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Best PCB Design Software

Daniel Rivera
DR
Researched and written by Daniel Rivera

PCB (printed circuit board) design software is a set of tools electronic engineers use to assemble, fabricate, and design circuits. PCB design software adjusts electronic components like netlists, wires, witches, and signals and arranges them in a 3D layout.

PCB design software serves as an electronic mechanism to check the functioning of components assembled within electronic devices. It contains features for signal integrity, thermal stress and pressure, power, and schematic layout to build reliable circuits that are resistant to outages.

PCB design software can also be integrated into mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD) software, general-purpose CAD software, electronic computer-aided design (ECAD), and CAD and PLM software to optimize design and testing workflows for manufacturing and production teams.

PCB design is a virtual simulation of an electronic device on a digital screen. It is used for 2D or 3D visualization of circuits for engineers to edit, modify, and recheck components and circuitry before final assembly and voltage input.

To qualify for inclusion in the PCB category, a product must:

-Modify PCB layouts and PCB circuitry
Include a components library so users can easily implement high-quality PCB footprints
-Provide schematic editing tools for modification of electrical properties and other attributes of components, wires, nets, and pins.

Best PCB Design Software At A Glance

Best for Small Businesses:
Altium Designer
Altium Designer
Best for Mid-Market:
Altium Designer
Altium Designer
Best for Enterprise:
Altium Designer
Altium Designer
Highest User Satisfaction:
Altium Designer
Altium Designer
Best Free Software:
Altium Designer
Altium Designer
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Best for Enterprise:
Altium Designer
Altium Designer
Highest User Satisfaction:
Altium Designer
Altium Designer
Best Free Software:
Altium Designer
Altium Designer

G2 takes pride in showing unbiased reviews on user satisfaction in our ratings and reports. We do not allow paid placements in any of our ratings, rankings, or reports. Learn about our scoring methodologies.

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72 Listings in PCB Design Available
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Altium Designer
By Altium
(562)4.5 out of 5
2nd Easiest To Use in PCB Design software
Save to My Lists
DealsSpecial offer!
10% off: $319/month
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Altium Designer is the most comprehensive, modern, end-to-end PCB design software and the number one choice among engineers and designers worldwide. Representing decades of innovation and development,

    Users
    • Electrical Engineer
    • Student
    Industries
    • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
    • Automotive
    Market Segment
    • 55% Small-Business
    • 32% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Altium Designer Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    139
    Features
    130
    PCB Design
    77
    Efficiency
    49
    Intuitive
    44
    Cons
    Expensive
    44
    Learning Curve
    41
    Missing Features
    32
    Complex Interface
    25
    Component Management
    22
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Altium Designer features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.2
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    9.2
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    8.3
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    7.6
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • What G2 Users Think
    Expand/Collapse What G2 Users Think
    • User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Altium Designer, left between November 2021 and October 2022.
    • Reviewers appreciate Altium Designer’s full integration with layouts and schematics.
    • Reviewers like many new features Altium Designer offers, but some features are complicated to utilize.
    • Reviewers appreciate the various components and chips in Altium Designer even though some reviewers say they are hard to set up.
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Altium
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    1985
    HQ Location
    La Jolla, CA
    Twitter
    @altium
    9,327 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    1,195 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Altium Designer is the most comprehensive, modern, end-to-end PCB design software and the number one choice among engineers and designers worldwide. Representing decades of innovation and development,

Users
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Student
Industries
  • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
  • Automotive
Market Segment
  • 55% Small-Business
  • 32% Mid-Market
Altium Designer Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
139
Features
130
PCB Design
77
Efficiency
49
Intuitive
44
Cons
Expensive
44
Learning Curve
41
Missing Features
32
Complex Interface
25
Component Management
22
Altium Designer features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.2
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
9.2
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
8.3
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
7.6
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Altium Designer, left between November 2021 and October 2022.
  • Reviewers appreciate Altium Designer’s full integration with layouts and schematics.
  • Reviewers like many new features Altium Designer offers, but some features are complicated to utilize.
  • Reviewers appreciate the various components and chips in Altium Designer even though some reviewers say they are hard to set up.
Seller Details
Seller
Altium
Company Website
Year Founded
1985
HQ Location
La Jolla, CA
Twitter
@altium
9,327 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
1,195 employees on LinkedIn®
Altium 365
By Altium
(358)4.6 out of 5
1st Easiest To Use in PCB Design software
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:Contact Us
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Altium 365® is the electronics product design platform that unites PCB design, MCAD, data management, and teamwork.

    Users
    • Electrical Engineer
    • Student
    Industries
    • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
    • Automotive
    Market Segment
    • 62% Small-Business
    • 26% Mid-Market
    User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
    • Altium 365 is a cloud-based platform for designing the schematic and PCB of communication module products, allowing for quick modifications and exports of the PCB.
    • Reviewers like the seamless integration with Altium Designer, the ability for real-time collaboration, and the extensive component library that Altium 365 offers.
    • Reviewers mentioned that Altium 365 can be resource-intensive, requiring high-performance hardware and a stable internet connection, and its subscription model may be expensive for smaller teams or individual users.
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Altium 365 Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Collaboration
    100
    Ease of Use
    85
    Sharing
    85
    Features
    75
    Cloud Services
    55
    Cons
    Learning Curve
    32
    Expensive
    29
    Missing Features
    26
    Slow Performance
    24
    Complex Interface
    23
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Altium 365 features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.1
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    9.0
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    8.3
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    7.4
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Altium
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    1985
    HQ Location
    La Jolla, CA
    Twitter
    @altium
    9,327 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    1,195 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Altium 365® is the electronics product design platform that unites PCB design, MCAD, data management, and teamwork.

