25 Online PCB Design Tools and Software for EE Students

Electrical Technology

List of PCB Design Tools and Software for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Students

PCB design is an important skill in electrical and electronic engineering. It helps bridge theoretical concepts with practical application. For students entering this field, mastering PCB design tools and software is essential.

These tools empower students to translate their ideas into tangible circuit designs, honing their skills and preparing them for future endeavors in the industry. This article explores a diverse array of PCB design tools and software tailored to meet the specific needs of electrical and electronic engineering students, offering insights into their features, functionalities, and applications.

What is PCB Design and Why is it Important?

PCB design refers to the process of designing printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are the foundational building blocks of most electronic devices. A PCB mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components using conductive tracks, pads, and other features etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate.

PCB design is crucial for several reasons:

Functionality: It ensures that the electronic components are connected in the right way to perform their intended functions.
Reliability: Proper PCB design helps in reducing the risk of failures due to short circuits, open circuits, and other issues, thus improving the reliability of the electronic device.
Space efficiency: PCBs allow for compact arrangement of components, helping to optimize space within electronic devices.
Manufacturability: Good PCB design considers manufacturing constraints, making it easier and more cost-effective to produce the boards in large quantities.
Cost-effectiveness: A well-designed PCB can reduce the number of components needed, simplify assembly processes, and minimize errors, all of which contribute to cost savings.
Performance: The design of a PCB can impact the performance of the electronic device, including factors like signal integrity and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

In short, PCB design is a critical aspect of electronic product development, influencing everything from functionality to cost and reliability.

List of PCB Design Tools

Here is a list of online PCB design software and tools suitable for both beginners and experts.

KiCad

KiCad is an open-source software suite for electronic design automation (EDA), primarily used for designing printed circuit boards (PCBs) and schematics. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and 3D viewing. KiCad supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It is known for its user-friendly interface, extensive library of components, and robust design features.

Plus Point: You may use the KiCad Plug-in by PCBWay to integrate and order the PCB layouts and your own custom designs.

Altium Designer

Altium Designer is a powerful PCB design software that offers a wide range of features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and design documentation. It is popular among professional PCB designers for its advanced capabilities and intuitive user interface. Altium Designer also integrates seamlessly with other design tools, making it easy to collaborate on complex projects. It is a premium tool, offering high-end features for those who require advanced PCB design capabilities.

EasyEDA

EasyEDA is a web-based EDA tool suite that allows users to design, simulate, and share their PCB designs online. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, including schematic capture, PCB layout, and SPICE simulation. EasyEDA is popular among hobbyists and students due to its ease of use and accessibility.

OrCAD

OrCAD is a suite of EDA tools developed by Cadence Design Systems, offering a comprehensive solution for PCB design and analysis. It includes tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, signal integrity analysis, and more. OrCAD is widely used in the industry for its advanced features and robust design capabilities.

Specctra

Specctra is a software tool used for automatic routing of PCB designs. It is known for its ability to efficiently route complex PCB layouts, saving time and effort for designers. Specctra is often used in conjunction with other EDA tools to optimize the routing of high-density PCBs.

DesignSpark PCB

DesignSpark PCB is a free PCB design software developed by RS Components. It offers a range of features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and 3D modeling. DesignSpark PCB is popular among hobbyists and students for its ease of use and comprehensive design capabilities.

Eagle

Eagle is a popular PCB design software developed by Autodesk. It offers a range of features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and autorouting. Eagle is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive library of components. It is widely used in the industry and is suitable for both hobbyists and professional designers.

CircuitMaker

CircuitMaker is a free PCB design software developed by Altium. It offers a range of features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation. CircuitMaker is popular among hobbyists and students for its ease of use and comprehensive design capabilities.

DipTrace

DipTrace is a PCB design software that offers features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and 3D modeling. It is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive library of components. DipTrace is suitable for both hobbyists and professional designers, offering a range of tools for designing complex PCBs.

Autodesk Fusion 360

Autodesk Fusion 360 is a comprehensive design software that includes tools for mechanical design, simulation, and PCB design. It offers a range of features for designing complex PCBs, including schematic capture, PCB layout, and 3D modeling. Fusion 360 is popular among professional designers for its advanced capabilities and integration with other design tools.

CircuitStudio

CircuitStudio is a PCB design software developed by Altium, offering a range of features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation. It is designed for professional PCB designers who require advanced features and capabilities.

FreePCB

FreePCB is a free PCB design software that offers features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and autorouting. It is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive design capabilities. FreePCB is suitable for hobbyists and students looking for a free PCB design solution.

Gerbv

Gerbv is a free Gerber file viewer that allows users to view and analyze PCB designs in Gerber format. It is a useful tool for checking PCB designs before manufacturing, ensuring that they meet the required specifications.

Mentor Graphics Xpedition

Mentor Graphics Xpedition is a comprehensive PCB design software by Siemens suite that offers features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation. It is known for its advanced capabilities and is used by professional PCB designers for designing complex PCBs.

