PCB Design With AutoCAD
Chris Schroeder
publisher of the EDN Series for Design Engineers. Would there be interest in a
book the covered the following topic: the design of printed circuit boards
using AutoCAD.
AutoCAD is the most widely used CAD software and many smaller companies that
cannot afford separate PCB design software have used AutoCAD to do schematics
and PCB layouts - often with marginal results. The book would contain a series
of tutorials on how to design PCBs with AutoCAD. The book would also include a
disk with utilities for generating Gerber format photoplotter files and
Excellon format NC drill data files direct from AutoCAD. Also on the disk - a
complete library of the most common thru-hole and SMD part layout symbols.
Topics covered would include hands-on examples of how to design:
o Single sided boards
o Double sided boards
o Surface mount boards
Press <CR> for more:
o Assembly and fabrication drawings and schematic documentation
The author does not suggest that AutoCAD be used to create complex multi-layer
motherboards for a Pentium PC. However, if properly used, AutoCAD can be an
appropriate tool for boards with up to 10-15 IC equivalants for companies whose
limited design volume does not justify the investement in time and money to
purchase and learn a dedicated PCB design software package such s OrCAD, PADS,
or Protel.
Your comments would be of great interest!!!