I've done larger boards with Eagle professional, but I can't compare with 
PCAD/Tango as I have not used them.  The only other package I am familiar 
with is Mentor, but had not used it extensively (in college).  Eagle is 
relatively "light" compared with some of the other professional packages, but 
the only thing I've needed is trace impedance calculations.  There are 
"ULPs" (user language programs), that let you write scripts to do things that 
are not built into the program though.

Size wise, I regularly do boards that are about 8" x 13", and I've previously 
done boards up to 12" x 14" (merging several circuits to be built as one 
panel by a boardhouse).  From memory, I'd say there were up to about 600 
components, including about a dozen microcontrollers and a few other IC's.

Eagle has a free edition, which has all the same features, but only limited by 
physical size and number of layers.  You should use it to verify it has the 
functionality you need, then fork out the $$ for the professional version.  
IMHO, it was relatively easy to learn.  I expect you'll have to create 
library parts for many of your components, so be prepared to spend some time 
to get your circuits converted.

Cheers,
-Neil.


On Thursday 31 August 2006 09:19, Mark E. Skeels wrote:
> (Oops. forgot the tag; it's been a while since I posted here...)
>
>
> Hi, folks,
>
> I've been using PCAD/TangoPCB for years. Recently I had occasion to lay
> out a PCB on which the component count exceeded 400, and Altium wants
> $4000.00 US to upgrade to a version that removes the 400 component
> limitation.
>
> I can get Eagle Professional with no such restrictions complete for
> $1200.00 US.
>
> I know a lot of people use Eagle on this list. Has anyone any experience
> laying out larger pcbs like this? (At least it's large for me) and if so
> have you been satisfied?
>
> I'd be changing horses in mid-stream, so to speak, as I'd have to master
> the user IDE of Eagle and also redraw the schematic and relay the
> artwork. I generally like PCAD. However, long term, it might be a better
> solution all around to switch over to Eagle.
>
> Please give me your thoughts,
>
> Mark
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