Summary of 10 free PCB CAD programs
ZentiPCB by Mirko Bruno Sortini is a freeware PCB suite including ZentiCapture for schematic entry and ZentiPCB for PCB layout. ZentiCapture creates netlists with features like orthogonal locking and snap-to-pin; those netlists import into ZentiPCB, a CAD-like layout editor that supports component library import and single- or double-sided routing. The article reviews free PCB packages updated within the last two years.
Parts used in the ZentiPCB Project:
- ZentiCapture software (schematic entry)
- ZentiPCB software (PCB layout)
- Component symbol library
- Netlist files
- Layout editor tools (routing cursor)
- Orthogonal locking feature
- Snap-to-pin feature
- Single-sided PCB mode
- Double-sided PCB mode
There’s nothing better than “free” when it comes to just about everything, even PCB software. Just because some software is more expensive doesn’t make it better than some of those free PCB packages found on the Internet. In this round up, we will take a look at some of the past popular platforms that are still consistently being supported and updated. One criteria… some sort of update has to be present on the software’s support website in the last two years.
First on our list comes from Mirko Bruno Sortini with his ZentiPCB platform, which features several freeware programs to help users design their own PCBs. ZentiCapture allows users to quickly and easily design schematics using an easy-feature tool set, which allows users to place parts (component symbols) using the orthogonal locking and snap to pin. Once the schematics (in netlist form) are finished, they can then be ported over to ZentiPCB.
ZentiPCB is a CAD-based program that allows users to import netlist files and visualize their schematics. The layout editor provides the ability to import components from a library as well as connecting the pins directly using the cursor, which can be single or double sided depending on the need.
For more detail: 10 free PCB CAD programs
- What is ZentiPCB?
ZentiPCB is a CAD-based freeware program that imports netlists and provides a PCB layout editor. - What does ZentiCapture do?
ZentiCapture is used for schematic design and generates netlists with features like orthogonal locking and snap-to-pin. - How are schematics transferred to ZentiPCB?
Schematics are exported as netlist files from ZentiCapture and then imported into ZentiPCB. - Can ZentiPCB handle double-sided boards?
Yes, ZentiPCB supports single or double-sided PCB layouts. - Does ZentiPCB support component libraries?
Yes, the layout editor can import components from a library. - What routing methods does ZentiPCB provide?
The layout editor allows connecting pins directly using the cursor for routing. - Is ZentiPCB free?
Yes, ZentiPCB is offered as freeware as part of the ZentiPCB platform. - What user aids does ZentiCapture include?
ZentiCapture includes orthogonal locking and snap-to-pin to ease part placement.
