PCB Design Software

Can anyone recommend a good PCB design tool (schematics, PCB layout/routing, Gerber file generation) with a price under $1,000? I have seen some of the free PCB tools provided by board manufacturers, but they all seem to have serious limitations.

I would need the ability to create multi-layer boards up to 6 layers with ground and power planes. Generally, I am working on very simple boards.

I have previously worked with a designer that uses Protel and that had plenty of capability for my needs.

Is there a web site that reviews such tools? I haven't found anything yet, but I'll keep looking

I use Eagle and find that while it has some quirks, meets all of my needs. To get the number of layers you are after you'll be looking at one of the Eagle professional packages. Cost of the full package with autorouter is $1200USD which is a little bit more than you indicated you are willing to spend, but a lot less than Protel will cost you.

Terry Pinnell maintains a list of ECAD packages you should take a look at.

Good luck.

In article , John Eric Voltin writes

One option is Vutrax. Does all the things you suggest plus design checking which I suggest you add to your features list anyway. You don't mention operating system or capacity requirements. You can download the 256 pin free issue for Windows or Linux at either of

check out Proteus at

there are various levels:

at different prices: Proteus PCB Design Starter Kit £150 Proteus PCB Design Level 1/1+ £295 / £395 Proteus PCB Design Level 2/2+ £595 / £995 Proteus PCB Design Level 3 £1225 Advanced Simulation Features £195

Have a look at Easy-PC:

I used it for years.

Leon

I'm just in the same case and just find (yesterday) Rimu :

I didn't do many tests yet with the demo version, but it really seem to be what I was looking for and less than 200Euros..!! and it even has some little things that could remind you of the Protel interface :

- Ctrl+wheelmouse for zooming

- middle button + drag for Panning (was right button on Protel) ...