Top 13 Popular Tools for PCB Layout Designing
In the world of electronic design automation (EDA), selecting the right PCB layout design tool is crucial for efficient and high-quality results. Here are some top features to consider when making your choice.
Firstly, **Schematic Capture** is essential for an intuitive and efficient design process. Look for tools that offer hierarchical design, real-time error checking, and bill of materials (BOM) generation to streamline your workflow.
Secondly, **Component Placement and PCB Layout** should provide powerful and user-friendly placement tools, precise trace routing, and auto-routing functions. Advanced tools support complex multilayer designs (up to 32–40 layers) for professional projects.
**Design Rule Checking (DRC)** is another vital feature, as it automatically detects layout issues such as trace overlaps, spacing violations, unconnected nets, and manufacturing constraints to minimize errors before fabrication.
**3D Visualization** is integral for inspecting the physical layout, component footprints, and mechanical fit early in the design process, improving accuracy and reducing physical prototype iterations.
**Simulation and Signal Integrity Analysis** are advanced features that ensure your design meets performance specifications, particularly for high-speed or complex circuits.
**Manufacturing File Generation (Gerber Export)** is critical for a smooth transition from design to manufacturing, as it allows you to generate industry-standard fabrication files with proper documentation and CAM support.
**User Interface and Usability** are key factors in reducing the learning curve and increasing productivity. The layout tool should have an intuitive interface with customizable shortcuts, smooth operation, and easy component library access.
**Autorouting and AI-Assisted Features** can significantly reduce design time while optimizing thermal and electrical performance.
**Cost and Licensing Model** vary depending on your budget, with options ranging from free open-source tools like KiCad to high-end commercial software like Altium Designer with comprehensive features and professional support.
**Integration and Ecosystem** are also important considerations, as they affect your ability to work seamlessly with other CAD or mechanical design software, supply chain management, and compliance checking for advanced workflows.
Some popular PCB layout design tools include KiCad, a cross-platform compatible tool available for Linux, Windows, and macOS, known for its active and thriving user and developer communities. Autodesk EAGLE, with its large component library, smooth integration with other design software, and user-friendly interface, is another popular choice.
Siemens Xpedition offers interactive routing with various modes and automatic routing assistance features, while Altium Designer provides a user-friendly interface, robust 3D visualization, and facilitates teamwork through collaboration with other designers.
For high-speed designs, Zuken CR-8000 offers advanced 3D PCB design analysis and a concurrent design environment, while Ansys RedHawk provides a complete software solution for PCB design and testing, focusing on power integrity, signal integrity, and thermal stability.
OrCAD, a Cadence Design Systems product, offers advanced mixed-signal simulation for analysing a system's interaction between analog and digital components, and the latest version comes with extensive component libraries covering a wide range of electronic components.
DipTrace PCB layout tool features Electrical rule check (ERC) for verifying electrical integrity of the circuit, and Allegro PCB Designer, another Cadence Design Systems product, offers advanced routing features such as length matching for differential pairs, controlled impedance, and crosstalk prevention.
In summary, the best PCB layout design tool balances usability, powerful automated features (autorouting, DRC), advanced simulation and 3D visualization, multilayer support, and seamless manufacturing file preparation, while fitting your budget and project complexity.
A stackup designer, a feature in some advanced PCB layout design tools, allows for the optimization of the stackup layers for controlled impedance and functional requirements, ensuring well-designed gadgets and technology. To further improve the quality and design efficiency of gadgets and technology, some layout tools also incorporate AI-assisted features, such as auto-routing, to help eliminate potential design errors and reduce design time.
