Proteus VSM Software

The most powerful CAD system, allowing virtually simulate work a huge amount of analog and digital devices.

Proteus VSM software package allows you to build a scheme of any electronic device and simulate its performance, identifying mistakes made at the design stage and tracing. The program consists of two modules. ISIS - Editor of electronic circuits, followed by imitation of their work. ARES - editor PCB autorouter equipped Electra, built-in editor libraries and automatic placement of components on the board. Besides ARES can create a three-dimensional model of the PCB.

Proteus VSM includes more than 6,000 electronic components with all reference data, as well as demonstration projects study. The program has the tools and USBCONN COMPIM, which allow you to connect virtual device to the USB port and the computer COM. When connecting to these ports any external device virtual circuit will work with it as if it existed in reality. Proteus VSM supports the following compilers: CodeVisionAVR and WinAVR (AVR), ICC (AVR, ARM7, Motorola), HiTECH (8051, PIC Microchip) and Keil (8051, ARM). You can export models of electronic components from the program PSpice.

 Despite the fact that the program works with devices consisting of several microcontrollers and even with chips from different manufacturers in a single device, you must clearly understand that the simulation replicates the real work schemes are not exactly! To avoid errors, you need a clear idea of ​​the final result.

Proteus VSM is a commercial product. There is a free demo version. It has all the features and capabilities of pay package, but you can not save or print the result of the work to create your own microcontroller.

English-language program menu. Complete localization system for Proteus VSM not. You must install the program in a folder without Cyrillic characters in the title.

Operating systems, which employ this CAD - is Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7. Note that Proteus VSM functional in Windows 7, but starting with version 7.8.

Distribution of the program: Shareware (fee required), the price - from £ 99

Official site of Proteus: http://www.labcenter.com

DipTrace Software

Automated system through designing electrical circuits and PCB layout.

Simple and easy DipTrace does not require a learning curve and is perfect for small amateur handicrafts. The program consists of the following modules: Schematic (to create a multi-sheet multi-level circuits with built-in simple simulation), PCB Layout (development boards using manual or automatic routing systems and components optimize the location and size of boards), Pattern Editor and Component Editor (to edit buildings and the components, respectively.) DipTrace contains the minimum possible number of controls when working editable objects are highlighted, thus providing an assessment of the situation. Changing one element or circuit board is reflected in all its dependent objects. Autorouter copes with complex multilayer boards that have different types of radio components and support files Specctra DSN / SES lets you connect an outside breeder. The program conducts numerous inspections of the project (new items in the library, affordability and integrity of connections, clearances, dimensions) at various stages of work that can detect and fix errors "on the fly." Creating a SPICE netlist to simulate project allows any external simulator, export / import functions make it possible to continue to work in other applications (P-CAD, PADS, OrCAD, Eagle), as well as use netlists Accel, Mentor, Allegro, Tango and Protel. DipTrace board in exports necessary for the production formats DXF, Gerber RS-274X (with support for TrueType fonts and raster monochrome images), Excellon N / C Drill. Standard library programs include more than 100 000 items from the most reputable manufacturers and convenient development tools allow yourself a few minutes to produce radio parts of any size and complexity. Thanks to a set of three-dimensional models of buildings can be built in the space of the rotating 3D-picture appearance of the final product.

 Since the development of DipTrace programmers engaged in domestic and radio electronics, it is expected that the program itself, textbook, reference materials and other more completely in Russian. DipTrace was created by OOO "Novarm" and distributed in Russia through partner company JSC "Softline".

In addition to the maximum version DipTrace Full, there are versions of Extended, Standard, Lite Starter and different number of available pins, signal layers and, of course, price. To assess the capabilities of the program, you can download a 30-day trial. There is also a crack software, an extensive library of 3D-models of buildings and detailed tutorial from the manufacturer in Russian, which describes step by step all the stages of the development board. In addition, there is a special free version of DipTrace Freeware limited to 300 pins and two layers.

DipTrace operating systems: Linux, Mac OS and Windows NT, 2000, HP, Vista, 7 (32 - and 64 - bit). Manufacturer does not recommend the package to run on Windows 95, 98 and ME. Also, the program does not work in Windows 8, even when activated compatibility mode

Distribution of the program: Freeware (free with limitations) and Shareware (fee required), price - 600 rubles

Official site DipTrace: http://www.diptrace.com/rus

ExpressPCB Software

Easy to learn and easy to use system manual PCB design.

