Key Considerations When Choosing PCB Design Software

Before we get into comparing specific PCB design software, it’s important to understand the key factors you should consider when evaluating your options:

Ease of Use

PCB design can be complex, so having software with an intuitive interface and easy learning curve is important, especially if you’re new to PCB design. Look for software with tutorials, wizards, and pre-made templates to streamline the design process.

Design Rule Checking (DRC)

DRC automatically checks your PCB layout against a set of predefined design rules to catch errors and ensure your board is manufacturable. More advanced DRC can check for signal integrity and EMC issues. The level of DRC capability varies between software packages.

Library Management

PCB design software relies on component libraries which define the schematic symbol, PCB footprint, and simulation models. Having an extensive library of ready-made components, as well as the ability to create custom components is very useful. Look for software with integrated library management.

Schematic Capture

Schematic capture is the ability to create circuit diagrams by placing components and wiring them together. More advanced schematic features include buses, hierarchical designs, and multi-channel design. Consider the complexity of the circuits you’ll be designing.

Simulation Capabilities

Some PCB design software includes analog/digital circuit simulation and/or signal integrity simulation to validate designs prior to manufacturing. Simulation can help optimize designs and avoid costly mistakes, but adds to software complexity and cost.

Manufacturing Outputs

Most PCB design software can export standard Gerber files for manufacturing, but some include additional fabrication and assembly outputs which can be helpful. If you’re working with specific manufacturing partners, consider any unique file formats they may require.

Cost

PCB design software ranges from free to thousands of dollars. Consider your budget and the features you realistically need. Some vendors offer monthly subscriptions vs larger perpetual licenses. Keep in mind the cost of any add-on tools, libraries, or modules too.

Types of PCB Design Software

PCB design software generally falls into one of three categories:

Entry-Level/Hobbyist

Entry-level PCB design software is intended for simple PCB designs, hobbyists, or students learning the ropes. These often have limited layer counts, board sizes, and features. Some are free, while others are very low cost (<$500).

Examples include:

Software	Vendor	Cost	Highlights
EAGLE	Autodesk	Free for individuals, $100/month	Popular for hobbyists, huge part libraries
EasyEDA	EasyEDA	Free	Web-based, integrated with PCB manufacturing
CircuitMaker	Altium	Free	Schematic capture, PCB layout, component libraries
DesignSpark PCB	RS Components	Free	Schematic capture, PCB layout, 3D viewing

Mid-Range

Mid-range PCB design software offers extended capabilities beyond entry-level tools to handle more complex designs. They usually support higher layer counts, larger board sizes, and add advanced features like auto-routing, simulation, and rigid-flex design. Pricing is typically in the $1,000-$5,000 range.

Examples include:

Software	Vendor	Cost	Highlights
PADS Standard	Mentor Graphics	$2,380	Part of Xpedition suite, adds usability features
Altium Designer	Altium	$2,295/year	Schematic, layout, routing, library mgmt
OrCAD	Cadence	$2,180	Schematic, analog/digital simulation, PCB layout
DipTrace	Novarm Ltd.	$1,199	Schematic, PCB layout, auto-routing, 3D viewing

High-End

High-end PCB design software is aimed at professional engineers working on complex, high-density boards for demanding industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. These offer the most advanced feature sets for design, simulation, signal/power integrity, manufacturing, and more. Prices are usually $10k+.

Examples include:

Software	Vendor	Cost	Highlights
Xpedition Enterprise	Mentor Graphics	$17,700	Advanced layout, team design, simulation
Allegro	Cadence	$16,000	High-density routing, MCAD collaboration
CR-8000	Zuken	$12,000	Multi-board 3D design, advanced packaging
PADS Professional	Mentor Graphics	$8,500	Variant management, design reuse, manufacturing tools

Key PCB Design Software Features

Now let’s take a closer look at some of the key features found in PCB design software and how they can benefit your design process:

Auto-Routing

Auto-routing automatically places tracks between components based on your design rules to complete electrical connections. Basic auto-routers use a grid-based “maze solving” algorithm, while more advanced ones use shape-based multi-pass routing which can handle more complex designs. Auto-routing can save significant time vs manual routing.

3D Visualization

3D visualization allows you to view a realistic 3D model of your PCB design, complete with components. This is very helpful for checking mechanical clearances and fit. Some 3D PCB viewers allow you to export 3D files for use in mechanical CAD (MCAD) software.

Analysis Tools

More advanced PCB design software includes a variety of analysis tools for ensuring design integrity, such as:

• Design Rule Checking (DRC)
• Electrical Rule Checking (ERC)
• Signal Integrity Simulation
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Analysis
• Thermal Analysis
• Power Integrity Analysis

Running these analysis checks early and often can help you find and fix design issues before they become costly problems down the line.

