Autodesk Eagle is a powerful yet easy-to-learn PCB design application ideal for anyone interested in electronics. It allows users to create professional circuit boards and get them manufactured.

The app uses an object-based environment that consists of two types: electrical components (the items that make up your circuit) and track layers (the lines connecting these components). It also has a library of predefined parts like resistors, capacitors, etc., making designing more straightforward. The app requires Mac OS X 10.10 and above for Intel computers.

Autodesk EAGLE key features

The Schematic Editor

This tool allows you to design and create various types of electronic hardware, such as analog circuits, digital circuits, power supplies, etc., providing a wide range of functions:

• Use the Spice Simulator to test your circuit designs on a virtual breadboard. The Simulator lets you simulate the behavior of your circuit, including voltages and currents at each node in the circuit. This can help you identify possible problems with your design before you build it.

• Create and edit reusable, modular designs with the Schematic editor. It lets you drag-and-drop components and their associated parameters onto the canvas, creating a library of commonly used designs that can be quickly imported into other schematics.

• You can check your circuit designs for common errors and warning signs. This can help you avoid short circuits and other problems, which can be dangerous for your building electronics.

The PCB Layout Editor

It is used for creating the circuits that will eventually be printed onto a circuit board:

• The Obstacle Avoidance tool can generate a route that keeps the traces connected, avoiding obstacles. The tool automatically chooses the best routing method based on your design's specific requirements.

• You can synchronize your design in real-time with the schematic editor. As you make changes to your schematic in the schematic editor, they will automatically be reflected in the PCB layout editor.

• The new Routing Engine can help you to route complex circuits with greater precision, speed, and efficiency.

• When you need out-of-box components for your design, search for them in the PCB library. It includes components ranging from resistors and capacitors to complex ICs and connectors, both from the Autodesk EAGLE libraries and third-party manufacturers. You can search for parts by name, number, manufacturer, or category.

• User language programs (ULPs) allow you to customize your EAGLE environment. You can add new features and functionality and create macros that automate specific processes.

Conclusions

Autodesk EAGLE is a powerful, easy-to-use software that allows you to design and manufacture custom printed circuit boards. It offers an intuitive interface, powerful tools, and a user-friendly environment that makes it ideal for beginners. However, experienced professionals will also find its toolset attractive.