new release of a free PCB design automation package . Program in builds for Linux (Flatpak, AppImage), macOS and Windows. The project code is written in C++ (interface in Qt) and licensed under GPLv3.
LibrePCB includes:
- Interface for project management;
- Editor of electronic circuits;
- Multilayer PCB editor with layout cloning support for experimenting with different layout strategies;
- Library of electronic components with navigation through a tree-like categorized list;
- An interface for connecting various existing libraries of elements, which can be added both in the form of archives and through integration with repositories.
Of the features, a multilingual interface is noted (including support for the names of elements in different languages), integration in one package of a schematic editor and project management tools, a simple cross-platform graphical interface based on Qt, convenient organization of work with a library of elements, use of those available for manual parsing formats for the library and projects, Multi-PCB mode (parallel development of different variants of boards based on the same scheme), automatic synchronization of the list of electrical connections (netlist) between the scheme and the layout of the board.
LibrePCB is positioned as an intuitive package for the rapid development of simple boards, which lags behind KiCad in functionality, but is much easier to use. The project is under active development and not all planned features have been implemented yet. For example, loading, creating and modifying libraries of elements, creating simple multilayer circuits and boards, and exporting a bill of materials are already working. So far only in support for hierarchical diagrams and layout of tires in diagrams, 3D viewer of the layout of the final board, the ability to use the clipboard in the editors of diagrams and boards.
In the new release:
- Added tools for checking compliance with design rules (, Design Rule Checking) to detect common PCB design errors such as missing connections, very narrow trace gaps, and overly thin copper elements. Identified issues are displayed in the sidebar. When you click on the notification, the problem is clearly highlighted on the board.
- Added interface for exporting Bill of Materials (BOM) in CSV format. The list contains the specification of all involved elements and parts, as well as their quantity required for the production of the final board. It is possible to add arbitrary columns to specify additional attributes in the list.
- Ability to print the board and export visible layers in PDF format.
Source: opennet.ru