It can be difficult and frustrating to get a good free PCB design software tool with all the design software available online. We will be evaluating two PCB design software tools which are Diptrace vs FreePCB. In this article, we will be making a comparison between Diptrace Vs FreePCB. These tools are great design tools to help you achieve a good PCB design.
The FreePCB currently runs on Windows only. Also, the source code of FreePCB is copyrighted. If you need a software application to design a 2-4 layer board DipTrace is an ideal option for you. DipTrace is very intuitive and easy to learn with a low learning curve. The comparison between these PCB software free tools will be in terms of compatibility, features offered, supported platforms, and availability.
What is DipTrace PCB Design Software?
DipTrace is a CAD software application specially designed for the creation of schematic diagrams. Also, it is an ideal software application for designing printed circuit boards. DipTrace features a multilingual interface, it is available in English and 21 other languages. This CAD software comprises 4 modules which are pattern editor, schematic capture editor, PCB layout editor, and component editor.
DipTrace features a drag-and-drop approach ideal for 4K monitors. Also, it has simple design rule checking and real-time 3D visualization. Furthermore, this CAD or EAD software has an active community of users and as well features good training materials and tutorial. Users can check out its active YouTube channel.
DipTrace is well known for its ease of use while still maintaining functionality. This software has a normal license fee. With advanced features like schematic capture level hierarchy, Gerber output, autorouter, and real-time DRC, this software helps in achieving an efficient design. The user-friendly software is ideal for both beginners and professionals. Without even learning how to use this software, you can get started.
This schematic and PCB designing software allows you to create 3D designs and multi-layer boards. Also, this software application includes features like a component editor. The component editor allows you to define multi-part components through electrical or physical parameters.
DipTrace is one of the simplest programs for your PCB design. This PCB design software application is very affordable and is ideal for hobbyists. However, it is less ideal for very complex schematics.
If you need a software application to design a 2-4 layer board DipTrace is an ideal option for you. DipTrace is very intuitive and easy to learn with a low learning curve. This software comes with a free version which is fine for simple projects.
Design Tools in DipTrace
Schematic Capture
The schematic capture tool enables you to link pins with no need of wires. Also, this tool can help you convert your schematics to circuit board. With the multi-level hierarchical and multi-sheet design, engineers can visually connect pins. Schematic supports the export and import of various CAD/EDA tools.
Library creation
The library creator is in two parts. These are pattern editor and component editor. The pattern editor allows users to create pattern with various dimensions, holes, shapes, and pads. Also, this editor comprises rectangle, square, matrix, Zig-Zag, and circle templates. Users can create multiple or single components and manage libraries with the help of the component editor. Also, you can design non-custom patterns . The DXF import enables users to easily create complex layouts. Users can build complex components by integrating various features such as editing, bulk pins-naming, and pad numbering.
Component editor
The component editor is an important tool in DipTrace. This tool creates multi-part components and manages component libraries. Also, users can use the component editor to choose a dimension setup and template. DipTrace defines the parameters of electrical pin parameters and fixes patterns with 3D models.
This software Diptrace can import libraries from different EDA formats. Also, you can use it to design non-standard patterns and as well create complex layouts. To achieve this, select the template and enter crucial parameters.
Pattern editor
The pattern editor helps users in creating patterns of various shapes and dimensions. Also, it can draw sizes, lines, and pads. With the pattern editor, engineers can draw rectangles and zig-zag templates. Choosing the right pattern helps you enter some relevant parameters.
3D modeling
3D modeling displays your PCB components in the 3D view. This enables the PCB to rotate at axes. You can as well zoom in and out, makes changes to the board’s color, solder mask, copper area, and silkscreen. 3D modeling works on all stages of the design, this is one good advantage of the board. The main purpose of this tool is to allow users to view the PCB from any angle or any side. With this, you can check the maximum errors.
PCB Layout
The PCB layout tool that is ideal for careful placement, shape base auto-router, and creative projects. Sometimes, your PCB layout may fail during PCB manufacturing. This can impact the functionality of your final circuit board in the long run. There are a wide range of high-level PCB layout tool that features manual routing for differential and high-speed signals.
With the verification feature, users can easily check the accuracy of the complex project by integrating high-speed signals. The PCB layout comprises another useful feature known as real-time DRC. The design rule check (DRC) helps users to correct their errors and as well improve the quality of their PCB project.
Placement tool
The placement tool has drag-and-drop features, which enables organizations to include various components by features and some custom attributes. This helps in specifying the final PCB. Also, the placement tool provides a wide range of features like data export/import, interactive visuals, 3D modeling, and more. Furthermore, this tool allows administrators to have a 3D view of the final printed circuit board. Also, they can rotate and zoom in or out photos on the axis.
Features of DipTrace
- It has High-speed shape-based auto-router
- Comes with verifications with real-time DRC
- Has real-time 3D PCB preview
- Enables engineers to rotate, zoom in and out the printed circuit board whenever they want.
