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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the selection of PCB design software for redesigning legacy products. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding various software options, including considerations of cost, ease of use, and compatibility with legacy files.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for up-to-date PCB design software, mentioning the need for compatibility with legacy designs.
  • Another participant suggests that Orcad, Altium, and PADS are the top industry choices, noting their support for legacy files.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the high cost and steep learning curve associated with PADS, while recommending Diptrace as a more accessible option for smaller PCBs.
  • An entry-level designer mentions using Allegro and expresses a desire to gather information before starting the redesign process, indicating that an expert will review their work.
  • Cadsoft EAGLE is presented as a frequently updated and cost-effective alternative, with one participant advocating for its use.
  • Another participant reflects on their past experience with Allegro and PADS, suggesting that while OrCad is superior for RF design, PADS is more commonly used in the job market.
  • Questions arise about how EAGLE compares to PADS and Orcad, particularly regarding cost and features.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the best PCB design software, with no clear consensus on which software is superior. Some advocate for specific programs based on personal experience, while others highlight the importance of considering cost and ease of learning.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying levels of experience with different software, and there are references to compatibility issues with legacy files. The discussion reflects a range of perspectives on the importance of software choice in relation to job market demands.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for entry-level PCB designers, professionals considering software upgrades, and those interested in the current landscape of PCB design tools.

branbailey9
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I am going to be redesigning some PCBs for some legacy products and want to use the most up to date software I can to keep these designs easy to update in the future. The current design is in Theda and the CAD files are no longer available. I appreciate any input.
 
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How deep are your pockets?

If you've got the $$, Orcad, Altium, and Pads are pretty much the top 3 in the industry (as far as I'm aware anyway). Those three are also pretty good about supporting legacy files when the update their software.

Altium (what I use) just pushed Altium Designer 10 this week. I'm not sure how you can get more recent than that...
 
If you have to ask this question, don't try to redesign PCB's, have an expert redesign them for you.
If you will contact me, will give you the name of someone who has done PCB's for me.

PADS is probably the industry standard. It's a great program, but VERY expensive and difficult to learn.

I use Diptrace for small PCB's with good results. It's free for small PCB's and reasonably priced for larger PCB's. None of the programs to design PCB's are easy to learn. Diptrace is probably one of the easier to learn.

However my advice is
HAVE AN EXPERIENCED PERSON DESIGN THE PCB FOR YOU.
 
I am an entry level designer just out of college and my company does not want to outsource the redesign. An expert here will be reviewing my work. I have some experience but am just trying to gather all the information I can before I begin. My company currently uses Allegro. I just wanted to bring some fresh ideas to the table if possible. I do appreciate the input. Thank you
 
My info might be old, in my days, Allegro is the more common. Then Power PCB ( PADS). I myself use older version OrCad in my days, it was 10.2 at the time. I downloaded the latest OrCad, it is nothing like what I know and the files are not compatible.

I think learning is about the same, you learn one, you know what to expect from the other. Best is to choose the one that is the most common instead of worrying about which one is the best. It is more important to learn something that is in demand so you be able to find job easier in the future. I know PADS and OrCad, it was hands down OrCad is superior for RF design, not even close. But PADS is a lot more common and useful when looking for a job.
 

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