It is very easy to use the library and make custom patterns for components. Their new DirectX accelerator schematic editor engine is a definite improvement over other features. They have also improved the routing optimization processing.

For instance, in their latest version, PROTEL has introduced an arbitrary angle routing feature that significantly helps in the routing of dense BGA packages. Its operational smoothness and fluency enchants users. The latest issue of PROTEL has new features that enhance user experience. Several technical companies use it for their work. Many universities provide specific courses that teach use of PROTEL. Ranked highly among all other CAD software, there is a huge community support for the package providing a large library of footprints and other useful items. This software, introduced in the late 1980s, is one of the best commercial PCB CAD design software available.

The following is a list of software EDA tools which Rush PCB Inc has compared for their performance. Some are proprietary, some are free to use online, and others are industrial grade PCB software. More detailed articles will follow.In the market there is a large variety of PCB design software available. The functionality of this software is rather complex as this is a professional design tool. Please be aware that this article is going to be extremely coarse as it is supposed to be a general overview of the DipTrace software. This mini project was perfect for my first steps with DipTrace. I needed a super small PCB for 78XX type voltage regulators. In case a part or footprint is not included in the libraries, DipTrace offers both a component editor and a pattern editor for custom parts. All versions of DipTrace come with a humongous parts library and 3D models for a large amount of general purpose parts. DipTrace Full offers unlimited pins and unlimited signal layers for $ 895. The cheapest version, DipTrace Starter (300 pins, 2 signal layers), is available for $ 75. Since I needed a super simple PCB for some 78XX / 79XX type linear regulators, I decided to use this opportunity for my first steps with DipTrace.ĭipTrace offers different prices for different packages. I had it installed on my computer for over a year but have never really used it. DipTrace is a sophisticated schematic and PCB layout software.

Diptrace pcb layout