Users
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Student
Industries
  • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
  • Automotive
Market Segment
  • 62% Small-Business
  • 26% Mid-Market
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
  • Altium 365 is a cloud-based platform for designing the schematic and PCB of communication module products, allowing for quick modifications and exports of the PCB.
  • Reviewers like the seamless integration with Altium Designer, the ability for real-time collaboration, and the extensive component library that Altium 365 offers.
  • Reviewers mentioned that Altium 365 can be resource-intensive, requiring high-performance hardware and a stable internet connection, and its subscription model may be expensive for smaller teams or individual users.
Altium 365 Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Collaboration
100
Ease of Use
85
Sharing
85
Features
75
Cloud Services
55
Cons
Learning Curve
32
Expensive
29
Missing Features
26
Slow Performance
24
Complex Interface
23
Altium 365 features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.1
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
9.0
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
8.3
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
7.4
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
Seller Details
Seller
Altium
Company Website
Year Founded
1985
HQ Location
La Jolla, CA
Twitter
@altium
9,327 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
1,195 employees on LinkedIn®

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PADS Professional
By Siemens Digital Industries Software
(60)4.2 out of 5
4th Easiest To Use in PCB Design software
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:Starting at $249.00
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    PADS Professional PCB software is a comprehensive electronic design automation (EDA) software suite developed by Siemens Digital Industries Software, formerly Mentor Graphics. It provides advanced too

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 57% Small-Business
    • 35% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • PADS Professional Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Features
    24
    Ease of Use
    22
    PCB Design
    14
    Customer Support
    13
    Simulation Tools
    9
    Cons
    Learning Curve
    10
    Complex Interface
    8
    Software Bugs
    6
    PCB Design Issues
    5
    Difficult Learning Process
    4
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • PADS Professional features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.2
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    8.3
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    8.7
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    8.0
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Siemens Digital Industries Software
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    1980
    HQ Location
    Plano, Texas
    Twitter
    @siemenssoftware
    36,937 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    19,953 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

PADS Professional PCB software is a comprehensive electronic design automation (EDA) software suite developed by Siemens Digital Industries Software, formerly Mentor Graphics. It provides advanced too

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 57% Small-Business
  • 35% Mid-Market
PADS Professional Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Features
24
Ease of Use
22
PCB Design
14
Customer Support
13
Simulation Tools
9
Cons
Learning Curve
10
Complex Interface
8
Software Bugs
6
PCB Design Issues
5
Difficult Learning Process
4
PADS Professional features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.2
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
8.3
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
8.7
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
8.0
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
Seller Details
Seller
Siemens Digital Industries Software
Company Website
Year Founded
1980
HQ Location
Plano, Texas
Twitter
@siemenssoftware
36,937 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
19,953 employees on LinkedIn®
Altium CircuitMaker
By Altium
(98)4.3 out of 5
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:Free
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Altium CircuitMaker is the best free-to-use schematic and PCB design tool for the Open Source Hardware community of designers, makers, hobbyists, students and professionals. CircuitMaker delivers powe

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
    • Consumer Electronics
    Market Segment
    • 68% Small-Business
    • 18% Enterprise
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Altium CircuitMaker Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Features
    9
    PCB Design
    9
    3D Visualization
    5
    Affordable
    5
    Ease of Use
    4
    Cons
    Not Intuitive
    3
    Complex Interface
    2
    Export Issues
    2
    High System Requirements
    2
    Limited Features
    2
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Altium CircuitMaker features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.9
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    8.8
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    7.8
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    7.6
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Altium
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    1985
    HQ Location
    La Jolla, CA
    Twitter
    @altium
    9,327 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    1,195 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Altium CircuitMaker is the best free-to-use schematic and PCB design tool for the Open Source Hardware community of designers, makers, hobbyists, students and professionals. CircuitMaker delivers powe

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
  • Consumer Electronics
Market Segment
  • 68% Small-Business
  • 18% Enterprise
Altium CircuitMaker Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Features
9
PCB Design
9
3D Visualization
5
Affordable
5
Ease of Use
4
Cons
Not Intuitive
3
Complex Interface
2
Export Issues
2
High System Requirements
2
Limited Features
2
Altium CircuitMaker features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.9
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
8.8
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
7.8
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
7.6
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
Seller Details
Seller
Altium
Company Website
Year Founded
1985
HQ Location
La Jolla, CA
Twitter
@altium
9,327 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
1,195 employees on LinkedIn®
Autodesk Fusion
By Autodesk
(493)4.5 out of 5
View top Consulting Services for Autodesk Fusion
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:$476.00
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Autodesk Fusion connects capabilities, data, and people across the entire product development lifecycle. Fusion provides you with CAD, CAM, CAE and PCB tools along with PLM/PDM and MES (manufacturing

    Users
    • Owner
    • Design Engineer
    Industries
    • Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 69% Small-Business
    • 21% Mid-Market
    User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
    • Autodesk Fusion is a CAD software that offers advanced modeling tools, customizable toolbars, and shortcuts to improve productivity and speed up the design process.
    • Reviewers like the software's user-friendly interface, the variety of features it offers, its ability to handle projects in an integrated and streamlined way, and the option to share projects online for collaborative work.
    • Reviewers experienced issues with poor compatibility with other CAD software, limited customization options, difficulty in extracting construction drawings from 3D models, and dependency on an internet connection for cloud-based features.
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Autodesk Fusion Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    47
    Features
    31
    Features Functionality
    25
    Collaboration
    20
    Ease of Learning
    20
    Cons
    Missing Features
    16
    Difficult Learning
    15
    Performance Issues
    14
    Learning Curve
    13
    Limited Features
    13
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Autodesk Fusion features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.4
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    8.5
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    8.4
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    9.1
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Autodesk
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    1982
    HQ Location
    San Francisco
    Twitter
    @autodesk
    283,861 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    15,711 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Autodesk Fusion connects capabilities, data, and people across the entire product development lifecycle. Fusion provides you with CAD, CAM, CAE and PCB tools along with PLM/PDM and MES (manufacturing

