Lastly, access the Export SVG option from File > Export to create a. Since we are creating a single trace layer using the top copper layer, we will uncheck all other layers. Once you have all traces routed and no DRC or ERC errors, it’s time to create an image file that we can use for the homebrewed etching process. I run the DRC and ERC after every trace just to be safe.ģ. Ultiboard will give you some guidance on where to route but ultimately the choice is yours. Next use the shortcut ‘Ctrl-T’ to begin routing. First make sure you are on the top copper layer and then select a component pad. Use the “Follow Me” tool to route your traces. Take the time to lace components smartly and use the Design Rule Checker (DRC checks physical layout) and Electrical Rule Checker (ERC checks signal logic) often to ensure your layout is sound.Ģ. All components are imported to Ultiboard in a less ideal orientation. Ultiboard is a pretty straightforward PCB layout tool with just a few things to remember:ġ. PNG or JPG) that we can use to etch a circuit board using a few chemicals and some common household items. The goal of using Ultiboard is to get an exportable image file (e.g.
Thankfully, included in the MultiSIM BLUE download is a tool called Ultiboard that lets you do PCB layouts. The most important feature for a homebrew warrior is going to be the ability to do a PCB layout and turn it into an actual circuit board at home.
Again, it’s hard to argue with free when talking about the value gained from MultiSIM BLUE, especially considering the ability to play with simulated circuits before you build it with real components.įigure 3: Initial circuit capture in a schematic format. If for nothing else, it makes documenting circuit designs so much easier to read as compared to most hand drawn designs. No matter what, learning CAD tools is an invaluable and easily transferable skill that I encourage anyone who is dabbling in electronics to learn.
Also, it makes nice eye candy for your website if you are trying to promote your project.įigure 2: 3D Models help to visualize that the final board will look like, useful when building enclosures or mechanical parts of a project. Once you have laid out your PCB you can, with a single click of the mouse, view an interactive 3D model of the board. 3D Board Viewer: Another feature that tends to cost extra in many design tools is part of the package. This is a nice feature to quickly sort out parts for schematics.Ħ. If you put a part number in the Customer Part # box, Mouser Electronics will ship that part with a label that matches. When your components arrive, you’ll smile knowing how easy it is to associate a component with its place on your PCB.įigure 1B: Shows a cart. Simply ensure that the “User P/N” field is completed in your BOM. You can have your own part numbers printed on the packaging that Mouser ships you. User P/N Labeling: A small but nice feature. Now when I search Mouser for components I always look for the “Available in MultiSIM BLUE” icon.ĥ. Footprints: Nothing is worse than selecting a component only to discover that the component is not available in my CAD tool library.
MultiSIM BLUE ties nicely into Mouser’s extensive part catalog so you know how many you can buy and what it’s going to cost.įigure 1A: Always check to see if a component is available in MultiSIM BLUEĤ. Integrated BOM Ordering: Yes I know, I should probably check part availability before I do a PCB design. MultiSim Blue is very useful when you are looking to creating more complex boards that you intend to have manufactured.ģ. Board Size and Layers: Again, most decent tools limit you to ridiculously small footprints or to two signal layers unless you are willing to spend a significant amount of money. MultiSim Blue supports simulation with the Berkeley Spice engine.Ģ. SPICE Simulation: There are quite a few decent circuit capture and PCB layout tools, but reliable simulation packages are hard to find.
If you are just getting started but are looking to do a little more than just blink and LED, here are some key benefits that might just entice you to give the software a try:ġ. That’s a hard price to beat especially for makers who would much rather spend money on project materials. If you haven’t done so already, head over to the MultiSIM BLUE website and download the software. MultiSIM BLUE, a project spearheaded by Mouser and NI, is one such product. The most important thing that a product can do for us is to streamline our workflow while still delivering high quality results. The line between these two worlds is rapidly evaporating as the tools that enable circuit design plummet in cost and skyrocket in capability. It’s a great time to be an electronics engineer and an even better time to be a weekend warrior tinkerer.