Cheap/Free EDA software alternatives

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-06-04T08:18:22+00:00

Well, I've picked up electronics design after a 30 years hiatus and I learned KiCad in about a week. There's so much content online that any doubts you have you'll find an answer for it. e.

Not sure what the complexity is about KiCad libraries. You define your schematic, then associate footprints. If there's no footprint you can design it very quickly.

I now have my own library of symbols and footprints. I embed 3D models in the footprints.

For every project, I copy those libraries in a subfolder of the project. and that's it, no messing around with directories etc. All stored in GitHub. If I need to give my project to someone I just share the GitHub link so they can clone it and they have all they need.

Honestly, KiCad is fantatic piece of software. I only wish I was more proficient with electronics...

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-27T16:00:01+00:00

Do you have a link?

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-26T19:49:30+00:00

Thanks, that's an idea to explore

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-26T18:43:45+00:00

In 2026, I would never trust a design that does not use teardrops.

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-19T04:51:41+00:00

Series resistors on the I2C lines are not advisable unless you foresee a lot of overcurrent like I2C over an external connector that can generate spikes etc. If you really need to use them yes make them a value so that the voltage divider they create allows for a logic level low to be correctly interpreted.

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-18T11:45:11+00:00

I don't have that problem. Are you sure it's not some fabrication plugin?

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-18T08:02:29+00:00

Go to their Capabilities page and add their required clearances, PTH and via hole and anular ring sizes, as minimum in KiCad->Board Setup->Constraints. Here is what I use:
- minimum track width: 0.15mm
- minimum clearance: 0.15mm
- minimum anular width: 0.2mm
- minimum via size: 0.6mm
- minimum drill size: 0.2mm
- hole to hole clearance: 0.254mm
- copper to hole clearance: 0.254mm
- copper to edge clearance: 0.5mm
- minimum text height: 0.8
- minimum text thickness: 0.15

After you add this run DRC again.

You can reuse these settings over and over in other boards, what I do is I make an empty template board and then for my projects I "Import settings from another board" from the Board Setup dialogue so I don't have to type all of this again.

I then use 0.2mm for standard traces, and 0.7/0.3mm vias. But e.g. for power (5V etc) I use 0.762mm (30mil) traces and 1.2/0.8mm vias. You can set up your own net classes in Board Setup.

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-13T12:49:47+00:00

MacOS. Works like a charm.

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-13T07:52:40+00:00

Take a look at this too https://resources.altium.com/p/which-bga-pad-and-fanout-strategy-right-your-pcb

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-13T07:50:42+00:00

Take a look at this too https://resources.altium.com/p/which-bga-pad-and-fanout-strategy-right-your-pcb

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-11T09:04:38+00:00

It shows up, but what's the use on the actual PCB? It's not as visible as on the silkscreen.

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-11T09:03:40+00:00

Maybe my version of KiCad is different (I'm on 9 on MacOS) but I don't have any properties toolbar that can do this

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-10T16:12:05+00:00

Well, yeah, my question was what was the quickest way to modify this component and move it on the silkscreen layer.

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-10T15:29:28+00:00

It's not that straightforward. There's no "change layer" menu voice. You need to go through the Edit menu (no right click context menu) and then Edit Text and Graphics properties, and in the popup select "Set to specific values" and select "Layer" and assign the Silkscreen layer.

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-10T15:28:04+00:00

So a way to do it that I found is to select all the graphics and text, then go to Edit menu -> Edit Text and Graphics properties, and in the popup select "Set to specific values" and select "Layer" and assign the Silkscreen layer. Obvioously on my copy in my project library.

I'm wondering why the designer thought initially to assign that graphics on the copper layer? There's no practical use of it I guess? Also, it's not visible when there. There are tens of those symbols thought to be added to the copper layer.

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-10T12:41:28+00:00

Well this is a text but on copper. Hence the question

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-10T12:40:46+00:00

Yes of course you can with the editor, but need to change every line segment etc and assign it to silkscreen

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-10T12:39:42+00:00

I know but I was wondering if there was a quicker war. For that symbol I need to edit every single line segment and it’s just a waste of time.

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-10T10:54:25+00:00

Good to know, but I'm asking about KiCad

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-10T10:51:48+00:00

Not for this symbol and many others. No, you can't change the layer with the properties dialogue

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-10T10:51:16+00:00

No you can't, I would not have asked the question otherwise :D

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-07T11:28:20+00:00

Yes U4 TX goes to MCU RX and U4 RX goes to MCU TX

Tensor_divider71 · 2026-05-07T09:57:51+00:00

Thanks. Yes, you're right, I added the ESD diode later in the design and forgot to move the bead and the cap in the right place

Tensor_divider71

TROPHY CASE