Users
  • Owner
  • Design Engineer
Industries
  • Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 69% Small-Business
  • 21% Mid-Market
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
  • Autodesk Fusion is a CAD software that offers advanced modeling tools, customizable toolbars, and shortcuts to improve productivity and speed up the design process.
  • Reviewers like the software's user-friendly interface, the variety of features it offers, its ability to handle projects in an integrated and streamlined way, and the option to share projects online for collaborative work.
  • Reviewers experienced issues with poor compatibility with other CAD software, limited customization options, difficulty in extracting construction drawings from 3D models, and dependency on an internet connection for cloud-based features.
Autodesk Fusion Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
47
Features
31
Features Functionality
25
Collaboration
20
Ease of Learning
20
Cons
Missing Features
16
Difficult Learning
15
Performance Issues
14
Learning Curve
13
Limited Features
13
Autodesk Fusion features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.4
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
8.5
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
8.4
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
9.1
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
Seller Details
Seller
Autodesk
Company Website
Year Founded
1982
HQ Location
San Francisco
Twitter
@autodesk
283,861 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
15,711 employees on LinkedIn®
Allegro X PCB Designer
By Cadence Design Systems
(18)4.4 out of 5
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Quickly take designs from concept to production. The Cadence Allegro PCB Designer quickly takes simple and complex designs from concept to production in a constraint-driven design system to ensure fun

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    No information available
    Market Segment
    • 67% Small-Business
    • 50% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Allegro X PCB Designer Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    7
    Features
    7
    PCB Design
    4
    Simulation Tools
    3
    Automation
    2
    Cons
    Expensive
    2
    Integration Issues
    2
    Slow Rendering
    2
    Software Bugs
    2
    Complex Design Process
    1
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Allegro X PCB Designer features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.4
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    9.3
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    9.0
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    7.6
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Cadence Design Systems
    Year Founded
    1988
    HQ Location
    San Jose, California
    Twitter
    @Cadence
    18,792 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    10,279 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    CDNS
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Quickly take designs from concept to production. The Cadence Allegro PCB Designer quickly takes simple and complex designs from concept to production in a constraint-driven design system to ensure fun

Users
No information available
Industries
No information available
Market Segment
  • 67% Small-Business
  • 50% Mid-Market
Allegro X PCB Designer Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
7
Features
7
PCB Design
4
Simulation Tools
3
Automation
2
Cons
Expensive
2
Integration Issues
2
Slow Rendering
2
Software Bugs
2
Complex Design Process
1
Allegro X PCB Designer features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.4
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
9.3
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
9.0
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
7.6
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
Seller Details
Seller
Cadence Design Systems
Year Founded
1988
HQ Location
San Jose, California
Twitter
@Cadence
18,792 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
10,279 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
CDNS
Read Allegro X PCB Designer Reviews
Allegro Design Entry Capture/Capture CIS
By Cadence Design Systems
(10)4.6 out of 5
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Easy-to-use and powerful, CadenceAllegroDesign Entry Capture and Capture component information system (CIS) is the most widely used schematic design solution, supporting both flat and hierarchical des

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    No information available
    Market Segment
    • 60% Small-Business
    • 30% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Allegro Design Entry Capture/Capture CIS Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    4
    Features
    3
    Simple
    2
    Automation
    1
    Circuit Design
    1
    Cons
    Complex Interface
    1
    Component Management
    1
    Difficult Learning Process
    1
    Expensive
    1
    Learning Curve
    1
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Allegro Design Entry Capture/Capture CIS features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.8
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    9.2
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    9.3
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    8.1
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Cadence Design Systems
    Year Founded
    1988
    HQ Location
    San Jose, California
    Twitter
    @Cadence
    18,792 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    10,279 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    CDNS
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Easy-to-use and powerful, CadenceAllegroDesign Entry Capture and Capture component information system (CIS) is the most widely used schematic design solution, supporting both flat and hierarchical des

Users
No information available
Industries
No information available
Market Segment
  • 60% Small-Business
  • 30% Mid-Market
Allegro Design Entry Capture/Capture CIS Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
4
Features
3
Simple
2
Automation
1
Circuit Design
1
Cons
Complex Interface
1
Component Management
1
Difficult Learning Process
1
Expensive
1
Learning Curve
1
Allegro Design Entry Capture/Capture CIS features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.8
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
9.2
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
9.3
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
8.1
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
Seller Details
Seller
Cadence Design Systems
Year Founded
1988
HQ Location
San Jose, California
Twitter
@Cadence
18,792 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
10,279 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
CDNS
Read Allegro Design Entry Capture/Capture CIS Reviews
Onshape
By PTC
(662)4.7 out of 5
3rd Easiest To Use in PCB Design software
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:$1,500.00
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Onshape by PTC is the leading cloud-native CAD & PDM software that runs on any device, anywhere-requiring zero IT.​ Only Onshape:​ - Eliminates CAD crashes and never loses data​ - Includes built-

