PCB Design and Creation techniques

02 May 2012

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Free from practical constraints on board size, pin counts, layers and output types, DesignSpark PCB circuit design software can be used for schematic capture, PCB design, layout and generating manufacturing files. Multi-page schematic designs are supported and gerber (extended) file outputs allow the designer to choose who will manufacture the board. DesignSpark PCB supports the importing of Eagle CAD design files, circuit diagrams and libraries (See the Eagle import tutorial for further information). A comprehensive standard parts library is supplied, which can be amended, copied and added to as required and sophisticated part creation wizards make it easy to Design new parts from scratch or by amending standard symbols and footprints. Bill of materials (BOMs) reports can also be generated at any time; these give RS Components order numbers where appropriate.

DesignSpark PCB is offered completely Free of Charge and fully featured. This is not a cut down version of an expensive product or one with a time limitation on license. (There are no intentional limitations on designs). There are unlimited schematic sheets per project, up to 1m squared of board size and no limits on layers, which allow you to get your creativity flowing without restraints.

DesignSpark PCB allows you to generate all the files required to take your project from circuit diagram to layout schematic to a circuit board built project. Gerbers (Extended RS-274-X), Excellons, BOMs, component lists and positions are possible along with DXF (import and export) and IDF for interfacing to mechanical CAD software tools.

Whether you are a professional designer making money from your designs, an electronics education professional, a student or a hobbyist seeking an easy to use, professional standard, unrestricted schematic capture and PCB layout tool, then DesignSpark PCB is right for you!

See www.designspark.com for more details and the free download

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08 May 2012

Ian, yes Design Spark PCB is a very good free product. I completed a double sided design for my mbed project using DS3. This was also my first project using SM components and everything worked first time with no board modifications. Admittedly I made some changes later as the design progressed, but using the schematic and PCB features worked a treat. My board outline was also quite complicated so this was imported using dxf without problem. I also went to PCBPool for my pcb manufacture (absolutely no connection with them) as they accepted the raw DS3 file without having to produce Gerber and drill files, which saved time, but obviously could have been produced by DS3 if required. If you try out the DS3 package the mbed component has been produced and is available I believe on this site for import.