Free pcb software is ‘professional standard’

Martin Keenan, technical marketing engineer with RS, noted that, in the past free to download pcb design tools had a range of limitations. "They were limited in terms of board size, number of pins and number of layers and couldn't produce manufacturing files." By contrast, DesignSpark PCB removes many of these limitations, allowing boards with up to 14 layers to be developed. Engineers can create schematics that target any sized pcb and to import designs created in other pcb design software packages. Fully (auto) routed and design rule checked designs can then be exported in a number of file formats, giving engineers faster progression into mechanical design. DesignSpark PCB, developed by Number One Systems, comes with a component library that can be extended and shared with other engineers through the DesignSpark gateway. Details of the components used from the library form the basis of the Bill of Materials generated by DesignSpark PCB, which can then be used to create an order or quotation request through the RS website. Users will also be able to see video tutorials, examples and a parts library online through DesignSpark.