Board design

[dmTulsa]

Does anyone know how Proteus ARES compares to Portel (Aultim) for laying out boards? Both are 100% full registered versions (the dongle for Protel). I think both do pretty much the same thing. The reason I ask is I have access to both after hours at work. To be honest I've never designed a board before and the person that did it for me moved. Both are pretty new versions, within the last couple years with updates

Whats the best way to go about it. Start with designing the systematic in ISIS then import it to ARES or do it directly in ARES? For one board I have a pretty tight board size and shape.

Same with Aultim. I think you can make the systematic first then import it to the board lay out section.

OR-- door number three, since these are pretty simple boards maybe just a online design app will do. I figure since I have two of the best products out there to use I may as well use them. Except they just may well be beyond my ability to use without a BIG learning curve.

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It just a 20 pin PIC, quad opamp, a fet and some odds and ends. All surface mount. Maybe 2 layers, 3 If I need a ground plain.

One last thing-- This is not a on off board, there may be 1000's (I can dream can't I)

One last thing before I get blasted--- I am going through the tutorials for both. I just wanted to see if I can get a head start choosing which one to use

Any thoughts?
Doug

[wastrix]

I use Eagle mainly, but ARES and Altium Designer are pretty much equivalent. I would recommend using schematic capture (available in all three), i.e. you draw the schematic in the schematic part of the program, then import the netlist into the pcb design part of the program, therefore minimising human error in connections when designing the PCB.

A tip: don't use the autorouter, they never work.

[dmTulsa]

Wastrix, Thanks. I know its going to be a learning process but its time well spent. Thanks for the tip.

[ohararp]

I definitely give ISIS the thumbs up! It's much better for pics, you can simulate code test stuff debug, and then keep your schematic for your pcb layout. I think you'll be able to get more help here with ISIS personally. Feel free to drop me a line if you have a problem you can't solve!

[Tim]

It would be nice to put Ares in the same boat as Aultim but you can't for starters Aultim is very much more expensive.

However I use Ares / Isis all the time and will never jump ship. ISIS means that I can sim just about anything including USB on the 13k50. Ares is really simple and easy to use. Package making is simple once you figure out how simple it is!

Never used Eagle no need to now

[fanie]

I use Rimu PCB - even I could learn to use it in an hour. Can do any and all the expensive PCB programs can do including slotted holes. Boards come out super. It works almost like you would expect it to, really easy.

[wastrix]

I use Rimu PCB - even I could learn to use it in an hour. Can do any and all the expensive PCB programs can do including slotted holes. Boards come out super. It works almost like you would expect it to, really easy.

How big are the libraries?

[dmTulsa]

Thats always been my problem. There never seems to be what I want in the Libraries no matter what program I use. circuit maker, electronic workbench, Proteus ect... I'm learning how to make my own in Proteus but its seems I should be able to import a spice model or netlist from places like Analog devices, TI, Maxim-Ic ect..... and have it added to the Library. Maybe you can and I haven't gotten that far into the manual yet but I haven't seem anything about it.

I'm the first to admit I'm a complete 100% novice at this .

You all are great, Thanks
Doug

[cgriffin]

If you have a choice of "borrowed" s/w, then I'd base a decision on: a) which one are you most likely able to afford when you do get one. This lets you learn one package, instead of 2. or, b) which one has a significantly better library,, and is easier to create parts with.

I personally use ISIS, so as a result I also use ARES. If not for ISIS, I'd be using EAGLE. I was actually kicking myself a little for spending the money on ARES because just after I got it, Eagle fixed almost most of the annoyances about theirs--I'd have been happy sticking with Eagle. On the other hand, Ares has gotten significantly better since then, and it's nice to have just one schematic program to learn. (Which was the original reason for switching.)

[fanie]

How big are the libraries?

I created my own to use actively, the thing that takes longest is to find a component. There are a lot of libraries supplied.

To create a new component takes little time. Any one wants what I have, by all means.

I use Rimu like I write software - flat - and I do everything else 'manually'. My brother also uses Rimu now, with all the bells and wistles and he recons it's brilliant. Too complicated for me

I've put a simple page up here http://www.faze.co.za/Rimu%20Tips%20&%20Tricks.html it may help you get some things going easier.