A printed circuit board (PCB) is a pathway to connect different electrical components, and it is usually comprised on one or two insulated layers with electronic components soldered onto the board. Before you can start creating the board, you need to lay it out, and this is usually done with prototyping software. Prototyping software allows you to virtually lay out out the components, wiring and pins on your board.
PCB123
This is a free program that allows you to create prototypes of your circuit boards and schematic drawings. Schematic drawings help you do layout of your PCB board if you are new to this field. The program uses a computer-aided design user interface, and also has a wizard feature, which walks you through the process of laying out your PCB board. Other features of this tool include the ability to import or export data to and from other design programs, and to preview your designs in 3D, which allows you to view your drawings from different angles. The program also allows you to update your schematics drawing, and then the PCB123 program will automatically update your PCB design with the new data from the schematics drawing. Additionally, if you update your PCB design, the program will then update your schematics drawing. This is a free program, and it uses a graphical user interface, which allows you to run commands using radio buttons or checkboxes rather than writing code.
ExpressPCB
ExpressPCB is a free design software program, but you must pay for actual circuit boards if you decide to order them. As of 2010, three circuit boards cost $51. If you wish to create schematic drawings first, you can also download the ExpressSCH program, which is also free, and you can connect your schematic drawing with the PCB design. ExpressPCB features a drag-and-drop feature, which allows you to select a component from the components library, place that component on the design, and drag it into place. This program is compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.
IsoPro
The IsoPro 2.7 program allows you to create new circuit boards and/or edit existing circuit board designs. This program also uses a CAD interface. The program updates your changes in real time, which means that you can see your changes as you make them, and you can run tests on your board to determine if items are configured correctly. You can use IsoPro 2.7 software as a stand-alone program, or as part of the other tools offered by T-Tech, the company that makes this software program. This program costs $2,295 in 2010.
