Software for developing and assembling circuit boards?

Can anyone recommend a good, free software that I can use to design and assemble circuit boards for my hobby, and to virtually test the circuits before building them myself.

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VINC767
1 year ago

KiCAD for the layout of the circuit boards. It is completely free and also has some advanced features.

I learned layouts within 2 days. A tutorial series which I can highly recommend is this here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3bNyZYHcRSUhUXUt51W6nKvx2ORvUQB&si=mNi-_PWAgznUAAcY (at least I think it was this:D)

You don’t have to look at the series. In the beginning you learn the basics like everything goes/who you have to pay attention and how to use the program. After that is simply learning by doing and googlen if you don’t have to keep coming/who you have to pay attention. It’s good if you have something else you can try.

It is also important that you find out what they can produce on your PCB manufacturer’s website. Usually there is a page on each of these websites. Then set this in KiCAD. It is also a part of the tutorial. Are initially minimal distances, hole size, etc.

DoctorBibber
1 year ago

KiCAD is a good software but I also like to use Fritzing for my IoT projects. Fritzing is a software designed specifically for IoT solutions and the work with developer boards. It can also be platinum designs and you can order them directly via the software.

Minihawk
1 year ago

KiCAD is recommended here, which is also really a great program.

I created a circuit board (with an Autorouter that can be picked up in addition) and then ordered a circuit board in China (5 identical circuit boards have approx. 35€ cost incl. freight), and this is now running with me as a circuit.

Only: Simulation of circuits cannot be the program.

Benedikt581
1 year ago

What kind of circuit boards? Which components?

Fritzing is very good for hole grids with THT fitting.

For the simulation, I would use a SPICE program. Unfortunately, I don’t know any free software.

You can also use KiCAD if you are interested in PCB design.

bcords
1 year ago

Look at a KiCad:

https://www.kicad.org/

Waeller1966
1 year ago

Diptrace is my favorite

Benedikt581
1 year ago
Reply to  Waeller1966

Diptrace is not free software

Waeller1966
1 year ago
Reply to  Benedikt581

Hm, OK.