    Users
    • Owner
    • Mechanical Engineer
    Industries
    • Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 79% Small-Business
    • 17% Mid-Market
    User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
    • Onshape is a cloud-based CAD system that allows users to work from any location, collaborate on the same part or assembly, and integrate with various online analysis tools.
    • Users like the accessibility of Onshape, its ability to facilitate real-time collaboration, the integrated parts management, and the fact that it requires no bulky local installation or special workstations.
    • Users experienced issues with the drawing environment being inconsistent, concerns about overall cloud security, limitations in dimensioning and annotation in drawings, and dependency on internet for working.
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Onshape Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    92
    Online Accessibility
    61
    Cloud Services
    58
    Collaboration
    53
    Features
    53
    Cons
    Missing Features
    65
    Lack of Features
    35
    Internet Dependency
    25
    Limited CAD Features
    25
    Limited Features
    23
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Onshape features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    2.5
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    3.3
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    9.3
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    8.3
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    PTC
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    1985
    HQ Location
    Boston, Massachusetts
    Twitter
    @PTC
    38,536 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    8,137 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Onshape by PTC is the leading cloud-native CAD & PDM software that runs on any device, anywhere-requiring zero IT.​ Only Onshape:​ - Eliminates CAD crashes and never loses data​ - Includes built-

Users
  • Owner
  • Mechanical Engineer
Industries
  • Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 79% Small-Business
  • 17% Mid-Market
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
  • Onshape is a cloud-based CAD system that allows users to work from any location, collaborate on the same part or assembly, and integrate with various online analysis tools.
  • Users like the accessibility of Onshape, its ability to facilitate real-time collaboration, the integrated parts management, and the fact that it requires no bulky local installation or special workstations.
  • Users experienced issues with the drawing environment being inconsistent, concerns about overall cloud security, limitations in dimensioning and annotation in drawings, and dependency on internet for working.
Onshape Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
92
Online Accessibility
61
Cloud Services
58
Collaboration
53
Features
53
Cons
Missing Features
65
Lack of Features
35
Internet Dependency
25
Limited CAD Features
25
Limited Features
23
Onshape features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
2.5
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
3.3
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
9.3
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
8.3
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
Seller Details
Seller
PTC
Company Website
Year Founded
1985
HQ Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Twitter
@PTC
38,536 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
8,137 employees on LinkedIn®
SOLIDWORKS
By Solidworks
(598)4.4 out of 5
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    SOLIDWORKS delivers connected, easy-to-use tools that help you innovate and accelerate every aspect of your product development process.

    Users
    • Design Engineer
    • Mechanical Engineer
    Industries
    • Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 51% Small-Business
    • 39% Mid-Market
    User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
    • SolidWorks is a software that converts complex concepts into accurate 3D models with its features and user-friendly interface.
    • Users like SolidWorks for its simulation capabilities, customization, wide industry use, detailed documentation, intuitive interface for part and assembly design, and its ability to export to various file types.
    • Users mentioned that SolidWorks has costly licensing, limited cloud integration, requires high-performance hardware to run smoothly, is resource intensive, has limited features for multiple analysis, and can sometimes crash, especially with large assemblies loading.
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • SOLIDWORKS Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    52
    Features
    33
    3D Modeling
    27
    User Interface
    25
    Simple
    18
    Cons
    Performance Issues
    21
    Expensive
    17
    Slow Performance
    17
    Assembly Issues
    16
    High System Requirements
    14
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • SOLIDWORKS features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    7.7
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    7.7
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    8.1
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    9.2
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Solidworks
    Year Founded
    1993
    HQ Location
    Waltham, MA
    Twitter
    @SOLIDWORKS
    183,668 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    Ownership
    EPA: DSY
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

SOLIDWORKS delivers connected, easy-to-use tools that help you innovate and accelerate every aspect of your product development process.

Users
  • Design Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
Industries
  • Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 51% Small-Business
  • 39% Mid-Market
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
  • SolidWorks is a software that converts complex concepts into accurate 3D models with its features and user-friendly interface.
  • Users like SolidWorks for its simulation capabilities, customization, wide industry use, detailed documentation, intuitive interface for part and assembly design, and its ability to export to various file types.
  • Users mentioned that SolidWorks has costly licensing, limited cloud integration, requires high-performance hardware to run smoothly, is resource intensive, has limited features for multiple analysis, and can sometimes crash, especially with large assemblies loading.
SOLIDWORKS Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
52
Features
33
3D Modeling
27
User Interface
25
Simple
18
Cons
Performance Issues
21
Expensive
17
Slow Performance
17
Assembly Issues
16
High System Requirements
14
SOLIDWORKS features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
7.7
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
7.7
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
8.1
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
9.2
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
Seller Details
Seller
Solidworks
Year Founded
1993
HQ Location
Waltham, MA
Twitter
@SOLIDWORKS
183,668 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
Ownership
EPA: DSY
Read SOLIDWORKS Reviews
NI Multisim
By NI
(41)4.3 out of 5
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:1,869.00
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Multisim is industry standard SPICE simulation and circuit design software for analog, digital, and power electronics in education and research. Multisim integrates industry standard SPICE simulation

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
    Market Segment
    • 46% Small-Business
    • 27% Enterprise
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • NI Multisim features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.2
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    7.8
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    8.3
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    6.7
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • What G2 Users Think
    Expand/Collapse What G2 Users Think
    • User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for NI Multisim, left between June 2020 and April 2022.
    • Reviewers like NI Multisim’s heavy power circuits.
    • Reviewers appreciate Multisim’s user-friendly simulation tool, but some reviewers say NI Multisim does not show a graphical simulation of working circuits.
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    NI
    Year Founded
    1976
    HQ Location
    Austin, TX
    Twitter
    @NIglobal
    26,872 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    8,107 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ: NATI
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Multisim is industry standard SPICE simulation and circuit design software for analog, digital, and power electronics in education and research. Multisim integrates industry standard SPICE simulation

