ExpressPCB Plus vs. DipTrace

ExpressPCB is excited to announce a series of innovative improvements to our ExpressPCB Plus software! One of the standout features is the newly introduced Schematic Link and Netlist Validation, which guarantees thorough design validation from schematic to layout prior to manufacturing. This enhancement allows users to effortlessly link the schematic netlist from ExpressSCH to the PCB layout in ExpressPCB Plus. In addition, we've rolled out a "Net Connection" tool that enables users to easily highlight interconnected pads within a net, thereby streamlining the board layout process. The software now includes extensive validation for the complete ExpressPCB Plus layout, ensuring it corresponds accurately with the ExpressSCH schematic netlist. Users will also receive in-depth error reports that pinpoint any missing or additional components, pins, connections, or other essential design elements. Errors can be easily highlighted, and users can zoom in on specific areas for more straightforward corrections. This efficient process facilitates rapid resolutions and validations within a single integrated tool, and users can conveniently export error reports in Microsoft Excel format for further scrutiny. With these enhancements, we aim to significantly improve design accuracy and efficiency, ultimately making the entire experience more seamless for users. Furthermore, we believe that these upgrades will empower designers to achieve higher standards of quality in their projects.

The PCB Layout software is a sophisticated engineering application used for designing printed circuit boards, featuring intelligent manual routing suitable for high-speed and differential signals, a shape-based autorouter, comprehensive verification mechanisms, and broad import/export options. Design specifications are defined through net classes and class-to-class regulations, alongside accurate settings configured for different object types within each class or layer. DipTrace significantly improves the design process by implementing real-time design rule checks (DRC), which alert users to errors immediately, preventing them from being saved. It also provides a 3D visualization of the board, which can be exported to mechanical CAD systems for additional modeling. The rigorous design rule checks, connectivity validations of nets, and comparisons with the source schematic ensure the resulting product meets the highest quality standards. Operating within a cohesive environment, DipTrace facilitates smooth transitions from circuit schematics to board layouts, allowing for updates from the schematic and back annotation capabilities. Nets are systematically organized into classes with customizable settings, complemented by class-to-class regulations that enhance orderliness. Vias are meticulously arranged according to their types, such as through and blind/buried vias, contributing to an organized and effective design process. The extensive features of DipTrace not only streamline PCB design tasks but also empower engineers to uphold exceptional quality standards throughout the entire workflow, making it an indispensable asset in the field of electronic design. Furthermore, the ability to quickly adapt to changes and implement revisions in real-time further solidifies DipTrace's reputation as a leading tool for PCB designers.