pc design/layout software

I need to buy modestly priced pc layout software for very infrequent use for very simple microwave and analog surface mount multi-layer boards. Can any one recommend a software package which is easy to learn, runs on a Windows PC and interfaces with AutoCad well? Thanks for your resonse.

Bill Mordarski

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| I need to buy modestly priced pc layout software for very infrequent use for very simple microwave and analog surface mount multi-layer boards. Can any one recommend a software package which is easy to learn, runs on a Windows PC and interfaces with AutoCad well? | Thanks for your resonse. | | Bill Mordarski | I'm not trying to be a wise ass (though I probably am one), but why not uses ACAD or one of its add on software packages? Another way to go is to buy a CAM software package as CAM350, Lavanier, or? and do the simple work while out/inputting Gerber data easily.

Problems exist all across the board trying to talk DWG or DFX files, or others, with ACAD. One of the biggest gripes in industry is designing the board features in ACAD and laying down traces and spaces with some other program.

There's a really neat guy participating in the IPC TechNet, who's name escapes me, but is the CEO of a progressive CAD capability. Just look through the IPC January 1999 with the most recent dialogue concerning MLB current carrying capabilities or something of the sort.

Let me know how your search turns out,

Earl Moon

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| I need to buy modestly priced pc layout software for very infrequent use for very simple microwave and analog surface mount multi-layer boards. Can any one recommend a software package which is easy to learn, runs on a Windows PC and interfaces with AutoCad well? | Thanks for your resonse. | | Bill Mordarski | Bill,

Don't mean to overdo but the following might help more: Jeff Seeger Applied CAD Knowledge Inc Chief Technical Officer Tyngsboro, MA 01879 jseeger "at" appliedcad "dot" com 978 649 9800

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| I need to buy modestly priced pc layout software for very infrequent use for very simple microwave and analog surface mount multi-layer boards. Can any one recommend a software package which is easy to learn, runs on a Windows PC and interfaces with AutoCad well? | Thanks for your resonse. | | Bill Mordarski | Bill,

Am not sure how simple your boards are but PADS Software use to be available as Shareware. This was at least 7 years ago. I used the DOS Shareware version and designed several stepper motor controller circuits. It was a very powerful and and easy to use program and is still today. I believe the only difference from the full blown version of PADS and the shareware version was number of components and autorouter. Never-the-less, It might be worth checking into to see if shareware of new windows versions are available. As far as interfacing with AutoCad, I thinks so. My employer uses AutoCad and Pro E and information is passed between PCB design, drafting, and plastic design.

Otherwise logon to www.pcbdcon.com. Printed Circuit Design has lots of software adds and information on PCB packages. Also check out a program named Eagle. I know this program is reasonably priced.

Chris

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| I need to buy modestly priced pc layout software for very infrequent use for very simple microwave and analog surface mount multi-layer boards. Can any one recommend a software package which is easy to learn, runs on a Windows PC and interfaces with AutoCad well? | Thanks for your resonse. | | Bill Mordarski | Bill,

Check out www.cadsoftusa.com (Eagle Software)

Eagle Light is available for free for non profit. Only two layers though.

Try this website also: http://www.horizon.bc.ca/~tnd/pcbmore.html

Thanks,

Chris

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