Intuitive user interface smoothes PCB design software

Besides being very simple to learn, which is quite an accomplishment for an engineering software application, DipTrace has a very intuitive user interface and many innovative features. For instance, a schematic can be converted to a PCB with one mouse click. The board designer can instantly renew the PCB from an updated version of the schematic and keep existing placement, routed traces, board outline, mounting holes and other work. DipTrace has a high quality automatic router, superior to many routers included in other PCB layout packages. It can route a single layer (bottom side) and multilayer circuit boards, and there is an option to autoroute a single layer board with jumper wires, if required. Smart manual routing tools allow users to finalize the design and to get the results they want in a blink of an eye. DipTrace has an accurate shape-based copper pour system with different possible fill types and thermals to make plane layer or to reduce manufacturing costs by minimizing the amount of etching solution. Another important feature is Design Rule Check (DRC), the function that checks the clearance between design objects, minimum size of tracks and drills, which ensures board accuracy. A net connectivity check allows users to check all electrical connections and find all
broken nets and their isolated areas. A feature comparing a PCB to a schematic helps detect possible design mistakes and correct them before prototyping. Output formats are DXF, Gerber, N/C Drill and G-code. DipTrace allows users to import DXF files in PCB Layout and Pattern Editor. Standard libraries contain 50.000+ components.

While the least expensive software to perform similar functions is likely to cost thousands of US Dollars, the unlimited version of DipTrace is available for $695 (US dollars), DipTrace Extended (2000 pins), DipTrace Standard (1000 pins) and DipTrace Lite (500 pins) are available for $495 USD, $345 USD and $145 USD, respectively. Also, there is completely free version available for students and hobbyists with 250 pins limit! Full-featured 30-Day trial and free version with 250 pins limit are available at www.diptrace.com

DipTrace 1.23 is delivered at no charge on CD. It can also be downloaded at no charge from the company's website