CAD Program opinions

[Pinky]

Hello.

I want to ask which CAD prog you use, and your opinion about it.


Thank you.

[mixos]

You mean an electronics CAD or general CAD programs?

[Pinky]

I mean an electronics cad program like protel or eagle.
Sorry i didn't mention it.I thought it was obvious.

I am now using eagle and it is great.It has a huge component database and is generally very good,
but it has very small pads, that's why i asked for opinions to try other programs too.

[mixos]

I use OrCAD which is a compete electronics development studio. It includes schematic capture, spice and layout editor.

I like it but it is not very easy to design a pcb. It has autoroute function but it is not so "clever" it can turn a simple pcb into a huge one. Maybe i make a mistake in operetion of that software.

Otherwise you can use it to manual route your pcb and then the result can be nice.

The component database is huge also and i have not noticed any pad problems.

[MP]

You can edit the packages in Eagle, but I do not think it is an available option in the demo version.

[Staigen]

To make scematics i use ExpressSCH, its easy to use and learn and it is fast to create a scematic. For making PCB:s i still evaluate a few programs, but i dont like non of them, and ExpressPCB i think is useless. At least if you want to make your own PCB:s.

//Staigen

[MP]

I find that I use a number of different programs for creating schematics and board layout. The different programs all have their features and also some dislikes. If I want a small simple board, for example, it is not always easy or quick to do in OrCad or Eagle. In such a case, I just use a point to point drawing circuit board program like the old PC Boards package for DOS.
I have never tried ExpressSCH. Is there a link to a demo version?
MP

[Staigen]

ExpressSCH is a part of ExpressPCB. And i dont think there is an evaluation version, only full version, but i can be wrong! ExpressPCB is freeware, i belive. You can download it here from Electronics Lab, under Downlads.

//Staigen

[MP]

Thanks Staigen. Since I like to make my own PCBs for small jobs and shop around for larger ones, ExpressPCB would be inhibitive for me. I did try it at one point but did not care for the lack of gerber output. Their prices for boards are not bad, I just worry that at some date in the future I would find a better deal on boards and be faced with laying out my boards again in another program. All other board manufacturers accept the gerber output. I am not sure if anyone else accepts the ExpressPCB files.
MP

[mixos]

Beggining guide for EAGLE:

Eagle Getting Startedhttp://fab.media.mit.edu/topics/electronics/pcb/

[MP]

Good link for Eagle Tutorial. I will also add two. Anyone got any others? It is nice to have as many sources as possible.

http://www.interq.or.jp/japan/se-inoue/e_eagle.htm
http://www.precma.com/informatica/tutorial.htm

MP

[Guest Kasamiko]

ExpressSchematic is one great schematic layout program but it's companion ExpressPCB sucks!! >:( >:(
Everytime I print a PCB layout from ExpressPCB there is always a gray background..I don't know if this can be disabled??

[ante]

All,

I use Proteus ISIS and ARES but I have not tried the PCB part of it yet. I do my schematics and simulations in it and it works great. Is here anyone with some experience form this software?

Ante ::)

[Guest Kasamiko]

I'm using it too..but still getting to know some of its features.. Protel DXP 2004 is a nightmare to me!!

[ante]

Rhonn,

Have you found any good tutors on the web for Proteus? I have the original manual but it

[Guest Kasamiko]

Not yet ANTE, no at this time.. :'(


Rhonn ;) ;)

[MP]

I came across this article regarding the use of Microsoft Word for drawing schematics. I was wondering if anyone has heard of this or is using Word for schematic draw. I have attached the article from EDN magazine.

MP

Schematics_in_MS_Office.pdf