Synopsys Saber vs. DipTrace

Synopsys Saber presents a state-of-the-art virtual prototyping suite meticulously designed for power electronics across various domains, featuring components such as SaberEXP, SaberRD, and SaberES Designer. This cutting-edge platform allows engineers to run intricate simulations that consider diverse component tolerances, enabling the exploration of both optimal and suboptimal outcomes while also supporting “what-if” scenarios. The remarkable precision of Saber significantly reduces development expenses by minimizing the number of prototypes required for thorough validation. SaberEXP functions as a fast-converging simulator specifically for power electronics, utilizing a piecewise linear (PWL) methodology and ensuring smooth integration with SaberRD. SaberRD enriches the user experience by offering a detailed design and simulation environment tailored for mechatronic systems, delivering superior analytical capabilities for verifying power electronics. In addition, SaberES Designer is a sophisticated instrument for enhancing wiring harness designs, materials, and costs while guaranteeing compatibility with leading industry CAD software. By implementing systematic robust design strategies, engineers can meet rigorous performance and reliability standards, even when operating under tight deadlines, thereby optimizing the overall design workflow. This all-encompassing solution not only enhances operational efficiency but also equips teams with the tools needed to foster innovation in the fast-paced realm of power electronics, ultimately leading to more inventive solutions. Moreover, its ability to adapt to emerging technologies positions Saber as an invaluable asset in the future of power electronic design.

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.