Program needed - for drawing electronic circuit diagrams

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding free and user-friendly software for drawing electronic circuit diagrams, particularly for use in laboratory reports. Participants share their experiences and recommendations regarding various programs, including those for schematic capture and circuit simulation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using xcircuit for drawing purposes and mentions Circuit Maker as a simulation tool with a free student version.
  • Another participant shares their positive experience with Electronics Workbench, noting its ease of use despite being heavyweight, and suggests asking a lab assistant for access.
  • A different participant also recommends Electronics Workbench but indicates that it is limited to schematic design and inquires about programs that can convert schematics to circuit boards.
  • Concerns are raised about the complexity of Protel, with a request for easier alternatives.
  • One participant mentions Ultiboard as part of the Electronics Workbench package and questions its usability.
  • Linear Technologies' LTSpice and SwitcherCAD III are recommended as excellent, free, and easy-to-use tools for schematic capture and simulation.
  • Another participant echoes the positive sentiment about LTSpice/SwCAD III, highlighting the availability of user group resources and tutorials.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on different software options, with some agreeing on the utility of Electronics Workbench and LTSpice, while others seek alternatives or express concerns about complexity. No consensus on a single best program emerges.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention limitations in the software discussed, such as Electronics Workbench being primarily for schematics and the complexity of Protel for beginners. There are also references to specific versions and access issues that may affect usability.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in electronic circuits courses, educators looking for software recommendations, and hobbyists interested in circuit design and simulation tools.

DieCommie
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I am in an electronic circuits laboratory class, and I am looking for a free, easy to use program that will allow me to construct circuit diagrams for my reports.

Any ideas? Thx!
 
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DieCommie said:
I am in an electronic circuits laboratory class, and I am looking for a free, easy to use program that will allow me to construct circuit diagrams for my reports.

Any ideas? Thx!

For the purposes of drawing only, you could use xcircuit (free). One that does simulations also is Circuit Maker, I'm pretty sure they have a free student version.
 
Had that lab a year ago, we used Electronics Workbench, surprisingly I found it very easy to use despite is it is very heavy weight. Version 4 is very nice to use, but it is not free, I suggest you ask the lab assistant to lend you a copy or use the computer at the faculty that have the installed software.
 
I recommend Electronics workbench too, I been using it for 3 years now.
very good , and easy to learn.
However if you want something more complicated and that will do precise circuit simulation you'll need OrCad..
 
i was using Electronics workbench, but that is only for schematic.
Can u suggest me some program that transforming schematic to circuit board. I am learning Protel, but that is too complicated.
Please gave me some program that is easy to learn.
 
Whats wrong with Ultiboard? I believe it comes as part of the EW package.
 
LTSpice/SwCAD III is a charm. The user group has some awesome files and tutorials.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/LTspice/ (yahoo account needed)

They had some free seminars in New York as part of the "LTspice World Tour 2007", but I missed all of them :( It would have been awesome to hear Mike Engelhardt speak.
 
ranger said:
LTSpice/SwCAD III is a charm. The user group has some awesome files and tutorials.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/LTspice/ (yahoo account needed)

They had some free seminars in New York as part of the "LTspice World Tour 2007", but I missed all of them :( It would have been awesome to hear Mike Engelhardt speak.

I think it is the best freebie out there for circuits.
 

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