Convert schematic to PCB layout? Software?

markr04 · September 07, 2004, 09:49:18 PM

Anyone aware of software to convert schematics (even if I have to input them manually) to an efficient PCB layout?

niftydog · September 07, 2004, 09:52:57 PM

as in, let the software decide where to put components and run tracks?

Protel claims to be able to do this. Protel is a world leading (read; expensive) schematic/PCB package.

It does a crap job of automatically laying out pcbs. Like, so crap that I have never heard of anyone coming up with a useable pcb automatically.

I'm afraid that as far as I'm aware, software is just not up to the job.

Mike Burgundy · September 07, 2004, 09:55:04 PM

Yes and no - yes, there are packages that will "auto-route" for you, but no, these will not, even the pro stuff, be really efficient. Auto-routing usually falls into the expensive category as well.
There are however a lot of good packages that, with certain limitations, allow you to do a lot with a freeware version. I prefer Eagle CAD. No autorouting, limited board size (ample for stompbox stuff) but freeware and very good.
hih

travissk · September 07, 2004, 10:33:54 PM

The electronics workbench people have some software that will attempt to auto-route. Some of the labs at school have this (I think), and as soon as I get around to declaring my major I think I get 24/7 access

For the freeware side of things, ExpressPCB will sort of link up with ExpressSCH so you can see which pads have to link to each other. I have used that, and while I'm not great at laying stuff out by hand it is pretty easy to use.

markr04 · September 07, 2004, 11:51:55 PM

Thanks for all of your input. I downloaded that CadSoft Eagle freebie - thanks for the tip!

More software to learn. Grrr... I just want this Phuncgnosis schematic layed out.

Well, that which comes easy ain't always worth it anyway. I'll bite the bullet.

bwanasonic · September 08, 2004, 03:07:38 AM

For a simple layout, you will have a much shorter learning curve with Express PCB, than with Eagle. Long term, Eagle is a more powerful package, but it's not real user friendly. Express PCB is also freeware, so why not check it out?

Kerry M

markr04 · September 08, 2004, 04:21:47 PM

Quote from: bwanasonicFor a simple layout, you will have a much shorter learning curve with Express PCB, than with Eagle. Long term, Eagle is a more powerful package, but it's not real user friendly. Express PCB is also freeware, so why not check it out?

Kerry M

Thanks Kerry. I downloaded it. Problem is, I don't know how to make the traces different colors. That sure helps the more complex ones make sense when drawing it out.

Mike Burgundy · September 08, 2004, 04:54:29 PM

different colors only work if you use different layers in both programs I think - and you don't want multi-layer boards.
I don't agree on the learning curve - I tried express, and never got the hang of it whilst I got to grips with Eagle in a couple of days.
If you have any questions, ask. I can get you started.

Paul Marossy · September 08, 2004, 06:27:14 PM

I'll agree that Eagle isn't that hard to use. But I work with all kinds of programs, so maybe I have a more intuitive approach to the whole thing. I do remember it was kind of a pain finding the parts I want in the library, but I figured it out in a couple of days.

freebird1127 · September 08, 2004, 06:53:38 PM

Actually, I use Protel daily, I find that the new version (DXP) works quite well IF YOU TAKE THE TIME to set up the autorouter properly. However, as mentioned earlier by niftydog, you'll need a hypermound of dough to get your hands on it.

Paul Perry (Frostwave) · September 08, 2004, 08:32:07 PM

I've had people laying out stuff for my commercial fx, and even using Protel, there is no point using the autoroute function foir mission-critical stuff like keeping lfo ticks out, leakagfe from RingMod oscillators, ground loops etc. Protel (or similar) is useful if you are using a factory to make the vboartds, because the board people demand a file! plus, you get schematic drawing and checking and list of materials etc. BUT, for our stuff, I am sorry (you can't imagine HOW sorry!) but, you have to lay it out by hand, preferably taking the advice in THE BOOK. At least the $2000 worth of protel (or the free PCBexpress) helps you draw straight lines and little circles.

Mike Burgundy · September 08, 2004, 08:58:53 PM

THE BOOK being RG's excellent piece, I reckon.
See his site for details

Gilles C · September 08, 2004, 09:06:10 PM

I would also like to add that the new version of PCB123 that is working only on Windows 2000, 2003, XP looks very good.

I normally use Eagle, but I always like to try new versions of programs.

I'll see how it compares with Eagle when I design a new pcb.

http://www.pcb123.com/pcb123compare.php

Gilles

www.gtechblues.ca

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Convert schematic to PCB layout? Software?