:: I would like to learn PCB design software to be able to design my
:: own BGA stencil.

I use DeX2020 (used to be AutotraxEDA, not to be confused with Autotrax=20
from Protel).   I use it for prototyping and small production runs. It does=
=20
the job and also very cheap. www.kov.com . The forum is on Yahoogroups.


Many people would suggest Eagle and one of the large electronic components=
=20
distributers now owns it and provides forum support as does a European=20
electronics magazine. If you can afford it Proteus (www.labcenter.com) has=
=20
some very nice but expensive extras such as electrical simulation of some=20
microcontrollers.

Mentor did have some guides and there was someone here (I think) who=20
produced a basic guide.

Autotrax has tutorials on Youtube and interactive tutorials on the website.

Autotrax comes with few ready made parts, it is relatively easy to make=20
your own, however it does allow importing of XML based libraries. Many=20
companies and individuals make their own symbols and footprints. DeX can=20
import from a PDF datasheet to make the symbol.

It is regularly updated. Learning curve moderate, Eagle,Kikad and=20
DesignSpark might be slightly easier if you've never used an electronics=20
CAD program before.

The big boy is of course Protel now Altium, however it is not for non=20
professional users, is extremely expensive, and has a very expensive=20
maintenance contract price in order to keep using it.

I would only suggest Altium if you intend to be making PCBs as a business=20
or wish to use the de facto industry standard or need compatibility with=20
someone else who does use Altium. I would suggest it is not for anyone who=
=20
is not part of a large design or manufacturing company.

All apart from Altium have trial versions available for download from their=
=20
websites.

For most there is an extra cost if you need a top of the range auto PCB=20
layout program.

Colin



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