DesignSpark PCB
 | |
| Initial release | July 5, 2010 |
|---|---|
| Stable release | 7.0.2 / March 24, 2015[1] |
| Operating system | Windows, Linux under Wine |
| Available in | English |
| Type | Free EDA software |
| License | Proprietary software |
| Website |
designspark |
DesignSpark PCB is a free-of-charge schematic capture and PCB layout tool for electronics design automation (EDA), for use by professional electronics design engineers, hobbyists, educators and students.[2] (EDA software is a sub-class of computer-aided design (CAD) software.) Although there is no charge for the software, the user must register with the website to unlock disabled functions and the program displays advertisements which must be acknowledged before the user can begin working.
Background
DesignSpark resulted from a collaboration between electronics distributor RS Components and EDA software developer Number One Systems.
Projects
Projects are used in DesignSpark PCB to organise design files. A project can have an unlimited number of schematic sheets and one PCB layout file.
Schematic capture
DesignSpark PCB has a Schematic editor. Schematics are used to draw up circuit diagrams and connections. A given project can have multiple schematic sheets that together combine to form the complete design.
There are some useful third party libraries that can be added.
PCB layout
Schematics are translated to a PCB layout file with a PCB Wizard. A PCB layout editor is then used to refine the physical layout of the printed circuit board. A design may have several iterations before a finalised printed circuit board is passed for production.
Autorouter
DesignSpark PCB includes an auto-router which automatically places tracks between components on a PCB layout. Components can also be auto-placed.
DesignSpark PCB produces Gerber and Excellon drill files. These standard files are accepted by PCB fabrication companies and are used to build a printed circuit board.