I wasn't sure if I should start this thread in the Hardware section or Programmable Logic section, but I decided to post here since stuff I do usually has less to do with 6502 discrete components and more to do with PLDs using Surface Mount Tech.
For my current project, version 2 of the Parallel Video Board (PVBV2), I've been using Express PCB to manufacture the boards. The boards contain 2 100-pin QFPs, 1 48-pin QFP, 1 256-pin 1mm BGA and some various other IC's.
EPCB has their own proprietary software which is very easy to use. A problem I've run into using their service is that there's no option in the EPCB service for placing a solder-mask over the via ring. A via ring, which has to be placed at the center of 4 BGA pads in order to be properly routed out, has bare copper showing.
The problem occurs when, during mounting the BGA, the solder balls melt and get just a tad wider as the BGA package begins to settle. In some instances, based on my experience, the BGA pads are shorted to the vias.
So, in a search of some decent Windows-compatible 'free or free trial' PCB programs, I'd like to share what I've found. I say 'free trial' because I was willing to pay if the program was decent enough.
Right off the bat Eagle was out of the picture, because in order to route the PCB it seems that one has to
start a project
from a schematic. I was looking for a program where I could start with the PCB layout, with no schematic needed.
I found 2 very nice
free programs,
FreePCB and
KiCAD.
No attempt is being made here to compare the 2 pieces of software! I respect the amount of man hours one has to spend to create something like these programs and then opt to distribute it freely. I highly encourage anyone who is about to start PCB design to thoroughly check them both out, and if I've overlooked another program, feel free to mention it!
Sidenote: Steve Chamberlain, of Big Mess O' Wires fame, did a comparison between
Eagle and KiCAD.
I decided to go with KiCAD as the overall support from the community seems very strong and it also mentions
explicitly that no schematic is needed, so I know I'm not wasting my time trying to learn the thing.
The fact that it uses another free program,
Wings 3D, which is used by KiCAD for 3D modelling of a board, is a nice indicator of it's strength.
There is also an IRC channel, for feedback and support.
During the searching, I came across
an article about CERN supporting KiCAD in EE Times. In the middle is a video of a very powerful feature showing off 'push and shove' routing,
watch it!
After a successful run of my first board, which hopefully won't be too long or too expensive, I plan to make a donation.
The layout for PVBV2 is at its infancy, but I realize I need to choose a PCB manufacturing house as I need to choose minimum via size and trace width. So that search begins now...
BTW, in addition to Windows (I'm using Win7 64-bit), KiCAD also works under Linux and OSX.