PCB layout is the task of translating a schematic diagram into the copper interconnections required to fabricate a printed circuit board.

We currently use two tools for PCB design in the EDF:

• ​ExpressPCB

in Ubuntu Linux

• 'Pros: FREE schematic editor and layout program. Very easy to learn/use.
• 'Cons: Only ExpressPCB can manufacture boards. Very little design checking.

Maximum 4 layers (2 routing, 2 power layers)

• ​Altium

30-day free trial available. We plan to switch to this as our primary layout tool for jobs too big for ExpressPCB in 2011.

Preview tools for looking at Gerber format files

• ​gerbv
• ​GC-Prevue

Legacy tools:

• ​OrCAD
• ​Mentor PADS
  • ​Download Files
  • ​PADS Logic Getting Started Guide
  • ​PCB Matrix PADS Layout Tools
• ​List of Layout Tools

Training, Tutorials, & Background Information

• ​PCB Design Tutorial
• ​Tips for Improving High-Speed PCB Layout
• ​High-Speed PCB Layout (Digi-Key PMT)
• Bypass Capacitors
  • Choosing and using bypass capacitors (Planet Analog) – ​Part 1 • ​Part 2 • ​Part 3
• ​Xilinx XAPP623 Power Distribution System (PDS) Design
• PCB bypass-capacitor Placement: ​A bypass-capacitor dialogue peels back the layers
• ​Analog Devices PCB Design Resources
• ​Op Amp Applications Handbook - Hardware and Housekeeping Techniques
• ​The Data Conversion Handbook - Hardware Design Techniques

Standards Organizations

• ​IPC
• ​JEDEC

Design Check Lists

• ​PCB CHECKLIST
• ​Electronics Design Checklist

PCB Calculators

• ​http://www.ultracad.com/calc.htm
• ​http://www.technick.net/public/code/cp_dpage.php?aiocp_dp=util_pcb_imp_calculator
• ​http://www.skottanselektronik.com/
• ​http://sourceforge.net/projects/qucs/
• ​http://www.national.com/analog/interface/rapidesigner_tools
• ​http://sourceforge.net/projects/mdtlc/
• ​http://www.pcb123.com/help/calculators/
• ​http://www.eecircle.com/applets/muwave.html
• ​http://referencedesigner.com/cal/cal_02.php