The main advantages are the ease of development ExpressPCB, quickness to create your own database of radio components and microcircuits, the correctness of the program. ExpressPCB combines the best qualities of Sprint Layout



ExpressPCB editor designed for the manual creation of bilateral PCB-containing items, such as with planar and with solder pins.Implemented the ability to import the netlist drawn in ExpressSCH, as well as highlighting the unconnected pads. Most electronic components are numbered digital code, making it easier to further their search and purchase. Option «Snap to grid» with high accuracy to place items on the board. After completion of the work program reports the approximate price for manufacturing boards, and the function «Order boards via the Internet» helps to order. In both applications, there are libraries of standard components. Unfortunately, not without drawbacks. Noteworthy is the absence autorouter support Cyrillic characters, the function checks all the links for the optimal arrangement of parts, the print preview. For the iron-home method of production of printed circuit boards, ExpressPCB wonderful works in conjunction with circuit simulation program SwitcherCAD. Supports the expansion. Pcb program P-CAD.









Despite the simplicity of the program, there are two small incremental guide for beginners and special tips for PCB layout in English.


The program is written by a small team of American programmers and hobbyists. The aim of the work they put prompt resolution of various production problems through rapid development and manufacture of high-quality two-or four-layer printed circuit boards, with delivery the next day to anywhere in the world. After completion of the wiring board, the program automatically calculates the exact cost of board fabrication and on the official website, you can order the production of circuit boards.


ExpressPCB is running Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7. However, be careful when downloading the installation files to the program. One of them only work with XP, 2000 and NT, and the other - in Vista and Windows 7.


English-language program interface and localization system not.


Distribution of the program: Freeware


Official site ExpressPCB: http://www.expresspcb.com

Altium Designer Software

Computer-aided design from the developers of the legendary P-CAD , providing tremendous opportunity for the development of electronic devices. The program is mostly designed for professionals than hobbyists.

The software package includes all Altium Designer required set of tools for creating, editing and editing work on the basis of electrical and programmable integrated circuits. Schema editor enables you to work with projects of any size and complexity, converting them into simple sub-blocks. Digital-to-analog simulation takes into account almost all the real parameters and provides the designer a lot of different tests, including analyzes of transients, frequency, noise transfer functions, Fourier method Monte-Carlo, with the change of temperature. Realization of the circuit level checked and eliminated various impedances and cross-reflection. PCB Editor includes unique program for automatic (program Statistical Placer, Cluster Placer) and interactive component placement. Topological tracer Situs uses fully customizable algorithm for solving PCB layout of high-density installation elements. It can operate in non-orthogonal directions and independent choice of layers.Constantly updated library of more than 90 software programs store thousands of components. Many of them are models of seats, IBIS and SPICE-model, as well as 3D-model. Each of them can create a program individually with minimal time by entering information about the component.

     With support for DirectX redistribution of the load between the CPU and graphics card, which greatly accelerated the work with polygons and multilayer boards. There is the possibility of developing a three-dimensional printed circuit board in the form of import / export data in the mechanical CAD (SolidEdge, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ProEngineer). Altium Designer supports almost all existing output file formats: DXF, Gerber, NC Drill, ODB + +, VHDL, IPC-D-356 and many others. Built-in wizard for importing projects converts library circuits and boards of systems OrCAD, PCAD, Allegro PCB, PADs, DxDesigner work in Altium Designer, regardless of the encoding (binary or ASCII). A distinctive feature of the development environment is a cross-cutting development integrity at different stages of design. In other words, changes made at any level of development will be reflected in all project phases. The program was created by Australian company Altium, which in 2008 announced the completion of work on the P-CAD and suggested instead a program Protel, being developed since 2000. In 2006 it was renamed in Protel Altium Designer. Despite the fact that the central office is located in Sydney, it has branches in 22 countries.  Interface design environment is simple and straightforward, any command can be run through many menus and one of the options you can always find through "Help". The Internet has a huge number of books and guidelines in Russian by Altium Designer. On the Internet there is anecdotal localization for Altium Designer, but usually on older versions, or not a complete translation.

Altium Designer is designed to run on 32 - or 64-bit operating systems Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7/8.

Distribution of the program: Shareware (fee required) from $ 49 per month

Official site Altium Designer: http://www.altium.com

FreePCB Software

Software with open source software, specializing in professional development and editing of printed circuit boards.

FreePCB program is fairly well known in Russia, but she won the main popularity in the U.S. and in India. This editor is very easy to learn and at the same time able to withstand the high demands for quality professionals PCB design. The program allows you to get results in a larger format Gerber (topology files) format and Excellon (files for drilling). These data is sufficient to order the production of boards in offices specialize in this. Besides software package supports up to 16 layers, you can work with both inch and metric units. PCB size can be up to 1524x1524 mm. Editor uses the library buildings from companies IPC, PCB Matrix and Design International. It is possible to import and export a netlist in PADS-PCB. In recent version adds verification of compliance with design rules and AutoSave results. For lovers of the printed circuit board at home, FreePCB represents the result separately for each layer in a graphical format PNG. This editor uses only hand-wiring boards, but can work in tandem with third-party avtotrassirovschikom FreeRouting. Among the few drawbacks are the lack of print option in the program.