- It shows models of the printed board and the installed components.
- Also, it allows users to make changes to colors as well as the background.
- Exports PCB to Step 3D file format
- ODB++ and Gerber (including Gerber X2) manufacturing outputs
- Easy to learn and friendly User Interface
- Shape-based autorouter
- Smart manual routing tools
- Multi-sheet and hierarchical schematics
- Wide import/export capabilities
The Diptrace has a free version which is available for everyone. Also, this free version has all the functionality the complete package has. However, the only limitation of the free version is that it is limited to 300 pins. Users can still create a four-layer board with power planes and ground planes using these features.
There are several features that helps in controlling the different functions such as checking ERC (electrical rule checks), component searching, and connectivity checking.
These features can exist in either of the states. This indicates the file can work well in PCB layout or as Gerber.
What is FreePCB?
This is an easy-to-use and effective PCB designer software. Free PCB is specially created for Microsoft Windows and it is capable of professional-quality work. Also, this software can design PCB with 1 to 16 copper layers. For most of its functions, it integrates metric units (i.e. mils or mm). Also, this PCB design software application is equipped with a wide range of tools such as footprint editor, footprint libraries, and footprint wizard. The footprint Editor helps to modify or create footprints, exports extended Gerber files (RS274X) , imports and exports PADS-PCB netlists.
Free PCB software has a user-friendly interface and a lot of impressive features. This software package doesn’t include a circuit diagram software. Therefore, you will have to make use of other software to draw your circuit and design it. This might be a bit difficult for you to design a PCB if you are not really familiar with this PCB software. However, the Free PCB was specially designed to help designers achieve a great PCB design. Therefore, this software prepared a very useful user guide.
There are chapters on the PCB design in this user guide. Also, there is a tutorial which teaches users how to go through the process of designing a circuit board from a schematic. With this tutorial, you will get to know the main features of Free PCB.
Beginners will have to check the user guide ebook to get started. The user guide ebook will provide answers to all your questions. Also, this guide contains any details that you may need from the footprint editor, PCB start up, and keyboard shortcuts.
The FreePCB currently runs on Windows only. Also, the source code of FreePCB is copyrighted. However, it is released under the General Public License
Features of FreePCB
Features of FreePCB Include:
- It has up to 16 copper layers
- The size of the PCB Board is about 60 inches by 60 inches
- Integrates metric units (i.e. mils or mm) or English for the majority of its functions.
- The Footprint libraries strictly adhere to PCB Matrix and the IPC.
- Has Copper fill areas
- The Footprint Editor and footprint wizard helps to change or create footprints
- It can export and import PADS-PCB netlists
- Capable of exporting Excellon drill files and extended Gerber files (RS274X)
- Comes with Design rule checker
- Autosave
What is the Difference Between DipTrace Vs FreePCB?
DipTrace is well known for its ease of use while still maintaining functionality. This software has a normal license fee. With advanced features like schematic capture level hierarchy, Gerber output, autorouter, and real-time DRC, this software helps in achieving an efficient design. The user-friendly software is ideal for both beginners and professionals. Without even learning how to use this software, you can get started.
FreePCB software package doesn’t include a circuit diagram software. Therefore, you will have to make use of other software to draw your circuit and design it. This might be a bit difficult for you to design a PCB if you are not really familiar with this PCB software. However, the Free PCB was specially designed to help designers achieve a great PCB design. Therefore, this software prepared a very useful user guide. Beginners will have to go through the user guide to get started.
This schematic and PCB designing software allows you to create 3D designs and multi-layer boards. Also, this software application includes features like a component editor. The component editor allows you to define multi-part components through electrical or physical parameters. DipTrace is one of the simplest programs for your PCB design. This PCB design software application is very affordable and is ideal for hobbyists. However, it is less ideal for very complex schematics.
Free PCB is specially created for Microsoft Windows and it is capable of professional-quality work. Also, this software can design PCB with 1 to 16 copper layers. For most of its functions, it integrates metric units (i.e. mils or mm). Also, this PCB design software application is equipped with a wide range of tools such as footprint editor, footprint libraries, and footprint wizard.
Conclusion
Hope you now know the differences between Diptrace vs freepcb. The process of laying out of traces on a printed circuit board is complex and as such requires much attention and carefulness. The advent of PCB layout software have made it much easier to handle this task, however, there are still some challenges being faced by designers.
The circuit is usually designed by an electronic engineer. Also, PCB design is a process that requires a specialized skill. Over time, a wide range of advanced PCB design software applications have been developed. PCB design requires the integration of several techniques and adherence to certain standards.
With the various types of software available for PCB designing, some applications don’t offer what is required. The first thing required in a PCB design is the schematic diagram of the PCB. After this, a layout needs to be created by using software. Also, you need to print the layout on the circuit board after the placement of components and application of solder.
