Autodesk Eagle Board Size

One element of good PCB design that is not often covered in much detail in tutorials is adjusting the width of traces in order to allow your PCB traces to safely carry differing amounts of current. The TL;DR is that traces which carry more current should be wider and/or use a thicker layer of copper compared with those carrying lower currents. Using traces that are too small for the amount of current they will be conducting can cause the traces to heat up, potentially so much that the heat damages the traces or destroys the entire PCB. Therefore, it is important to ensure every trace on your PCB is thick enough to handle the current you will be running through it.

• Autodesk Eagle Premium
• Autodesk Eagle Board Size Comparison
• Autodesk Eagle Change Board Size
• Autodesk Eagle Free

PCB design software for everyone Included with a Fusion 360 for personal use subscription, EAGLE free download is a limited version for hobbyists including 2 schematic sheets, 2 signal layers, and an 80cm2 (12.4in2) board area. Choose your operating system. For over 30 years EAGLE has been developed to be a powerful design tool for circuit board designer's world-wide. Autodesk is now building on that legacy making new additions allowing teams to. Professional PCB Layout Designing keeps getting easier and faster with Autodesk EAGLE. Start designing with more efficiency and ease by subscribing to the latest EAGLE 9.5 release here. As always, w e look forward to your feedback so that we can continue to make EAGLE your favorite PCB tool.

This post shows you how to calculate how wide/thick your traces should be based on the amount of current they will carry, and how to control your trace widths in Autodesk Eagle.

Calculate Trace Widths

Autodesk Eagle Premium

Calculating the required width and thickness for PCB traces is all about managing heat. Running current through a PCB trace will always cause that trace to heat up because, even though copper is a good electrical conductor, it still does have some resistance. Adobe authorware web player download. The aim of using different trace widths is keeping the temperature rise within acceptable limits. As traces get wider, they are able to transfer heat more quickly to the air or to the PCB substrate, depending upon whether they are external or internal traces.

Using a Calculator

The easiest way to determine how wide your traces need to by is using online calculators. The one I like most is from DigiKey.

Using the calculator is as simple as inputting the characteristics of your design. The tool will then calculate the required trace width both for internal layers and for external layers. For typical hobby projects using two-layer PCBs, all the traces will be external traces. You will only have internal layers if you are using a board with four or more layers. Let's go through the calculator inputs.

The current parameter of the calculator is the maximum current your trace will need to carry. You can calculate the amount of current your design will need by adding together the maximum current draws for all of your components. Take, for example, a project I am working on currently called Garlic220. The design is essentially a 10×22 matrix is NeoPixel LEDs, so the design has a total of 220 LEDs to be powered.

Each LED can draw up to . So, . The design also has a controller, a Particle Photon, that can draw a maximum of about 350mA bringing the total maximum current for the circuit to . For safety and ease of calculations, I will just design the circuit to handle or of current. For your own design, it is always wise to overestimate the required current.

The thickness input refers to the thickness of the copper layers on your PCB. This thickness is expressed in terms of the weight of copper on a square foot of PCB space, . You can get this information from your PCB manufacturer. They typically publish the copper weight they use in the specifications for their PCBs or allow you to choose a copper weight during the ordering process. The typical default value is .

If you play around with the DigiKey calculator, you will notice that using higher copper weights reduces the needed trace width. Usually, going from to does not add much cost to your PCB. Going with higher values, however, will rapidly increase the cost.

The temperature rise parameter indicates the maximum tolerable rise in temperature for your design. This is basically a decision you need to make. If in doubt, a typical value is 10-20^oC. In theory, a higher temperature rise should not be damaging to your PCB; the materials from which PCBs are made can withstand quite high temperatures. However, as a general rule, electronics dislike high temperatures and changes in temperature so, if your design permits it, keeping the temperature rise parameter under 20^oC is best.

The final two parameters on the calculator are not needed to determine the necessary trace width. These two values will allow the calculator to give you the resistance of the trace and the voltage drop. Depending upon your design, this information may or may not be needed.

Trace Width

Once you've input, at minimum, the current, copper weight, and temperature rise, the DigiKey calculator will give you a value for the width of your trace. In order to manage heat, you will need to make sure your trace is at least this width. You will need to repeat this calculation for any other high current traces in your design.

