If you do get stuck, there is a set of both video tutorials as well as a 221-page PDF tutorial that gives an overview of the program.
The Schematic Capture tool is relatively intuitive, allowing a first-time user to leap in without any real need to go through tutorials. These are just some small things, but they would smooth the interface.Īssuming all the parts you need are in the standard component library (rather extensive at 100,000+ parts), you can jump right into designing your circuit in the schematic capture tool. I also would like to see the file management options of "Import" and "Export" be contained under the "Open" and "Save As" menus. One thing that is noticeably missing is the native ability to save your schematics to a PDF file (in order to achieve this currently, you would have to install a "Print to PDF" application). Each element is tied to one another, though, somewhat loosely.ĭespite all these great features, there are some small items that would be nice improvements. This is the launcher for each element of the program. To start DipTrace, you use the DipTrace Launcher as shown below. The stated Mac compatibility is from Leopard through Mountain Lion (it appears you may require specific versions of the DipTrace installer for the various releases of OS X). Despite my preference for Windows, Mac OS X users will be happy to know that there is a version for them. I personally have run it on Windows 7-64 Pro without any issues. It is stated to have windows compatibility from Windows 2000 all the way through Windows 8. Let's see how it meets my outlined criteria.ĭipTrace offers full Windows compatibility, including having installers for both 32- and 64-bit systems. I have implemented a handful of projects using the DipTrace design package. This limits me to 300 pins and two signal layers. This free version can be extended under the "non-profit lite license" to 500 pins, though still limited to only two layers (paid versions support more layers).įor the purposes of this review I have chosen to evaluate the basic, free version of the program. When using the free offering, you are limited to 300 pins and two layers. As mentioned in my earlier post, there were six features that I consider to be necessities as follows:ĭipTrace has a free offering for non-commercial use as well as several levels of paid versions intended for commercial purposes.
This is the first installment of that effort - a review of DipTrace by Novarm. I also promised to share my experiences with each program as I used it. In my previous blog, A Guide to Low Cost PCB Tools, I listed a handful of free to low-cost PCB tool options along with a set of criteria of things that I felt were necessary to have a usable PCB tool that meets my needs. Label: PCB design, printed circuit board,PCB tool
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