CAD
(Computer-Aided Design)Software for designing PCB layouts, schematics, and generating manufacturing files.
Definition
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is used to create PCB schematics and layouts. Popular PCB CAD tools include Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, Mentor PADS, KiCad, and Eagle. CAD systems generate manufacturing outputs including Gerber files, drill files, and ODB++ packages. Modern CAD tools include DRC (design rule checking), impedance calculators, and 3D visualization.