Now let's take a look at how to change trace widths in Autodesk Eagle.

Controlling Trace Width in Autodesk Eagle

So now that you know how wide the traces in your design need to be, let's take a look at how to control trace widths in Autodesk Eagle.

1. Create Net Classes

The first step towards setting widths for your traces is creating Net Classes in Eagle. Net classes are basically categories of connections. You might have net classes for power nets, ground nets, data nets, low voltage nets, high current nets, and so on. You will find the net classes tool under Edit > Net Classes…

Each net class has a specified trace width, drill size, and clearance. When you open the net classes tool, you will notice that there is already a default net class. When you create a new net in your design, it is automatically assigned to the default net class. You will also notice that the trace width, drill size, and clearance values for the default net class are all zero. This is because, when you route your PCB, whether you are manually routing the board or using the autorounter, Eagle will set the trace width to be the larger value between the net class and the DRC. So, by setting the default trace width to zero, the DRC will always overrule the default net class.

Anyway, in order to control the width of your traces, you will need to create at least one new net class. It can be named whatever you'd like. For the trace width, input the width provided by the DigiKey calculator.

2. Assign Net Classes

Now that you have at least one net class with a trace width sufficient to carry the maximum current for your design, you will need to set your nets to use the new net class. As mentioned above, the default behavior for the software is to assign new nets to the default net class. To change your nets to use the new custom net class, you will need to use the Info tool, which is the 'i' icon in the upper-left corner of the toolbar.

Using the info tool, select the net you wish to assign to your new net class. In the properties of the net you selected, you will find a drop-down for the net class. To set the trace to use the width specified by your new net class, simply select the net class from this drop-down.

3. Route your Board

Finally, when you route your board, the trace you assigned to your new net class will use the new width you specified.

Flexible EAGLE subscription options available

PCB design and schematic software. EAGLE Standard includes 99 schematic sheets, 4 signal layers, and 160 cm2 board area. EAGLE Premium includes 999 schematic sheets, 16 signal layers, and unlimited board areas.

EAGLE Standard and Premium

EAGLE has an interesting history behind it. The program's first iteration in 1988 was a 16-bit DOS application for PCB design. Over the years, EAGLE has advanced in complexity and today it's one of the most capable applications of its kind.

It comes with multiple editions including a free one for non-commercial uses and a complex one for educational purposes. Depending on what version you use, you can handle simple or complex PCB layouts. Let's take a look at the popular EAGLE standard and the more advanced EAGLE premium editions and what they have to offer.

Who is EAGLE for?

EAGLE can be a program for everyone from hobbyists to professionals with decades of PCB design experience. However, since we're discussing only the standard and premium editions, it's safe to say that EAGLE is an application for professionals.

EAGLE can also be used as a learning tool. Students and educators can get a free license with the same benefits and features as the EAGLE premium edition.

Both paid EAGLE editions are capable of running simulations via LTspice and PCBSim, as is the educational edition.

What type of engineers will probably benefit the most from using EAGLE? If you're designing PCIe, USB3.0 and 3.1, and even DDR4 circuits, this is the program for you. It's lightning fast for these types of projects.

System Requirements

Both EAGLE standard and premium versions have low system requirements. You'll need a 64-bit operating system and a decent CPU. Multi-threading is not a necessity.
The program runs on Windows (7 or above), Linux (libc.so.6 and sub version GLIBC_2.14 or above), and Mac (10.10 or above on Intel CPUs).

In terms of control, you shouldn't need more than a 3-button wheel mouse. Although that's not at all mandatory as you can still have a smooth designing experience without one.

It's recommended that you can maintain a resolution of at least 1024 x 768 for EAGLE standard. EAGLE premium could use a higher resolution, but again, it's not necessary.

Subscription and Licensing Policies

Both paid editions of EAGLE, standard and premium, come with three subscription plans: monthly, yearly, and biennially. This lets you figure out how long you need it for or how much you can afford to pay at a time.

Do keep in mind however, that there is also a free version of EAGLE. However, the free version is quite limited and lacks plenty of features and support from Autodesk.
The standard and premium editions not only unlock a plethora of features. They also give you access to 1-on-1 online support. This can benefit both beginners and expert-level PCB designers.
The pricing is very different. While EAGLE standard is quite popular and therefore affordable, EAGLE premium is roughly five times the cost of the standard edition. Then again, you do get a lot for the extra money.

