When you say "design" are you talking about just the _design_ part, or the whole process (i.e. CAD, print, etch, and even soldermask and silkscreen)?
If just the CAD [layout] part, then refer to Mr. Bezaire's comment or consider Eagle CAD (only because of SparkFun's excellent tutorial [http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/108]) You can get it here:
If you also want to do the dirty work of actually fabricating the board: * If it's because of the expense of getting it done commercially, then consider Batch PCB: http://batchpcb.com/index.php/AboutUs * If it's because of the down and dirty aspect of it (or you're just a "hands on" kind of person) then there is a wealth of information behind the following Google searches: - "make your own pcb" - "toner transfer pcb" - "photo resist pcb" - "dremel pcb"
Eagle is also free for download as well or if you are sensible and can get someone to agree working with you
There is what we call applications sharing which you can do via messenger " Find out how useful this is very if you need to share resources " Also very clever avoids the need for licenses across the net
Diptrace produces all required GERBER files for a board house (silkscreen, solder-mask etc) First you design your schematic then go to the PCboard screen. Diptrace even does 3D Everything I have seen Eagle do, Diptrace does as well but a easier learning curve. A very reasonable PCboard house is http://iteadstudio.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=19_20 Have had boards done as little as 10 for $9.95 A quality board with all the bells and whistles you could ever want.
The easiest way to design a PCB at home involves using free or low-cost PCB design software such as Diptrace, ExpressPCB, and Eagle CAD. Diptrace is noted for its user-friendly interface, schematic capture, PCB layout, 3D visualization, and ability to generate all necessary GERBER files for manufacturing, including silkscreen and solder mask layers. Eagle CAD is also popular, supported by extensive tutorials like those from SparkFun, and offers a freeware version with some limitations. For fabrication, options include commercial PCB houses like Itead Studio, which offers affordable small batch production, or DIY methods such as toner transfer, photoresist, and etching techniques. Additional resources include online tutorials and guides for both design and home fabrication processes. Application sharing via messenger is suggested as a cost-effective way to share licensed software resources. Summary generated by the language model.
