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| PCB Software | Website | Type | Cost | Limitations | Unique Features |
| Ultiboard- Electronic Workbench | http://www.interactiv.com | Student version | $89 US | ||
| Ultiboard- Electronic Workbench | http://www.interactiv.com | Demo version | Free | Please note that these are fully functional copies of our software, however, the demo versions do not save files and users are limited to 25 parts in a circuit. Does not support or produce gerber files. | |
| Eagle Light Edition | http://www.cadsoft.de/ | Demo version | Free | The following limitations apply to the EAGLE Light Edition in general: The useable board area is limited to 100 x 80 mm (4 x 3.2 inches). Only two signal layers can be used (Top and Bottom). The schematic editor can only create one sheet. Apart from these three limitations the EAGLE Light Edition can do anything the Professional Edition can do. You can even load, view and print drawings that exceed these limits! Support is only available via email or through our forum (no fax or phone support). Comes with complete manual. | This is also a very good program to use for undergraduates. Its schematic components are easily cross-referenced with the Board footprints. |
| Cadstar Express | http://www.cadstarworld.com | Demo version | Free | The CADSTAR Express Software allows you to use all the functionality of CADSTAR but with a design limit of 20 library components and 100 pins. | We have a full version downstairs in the design lab. Footprint library is very easy to use. No need to search for footprint names since they are already there. |
| Protel | www.protel.com | Full version | Free | 30 days | Comes
with many quick to use manuals. There
are many long manuals on the web. The
following are two manuals to get started:
Aaron's Manual (Word Doc) Short 20 page Manual (Pdf) These manuals are excellent for beginners. This software is also very thorough and detailed. However, the footprint library is not as readily accessible as with Cadstar. |
| CicruitMaker | www.circuitmaker.com | Full version | Free | 30 days | This software is supplied by the same people as Protel. Therefore if you know how to use Protel, you'll know how to use this program. You can use Protel for 30 days and then use CircuitMaker for 30 days for a total of 60 days of free software. |
| Orcad Layout Light Edition | www.orcad.com | Demo version | Free | The PC board layout software has the following limitations: No limitations are put on the ability to create, save and use new library parts. A single footprint library, demo.llb, which contains basic resistor, capacitor, diode, transistor patterns, plus selected DIP, SOIC, PLCC patterns, is provided. Designs containing a maximum of 100 connections can be saved. Designs containing a maximum of 15 components can be saved. Competitive PCB translators are not included (PCAD, PADS, Protel, Cadstar, Tango). Autobackup is disabled. | This is the best known PCB Software package. It is used by most PCB industries and so it is very thorough. OrCad tends to be too detailed and complicated for undergraduate purposes. It seems somewhat overkill for our purposes but is definitely a very good program. |
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| Below
you will find a great choice of freeware, shareware and free test
versions. Please note that the rights to these product trademarks
belong to the manufacturer. Beta layout Ltd. does not accept any legal
liability that may occur due to the installation and use of these
software products.
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