Hi all-
I did a search on forums, but found most of the threads were older than might be considered useful. I know there are a lot of choices, but I don't have the personal resource right now to simply start trying them all. I rely on the collective wisdom of those here, to help, instead--
I have been using ExpressSCH/PCB for some years to do schematic and PCB design. However, their latest version no longer supports netlist linking, which I consider a requirement for checking that a PCB matches the schematic. The software has been relatively easy to use, and allows several layers in a PCB, and multiple sheets for schematic designs (so I can break up power .v. motherboard .v. other sub-circuits, etc.
But to be honest, because of the vendor lack of support at this stage, I'm ready to graduate to something more 'professional', but I
I do
I would be grateful for any recommendations. Be kind... last couple of weeks have been @#$%^-tastic on a level that I'm still struggling with.... :/
I did a search on forums, but found most of the threads were older than might be considered useful. I know there are a lot of choices, but I don't have the personal resource right now to simply start trying them all. I rely on the collective wisdom of those here, to help, instead--
I have been using ExpressSCH/PCB for some years to do schematic and PCB design. However, their latest version no longer supports netlist linking, which I consider a requirement for checking that a PCB matches the schematic. The software has been relatively easy to use, and allows several layers in a PCB, and multiple sheets for schematic designs (so I can break up power .v. motherboard .v. other sub-circuits, etc.
But to be honest, because of the vendor lack of support at this stage, I'm ready to graduate to something more 'professional', but I
- Don't want an annual license
- Don't want an exhorbitant inititial cost (although I'm willing to pay quite a bit for a one-time lifetime charge)
- Don't want a steep learning curve or complex config/customization requirement to get it installed & working
I do
- Want to be able to design schematics, and custom components if not able to find a library of components
- Want to be able to design pcbs and link the netlist so I can hover over a via in a PCB design and see all other vias it's connected to
- Want to be able to generate gerber files
- Want it to be able to run on Windows 7 (I like linux and use it every day, but my skill is limited primarily to the lampp stack)
I would be grateful for any recommendations. Be kind... last couple of weeks have been @#$%^-tastic on a level that I'm still struggling with.... :/