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Diptrace pattern editor6/1/2023 ![]() When using the free offering, you are limited to 300 pins and two layers. This free version can be extended under the "non-profit lite license" to 500 pins, though still limited to only two layers (paid versions support more layers).įor the purposes of this review I have chosen to evaluate the basic, free version of the program. This limits me to 300 pins and two signal layers. I have implemented a handful of projects using the DipTrace design package. Let's see how it meets my outlined criteria.ĭipTrace offers full Windows compatibility, including having installers for both 32- and 64-bit systems. It is stated to have windows compatibility from Windows 2000 all the way through Windows 8. I personally have run it on Windows 7-64 Pro without any issues. #Diptrace external pins mac os xĭespite my preference for Windows, Mac OS X users will be happy to know that there is a version for them. The stated Mac compatibility is from Leopard through Mountain Lion (it appears you may require specific versions of the DipTrace installer for the various releases of OS X). ![]() To start DipTrace, you use the DipTrace Launcher as shown below. This is the launcher for each element of the program. Each element is tied to one another, though, somewhat loosely.ĭespite all these great features, there are some small items that would be nice improvements. One thing that is noticeably missing is the native ability to save your schematics to a PDF file (in order to achieve this currently, you would have to install a "Print to PDF" application). I also would like to see the file management options of "Import" and "Export" be contained under the "Open" and "Save As" menus. These are just some small things, but they would smooth the interface.Īssuming all the parts you need are in the standard component library (rather extensive at 100,000+ parts), you can jump right into designing your circuit in the schematic capture tool. ![]() The Schematic Capture tool is relatively intuitive, allowing a first-time user to leap in without any real need to go through tutorials. If you do get stuck, there is a set of both video tutorials as well as a 221-page PDF tutorial that gives an overview of the program. The Schematic Capture tool supports such things as hierarchical blocks, busses, and net ports. There is also the ability to import and export schematics in various file formats, though I did not have a chance to evaluate this feature. Multi-sheet schematics are also supported. Once the schematic is created, it allows for all the parts and their connections to be pushed to the PCB Layout tool.įor those times when the part that you need is not in the standard library, DipTrace has a wonderful - yet deceptively simple - Footprint Wizard. With this wizard, I never had a need to go out and look for a part library on the Internet. It is very fast to create a custom part that you know will meet your needs. This feature is broken up into two parts. The first part is the Pattern Editor and the second part is the Component Editor. Starting in the pattern editor, you have a number of predefined shapes that are available to the user with various sizing options. Using the Pattern Editor you can define an initial pattern of pads and pad shapes. You are not constrained by standard round, oval, or square pads you can import pad shapes from a DXF file. It is here that you would also add any silkscreen markings to the pattern that you desire. If your part does not meet any of the standard shapes, you can place pads in any fashion you desire to meet your unique requirements. Once you have your footprint defined, you move over into the Component Editor. ![]() Here you define the pins of your part by tying the pins and their definitions to the pattern that you created in the previous step. Once again, this is wonderfully useful and easy, but there are some things that need improvement.
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