Kactus
Kactus is an open-source tool for designing electronic systems. It enables creating schematics and PCB layouts. Kactus is lightweight, customizable, and supports industry-standard file formats.
schematics
pcb-layout
open-source
Kactus: Open-Source Electronic System Design Tool
Kactus is an open-source tool for designing electronic systems. It enables creating schematics and PCB layouts. Kactus is lightweight, customizable, and supports industry-standard file formats.
What is Kactus?
Kactus is an open-source Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool used for designing electronic systems. It allows engineers and designers to create schematics, PCB layouts, and integrate various EDA tools seamlessly.
Some key features of Kactus include:
- Lightweight and fast, optimized for large and complex designs
- Highly customizable interface using Python scripts
- Supports industry-standard file formats like ODB++, IPC-2581, Gerber, etc.
- Integrated schematic editor and PCB layout editor
- Design rule checking and footprint compatibility checking
- Supports HDI designs with blind and buried vias
- Imports netlists from various EDA tools for PCB layout
- Version control integration
Kactus is written in C++ and Python and works on Linux and Windows. Its open-source nature allows customizations and integration support. Overall, Kactus is an efficient, customizable EDA tool for professional electronics design.
Kactus Features
Features
- Schematic capture
- PCB layout design
- Design rule checking
- Netlist generation
- BOM generation
- Gerber and drill file generation
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Open source and free
Lightweight and customizable
Supports industry standard file formats
Active community support
Cons
Limited component libraries compared to paid tools
Steep learning curve for beginners
Lacks some advanced features of commercial EDA tools
Official Links
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