PC-Board Design Suite Spans Layout, Schematic Capture, Routing, And Library Development

Sept. 14, 2006

Sporting a layout module, an autorouter, schematic capture, and component/ pattern editors, Novarm's latest version of its DipTrace 1.23 PCB design software application package features a PCB Layout module, a powerful auto-router, schematic capture, and

David Maliniak

The easy-to-learn package provides an intuitive user interface and many features that can help simplify the pc-board design process. For instance, a schematic can be converted to a pc board with one mouse click. The board designer can instantly renew the pc board from an updated version of the schematic and keep existing placement, routed traces, board outline, mounting holes, and other work.

DipTrace's autorouter can route single-layer (bottom side) and multilayer circuit boards. There's also an option to autoroute a single-layer board with jumper wires.

DipTrace has a shape-based copper pour system with different possible fill types and thermals to make plane layers or to reduce manufacturing costs by minimizing the amount of etching solution. Its design-rule checking (DRC) checks the clearance between design objects, minimum size of tracks, and through holes. Output formats are DXF, Gerber, N/C Drill and G-code. With DipTrace, users can import DXF files in PCB Layout and Pattern Editor. Standard libraries contain over 50,000 components.

The unlimited version of DipTrace is available for $695. DipTrace Extended (2000 pins), DipTrace Standard (1000 pins), and DipTrace Lite (500 pins) are available for $495, $345, and $145, respectively. A free version is available for download with a 250-pin limit.

Novarm Ltd.
www.diptrace.com

About the Author

David Maliniak | MWRF Executive Editor

In his long career in the B2B electronics-industry media, David Maliniak has held editorial roles as both generalist and specialist. As Components Editor and, later, as Editor in Chief of EE Product News, David gained breadth of experience in covering the industry at large. In serving as EDA/Test and Measurement Technology Editor at Electronic Design, he developed deep insight into those complex areas of technology. Most recently, David worked in technical marketing communications at Teledyne LeCroy. David earned a B.A. in journalism at New York University.