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
Market Segment
  • 46% Small-Business
  • 27% Enterprise
NI Multisim features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.2
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
7.8
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
8.3
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
6.7
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for NI Multisim, left between June 2020 and April 2022.
  • Reviewers like NI Multisim’s heavy power circuits.
  • Reviewers appreciate Multisim’s user-friendly simulation tool, but some reviewers say NI Multisim does not show a graphical simulation of working circuits.
Seller Details
Seller
NI
Year Founded
1976
HQ Location
Austin, TX
Twitter
@NIglobal
26,872 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
8,107 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ: NATI
Read NI Multisim Reviews
Autodesk EAGLE
By Autodesk
(74)4.0 out of 5
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:$70.00
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Autodesk EAGLE is an electronic design automation (EDA) software. Enabling printed circuit board (PCB) designers to seamlessly connect schematic diagrams, component placement, PCB routing, and compreh

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
    • Consumer Electronics
    Market Segment
    • 77% Small-Business
    • 16% Mid-Market
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Autodesk EAGLE features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.6
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    8.5
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    7.8
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    7.1
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • What G2 Users Think
    Expand/Collapse What G2 Users Think
    • User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Autodesk EAGLE, left between February 2019 and August 2022.
    • Reviewers like Autodesk EAGLE’s easy-to-use libraries that they can share, but some reviewers say EAGLE’s libraries are hard to manage and organize.
    • Reviewers appreciate Autodesk EAGLE’s basic schematics, but some reviewers find the current schematics outdated.
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Autodesk
    Year Founded
    1982
    HQ Location
    San Francisco
    Twitter
    @autodesk
    283,861 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    15,711 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ:ADSK
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Autodesk EAGLE is an electronic design automation (EDA) software. Enabling printed circuit board (PCB) designers to seamlessly connect schematic diagrams, component placement, PCB routing, and compreh

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
  • Consumer Electronics
Market Segment
  • 77% Small-Business
  • 16% Mid-Market
Autodesk EAGLE features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.6
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
8.5
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
7.8
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
7.1
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Autodesk EAGLE, left between February 2019 and August 2022.
  • Reviewers like Autodesk EAGLE’s easy-to-use libraries that they can share, but some reviewers say EAGLE’s libraries are hard to manage and organize.
  • Reviewers appreciate Autodesk EAGLE’s basic schematics, but some reviewers find the current schematics outdated.
Seller Details
Seller
Autodesk
Year Founded
1982
HQ Location
San Francisco
Twitter
@autodesk
283,861 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
15,711 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ:ADSK
Read Autodesk EAGLE Reviews
ETAP
By ETAP - Operation Technology, Inc.
(21)4.5 out of 5
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    ETAP® is a full spectrum analytical engineering software company specializing in the analysis, simulation, monitoring, control, optimization, and automation of electrical power systems. ETAP electrica

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    No information available
    Market Segment
    • 43% Enterprise
    • 33% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • ETAP Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Customer Support
    1
    Ease of Use
    1
    Features
    1
    Library Management
    1
    Updates
    1
    Cons
    Expensive
    1
    Library Management
    1
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • ETAP features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    0.0
    No information available
    0.0
    No information available
    8.5
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    0.0
    No information available
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    ETAP - Operation Technology, Inc.
    Year Founded
    1986
    HQ Location
    Irvine, CA
    Twitter
    @ETAPsoftware
    1,609 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    443 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

ETAP® is a full spectrum analytical engineering software company specializing in the analysis, simulation, monitoring, control, optimization, and automation of electrical power systems. ETAP electrica

Users
No information available
Industries
No information available
Market Segment
  • 43% Enterprise
  • 33% Mid-Market
ETAP Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Customer Support
1
Ease of Use
1
Features
1
Library Management
1
Updates
1
Cons
Expensive
1
Library Management
1
ETAP features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
0.0
No information available
0.0
No information available
8.5
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
0.0
No information available
Seller Details
Seller
ETAP - Operation Technology, Inc.
Year Founded
1986
HQ Location
Irvine, CA
Twitter
@ETAPsoftware
1,609 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
443 employees on LinkedIn®
Read ETAP Reviews
Cadence PSpice
By Cadence Design Systems
(11)4.4 out of 5
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    The CadenceAllegroPSpiceSimulator provides complete pre- and post-layout testing for analog and mixed-signal designs with powerful simulation, debugging, design, and analysis utilities. The Allegro PS

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    No information available
    Market Segment
    • 55% Mid-Market
    • 27% Enterprise
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
    • Cadence PSpice Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Features
    4
    Accuracy
    3
    Circuit Design
    1
    Customer Support
    1
    Ease of Use
    1
    Cons
    Complex Interface
    4
    Difficult Learning Process
    1
    High System Requirements
    1
    Lack of Features
    1
    Learning Curve
    1
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Cadence PSpice features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.8
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    8.6
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    7.8
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    7.2
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    Cadence Design Systems
    Year Founded
    1988
    HQ Location
    San Jose, California
    Twitter
    @Cadence
    18,792 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    10,279 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    CDNS
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

The CadenceAllegroPSpiceSimulator provides complete pre- and post-layout testing for analog and mixed-signal designs with powerful simulation, debugging, design, and analysis utilities. The Allegro PS

Users
No information available
Industries
No information available
Market Segment
  • 55% Mid-Market
  • 27% Enterprise
Cadence PSpice Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Features
4
Accuracy
3
Circuit Design
1
Customer Support
1
Ease of Use
1
Cons
Complex Interface
4
Difficult Learning Process
1
High System Requirements
1
Lack of Features
1
Learning Curve
1
Cadence PSpice features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.8
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
8.6
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
7.8
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
7.2
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
Seller Details
Seller
Cadence Design Systems
Year Founded
1988
HQ Location
San Jose, California
Twitter
@Cadence
18,792 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
10,279 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
CDNS
Read Cadence PSpice Reviews
Ultiboard
By NI
(22)4.3 out of 5
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Ultiboard is printed circuit board design and layout software that integrates seamlessly with Multisim to accelerate PCB prototype development. Ultiboard software offers efficient PCB design layout an

