Open Source Tools

[ARGold]

Does anyone know of any useable open source Schematic or PCB tools (or efforts which look like they will become useable)?

This thread can also be used as a discussion of whether ope-source tools could/should supplant proprietary tools.

There has been some discussion of having an open standard for PCB (and schematic) parts. has anyone started work in this field?

Allen Goldstein

[PeterA]

Electric has built-in schematic tools. Electric is open source VLSI design system. It is possible create scheme by use it and export to another PCB tools. In extreme case it is possible treat IS layout as PCB layout :-)).
See www.staticfreesoft.com

[nigelwright7557]

You tend to get what you pay for with design tools.

The more you pay the more complex the tool is likely to be too.

Nigel.

[sdb]

The cannonical open-source EDA PCB design suite is gEDA/PCB:

http://geda.seul.org/
http://pcb.sourceforge.net/

Developed on and for Linux, there are rumors that you can get it working on Windoze too, if you don't mind tinkering. As for Linux, there is an install CD with a built-in wizard which automatically builds and installs the software for you.

There is also Kicad:

http://www.lis.inpg.fr/realise_au_lis/kicad/

Which has been gaining traction lately, particularly amongst newbies.

Both gEDA/PCB and Kicad have active user communities offering support. I can't speak for Kicad, but using gEDA/PCB many people have done decently complex boards (8 layers, > 6" x 6" size, etc.). I suggest you puruse the websites listed above.

SDB