I've used OrCad, Protel, and Multisim. I was thinking of trying Multisim and Ultiboard, but was wondering what experience others have had. I'm looking for something that has a big parts database, is easy to use, and doesn't crash every 15 minutes. Is Multisim/Ultiboard a good choice?
Small Design yes because the learning curve is about 3hrs
if you go higher than 200 net the the netlist is buggy all the nets doesn't translate fron multisim to ultiboard correctly.
Part creation is an hassel too in multisim (medium ic and higher the text doesn't align properly)
If you consider yourself good with Orcad or protel then stick with them don't waste your time with Multisim(unless you simulate, and don't want to use Pspice)
yeah, with my experience is, with normal design, I use Orcad Capture CIS and PowerPCB, for High Speed design: Orcad capture for drawing schematic and Cadence Allegro for Layout, with Allegro You can setup constrain for many thing( whaterever the Logic Designer need ), and sometime I also use Mentor Expedition. this is a dificull tool, but it is also powerfull, everything depend on You and requirement of Design.