The ability to manage to create and manage libraries as a team in full (“premium”) version.Ĭircuit Studio is an affordable software from Altium that comes with some of the features of Designer software such as Altium Vault of library parts.Advanced routing methods (interactive push and shove routing, obstacle avoidance routing, etc), intuitive alignment tools.In-built SPICE simulator, reusable design blocks, real-time design synchronization.There are plenty of tutorials available on Autodesk’s Youtube channel. The large database of users makes it easier to find help among members of forums and communities. Direct schematics-to-board conversion and back annotation, high speed and differential signalling, shape-based auto-routing.Įagle from Autodesk is on the higher end in terms of the price, but it is still not in the “professional use” section.The standard library of 140,000 components and 15,200 patterns, but the software comes with a Component and Pattern Editor for customizing components based on dimensions, shape, etc.Multi-level and multi-sheet hierarchical schematics design, Electrical Rule Check (ERC), import/export capabilities from/to other PCB design tools.Some of the key features of Diptrace include: Student versions can be purchased with a generous discount.

There is a free version available with limited capability of designing only for 300 pins and 2 layers. However, if you are willing to pay for extra features, I have compiled a list of tools ranging from £60 to £800 with a goal of helping you decide on software that matches YOUR needs.ĭiptrace is the most affordable PCB design tool on my list.

DesignSpark PCB software is probably one of the best in the market that satisfies the majority of my needs.

As a young engineer myself, I literally scream if I find free tools that offer a good functionality. If you are studying at university, working for a small company or own a start-up, chances are that you can’t afford expensive software for PCB design.

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