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.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

OrCAD (All Products)

OrCAD (All Products)

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.

Categories:
pcb-design ic-design schematic-capture simulation layout autorouting manufacturing

OrCAD (All Products) Features

  1. Schematic capture
  2. PCB layout and autorouting
  3. FPGA design
  4. Simulation and analysis
  5. 3D modeling and visualization
  6. Design rule checking
  7. Signal integrity analysis
  8. Thermal analysis
  9. Design data and workflow management

Pricing

  • Subscription
  • Perpetual License

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

DesignSpark PCB

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.

Categories:
pcb-design schematic-capture routing electronics free

DesignSpark PCB Features

  1. Schematic capture
  2. PCB layout and routing
  3. Library of over 7000 components
  4. 3D visualization
  5. Import/export Altium and Eagle files
  6. Multi-layer boards
  7. Autorouting
  8. Design rule checking

Pricing

  • Free

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