PCB Layout Software – 3 of the best

Published on December 28, 2022 , Last modified on November 7, 2024
by Hommer Zhao
ORCAD DFM

There are several PCB layout software available in the market, but the most commonly used software for PCB layout design is

ALTIUM Design Software:

The Altium design software for PCB and schematics is the world-famous software for designing a professional PCB layout. This software is user-friendly and has all the basic and advanced features that a design engineer requires.

The ALTIUM Designer 17 is the latest release, which contains the following features.

PCB Layout Software

1. Dynamic Copper:

Customize copper borders and adjust copper overlay.

2. Active Route:

Guided routing technology while obeying the design constraints

3. Track Glossing:

PCB net quality and length are adjusted

PCB net quality and length are adjusted/optimized automatically.

Auto synchronization of component parameters between PCB and schematics

4. Enhanced Layer Stack Manager:

Manage and define all layer stacks into your design for rigid-flex and high-speed

Design Import

5. Design Import:

You can import PCB and schematics from PCAD, EAGLE, ORCAD, and PADS to ALTIUM designer 17

CADENCE ORCAD:

1. Shape Creation and Management:

Place a PCB component within the shape, and the shape will automatically make room for the PCB component to adjust to any design rules. Rotate or move the component, and the shape will automatically readjust again.

CADENCE ORCAD

2. Interactive Routing:

There are no routing modes to remember. Just select the trace/traces you want and get started with routing. Push, hug, and counter-routing. The routing within the complex BGA stencils is easy to sketch the path, and the interactive router will automatically tackle the engineering details and complete the route.

ORCAD DFM and DRC

ORCAD DFM and DRC:

With OrCAD, you can find DFM errors while you design PCB layout so that your design will not wreck your time later. The DFM technology is always running while you are designing the PCB layout. This will save you a lot of time by enabling you to check for DRC errors while designing the layout.

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Hommer Zhao
Hi, I'm Hommer Zhao, the founder and Chief Editor at WellPCB. With extensive experience in the PCB industry, I oversee all content to ensure it meets the highest standards of accuracy and insight. We proudly serve over 4,000 customers globally. For inquiries or more information, don't hesitate to reach out. Your satisfaction is my top priority!