Although there was some controversy after Autodesk took over EAGLE, nothing has changed in terms of the application's performance. Although the new subscription format is a bit more expensive than the previous model, EAGLE is still one of the best PCB design platforms available.

Besides, if you have a degree and background in engineering chances are you're already familiar with the educational version.

Once you've input, at minimum, the current, copper weight, and temperature rise, the DigiKey calculator will give you a value for the width of your trace. In order to manage heat, you will need to make sure your trace is at least this width. You will need to repeat this calculation for any other high current traces in your design.

Now let's take a look at how to change trace widths in Autodesk Eagle.

Controlling Trace Width in Autodesk Eagle

So now that you know how wide the traces in your design need to be, let's take a look at how to control trace widths in Autodesk Eagle.

1. Create Net Classes

The first step towards setting widths for your traces is creating Net Classes in Eagle. Net classes are basically categories of connections. You might have net classes for power nets, ground nets, data nets, low voltage nets, high current nets, and so on. You will find the net classes tool under Edit > Net Classes…

Each net class has a specified trace width, drill size, and clearance. When you open the net classes tool, you will notice that there is already a default net class. When you create a new net in your design, it is automatically assigned to the default net class. You will also notice that the trace width, drill size, and clearance values for the default net class are all zero. This is because, when you route your PCB, whether you are manually routing the board or using the autorounter, Eagle will set the trace width to be the larger value between the net class and the DRC. So, by setting the default trace width to zero, the DRC will always overrule the default net class.

Anyway, in order to control the width of your traces, you will need to create at least one new net class. It can be named whatever you'd like. For the trace width, input the width provided by the DigiKey calculator.

2. Assign Net Classes

Now that you have at least one net class with a trace width sufficient to carry the maximum current for your design, you will need to set your nets to use the new net class. As mentioned above, the default behavior for the software is to assign new nets to the default net class. To change your nets to use the new custom net class, you will need to use the Info tool, which is the 'i' icon in the upper-left corner of the toolbar.

Using the info tool, select the net you wish to assign to your new net class. In the properties of the net you selected, you will find a drop-down for the net class. To set the trace to use the width specified by your new net class, simply select the net class from this drop-down.

3. Route your Board

Finally, when you route your board, the trace you assigned to your new net class will use the new width you specified.

Flexible EAGLE subscription options available

PCB design and schematic software. EAGLE Standard includes 99 schematic sheets, 4 signal layers, and 160 cm2 board area. EAGLE Premium includes 999 schematic sheets, 16 signal layers, and unlimited board areas.

EAGLE Standard and Premium

EAGLE has an interesting history behind it. The program's first iteration in 1988 was a 16-bit DOS application for PCB design. Over the years, EAGLE has advanced in complexity and today it's one of the most capable applications of its kind.

It comes with multiple editions including a free one for non-commercial uses and a complex one for educational purposes. Depending on what version you use, you can handle simple or complex PCB layouts. Let's take a look at the popular EAGLE standard and the more advanced EAGLE premium editions and what they have to offer.

Who is EAGLE for?

EAGLE can be a program for everyone from hobbyists to professionals with decades of PCB design experience. However, since we're discussing only the standard and premium editions, it's safe to say that EAGLE is an application for professionals.

EAGLE can also be used as a learning tool. Students and educators can get a free license with the same benefits and features as the EAGLE premium edition.

Both paid EAGLE editions are capable of running simulations via LTspice and PCBSim, as is the educational edition.

What type of engineers will probably benefit the most from using EAGLE? If you're designing PCIe, USB3.0 and 3.1, and even DDR4 circuits, this is the program for you. It's lightning fast for these types of projects.

System Requirements

Both EAGLE standard and premium versions have low system requirements. You'll need a 64-bit operating system and a decent CPU. Multi-threading is not a necessity.
The program runs on Windows (7 or above), Linux (libc.so.6 and sub version GLIBC_2.14 or above), and Mac (10.10 or above on Intel CPUs).

In terms of control, you shouldn't need more than a 3-button wheel mouse. Although that's not at all mandatory as you can still have a smooth designing experience without one.

It's recommended that you can maintain a resolution of at least 1024 x 768 for EAGLE standard. EAGLE premium could use a higher resolution, but again, it's not necessary.

