- #1
Tom McCurdy
- 1,021
- 1
Does anyone here use Eagle to design circuits... its seems really powerfull, but I am still trying to work out some minor details
Eagle Circuit Design: Free Schematic Program
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the use of Eagle for circuit design, comparing it to PSpice, and exploring the capabilities and limitations of both software programs. Participants share their experiences and specific needs related to schematic capture and simulation, particularly in the context of building a digital radio transceiver.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express that Eagle is a powerful free tool for circuit design but lacks simulation capabilities.
- One participant mentions creating custom library components for specific modules in Eagle, indicating a hands-on approach to circuit design.
- Another participant questions how Eagle compares to PSpice, noting their long-term experience with PSpice for schematic capture and simulation.
- Some participants discuss the limitations of PSpice, particularly regarding its ability to simulate specific modules used in their projects.
- One participant highlights the advanced capabilities of PSpice, including its ability to handle mixed analog and digital simulations and link to layout work.
- There is a mention of a high-cost simulator at Calgary University that can simulate complex circuitry and propagation characteristics, indicating the advanced level of simulation possible in some environments.
- Participants discuss preferences for FM over AM in radio design, with one participant citing cost constraints as a reason for choosing AM.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the strengths and weaknesses of Eagle and PSpice, but multiple competing views remain regarding their respective capabilities and suitability for specific applications. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best approach or tool for circuit design and simulation.
Contextual Notes
Participants express uncertainty about the availability of free versions of PSpice and the specific capabilities of both software programs in relation to their unique project requirements. There are also unresolved questions about the simulation of specific modules and the practical implications of using different types of modulation in radio design.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in circuit design, particularly those exploring free software options for schematic capture and simulation, as well as those working on radio transceiver projects.
- #2
NeutronStar
- 419
- 1
I used it last year for a while and still have the program and files that I was working on. I have version 4.11. It was a free download. For a free program it's extremely powerful and more than sufficient for my needs.
I don't know whether I can help you or not. What details do you need to work out?
I don't know whether I can help you or not. What details do you need to work out?
- #3
rayjohn01
- 283
- 0
Sorry cannot answer your question but I am interested how it may compare to PSpice
which I have used for eons for schematic capture and simulation if you are familiar with that -- Thanks Ray.
which I have used for eons for schematic capture and simulation if you are familiar with that -- Thanks Ray.
- #4
NeutronStar
- 419
- 1
rayjohn01 said:
I'm not familiar with PSpice but I did go to the OrCAD website to look at it. It sounds like it does quite a bit. Is that a free download also? I saw free patches and upgrades, but I didn't see anywhere to download the actual program for free.
The Eagle is a very simple and primitive schematic and board layout program. It doesn't do any simulations at all (at least not that I'm aware of). I don't think that feature would help me much anyway because I also use rare modules that are never incorporated into simulators anyway!
Like right now I'm building a digital radio transceiver around a couple of Reynolds modules,…
http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/RWS-434.htm
http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/TWS-434.htm
I had to make my own library components in both the schematic and the components libraries for these modules. What would a simulator do with these modules?
Actually it would be nice if I could run a simulator on these circuits that I'm creating. I'm basically building them live as I go and testing them real-time. Here's a link to the Eagle schematic that I created for my little transceiver board:
http://www.csonline.net/designer/
I created this schematic using Eagle, and most of the symbols were hand-created by me. I only create small special-purpose boards so I don't mind creating my own symbols. The main thing I like about Eagle is that it was FREE.
It also links the PCboard layout to the schematic for easy updating and editing. But it has absolutely no simulation capabilities.
But would PSpice really help me in that regard anyhow? It certainly can't simulate the radio connection. It probably also wouldn't recognize the Reynolds modules.
By the way, where's Tom? Did he have a question, or did he get all the details worked out?
Last edited by a moderator:
- #5
rayjohn01
- 283
- 0
PSice can be obtained free as a demo or 'student' version which is limited , but I have lost the site for the moment. In it's full version it has a lot of module models -- reynolds I do not know -- I use it at the transistor level where it excells --- but it can handle mixed analogue and digital and being from Orcad it can now handle or link to layout work. Simulation can be in the frequency domain or time , and the transistor library can be obtained from Philips which is awsome with up to 50GHz devices.
Just a personal note I have always stayed away from AM , and infinitely prefer FM
as the modular receivers are very sensitive and narrow band but at 400 Mhz you need surface mount technology and physically small components so it's a pain for the experimenter-- best of luck Ray.
PS the last transeiver simulator that I saw was in Calgary University in Canada with an installation of some 2M$ , which could simulate not only the whole circuitry ( analgue and digital ) at 1 Ghz but also simulate all the propagation characteriscs as well -- this was for wide band (20Mhz) psuedo random sequence modulation aiming at 100 Mbit data rate in the 20M channel.
some fun !
Just a personal note I have always stayed away from AM , and infinitely prefer FM
as the modular receivers are very sensitive and narrow band but at 400 Mhz you need surface mount technology and physically small components so it's a pain for the experimenter-- best of luck Ray.
PS the last transeiver simulator that I saw was in Calgary University in Canada with an installation of some 2M$ , which could simulate not only the whole circuitry ( analgue and digital ) at 1 Ghz but also simulate all the propagation characteriscs as well -- this was for wide band (20Mhz) psuedo random sequence modulation aiming at 100 Mbit data rate in the 20M channel.
some fun !
Last edited:
- #6
NeutronStar
- 419
- 1
I agree about the FM vs. AM, but I'm working under cost restraints here, and the AM should suffice for my purposes.