PCB design software has come a long way over the years, with more companies adding advanced features that PCB designers can rely on to get the job done to a high-standard. Of course, not everyone knows what all of these new features do and whether they are useful to their project or not.
The good news is that we have put together a list of some of the features to look out for in board view software for your PCB design. Keep reading to find out more.
Simulations
Is there anything worse than working on a project for an extended period of time to then find out that there are errors when it gets sent to manufacture. This is why you need to find board view software that gives you the option to run simulations. Many packages will offer this in 2019 and it can come in very handy. You can see the PCB at work and figure out any issues before the problem gets worse.
Component Libraries
When you are working on a PCB design project, you need to have access to the best components for the job. Without these, you could be designing a PCB that is not to a high-standard and this can have an effect on your reputation. With the latest and most advanced PCB board software, you can find extensive libraries full of components. This can help you to find the right component and save you some time. This is definitely something to look out for.
Schematic Capture
One of the initial stages of designing a PCB is creating the schematic. Many packages do not come with schematic capture and this can cause problems when it comes to comparing the schematic to the latest design. Try to look for software that allows you to have everything in one place and compare your schematic as well as you can. This will reduce the risk of any errors and make sure that you are creating a design that is going to work.
Extra Guidance
Finally, you should make sure that you are looking for a PCB design software package that comes with some extra guidance. While many companies will provide a tutorial, not all are going to give you support throughout the process of learning the program. Some companies offer video tutorials on certain aspects of the design process and have FAQs on their site. This is something to look out for as it can help you to get the hang of the software sooner rather than later.
Conclusion
If you are on the hunt for a new PCB design software package, then you should make sure to consider everything that we have discussed in this article. Look for component libraries that are filled with the right parts and consider a unified system that allows for an improved schematic capture. This way, you can create a reliable design and end product.