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
    • Higher Education
    Market Segment
    • 68% Small-Business
    • 18% Mid-Market
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Ultiboard features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.7
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    8.2
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    8.0
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    7.4
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • What G2 Users Think
    Expand/Collapse What G2 Users Think
    • User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Ultiboard, left between January 2022 and July 2022.
    • Reviewers enjoy Ultiboard’s circuit simulation and visualizations, but some reviewers report the simulation does not function properly.
    • Reviewers like many different types of available components in Ultiboard, but some reviewers found specific components hard to discover in the platform.
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    NI
    Year Founded
    1976
    HQ Location
    Austin, TX
    Twitter
    @NIglobal
    26,872 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    8,107 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ: NATI
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Ultiboard is printed circuit board design and layout software that integrates seamlessly with Multisim to accelerate PCB prototype development. Ultiboard software offers efficient PCB design layout an

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
  • Higher Education
Market Segment
  • 68% Small-Business
  • 18% Mid-Market
Ultiboard features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.7
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
8.2
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
8.0
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
7.4
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Ultiboard, left between January 2022 and July 2022.
  • Reviewers enjoy Ultiboard’s circuit simulation and visualizations, but some reviewers report the simulation does not function properly.
  • Reviewers like many different types of available components in Ultiboard, but some reviewers found specific components hard to discover in the platform.
Seller Details
Seller
NI
Year Founded
1976
HQ Location
Austin, TX
Twitter
@NIglobal
26,872 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
8,107 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ: NATI
Read Ultiboard Reviews
Microwave Office
By NI
(17)4.5 out of 5
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
    • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Microwave Office software is known for its intuitive interface, innovative design automation, and powerful harmonic balance circuit simulation. Microwave Office along with Visual System Simulator, AXI

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
    Market Segment
    • 53% Small-Business
    • 29% Mid-Market
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
    • Microwave Office features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    10.0
    Schematic editor
    Average: 8.4
    8.3
    PCB layout editing
    Average: 8.5
    8.5
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.6
    8.3
    3D modeling tools
    Average: 7.8
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
    • Seller Details
    Seller
    NI
    Year Founded
    1976
    HQ Location
    Austin, TX
    Twitter
    @NIglobal
    26,872 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    8,107 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ: NATI
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Microwave Office software is known for its intuitive interface, innovative design automation, and powerful harmonic balance circuit simulation. Microwave Office along with Visual System Simulator, AXI

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
Market Segment
  • 53% Small-Business
  • 29% Mid-Market
Microwave Office features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
10.0
Schematic editor
Average: 8.4
8.3
PCB layout editing
Average: 8.5
8.5
Quality of Support
Average: 8.6
8.3
3D modeling tools
Average: 7.8
Seller Details
Seller
NI
Year Founded
1976
HQ Location
Austin, TX
Twitter
@NIglobal
26,872 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
8,107 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ: NATI
Read Microwave Office Reviews
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PCB Design Topics

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Learn More About PCB Design Software

What is a PCB design software?

Printed circuit board (PCB) design software is used to design and layout electronic circuits on a printed circuit board. It focuses on the arrangement of components, routing of pins, and verification and simulation of the circuit's functionality.

PCB design is the building block of most electronics, except very basic ones. The mechanical structure of a PCB design is pretty complex. Therefore, a proper context of electrical engineering and computer-aided design (CAD) proficiency is vital for effectively using this software.

With a PCB design board, users can create schematic layouts, import components, and route interconnections in a running circuit. These components help build a circuit board, and PCB design software tests its application. These tests and simulations guarantee the longevity of electrical and electronic hardware.

What is a PCB design?

A printed circuit board (PCB) design is a blueprint that manufacturers, engineers, and technicians leverage to create durable electronic devices. The functionality of a PCB addresses the core components of an electronic device or appliance by providing a platform to mount and interconnect them. 

The 2D or 3D circuit model is created digitally in the PCB design, a blueprint used by product manufacturers, engineers, and technicians to guide the fabrication of the physical PCB. This design ensures proper placement and routing of components for optimal electrical performance.

PCB design is a technique that allows the user to design circuits and ensure the components, wire interconnections, and traces are functional and stable. The idea of having a design model before product manufacturing is to assemble critical parts, enable smooth transmission, and optimize trace bandwidth. PCB design software is a printed circuit board software equipped with these features and facilitates the speedy production of electronic components.

PCB design software features

When selecting a PCB design software, one should compare the features offered by the software provider with their specific use cases. In the electrical and electronics domain, these features are essential: 

