The main PCB Design Tool is Altium Designer. Pcad 200x, OrCad SDT also available for modification to existing designs.
Once the schematic is complete, a netlist can be compiled for import into PCB. This is where the Geometry's of the new parts can be checked for any errors in pad spacing, Drill holes, ect. A dry run using the autorouter can be performed to get an idea of trace density however, manual routing is perfered for most circuits such as Switching Supply and RF circuits. These type of circuits always require special attention to ground and power planes.
There are many considerations for making your board ready for production. The defaults listed below are for the most cost effective boards. Some projects may need a completely different set of design rules.
1. Number of
required layers
2. Type of board material ( Default is FR-4 .062 epoxy glass, Copper 1/2 Oz
)
3. Solder Mask ( Default is LPI, Light Green)
4. Finish ( Default is SMOBC)
5. Plating ( Default is tin-lead reflow)
6. Etching resolution (Default 0.007" minimum trace width, 0.007"
minimum space width)
7. Panelize: To lower production costs, a multi circuit breakaway PCB panel
can be created with tooling holes.
Some of the PCB file types for import and export from Altium are as follows:
1. Import File Types:
PADS ASCII files
PowerPCB® V1, V1.1, V1.5, V2, V3.0, V3.5. V4.0
PADS® Perform
PADS® 2000 V3, V4
PADS® PCB V5
2. Export File Types: