PCB layout software

[Martin Czech]

> 	Well, why don't you use a dedicated software ? You can still use a
> manual routing, but you have back-annotation, electrical
> 	rule check, etc... that way, if you have a correct schematic, you're
> sure to have a correct pcb (electricaly speaking).
> 

Shure.

But one thing is also shure:

It takes a hell lot of time to set up the system.  You have to define
object bodys, schematic views, simulation code, pinouts and a footprint
for EVERY single type of component you use.  Most probably you have to
define a lot of resistor and capacitor types because of varying wire
length (instead using wire bridges you often use resistors with long
wires to get over some pcb trakcks, whenever possible etc.).

Most software packages I know have lots of 74LSXXX in their librarys,
and maybe a 741, but most of our analog stuff is not there.

Not to mention all the debugging afterwards, because of wrong defined
pinouts etc. etc. I do this all day long in my day job, every cell I
design gets a schematic body, simulation code (hand coded if necessary)
etc etc, and very often I get netlist problems at first, because I've
forgotten something, or mixed it up.

I estimated that setting up such a system with all the components you will ever use will take the time of 3-4 complete modules alltogether. 
I think that this is much to much for diy (but ok for professional use).

So Jorgen has some reason for hand layout.

Maybe I have just evaluated the wrong software package.
Then I would be greatfull for any hint to a package which doesn't have all
the disadvantages I've mentioned above.


m.c.