When we need to layout a board we use Eagle
Lite. We are not power users of board layout software
because our core skills are actually in programming,
especially for Internet and remote data acquisition.
But we have to say that that Eagle layout software
was the right price and we have done layout on
a few boards here and there.
What is the right price? How about free? –
providing it is for non commercial use. And that’s
not all, you can…
- Draw the schematic
- Layout the board and autoroute the circuits
- Edit as needed
- Use the auto-route utility
- Check the board
- Export CAM data
- Send data for board production
Limitations on the freeware version include:
- The useable board area is limited to
100 x 80 mm (4 x 3.2 inches).
- Only two signal layers can be used (Top
and Bottom).
- The schematic editor can only create
one sheet.
The freeware version has a full stock of components.
If your component is missing, it is fairly easy
to create one. If you have never used cad layout
software before, there is a learning curve involved,
like most CAD programs worth learning.
Eagle Layout Editor is available for Windows,
Linux and Mac operating systems. Eagle freeware
version is useful and it will allow you to do
meaningful stuff.
When you register Eagle Software Freeware you
are allowed to use the limited version for commercial
purposes.
Eagle Software can be ordered from CADSoft USA
at a very reasonable cost.
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