warrior-special/
The discussion compares various PCB design software options including Altium Designer, Eagle, KiCad, OrCAD, Proteus, Protel, ExpressPCB, Fritzing, CircuitWizard, PCBWeb, and PCBFX. Altium Designer is highlighted for advanced features suitable for complex designs like DDR RAM layouts and strong online support. Eagle is noted for its popularity, ease of use, affordability, and availability of extensive tutorials, making it suitable for beginners. Proteus and Protel are mentioned as easier-to-use alternatives with schematic and PCB design capabilities. ExpressPCB is suggested as a simple option. Fritzing and CircuitWizard cater more to beginners and hobbyists but have limitations in component libraries and simulation capabilities. PCBWeb is introduced as a web-based PCB design tool. The choice depends on user experience, specific project requirements, budget, and desired features such as simulation, community support, and user interface preferences. Summary generated by the language model.