Supply Chain Features

With today’s supply chain challenges, some PCB design software is adding features to help designers make smart part selections, such as:

• Real-time supplier stock & pricing data
• Alternate part recommendations
• Risk level indicators for end-of-life (EOL) parts
• Geographic sourcing optimization

While relatively new, such features can be extremely valuable for avoiding surprises in procurement and production.

Version Control

For professional design teams, having integrated version control with the PCB design software can be very useful. Version control tracks changes made to design files, allows branching and merging of versions, and enables designers to collaborate without overwriting each other’s work. Version control is sometimes included or available as an add-on.

Open Source vs Commercial Software

An important consideration when choosing PCB design software is whether to go with an open source or commercial solution.

Open source software like KiCad provides a “free” option for designers on a tight budget. The downside is open source tools tend to be less user friendly, have smaller component libraries, and offer limited support options. They can be a good fit for simple designs or hobbyists.

Commercial PCB software offers more advanced features, extensive libraries, and professional support, but at a cost. For complex designs and professional teams, the productivity gains usually outweigh the cost of commercial software. Another upside is that commercial software usually has a larger userbase which makes it easier to find resources and skilled users.

Choosing the Right Software

With so many options out there, how do you go about choosing the right PCB design software? Here’s a suggested process:

1. Define your needs
   • What types of PCBs will you be designing (size, layer count, etc)?
   • What features are a must-have for your designs?
   • How many users need access to the tool?
   • What is your budget?
2. Create a shortlist
   • Research PCB design software that fits your needs
   • Get input from peers or user reviews
   • Narrow choices down to 3-5 options
3. Take a test drive
   • Sign up for free trials of your shortlisted options
   • Work through tutorials and try designing a simple PCB
   • Evaluate ease of use and capabilities based on your needs
4. Consider support & training
   • Look into the level of vendor support & resources available
   • Consider what training is offered and at what cost
   • Think long-term about your future needs as you grow
5. Get buy-in
   • Discuss preferred options with your team
   • Ensure budget approval and IT compatibility
   • Consider a pilot project before rolling out widely

Taking the time upfront to carefully evaluate your options will pay off in the long run with a PCB design software that fits your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of free trials and seek input from experienced designers to guide your choice.

PCB Design Software Comparison

To help summarize the options presented here, below is a comparison table of popular PCB design software:

Software	Vendor	Cost Range	Capability Level	Key Differentiators
EAGLE	Autodesk	Free – $100/mo	Entry	Popular for hobbyists, huge libraries
EasyEDA	EasyEDA	Free	Entry	Web-based, integrated manufacturing
PADS Standard	Mentor	$2,380	Mid	Part of scalable Xpedition suite
Altium Designer	Altium	$2,295/yr	Mid	Focus on ease of use, libraries
OrCAD	Cadence	$2,180	Mid	Integrated simulation
Xpedition Enterprise	Mentor	$17,700	High	Advanced layout, team collab
Allegro	Cadence	$16,000	High	High-density boards, MCAD collab
CR-8000	Zuken	$12,000	High	Multi-board 3D, advanced packaging

FAQ

To wrap up, let’s answer some common questions about PCB design software:

What is the best free PCB design software?

Some of the best free PCB design software includes EAGLE, KiCad, and EasyEDA. These are great for simple designs, hobbyists, and students. However, free software usually has limitations in board size, layer count, and features compared to commercial software.

Is it worth paying for PCB design software?

It depends on your needs. For complex designs and professional use, paid PCB software usually offers significant productivity advantages with advanced features, extensive libraries, and better support. Evaluate what features you really need.

What is the easiest PCB design software to learn?

EAGLE and Altium Designer are known for being easy to learn and use, even for beginners. Many other tools offer extensive tutorials, user communities, and knowledge bases to help flatten the learning curve as well.

Do I need simulation capabilities in my PCB software?

It depends on your designs. For simple PCBs, you may not need simulation. But for high-speed digital, RF, or sensitive analog boards, simulation is very valuable for optimizing signal integrity and performance. Newer designers may want to start with basic tools before moving to advanced simulation.

How do I get started with PCB design?

First, learn the fundamentals of PCB design, components, and manufacturing. Then start with an easy-to-use entry-level PCB design software and work through the tutorials. Practice with simple designs first. As your skills grow, take on more complex designs and consider upgrading your tools as needed.

Choosing PCB design software can feel overwhelming at first, but by understanding your needs and the tool landscape, you can find the right fit to bring your electronics designs to life. The investment in capable PCB software is well worth the productivity gains for professional design teams.