Electronics & PCB
Open-source tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, circuit simulation, and manufacturing data export. Focus on workflow integration, library management, and production-ready Gerber/ODB++ output.
Tools we test
| Tool | Type | Strengths | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| KiCad | Full EDA suite | Schematic + PCB + 3D viewer, SPICE, Python API | Active |
| Horizon EDA | Modern PCB tool | Rust, real-time DRC, parametric footprints | Active |
| LibrePCB | EDA suite | Project management, library versioning, GUI | Active |
| Qucs / Qucs-S | Circuit simulator | SPICE-compatible, schematic-driven | Active |
| ngspice | SPICE simulator | Industry-standard, Xyce-compatible | Active |
| Fritzing | Breadboard → PCB | Beginner-friendly, part library | Maintenance |
Test categories
- Schematic → PCB flow — Netlist transfer, back-annotation
- DRC/ERC accuracy — Rule coverage, false positives
- Library workflow — Symbol/footprint creation, management
- Simulation integration — SPICE netlist export, co-simulation
- Manufacturing output — Gerber X2/3, ODB++, IPC-2581, drill files
- 3D model sync — STEP export, MCAD collaboration
Recent benchmarks
Results coming soon. Subscribe for updates →