RS Components Launches Free Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Design Software Package

Since the launch of designspark PCB 8 months ago, more than 50000 users have downloaded the software. The tool has proved to be one of the most popular free PCB design software packages available. Since the launch of the software, thousands of users have provided development opinions on the online community and information network designspark managed by RS for electronic design engineers. The second edition incorporates this information and provides users with enhanced features and functions.

Designspark PCB has been strengthened in three key areas. By adding a 3D browser to the tool, engineers can see the 3D diagram of the circuit board at any stage of their design, so as to quickly evaluate the mechanical design requirements in their existing ECAD toolkit. The new database features and output graphics enable users to create and save new databases, move electronic components directly from design view to the database, and have more flexibility in reporting and printing options. Enhancements can be found in the Project menu, while new design management options include commands for angular displacement, copying, and lifting solutions. All these help users speed up design, testing and development.

Mark cundle, RS Technical Marketing Manager, said: "After the first launch and successful application, we received real-time information and feedback from the designspark community about what engineers like and care about when using designspark PCB. This enabled us to quickly set priorities and develop the second version based on users' expectations of the world's most powerful free PCB design software."

Martin Keenan, technical marketing engineer of designspark PCB, added: "free software tools are valued by engineers, which enables them not only to reduce costs, but also to shorten the launch time of new designs. With new 3D visualization, enhanced features and functions, designspark PCB can provide free and faster development and mobility, so as to meet the needs of our user community."