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.

DipTrace is professional electronic design automation software for schematic capture and printed circuit board layout, developed by Novarm Ltd and in continuous development since 2004. More than 30,000 engineers in over 50 countries use it, including teams at companies working in aerospace, defense, medical device, automotive, and industrial electronics. For organizations evaluating EDA tools, the licensing model is the main structural difference from most alternatives. DipTrace is sold under a perpetual license: purchased once, owned permanently, with no subscription, no annual maintenance fee, and no loss of access when a term expires. Five editions range from $75 to $995 per seat depending on pin count and layer requirements, and volume, network, academic, and non-profit pricing is available. Technical support is included for every user at no extra cost, including those on the free edition. The software runs entirely offline on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with no cloud dependency and no design data leaving the workstation — a requirement for many defense and medical customers. Functionally, DipTrace covers the complete design flow in a single environment: hierarchical schematic capture with electrical rule check and SPICE simulation, board layout with interactive push-and-shove editing, shape-based autorouting, differential pair and length-matched high-speed routing, real-time design rule checking, 3D preview with STEP export, and manufacturing output in Gerber X2, ODB++, IPC-2581, and NC Drill. Version 5.3 introduced a native XML project format that works identically to the binary format, allowing designs to be managed in version control systems alongside firmware and mechanical files. Component sourcing integrates Mouser pricing data and SnapEDA libraries. Migration paths exist from Altium, KiCad, Eagle, OrCAD, EasyEDA Pro, Pulsonix, and PADS.