Medical Device Link.

Originally Published EMDM March/April 2003

INDUSTRY NEWS

Intended for engineers who don’t have computer design tools, a Web site hosted by PCB123 (Mulino, OR, USA) contains free software for designing up to four-layer-thick printed circuit boards. Located at www.pcb123.com, the program is a full-featured tool that encompasses schematic design, board layout, and batch autorouting. Featuring built-in design rules that ensure compliance with manufacturing specifications, the software can be used to complete a board design within hours of downloading.

One of the program’s main benefits is that it allows users to see a board’s price during the design stage. “Board cost is displayed in real time on the screen, so engineers will know exactly how much the component they are building will cost up front, without having to request a price quote,” says marketing manager Robert Schnyder. “If you make a change to the design, the new price is displayed immediately, so you can play around and get exactly what you want at the price you want to pay.” Once a board design is complete, users can place their order over the Internet.

In addition to the design program itself, the PCB123 Web site also contains a full tutorial, FAQ section, help forums, and e-mail support to facilitate use. Program upgrades will be provided free of charge as they become available.

Copyright ©2003 European Medical Device Manufacturer