I have been using an old DOS based PCAD software for years and feel the need to switch to some better Windows based tool. My requirement is for simple PCBs that are mostly single or double sided. Can someone suggest a simple software that is not very hard to learn.
Just use Accel PCAD again becouse you can continue converting old files
and you can get is for about 4500 USA$. ..and it is really good tool !
my 2 cents !
If you looking for a professional pcb software, you need OrCAD, PCAD etc...
But if you are looking for with easy learning and useful software, i think you must use DipTrace.. It has tutorial file on their own site. It is very useful, you can make settings very easy...It has sch, pcb, component and pattern (footprint) editor. Making a component and pattern very easy. I strongly advice you, tray it...
PCAD is simple and good for Small PCB at low frequancy or when u design high speed PCB U must hold the constrain in Your mind ( constrain as track impedance , delay , Relative delay in bus , Topology... its)
but PCAD is Start U can After that Switch to Allegro or PowerPCB
I am also using old pads 2000 (dos) and i have many finished job files.
Are there any tools to convert the old job files to other format?
eg. pads > pcad, pads > orcad, pads(dos) > powerpcb
Hello
I am a PCAD user since PCAD 2000, but altium will stop to support PCAD software after 2006 release, I will not recommend you to use PCAD from now on.
I am looking for a complete package but am lost since reading all these names. It seems for less complex designs orcad in a medium company orcad is not a bad tool.
From Schematic to simulation to layout is orcad the best option. (less than 60 components)
The next ones up would be the new protel (altium designer 6) or cadence/allegro or Mentor Graphics (someone tell me which Mentor is good please)
Eagle CAD, POWERPCB seem be the alternative to mainstream.