FreePCB editor boards designed to work with the editor of schemes TinyCAD . In addition, the live broadcast will be available from the simulator netlist LTspice program FreePCB. There is an opportunity on the basis of a full and free programs to collect system through design containing simulator, editor of electrical circuits and printed circuit boards breeder.

FreePCB program written entirely in English and has no localization system. However, amateur radio enthusiast Valentin Volodin was made ​​very decent translation of manuals, which can be found on this page . There is also stored online description of the software package FreePCB buildings in Russian.

The entire software package FreePCB from the first to the last line was written by a single man named Alan Wright (Allan Wright). Talented programmer living in the United States. In addition to electronics, despite his advanced age, Alan loves to travel, skiing, and even self-piloting his own plane RV-4. To get the necessary information on the program enough to ask a question on our site.

FreePCB works on all operating systems Microsoft Windows, including the latest - Windows 7. It can be run on Linux and Macintosh using the Wine.

Distribution of the program: Freeware

Official site FreePCB: http://www.freepcb.com

Kicad Software

Automated system through design allows you to create professional electrical wiring diagrams, design printed circuit boards for them and prepare for the production of output.

KiCad program is written in C + +. It consists of the following:
1. main applications:
• Project manager kicad, allowing you to create and configure new works;
• electrical circuits eeschema editor for drawing and komponirovaniya schemes, including the editor of characters;
• PCB editor pcbnew, forming electric circuits and circuit comprising editor seats
2. additional utilities:
• file viewer format Gerber - gerbview;
• a program to identify seats according to the components on the circuit - cvpcb;
• Editor view reports wyoeditor.
Furthermore KiCad includes a plurality of libraries of electronic components for which there is formed a three-dimensional model Wings3D program.

Editor allows you to create eeschema are multiple hierarchical schemes and carry them tested for compliance with electrical codes. It also created a list of elements in a table and netlist-list for circuit simulation in the PCB editor. Additional option allows you to save in a popular format netlist Spice circuit simulation and conduct third-party application.

 Pcbnew works with boards containing 16 copper and 12 technical layers, inner layers of metallization, thermal pads, blind, and through internal transition and micro-vias, microwave structure. There is a possibility to use external tracers, such FreeRouter and TopoR, there calculator circuit boards and optional automatic and manual placement of components. At the end of the generated files to the production process (for photoplotters and drilling machines), as well as the proposed waterline printout formats HPGL, PostScript, DXF, PDF and SVG format with frame or without. KiCAD creates a list of components to order, as well as the logo on the card developer can export the drawings in DXF and PDF.

Size chart or board in KiCad is not limited to, at any stage, you can go back and make changes, and then easily transfer them further. 3D Viewer option allows OpenGL-based build three-dimensional image of the PCB. Rendering quality, of course, lower than that paid counterparts, but enough for visual assessment. Unfortunately, the basic format of three-dimensional models of components, representing manufacturers, *. Iges and *. Step - software does not support.
Disadvantages of the system design is attributed uncomfortable and intuitive interface. Program difficult to master without reading the documentation.

The author of this software is Frenchman Jean-Pierre Sharra, who developed it in 1992. Jean-Pierre is a researcher in the laboratory of images and signals, and also teaches electronics and image processing in the Institute of Technology in the city of Saint-Martin-d \ 'Er (Grenoble, France).

The main advantage of the medium KiCad, in addition to a full-featured - a free license and open to change codes, data formats, libraries, schemes, projects PCBs.

To update the program regularly published. For Windows is invited to build a setup EXE-file or as a ZIP-archive. To install the program you must run the EXE-file and unzip to a folder C: \ \ Program Files \ KiCad.

The system design supports English, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech, Polish, French, German, Russian and many other languages. Through the efforts of many volunteers at the moment the application is fully adapted to the GOST.

KiCad is cross-platform software tool and runs on operating systems, FreeBSD, Linux, MS Windows, Apple Mac OS X and Solaris.

Dissemination programs: free, open source

Official site Kicad: http://iut-tice.ujf-grenoble.fr/kicad/

DesignSpark PCB Software

Powerful, convenient and affordable design system for creating professional diagrams and printed circuit boards.

