Best cheap PCB schematic and layout package

[smoothjoey]

Just wanted to get a couple of opinions of PCB packages. I need to come up with a reccomendation to a university on PCB tools. As you probably can guess, cost is a very serious concern. I'm looking for a complete package that can do schematic entry and maybe a 4 layer stckup pcb layout. Autorouting isn't needed but forward annotation from schematics to layout would be nice.

I know PSPICE is free. What layout tools integrate nicely and is cheap, easy and powerful? Alternatives to PSPICE are also being looked at. thanks.

 

[Laplace]

Go for OrCAD from Ca/den/ce. It comes also with the huge component library. It also has built in Spice. I know that lots of universities use this tool.

Laplace

 

[Elvis P.]

maybe u can ask to get an educational license. a lot of companys do give such licenses. From handling aspects i would recommend PowerPCB which have a very clear and structured user interface and its perfect to use. i really tried a lot of Schematic/Routing Systems.

regards
Elvis P.

 

[Phil woz ere]

If cost is an issue look at Pcad or Protel.
The other packages cost twice as much.

Phil