PCBs (printed circuit boards) are a ubiquitous piece of technology used within practically every electronic device on the planet – the market for them will be worth $120 billion by 2030! PCBs are formed from non-conductive materials with conductive channels printed on them. These channels connect electrical compounds mounted on the boards, forming circuits and assemblies that, together, form the devices we rely on day in, day out.

If you’re a software engineer, chances are you’ve worked on PCBs before. They’re compact, simple to use, energy efficient, super reliable, and priced at a perfect level for prototyping. But getting the perfect PCB requires the use of PCB software which can help you design circuits before you order prototypes or put devices into production. To help you get the right software for your needs, here are five key things to watch out for.

1. Easy to use

The simpler and clearer the software user interface, the easier it will be to create your PCB designs. What’s more, simpler controls and interfaces mean that you’ll be less likely to produce errors within your designs, which, as any seasoned PCB designer will know, can have big ramifications further down the line.

2. Free of charge for commercial or personal use

Some PCB software kits charge for the use of the technology, but this can be tough for users which are just starting out on their electronics journey, or just want to download a piece of software for the purposes of education or as a hobby.

If you’re in the latter two camps, then consider a free PCB software kit. Costing nothing to explore features and design boards, they’re the perfect choice if you’re not looking to develop PCBs commercially.

3. No limitations on size or number of CB layers

According to MOKO Technology, multilayer PCBs can have anywhere up to 100 layers. If your PCB design software doesn’t allow you to plan all these layers though, it could end up hamstringing your finished product.

As such, it’s important you go for a program with no limitations on layer number or size.

4. PCB fabrication service

The next step after design is to get your PCB fabricated so you can start testing its capabilities and prototyping the finished product. The cost of this service can really vary, meaning sometimes it’s a good plan to go with software that also comes with a free or discounted PCB fabrication service. That way, you can get your designs produced quicker.

5. Access to symbols and footprints

When creating PCB designs, you need to be able to create a schematic that contains symbols marking the package of components needed for the PCB, and footprints, which note the device package for the PCB and are key for understanding the final dimensions of the board. Having software with a very wide variety of symbols and footprints is therefore key.

With the considerations above, you should be able to find a PCB software suite that suits your designs to the letter. Good luck with your designs!