DesignSpark PCB can be used successfully as professional developers, and radio amateurs and students, it is similar to other modern programs and creation of electronic devices is based on the schematic editor module and PCB layout. Design environment allows you to work with the boards to an area of ​​one square meter, restrictions on the number of sheets and layers not. There is a function autorouting, the result if necessary be adjusted manually.

This software allows you to export your spreadsheet circuit connections (ie netlist) in Spice-industry standard simulators that can test the circuit for errors and perform wiring before manufacturing PCB. Supported program for analysis of electronic circuits LTSpice, TINA, LSSpice and TopSpice. Special menu converts the files into *. Cir, *. Net and *. Sch-formats. Grouping allows you to combine a number of different elements or circuits in one unit. This applies to automatic instrument wiring boards, facilitating placement of parts. Specialized design calculators can calculate the impedance parameters radiators, distributed capacitance, inductance and group delay of different types of microstrip lines, width and thickness of the PCB track within the allowable heating, maximum current, resistance, voltage drop, as well as several other parameters.

Thanks to the library of 3D-models, the program has the option of constructing a three-dimensional image projected unit with all radio components and the possibility of arbitrary rotation and scaling. The application generates files in popular formats manufacturing Gerber, DXF, Excellon, IDF, LPKF. Besides, DesignSpark PCB has web access services offers PCB manufacturing and procurement of components used in the project, based on the generated specification.

This software package is absolutely free. Thus it contains no restrictions on the number of circuit elements, or by time of use. On the official site is freely available library components ModelSource, containing over 85,000 circuits printed circuit boards and 35,000 three-dimensional models presented in more than 20 formats, compatible with the most famous package design of electronic equipment. When you first start must complete the free registration, which needs access to the Internet. If you do not, then save the results of work will not be available.

DesignSpark PCB software package was released in July 2010. It was developed by RS Components , whose headquarters is located in Corby (UK). His way up from a small office for the sale of spare parts for the station, established in 1937 in London, currently RS Components has offices in 27 countries around the world (including in Russia), offering more than 550 000 items of products, including all necessary components for automation and information technologies, as well as office equipment, tools, measuring devices and reference books.

Unfortunately Russian interface in DesignSpark PCB is not, the program is fully in English.

To work environment sufficiently low power design of personal computers running the Windows operating system to version 7 inclusive.

Distribution of the program: Freeware

DesignSpark PCB official website: http://designspark.com

PCB123 Software

Software that allows you to draw diagrams, design and plant printed circuit boards for the electronics industry sphere.

PCB123 attracts with its intuitive and user-friendly interface, easy to create new components, different cell library, which you can easily create your own components. There is a function for constructing 3D-surround image boards future devices can import DXF files. A special highlight of the software package - Schema Editor and router are in the same window. LiveBOM module allows designers to analyze real-time cost of the materials used and their presence in the sale, receive technical information. The design process is monitored value fee, depending on its size and complexity. Everything would have been fine, but the developer, the firm Sunstone Circuits, made exclusively for the design environment itself. File Format - closed (the * .123), and free converters in Gerber not. Freedom in the manufacture of circuit boards missing, users are closed on the orders only Sunstone Circuits. Only after the project will be tested on company boards, it is possible to redeem Gerber-files its design, for example, to start mass production elsewhere. The program also has an extremely uncomfortable schema editor.

 After registering on the website becomes available set (more than 500 000 units) of additional components for schema editor and cards from different manufacturers.

PCB123 created by Sunstone Circuits, a leading manufacturer of motherboards with affordable prices, located in Mulino (Oregon, USA).PCB123 is part of the design environment ECOSystem - uniform resource Sunstone. This environment offers developers the necessary information, suppliers, component libraries, as well as a large selection of board manufacturing techniques using production capacity of the company and its partners. The firm has a great, round the clock customer support. They listen to the wishes of designers and react quickly to demands of the modern market. The site has an online chat to communicate directly with a representative of Sunstone.

Operating systems supported - Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7.

Distribution of the program: Freeware

The official website for PCB123: http://www.sunstone.com

EDWinXP Software

Software for designing electronic devices, including all major stages of simulation and PCB design.

EDWinXP is short for Electronic Design for Windows XP. The program is a set of built-specialized modules covering all stages of the development of the electronic device of any complexity: the creation of electronic circuits, simulation and performance analysis, printed circuit design and preparation of complete documentation for the assembly and production of the project. The composition EDWinXP includes the following utilities:

• Editor of electrical schematics Schematic Editor;

• Simulation analysis functionality and verify the behavior of the scheme - Mixed Mode Simulator and EDSpice;

• PCB Layout Editor to create PCB layout;

• Fabrication Manager, responsible for the preparation of output files for production (Photoplotter, NC Drill and others).

