Top 11 PCB Design Software Companies: Altium and Its Competitors
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design software is essential for developing electronic hardware, and numerous companies offer advanced tools to aid engineers in creating efficient and reliable PCB designs. Altium is a prominent name in this sector, known for its comprehensive and user-friendly software. This article highlights Altium and ten other leading companies in the PCB design software industry, along with their websites for further information.
1. Altium
Altium Designer is a powerful PCB design software that provides a unified design environment for schematic capture, PCB layout, and analysis. Its advanced features and user-friendly interface make it a favorite among engineers.
Key Features:
- Unified design environment
- Advanced routing tools
- 3D PCB design
- Real-time collaboration
Website: Altium
2. Autodesk Eagle
Autodesk Eagle is a comprehensive PCB design software that offers a range of tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and routing. Its integration with Autodesk’s suite of design tools makes it a versatile choice for engineers.
Key Features:
- Schematic editor
- PCB layout editor
- Auto-router
- Library content
Website: Autodesk Eagle
3. KiCad
KiCad is an open-source PCB design software that provides tools for schematic capture and PCB layout. It is highly customizable and suitable for both hobbyists and professional engineers.
Key Features:
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- 3D viewer
- Extensive library
Website: KiCad
4. OrCAD
OrCAD by Cadence is a robust PCB design and analysis software used widely in the electronics industry. It offers powerful simulation and verification tools to ensure the reliability of designs.
Key Features:
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- Simulation and analysis
- Signal integrity analysis
Website: OrCAD
5. Mentor Graphics PADS
Mentor Graphics PADS, now part of Siemens, is a PCB design software that provides a complete solution for schematic capture, PCB layout, and manufacturing preparation.
Key Features:
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- High-speed design
- DFM analysis
Website: Mentor Graphics PADS
6. Zuken CR-8000
Zuken CR-8000 is an advanced PCB design platform that offers tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and system-level design. It is designed for large and complex PCB projects.
Key Features:
- Schematic capture
- Multi-board design
- High-speed routing
- 3D design
Website: Zuken CR-8000
7. DipTrace
DipTrace is an intuitive PCB design software that offers a range of features for schematic capture, PCB layout, and 3D modeling. It is known for its user-friendly interface and flexibility.
Key Features:
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- 3D modeling
- Library creation
Website: DipTrace
8. Proteus
Proteus by Labcenter Electronics is a versatile PCB design software that combines schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation. It is widely used in both education and professional environments.
Key Features:
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- Microcontroller simulation
- 3D visualization
Website: Proteus
9. EasyEDA
EasyEDA is a web-based PCB design tool that provides schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation capabilities. Its cloud-based platform enables easy collaboration and sharing.
Key Features:
- Web-based design
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- Simulation
Website: EasyEDA
10. Ultiboard
Ultiboard by National Instruments is a PCB design software that integrates seamlessly with Multisim for circuit design and simulation. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for PCB layout and routing.
Key Features:
- Schematic capture (with Multisim)
- PCB layout
- Auto-router
- Design rule checks
Website: Ultiboard
11. CircuitMaker
CircuitMaker by Altium is a free PCB design software aimed at the maker community. It offers professional-grade tools for schematic capture and PCB layout, and encourages collaboration through its community features.
Key Features:
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout
- Community collaboration
- Library management
Website: CircuitMaker
Conclusion
The PCB design software market is rich with options, each offering unique features tailored to different needs. Altium Designer and its competitors, including Autodesk Eagle, KiCad, OrCAD, Mentor Graphics PADS, Zuken CR-8000, DipTrace, Proteus, EasyEDA, Ultiboard, and CircuitMaker, provide a variety of tools and functionalities to meet the demands of both hobbyists and professional engineers. For more detailed information and to explore their offerings, visit the respective websites provided above.