NI Multisim

NI Multisim is a circuit design software that offers features for schematic capture, simulation, and PCB layout. It is popular among students and educators for its ease of use and comprehensive simulation capabilities.

PADS Professional

PADS Professional is a PCB design software developed by Mentor Graphics, offering features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation. It is designed for professional PCB designers who require advanced features and capabilities.

SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS is a 3D CAD software that includes tools for mechanical design, simulation, and PCB design. It offers a range of features for designing complex PCBs, including schematic capture, PCB layout, and 3D modeling. SOLIDWORKS is popular among professional designers for its advanced capabilities and integration with other design tools.

Ultiboard

Ultiboard is a PCB design software developed by National Instruments, offering features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation. It is popular among students and educators for its ease of use and comprehensive design capabilities.

PCB Artist

PCB Artist is a free PCB design software developed by Advanced Circuits. It offers features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and autorouting. PCB Artist is popular among hobbyists and students for its ease of use and comprehensive design capabilities.

PCB123

PCB123 is a free PCB design software developed by Sunstone Circuits. It offers features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and autorouting. PCB123 is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive design capabilities, making it suitable for hobbyists and students.

PCBWeb

PCBWeb is a free PCB design software (merged and owned by datasheets now) that offers features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and autorouting. It is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive design capabilities. PCBWeb is suitable for hobbyists and students looking for a free PCB design solution.

Osmond PCB

Osmond PCB is a comprehensive PCB design software designed for Mac users. It offers a range of features for creating professional-grade circuit board layouts with many layers up to 10 nanometers of resolution at any angle. Osmond PCB includes a library of components, customizable footprints, and tools for routing traces and designing multi-layer boards.

The software also supports Gerber file export, making it compatible with most PCB fabrication services. Osmond PCB is known for its user-friendly interface and robust set of features, making it a popular choice among Mac-based PCB designers.

Minimal Board Editor (BSch3V)

Minimal Board Editor by BSch3V is a straightforward online PCB design software that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. It provides basic tools for creating circuit board layouts e.g. 1-layer, 2-layer and 4-layer up t 300mm². The software allows users to place components, draw traces, create custom footprints easily and export Excellon drill & S-274X extended Gerberdata. Minimal Board Editor is ideal for beginners or those looking for a quick and simple solution for designing PCBs.

ZenitPCB

ZenitPCB is a user-friendly PCB design software that offers a range of features for creating professional-grade circuit board layouts including single and Double Side PCB layers up to 0.01mm (0.001 inches). It provides a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to design complex PCBs.

ZenitPCB includes a library of components, customizable footprints, and tools for routing traces and designing multi-layer boards. The software also supports Slot and NCDrill, Gerber 274X file export, Import – Export of IDF – DXF with On-Line DRC ensuring compatibility with most PCB fabrication services. It is known for its ease of use and comprehensive set of features, making it a popular choice among PCB designers.

ExpressPCB

ExpressPCB is a user-friendly schematic PCB design software that offers an intuitive interface for creating circuit board layouts. It is tailored for beginners and hobbyists, providing a simple way to design and order custom printed circuit boards.

The software includes a component library with a wide range of parts to choose from, making it easier to create complex circuits. Additionally, ExpressPCB allows users to generate Gerber files for manufacturing, ensuring compatibility with most PCB fabrication services.

Bonus: ExpressPCB is easy to use and learning tool. It is free to download and the functional link is given above.

FAQs:

What is the Basic PCB design software for Newbies?

For beginners, a basic PCB design software that is easy to learn and use would be ideal. EasyEDA, DesignSpark PCB, and PCB123 are good options for newbies as they offer user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive tutorials to get started with PCB design.

Which Software Offers Free PCBs Multilayer Design?

Several software options offer free PCB design tools for multilayer designs. EasyEDA, DesignSpark PCB, and PCB123 all offer free versions that support multilayer PCB designs. However, the number of layers and other advanced features may be limited in the free versions.

Which One is the Most Popular PCB Design Tool?

Altium Designer is considered one of the most popular PCB design tools in the industry. It is widely used by professionals for its comprehensive features and efficient workflow. However, other popular options include Eagle, KiCad, and OrCAD, each with its own strengths and user base.

Which One is Better – Installed or Cloud-based PCB design software?

The choice between installed and cloud-based PCB design software depends on your specific needs and preferences. Installed software offers greater control over your designs and may be more suitable for complex projects that require offline access. Cloud-based software, on the other hand, offers convenience and collaboration features, making it ideal for remote work and team projects.

Which Free PCB Design Software Offers the Premium Features like in Paid Version?

Some free PCB design software, such as KiCad and EasyEDA, offer premium features similar to those found in paid versions. These features may include advanced routing capabilities, 3D modeling, and simulation tools. However, the availability of these features may vary depending on the software version and licensing terms.