OrCAD (All Products) vs DesignSpark PCB

Struggling to choose between OrCAD (All Products) and DesignSpark PCB? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

OrCAD (All Products) is a Development solution with tags like pcb-design, ic-design, schematic-capture, simulation, layout, autorouting, manufacturing.

It boasts features such as Schematic capture, PCB layout and autorouting, FPGA design, Simulation and analysis, 3D modeling and visualization, Design rule checking, Signal integrity analysis, Thermal analysis, Design data and workflow management and pros including Powerful and full-featured toolset, Good for complex, high-speed designs, Tight integration between modules, Large user community and available expertise, Compatible with industry standards.

On the other hand, DesignSpark PCB is a Development product tagged with pcb-design, schematic-capture, routing, electronics, free.

Its standout features include Schematic capture, PCB layout and routing, Library of over 7000 components, 3D visualization, Import/export Altium and Eagle files, Multi-layer boards, Autorouting, Design rule checking, and it shines with pros like Free to use with no limits, Easy to learn and use, Good component library, Can handle moderately complex designs, Good routing features, 3D preview of PCB.

Feature	OrCAD (All Products)	DesignSpark PCB
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

OrCAD (All Products)

Description: OrCAD is a suite of electronic design automation software used for printed circuit board, integrated circuit, and programmable logic design. It includes schematic capture, simulation, PCB layout, auto-routing, and manufacturing outputs.

DesignSpark PCB

Description: DesignSpark PCB is a free PCB design software for electronics engineers. It allows for schematic capture and PCB layout with advanced routing features. Good for simple to moderately complex designs.

Key Features Comparison

OrCAD (All Products) Features

• Schematic capture
• PCB layout and autorouting
• FPGA design
• Simulation and analysis
• 3D modeling and visualization
• Design rule checking
• Signal integrity analysis
• Thermal analysis
• Design data and workflow management

DesignSpark PCB Features

• Schematic capture
• PCB layout and routing
• Library of over 7000 components
• 3D visualization
• Import/export Altium and Eagle files
• Multi-layer boards
• Autorouting
• Design rule checking

Pros & Cons Analysis

OrCAD (All Products)

Pros

• Powerful and full-featured toolset
• Good for complex, high-speed designs
• Tight integration between modules
• Large user community and available expertise
• Compatible with industry standards

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Can be expensive for smaller teams
• Limited customization compared to open source
• Vendor lock-in

DesignSpark PCB

Pros

• Free to use with no limits
• Easy to learn and use
• Good component library
• Can handle moderately complex designs
• Good routing features
• 3D preview of PCB

Cons

• Limited to 2 signal layers
• No embedded components or rigid-flex boards
• Limited file import/export
• Basic autorouter
• No version control or collaboration features

Pricing Comparison

OrCAD (All Products)

• Subscription
• Perpetual License

DesignSpark PCB

• Free