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Registered Member #3781
Joined: Sat Mar 26 2011, 02:25AM
Location:
Posts: 701
Hey everyone, I am in need of a free program that will allow me to design circuits and check for errors. I did a google search but there are a lot of them and I was wondering which ones you prefer. I don't need anything super complicated but I do need something that has a pretty big library of parts.
Registered Member #3792
Joined: Sun Mar 27 2011, 06:07PM
Location:
Posts: 136
ExpressPCB is a freeware circuit and PCB design program. It is very simple to use and offers a large library of components. In the case that you cannot find a specific component in the library, you can design it yourself. Of course, it indicates you the errors in the schematic.
I have been using it for a long time and i'm very satisfied with it.
Registered Member #2919
Joined: Fri Jun 11 2010, 06:30PM
Location: Cambridge, MA
Posts: 652
Use Eagle. ExpressPCB, iirc, can only export in its own proprietary format, so you're screwed if you ever want to send the boards to a fab other than ExpressPCB. Also, LTSpice is your friend for simulation =)
Registered Member #1819
Joined: Thu Nov 20 2008, 04:05PM
Location:
Posts: 137
If you're looking for software that will actually simulate the operation of a circuit, I would recommend LTSpice SwCAD:
This program is geared towards simulation of mixed circuit types, particularly digitally-controlled switching power supplies, but some coaxing will allow you to simulate simple digital logic circuits. Its analog simulation capabilities are very powerful and highly optimized; I use it whenever I have any sort of analog circuit design that I want to test before construction.
The developer, Linear Technology, also makes a few other useful design programs intended mostly for power supply and precision analog design.
As for more advanced schematic creation or PCB design, I agree with others' recommendations of ExpressPCB. I have used the ExpressSCH program many times to make professional-looking schematics, and the ExpressPCB program will actually help you correctly route your own PCB design when you associate it with your schematic. All of these programs are easy to use.
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Good circuit design software