Subscription and Licensing Policies

Both paid editions of EAGLE, standard and premium, come with three subscription plans: monthly, yearly, and biennially. This lets you figure out how long you need it for or how much you can afford to pay at a time.

Do keep in mind however, that there is also a free version of EAGLE. However, the free version is quite limited and lacks plenty of features and support from Autodesk.
The standard and premium editions not only unlock a plethora of features. They also give you access to 1-on-1 online support. This can benefit both beginners and expert-level PCB designers.
The pricing is very different. While EAGLE standard is quite popular and therefore affordable, EAGLE premium is roughly five times the cost of the standard edition. Then again, you do get a lot for the extra money.

Although there was some controversy after Autodesk took over EAGLE, nothing has changed in terms of the application's performance. Although the new subscription format is a bit more expensive than the previous model, EAGLE is still one of the best PCB design platforms available.

Besides, if you have a degree and background in engineering chances are you're already familiar with the educational version.

EAGLE Standard Features

EAGLE standard gives you access to 99 schematic sheets. It also lets you use up to 4 plane or signal layers. The board area for your PCB designs is 24.8 square inches.

So what can you do with the standard edition?

• Designs for basic electronics
• PCB layouts with multiple layers
• Multisheet schematics
• Creating and managing library content (as an individual)

EAGLE Premium Features

EAGLE premium costs more but also delivers more. You can use up to 999 schematic sheets and up to 16 signal or plane layers. Unlike the limited board area in the standard edition, going premium gives you unlimited board area.

You shouldn't need an unlimited board area considering how well stacked the 3D model library is. That being said, if you're feeling very creative or if you want to work on large-scale circuitry, you just might need it.

So what can you do with the premium edition?

• Designs for basic and complex board designs
• Complex multilayer PCB layouts
• Multisheet schematics
• Hierarchal schematics
• Creating and managing library content (as a team)

Library Content

To say that the component library is rich would be an understatement. EAGLE gives you access to symbols, 3D models, footprints, and accurate parameters to make your task easier. There's also an ever-growing online library supported by an active community.

You also have the option of searching for exact schematics from manufacturers. Last but not least, the library has quite a few complete 3D PCB models which you can learn from or edit and expand to fit your needs.

Layout Editor

The layout editor is pretty much the same for both the EAGLE standard and premium editions. With the exception of wider board size and the ability to integrate multiple layers and schematics for premium users.

Here's a quick look at what you can do with the EAGLE PCB layout editor:

• Push and shove routing
• Obstacle avoidance routing
• Intuitive alignment

Courtesy of the new and improved routing engine, you can optimize your PCB layouts faster and better. There are plenty of tools for removing loops and creating corners without breaking the circuit.
The obstacle avoidance routing is advanced. You can work and follow the most complex PCB layouts around your design. You can trace freely or ask for assistance whenever it's needed.

Schematic Editor

The phrase ‘trust me, I'm an engineer' should no longer be part of your vocabulary. EAGLE allows you to properly test and validate the circuit's performance. You can do this with the new SPICE simulator.

There's also good cross-project compatibility. You can reuse design blocks that fit your new projects. EAGLE ensures that they synchronize with the PCB circuitry and your new schematic. This is very easy to accomplish via drag and drop.

Constantly checking designs can be a drag. You also shouldn't have to use the simulator every time you need to validate your schematics. To make things easier, EAGLE has a simple electronic rule checking tool which can make sure you don't make any design errors along the way.

Autodesk Eagle Board Size Comparison

Final Verdict

Autodesk Eagle Change Board Size

So at the end of the day, should you get the standard or premium edition of EAGLE? It depends on two things. The complexity of your work and your budget. While it's tempting to pick EAGLE premium over anything else, if your work doesn't cover the monthly cost, it's not going to be worth it.

At the same time, EAGLE standard won't allow you to handle complex circuitry due to the schematic limitations and small board size. That being said, you can always upgrade from standard to premium.

Autodesk Eagle Free

EAGLE premium clearly has an edge in terms of performance and range of applications. However, that might not settle the score in its favor since the pricing difference is very noticeable.

If you don't need advanced PCB design, the standard edition may be all that you need. Due to its ease of use and much lower cost, EAGLE standard is the more popular of the two paid editions of Autodesk EAGLE.