The latest version of this software, DesignSpark PCB version 12, is backed by the support of Infineon, Germany’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, and introduces new features for both free and paid DesignSpark subscription plans.
DesignSpark PCB provides both students and engineers with accessible, professional-grade PCB design tools and has become popular for its user-friendly interface, supporting schematics capture, and free PCB layout design capabilities.
The tool makes designing circuit boards much simpler. In addition to current features, which include a database featuring millions of PCB symbols and footprints and unlimited circuit board layers, DesignSpark PCB version 12 now offers advanced new functionalities across the DesignSpark subscriptions, including:
- Pre-plot checks for correct layer selection
- New edit component options useful for high-pin footprints like BGAs
- An angular precision setting for design units
- Dual units for the measurement tool
- The ability to export components, including referenced symbols, from any library
- A segment mode for shape and track editing
- Translate-to-PCB options designed to improve reference design conversion to PCB
- The ability to save project-specific libraries
- New component bin options, like sort and filter, for high-component-count designs
- Design Rule Check on current view
- Additional Design Rule Check options, like max. vias allowed in each net, max. stub route length allowed, and check PCB-only nets
Commenting on the launch of DesignSpark PCB v12, Markus Rick, Head of Global Account Management eCommerce Distribution Partners at Infineon said, “We are supporting the tool in recognition that it empowers engineers with user-friendly technology, enabling faster innovation and a more efficient design process.”
“Having the approval of Infineon means a great deal,” added Pete Wood, DesignSpark Director at RS. “They play a significant role in supplying the components that PCB designers using the tool will integrate into their layouts, especially within the industrial automation and automotive industries, and their backing signifies a powerful endorsement of DesignSpark PCB’s capabilities”.