  • PCB layout: The tool can build PCB layouts to run electronic operations and circuit boards with the required insulation. PCB layout is the prototype of a circuit board where the user can adjust the systems, build interconnections, and set the nets and pins.
  • Schematic editor: The schematic editor lets users place and edit components on a schematic page. This feature serves as a basic function of a PCB. Additionally, most schematic editors let users annotate components directly on the schematics, offering additional information about different elements on the PCB.
  • Autorouting: Autorouting connects wires from component to component on a printed circuit board. Some PCB design software includes features that automatically connect points on the circuit board. To do so, users must select the nets, and the router automatically routes the traces according to the design rules. This saves users from wasting time on tedious tasks.
  • Simulation and analysis capabilities: Before implementing a circuitry, it must undergo testing under tough conditions, including temperature, pressure, and external atmospheric factors. The testing process validates the tools, components, and workflows, verifying the PCB analysis before production.
  • CAD viewer integration: CAD viewer enables cross-functional teams to view, edit, and modify designs and assemble the fields within a circuit as required for electric hardware.
  • Cross-departmental collaboration: With collaboration tools, PCB designers can all work on the same board together in real time. Users can edit each other's work, add comments, and provide feedback to fellow designers. Additionally, users can store and access any board at any point throughout its developmental history. This way, no changes are permanent, and users can always revisit old designs.
  • Library management and component libraries: Component libraries give users access to various prebuilt components for common electrical spare parts. This feature lets users pull parts of the PCB design from the library and not have to design every part from scratch. Instead, users can save time throughout the design process by easily inputting the desired components into the design schema.
  • PCB footprint: The PCB footprint defines the physical dimensions of the printed circuit board and explains each component and use case. Some more advanced PCB design software can even link to a PCB manufacturer directly within the component library. This allows users to place orders for components.
  • 3D visualization: 3D visualization allows users to edit components with 3D computer-aided design. This feature helps designers easily identify mistakes they might not have seen in the 2D schematics and gives users an actual representation of what the finished printed circuit board would look like. It’s important to note that the quality of 3D rendering can vary widely across solutions.
  • Design rule check: This feature allows users to identify design violations that lead to signal integrity, power integrity, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) issues. Design rule checking is generally conducted through simulation tests. These tests include mixed signal circuit simulation, signal integrity, and power integrity analysis. All of these circuit simulations let users test the performance of their boards in a virtual environment. This helps them verify if their design works before spending money on manufacturing the PCB.
  • Differential pair routing: Differential pair PCB routing is a design technique used to create a balanced transmission system to carry differential signals across a printed circuit board. Some PCB design software provides users with a differential pairs editor that lets users define the routing width of the nets in the pair and the separation (gap) between them. This dramatically speeds up the manual process of differential pair routing.

Types of PCB design software

While PCB design software manages circuit boards for different electronic devices, users must choose the type that fits their target application.

  • Professional or commercial PCB design software: This is the mainstream PCB design software that aids in PCB layout creation, schematic capture, and simulation. The tech stack is used to build electric demonstrations of power circuits, which helps engineers and assemblers deploy an operational current mechanism within electronic devices.
  • Open-source PCB design software: For simple tech and appliances, open-source PCB design software would manage the design, testing, and electrical dynamics for the product. The app would aid in basic layout creation, simulation for enclosure, thermal and stress management, and interconnections with traces cost-effectively.
  • Cloud-based PCB design software: This stack is used by electronic engineers, mechanical engineers, and technical staff to edit, store, and modify designs over cloud servers. Cloud transfers ensure premium encryption, faster uploads and downloads of designs, automatic updates without manual installation, and minimum vulnerability or circuit breakage.
  • Free or freemium PCB design tools: Some PCB design tools offer free services with basic components and routing support. The systems also provide basic schematic capture, PCB layouts, and enclosures to design circuit boards. However, the settings are basic, and component libraries are limited.
  • Specialized PCB design software: This is an advanced software version that offers added modules for power transmission, radio frequency, radio frequency identification (RFID) tracing, and auto-routing support to power electronics, automotive, and interactive aerospace applications.

Benefits of using PCB design tools

PCB design software enables users to create durable electronic and electric devices and manage engineering task workflows in a simple and time-saving way. Some of the benefits they offer are:

  • Efficient design rule checks: The components library offers routing support, interconnections between nets and traces, and other assets to implement for PCB designs. These intuitive components help mechanical and electronic engineers know and understand the spare parts and machinery and embed them into the schematic layout.
  • Reduced time to market: PCB design optimizes the feature implementation, engineering, and testing processes for software teams, which helps in faster production and reduced time to market.
  • Enhanced collaboration: Different functional teams can access and supervise the design changes in PCB layout in real time. Multiple teams working on a single circuit project enhances collaboration and reduces the scope of malfunctioning.
  • Simulation and analysis: The tool offers advanced testing workflows and simulation tools to check for thermal management, heat tolerance, stress, signal integrity, and power distribution of a printed circuit board and relevant annotations for each component.
  • Manufacturability: The PCB design software increases manufacturability by integrating design principles within the engineering aspect and fabricating responsive logic for electrical devices to work in the long term.
  • Staff training: The stack has an onboarding journey for buyers to get acknowledged with different features, enhancements, modules, APIs, and their use cases. It also provides knowledge base resources and product videos for quick installation and implementation.
  • OS compatibility: Engineers can deploy PCB enclosures within any software infrastructure and platform as a service (PaaS) environment. The designs can be shared across macOS, Linux, Windows, and Unix systems.
  • Component libraries: The user can deploy and source PCB components to route them with the circuit board. If there is a shortage of PCB libraries, the software will connect with a local PCB source or manufacturer to replenish the components with all details, annotations, and integrity.

Who uses PCB designing software?

During the manufacturing process of an electronic product, PCB design is a crucial step that involves thorough inspection. Let's look at the primary users involved in producing the output:

  • Electronic engineers: Electronic engineers deploy design and project frameworks for designing electric circuits, electronic spare parts, and engine machinery. The software stack comprises schematic capture, layout tools, and a component library. 
  • PCB designers and developers: PCB designers and developers build 3D simulations of electric devices for the research and development of the final product. These educated users know how to design, visualize, and test the manufacturing elements to ensure the applicability and workability of products.
  • Students: Students pursuing mechanical engineering, structural engineering, and electronics and telecommunication (ENTC) engineering learn how to work in real-life manufacturing plants and factories with PCB design software.
  • Teachers: Lecturers and mentors within engineering disciplines use circuit technologies to help students build 3D models and learn basic principles for electric and electromagnetic fields. These principles are used in miniature circuit boards, power distribution plants, and hi-tech networks.
  • Technicians and assemblers: Technicians and assembly personnel leverage the PCB software stack for product research and lifecycle. With the support of assemblers, fabricators, netlists, and pins, technicians can easily optimize manufacturing workflows.
  • Manufacturing engineers: Manufacturing engineers use PCB design software to review and optimize virtual models for efficient production. They may collaborate with design teams to address manufacturability concerns and ensure mass-produced products.
  • Electrical and hardware engineers: Hardware and electrical engineers use PCB design to learn about wire earthing, grounding, thermal management, and current flow within PCB layouts.
  • Entrepreneurs and startups: Entrepreneurs and founders use the PCB framework to build electronic appliances and products. The stack consists of tools that help tinker with circuit boards and use different hardware logic to test and validate products.