In addition, the package includes a variety of tools created validation schemes, for example:

• Thermal Analyzer - thermal analyzer controlling hot spots on the board;

• Electromagnetic Analyzer - Analyzer electromagnetic effects, including and signal integrity analysis.

Program features are huge. EDSpice simulator SPICE based on established and able to carry out simulation of nonlinear, transient and mixed processes. There is the possibility of a three-dimensional view developed PCB. Electromagnetic and thermal analyzers are very clear, boxes appear in the dynamics and volume. Present VHDL-editor with the ability to automatically create a project of VHDL-source (file formats CUPL, JEDEC, Xilinx). The composition of PCB Layout Editor includes autorouter Arizona, SPECCTRA and MaxRoute. The program allows you to export the schema format AutoCAD - DXF.

EDWinXP comes with an extensive component library (over 28,000 units), which may be updated, changed and expanded with an editor Model Parameter. Library members also includes microcontroller 8051 sets, AVR, PIC, Motorola, and the base 3D-model components.

Each project is presented as a hierarchical scheme of the plurality of sub-circuits and circuits which are stored in a single file on disk. All elements of the project - circuits, printed circuit boards, pre-production drawings and documents have links. Changes in one of the stages of automatic design in the real time mode is recorded on the remaining components of the system.

System design EDWinXP is paid. Versions of the program, there is a huge amount. Their cost ranges from $ 180 (for an initial option for students and researchers working within one year) to $ 1,800 (for unlimited professional version of the product). You can also install a trial, please pack the fourteen EDWinXP. After completing the form, the specified e-mail you will receive a link to download the program.

Install the software is not a problem, but you must make sure that the number of characters with spaces in the folder name was not more than eight pieces.

The program was created by the studio Visionics, a subsidiary of Norlinvest Ltd. It is located in a suburb of Stockholm, cottage Enebyberg.Visionics history began in 1983 with the advent of the first EDA-program - The CAD ABC. The great demand for this software has stimulated further research and development of EDA-applications. For thirty years, the company created CAD packages, setting new standards for design and won numerous international awards. The most famous products Visionics: CAD 1000, Comp CAD, Series Electronic Designer.

The program interface is written in English, assistant containing a brief introduction, also Russified.

EDWinXP design environment runs on personal computers running Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, XP, and 2000.

Distribution of the program: pay (from $ 180). There is a free 14-day trial version

Official site EDWinXP: http://www.visionics.a.se/

P-CAD Software

Powerful computer-aided design of printed circuit boards and electronic computing devices. 
The program is able to complete the entire cycle of PCB design and deployment of interactive autotrace guides, troubleshooting at any stage of the project, preparation of documentation, check the integrity of all signals, crosstalk analysis. Easy referral system and user interface reduce "barrier to entry" for beginners.

P-CAD consists of two independent modules - Schematic (Editor electrical circuits) and PCB (printed circuit board editor). Projects schemes can contain up to 999 sheets and draft boards - up to 999 layers of size 60x60 inches. There are opportunities for interactive routing of differential pairs to minimize electromagnetic interference multimarshrutnaya tracing the specified parameters, orthogonal dragging conductors. Besides the basic routines P-CAD has support: Library Executive (library manager), Symbol Editor (Editor symbols of the elements), Pattern Editor (Editor seats, housings elements) and some others. P-CAD libraries store more than 27,000 items, certified according to ISO 9001. Fully supported formats Gerber and ODB + +.

Among the recent improvements to P-CAD - adding tracer Situs powerful design environment of Altium Designer , CAMtastic package for the preparation of printed circuit board to the production and service analog and digital simulation and nVisage Xspice.

In 1996 the company ACCEL Technologies presented to the public the first version of P-CAD called ACCEL EDA. The product has gained popularity among designers of digital devices. January 17, 2000 ACCEL Technologies was acquired leading developer of CAD Protel International. In March 2000, ACCEL EDA changed its name to P-CAD. Today it is the most famous in Russia design environment. On the Internet there are lots of information about this program.

Computer-aided design using English interface. Proven or official russifiers not. Using True Type fonts allows inscriptions in Russian.

In summer 2006, the owner of the program Australian company Altium formally announced that it would stop the development of P-CAD.Developers were invited to go to Altium Designer - a powerful product company. In spring 2008, the company announced the termination of proprietary (English-language) support. After June 30, 2008, legally purchased P-CAD can not.

The latest official version became a P-CAD 2006 SP2 released in 2006.
P-CAD 2006 is fully operational only in the operating systems Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows 95, Windows NT.

The official website for P-CAD: http://www.altium.com