What is PCB Design Software?
PCB design software is used to create the designs for printed circuit boards (PCBs). PCBs are the foundation of all modern electronics. They are flat boards made of insulating materials like fiberglass, with conductive copper traces printed on them to connect various electronic components.
All electronic devices we use today, from smartphones and laptops to medical devices and aerospace systems, have PCBs inside them. Designing the layout of these PCBs is done using specialized PCB design software.
Key Features of PCB Design Software
Good PCB design software will include tools for all the key aspects of the PCB design process:
- Schematic capture – creating the logical circuit diagram of the electronic design
- Component libraries – placing electronic component footprints on the PCB layout
- Board layout – drawing the physical copper traces that connect components
- Design rule checking (DRC) – verifying the PCB layout meets manufacturing specifications
- Gerber file generation – outputting the final PCB design files for manufacturing
Advanced Circuits’ free PCB design software includes all of these essential features and more. Let’s take a closer look at the capabilities of this software package.
Overview of Advanced Circuits’ Free PCB Software
Advanced Circuits provides two free PCB design tools:
- PCB Artist – for designing simple PCBs of 28 sq. inches or less
- PCB123 – for more complex designs up to 180 sq. inches
Both software options are completely free to download and use, with no license fees or recurring costs. They offer unmatched ease-of-use while still providing professional-grade design features.
PCB Artist
PCB Artist is an entry-level PCB design package aimed at students, educators, makers, and hobbyists. It has a simplified, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to design basic 1-4 layer PCBs.
Key features of PCB Artist include:
– Simple schematic capture
– 500,000+ component library
– Automated part placement and routing
– Real-time design rule checking
– One-click quote and ordering of boards
With PCB Artist, a user can go from idea to completed manufacturable PCB design in minutes. Advanced Circuits provides low-cost and fast manufacturing of PCBs designed in PCB Artist starting at just $33 each.
PCB123
For more advanced designs, Advanced Circuits offers PCB123. This is a professional-grade design tool based on the popular PCB123 CAD engine. It supports designs up to 180 sq. inches and 28 layers.
PCB123 includes these powerful features:
– Multi-sheet hierarchical schematic editor
– Customizable component information
– High-speed design rules and constraints
– Plated slot holes and cutouts
– Blind and buried vias
– Full Gerber file output control
With its advanced capabilities, PCB123 rivals expensive commercial PCB design software packages. But it is available to download and use for free from Advanced Circuits’ website.
Advantages of Advanced Circuits’ Free PCB Software
So why should you choose Advanced Circuits for your free PCB design software? Here are some of the top reasons:
Unbeatable Price
It’s hard to beat the price of Advanced Circuits’ PCB design software – it’s free! Unlike other “free” CAD software that have limited functionality or free trials that expire, you get the full versions of PCB Artist and PCB123 at no cost.
This makes Advanced Circuits the ideal choice for cost-conscious users like students, startups, and small businesses. You get access to professional design tools without needing a big CAD software budget.
Ease of Use
Both PCB Artist and PCB123 are designed with an intuitive, easy-to-learn interface. With guided tutorials and wizards, even those new to PCB design can get up and running quickly.
The softwared is smartly organized, with frequently used tools and commands readily accessible. An extensive component library and design templates help accelerate designs as well.
Powerful Capabilities
While free and easy to use, Advanced Circuits’ software doesn’t sacrifice capability. PCB123 in particular has an extensive feature set on par with expensive PCB design packages. These powerful tools allow you to tackle even the most complex designs:
- High-density designs up to 28 layers
- High-speed design rules for controlled impedance
- Rigid-flex and multi-PCB panel support
- Variants and assembly drawings
- Hierarchical schematic designs
So while they’re free, PCB Artist and PCB123 are far from “limited” or “light” versions. They provide everything needed to take a PCB from concept to manufacturing.
Integration with Advanced Circuits’ Manufacturing
Perhaps the biggest benefit of using Advanced Circuits’ free design software is how seamlessly it integrates with their PCB manufacturing services. Advanced Circuits is one of the largest and most experienced PCB manufacturers in the United States.
From either PCB Artist or PCB123, you can easily:
– Generate a quote for your design
– Place an order for your boards
– Check your design for manufacturability
– Receive free design for manufacturing (DFM) checks
Advanced Circuits offers industry-leading manufacturing speed, quality, and service for both prototype and production boards. With the native integration between their software and manufacturing, you can be assured your PCB designs will be manufactured exactly to your specifications.
Getting Started with Free PCB Software from Advanced Circuits
Convinced that Advanced Circuits is the right choice for your PCB design needs? Getting started is easy:
- Visit the free PCB design software page on Advanced Circuits’ website: https://www.4pcb.com/free-pcb-software/
- Select either PCB Artist or PCB123 and click the download button
- Fill out the brief download form and the installation file will download to your computer
- Run the installation program and follow the setup wizard to install the software
- Launch PCB Artist or PCB123 and you’re ready to start designing!
Both programs include helpful introductory tutorials to guide you through the PCB design process. You can also find extensive documentation and training videos on the Advanced Circuits website.
When you’re ready to have your boards manufactured, simply click the “Request Quote” or “Place Order” button in the software. You’ll receive an instant online quote from Advanced Circuits. Once you approve the quote and place your order, Advanced Circuits will fabricate, test, and ship your completed boards in as fast as 1-3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the software truly free or is it a free trial?
Both PCB Artist and PCB123 are completely free to download and use. There are no license fees, subscriptions, or time limits. You get the full version of the software at zero cost.
What are the system requirements?
The software runs on Windows PCs running Windows 8 or newer. You’ll need at least 4 GB of RAM and 500 MB of disk space. A mouse is highly recommended.
Are there any restrictions on boards designed with the free software?
No, you are free to use the software for any commercial or non-commercial purpose. Advanced Circuits does not put any restrictions or license requirements on designs created with PCB Artist or PCB123.
What if I need help using the software?
Advanced Circuits provides extensive documentation and tutorial videos for both PCB Artist and PCB123. Their technical support staff is also available to answer any software questions free of charge.
Do I have to order my boards from Advanced Circuits?
No, you can output industry-standard Gerber and drill files from the software and have your boards manufactured by any PCB fab. However, Advanced Circuits guarantees the lowest manufacturing price and can produce your boards faster and at higher quality levels than other fabs. The tight integration between Advanced Circuits’ design software and manufacturing also helps avoid design file errors.
Conclusion
For anyone looking to design PCBs on a budget, Advanced Circuits’ free PCB design software is the ideal solution. With both entry-level and advanced tools available at zero cost, it has never been easier or more affordable to design custom printed circuit boards.
Advanced Circuits’ free options provide unmatched ease of use, powerful features, and seamless integration with high-quality manufacturing services. If you’re ready to turn your electronic ideas into reality, download PCB Artist or PCB123 today and experience the power of free PCB design software from Advanced Circuits.
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