RS Components Launches Free PCB Design Tool

RS Components has launched Designspark PCB, a fully featured PCB design tool available free-of-charge to members of Designspark, an online gateway to information, resources and reviews. A key feature within Designspark is free access for members to a range of design tools, hosted in the Spark Store. Developed in partnership with electronics CAD software designer Number One Systems, Designspark PCB is the first RS-created free design tool to be made available via the Spark Store.

Designspark PCB users will have access to a full suite of video tutorials, examples and a parts library. Engineers can create schematics that target any sized PCB with any number of layers, and import designs created in other PCB design software. Fully (auto) routed and design-rule checked designs can then be exported in a number of file formats including IDF, DXF and standard Gerber/manufacturing format, giving engineers faster progression into mechanical design.

Designspark PCB is free to download from the Designspark website; visitors need to register as a Designspark member to unlock the full functionality. Designspark PCB also comes with a component library that can be extended and shared - through Designspark - with other engineers. Details of the components used from the library form the basis of the bill of materials generated by Designspark PCB, which can then be used to create an order or quotation request through the usual RS web portals.

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