How much does PCB design software cost?

Various types of PCB design software are available, including open-source subscriptions, paid subscriptions, studio licensing, and annual plans. Leading software solutions like Altium Designer, Altium 365, Ansys RedHawk-SC, Fusion 360, Autodesk, cadence, Allegro, and Solidworks offer CAD integration to automate design workflows. 

To learn more about pricing, it is advisable to visit software vendor websites and register for a custom quote with the respective customer service specialists. 

Further, learning about a software implementation process with a free trial or plan at no cost for a given period can give a deeper insight into software service. Registering for a demo would allow teams to efficiently shortlist the most suitable plan or subscription based on their business needs, product lifecycle, and revenue allocation. The solutions are dispersed across three major business sizes: small, mid-level, and enterprise.

Challenges with PCB design solutions

  • Learning curve and complexity: It's worth noting that some PCB services can be quite complex, which may make it difficult for users to learn how to use them. In such cases, users can refer to the tutorials available on vendor pages. These tutorials are usually comprehensive and provide detailed explanations about using the advanced features of PCB design software.
  • Integration and extension issues: Sometimes, integration of PCB design would create API issues and ‘.exe’ file errors within the current ERP stack. Ensuring seamless data exchange with CAD data exchange software allows users to check technical specifications before onboarding a software suite.
  • Software bugs and stability: PCB design software, like any other tool, can be impacted by data theft, design errors, and system disruptions. Regular updates are necessary to fix these problems.
  • Cost of software and licensing: The cost and licensing of software subscriptions, especially for professional-grade PCB software, can be a challenge. Keep in mind the upfront expenditure and renewal costs when evaluating return on investment (ROI) value. 
  • Keeping pace with technological advances: The field of electronics is dynamic and embraces new technologies. With the recent advent of augmented reality and virtual reality software, PCB design engineers are building 3D holograms and working on circuits and electrical logic in physical realities. Failure to do so can limit the product's effectiveness and result in negative reviews and feedback from the audience.

Which companies should buy PCB design software?

PCB design software is a major requirement for engineering firms. Some firms can invest in PCB design software to ensure lifetime consumer satisfaction.

  • Electronics manufacturing companies: Companies specializing in developing industrial equipment, health safety, and environment (HSE) equipment, and plant machinery can use PCB design software to work on raw drafts and build schematic layouts.
  • Technology and semiconductor companies: Companies like IBM, Intel, and Biosonic that manufacture chips, processors, and transistors can use PCB design software to optimize inventory and manufacturing workflows.
  • Telecommunication companies: Telecommunications and network operators can use PCB design software to build network signals, design mobile networks, and integrate electronic design automation (EDA) within integrated circuits (ICs).
  • Medical and e-healthcare companies: Medical and e-healthcare brands can design medical equipment like ventilators, pulse monitoring devices, and medical implants with the help of PCB design and nanotechnology to reduce pain, improve accuracy, and ensure a speedy recovery.
  • Automotive manufacturers: Automotive companies integrate PCB design tools with product development workflows for designing and manufacturing factory engines and control units in various machines, including modern vehicles, infotainment systems, and engine control units. It helps ensure maximum efficiency and safety protocols of these devices.
  • Aerospace engineers: In the aviation industry, PCB design software can be integrated with passenger and fleet management systems and business intelligence (BI) techniques to prevent occurrences of engine flameouts.

Implementation of PCB design software

Implementing a PCB stack for businesses would require a structured and strategic approach.

  • Assess project requirements: Clearly define the technological and infrastructure bandwidths before shortlisting software. Defining project thresholds, goals, and developer bandwidth would help choose an efficient tool to meet ROI objectives.
  • Evaluate software options: Conduct a thorough design tutorial of different software with a custom demo before investing in a software provider. Consider factors like functionality, production workflows, compatibility, ease of use, budget, and user satisfaction for each solution.
  • Train and onboard software users: Ensure seamless training and implementation cycles by connecting with vendor sales reps and account executives (AEs) to get educated on software use cases. Check training programs, user manuals, online resources, and workshops to make the teams proficient.
  • Verify integration with existing automation and API development software: Ensure seamless integration within API and other automation software. Verify compatibility with other design, simulation, QA, and manufacturing software to avoid disruptions and systems and enhance collaboration.
  • Implement best practices and standards: Define and implement best practices listed on the software website and the G2 platform to ensure project consistency. Learn about data authentication, version control, electronic design, Gerber file format, and other best practices.

How to choose the best PCB design software

Choosing a PCB design software relies on input from engineering and feature implementation teams. Knowing the company's requirements makes it easier to make the right choice.

  • Ease of use: Prioritize a graphical user interface (GUI) over a console application. Ensure the changes made to the code reflect within the project studio the user is working on. Focus on interactive execution, faster compilation, and syntax support.
  • Compatibility: Ensure the software supports CAD viewer to view the designs in industry-standard file formats. This ensures a seamless data exchange between two or more CAD systems and doesn’t lead to broken files.
  • Comprehensive libraries and annotation: Look for the assets required to build the circuitry and their annotations. This information would be beneficial during the simulation and testing process.
  • Scalability: For multi-product support, choose software that can be scaled to deployment within the organization and cross-border branches through a secure authentication network.
  • Support and cost: Evaluate customer support and compare the costs. The support must be tied to the base price of each module the user wants to activate.