Analysis of PCB software tools under Linux

About the benefits of Linux, here is not awkward! Talk about the actual, Linux board design.

The software here is roughly Eagle, Kicad, gEDA, Fritzing, etc. Compared with Protel under Windows, Eagle is even more powerful! I started using Protel, followed by PowerPCB, PADS, Allegro, etc., until after I contacted Eagle, I completely abandoned Protel and gave up windows. Of course, there are a lot of professional software under Windows, but in terms of its huge size, the quality is worth questioning. This kind of stuff really needs such a huge amount, need to waste resources like this? ! Out of the question, ha, laughter

Eagle is very light, very small, only a few tens of M, its very rich package library, extraordinary; its powerful features, it is far stronger than other Several G software. This tool is more than enough to design a PCB board instead of Protel. However, in the recent design, I found a bug that I can't make a 0.4x0.4mm BGA package! Of course, this package is special, that is, a 0.16mm diameter via is made on a 0.25x0.25mm pad. The package was made normally, but after linking with the components, all the feet were found to be connected. 0.16mm through hole, basically there is no such processing capacity in China, but it is uncomfortable, just like the porcelain that has been playing for a long time, suddenly found flaws, it is very big! The head is blank, a thought, reluctantly cut love, change tools!

Using Linux is for "Long live freedom", then choose open source or free. Only KiCAD and gEDA are out. gEDA understands from the name, it is more powerful, such as circuit simulation, and multiple tools combined, each tool is only the best, the concept is very good! Then start with gEDA.

From hand-made schematic packaging, PCB packaging, to final design and wiring, although it started very hard, all the files are in text format, and the production is like programming. Write a few similar programs. The code of the thing quickly became a graphic, feeling: powerful! Subsequently, the problem was found, gEDA's PCB tool can only place components on the top layer, not on both sides! This is true at least in the graphical interface. If that's the case, then. . .

For KiCAD, this is one of the fastest growing open source professional software, completely replace Protel! Simple operation, no such damage as Eagle (not open source) and gEDA (single-sided cloth). Next, use KiCAD for circuit design. Any progress, then gossip, huh, huh, huh, huh,

As far as Fritzing is concerned, it is very intuitive and simple. The design is similar to the children doing graffiti or painting, just can't believe it! I feel like playing and playing. As a design tool, although it is very powerful, it is still awkward. If you have time, think carefully.

By the way, all my software, the platform is the basic principle, just Use under windows