DipTrace

DipTrace is an advanced PCB design software application that consists of 4 modules: PCB Layout with efficient auto-router, Schematic Capture, Component and Pattern Editors that allow you to design your own component libraries.

Pros: This application has the necessary modules for doing printed circuit work. Schematic capture is where it all starts. PCB layout module has a auto-router supported by auto placement. Component and pattern editor lets the user create custom component footprints and add to the library.

Extensive design related rule checking reduce the possibility of errors even before a schematic is routed. These include electrical rules check(ERC), design rule check(DRC) and net connectivity check. Net connectivity checks connections in schematics by different rules (pin type, short circuit, etc.), the clearance between layout objects, which ensures board accuracy, and connectivity of all nets not depending on how they are connected (with traces, thermals or shapes).

Manual placement features supplement the auto-place facilities to produce layouts quickly. The auto router can route a single layer or multiple layer with ease. External auto router use is supported. Smart manual routing tools allow users to finalize the design quickly. Design changes are controlled by the facility to compare the schematic and the PCD to ensure they are the same versions. Accurate shape-based copper pour system with different possible fill types and thermals can be used to make planes or to reduce manufacturing costs. DipTrace modules allow you to exchange schematics, layouts and libraries with other EDA and CAD packages. DipTrace Schematic Capture and PCB Layout also support popular net-list formats and spice. Output formats are DXF, Gerber, Drill and G-code. Standard libraries include 50.000+ components.

Cons: It is always very difficult to assess how well these complex programs work in a wide range of designs for which it is used. One should look for user comments to get a good feek.

Overall: Quite a well designed application for an amazingly complex problem. The interface is quite simple and intuitive to use. Overall a rating of 4 stars is well deserved.

DipTrace is an advanced PCB design software application that consists of 4 modules: PCB Layout with high-class auto-router and 3D PCB Preview/Export, Schematic Capture, Component and Pattern Editors that allow you to design your own component libraries. Besides being very simple to learn, this software has a very intuitive user interface and many innovative features. For instance, a schematic can be converted to a PCB with one mouse click. Advanced manual placement and auto-placement features allow to get acceptable placement in several minutes. The board designer can instantly renew the PCB from an updated version of schematic and keep all previous work without changes. PCB and Schematic can be compared at any design stage to ensure they are identical. Hierarchical and multi-sheet schematics are supported. DipTrace has a powerful automatic router. It can route a single layer and multilayer circuit boards, and there is an option to autoroute a single layer board with jumper wires, if required. DipTrace also provides you with external autorouter support. Smart manual routing tools allow users to finalize the design and to get the results they want in a blink of an eye. Accurate shape-based copper pour system with different possible fill types and thermals is available. Other important features are Electrical Rule Check (ERC), Design Rule Check (DRC and Online DRC) and Net Connectivity Check - the functions that check connections in Schematic by different rules (pin type, short circuit, etc.), the clearance between layout objects, which ensures board accuracy, and connectivity of all nets not depending on how they are connected (with traces, thermals or shapes). DipTrace modules allow you to exchange schematics, layouts and libraries with other EDA and CAD packages. DipTrace Schematic Capture and PCB Layout also support popular netlist formats and spice. Output formats are DXF, Gerber, Drill and G-code. Standard libraries include 120.000+ components.