Comprehensive comparison of functions and performance of some mainstream EDA software in the domestic market
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With the development of electronic design automation (EDA) technology, many excellent EDA software have appeared in the Chinese market, each with its own characteristics in terms of functions and performance. This article will conduct a detailed comprehensive comparison of the functions and performance of the three mainstream EDA software, Altium Designer, PADS and TARGET3001!, and analyze their performance in component library management, schematic drawing, PCB design, simulation and verification, file import and export, other functions and user experience. Help engineers better choose the tools that suit them. By comparing the pros and cons of each function, we will reveal the unique advantages and applicable scenarios of each software
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Component library management
In terms of component library management, all three software provide strong support. Altium Designer and PADS provide rich component libraries and support third-party library import. Users can easily select and use the required components from them. TARGET3001! not only supports its own rich component library, but also supports third-party library import. It also connects to three well-known foreign network component libraries ("Ultra Librarian", "SamacSys", "SnapEDA"), which greatly expands the range of component selection.
Built-in components
Altium Designer: The software comes with a component library, which users can use directly, but the number and types of components are far from TARGET3001!.
PADS: It also provides a rich component library, but it is still far behind TARGET3001!.
TARGET3001!: The component library is relatively complete and can meet most design needs, saving the time of finding and importing components.
Library search function:
Altium Designer: Provides a powerful library search function, users can quickly find the required components according to parameters, names or other attributes.
PADS: The search function is relatively basic and can meet general needs.
TARGET3001!: The search function is more flexible and supports multiple search methods.
Third-party library import:
Altium Designer: supports the import of component libraries in multiple formats, which is convenient for users to use external resources.
PADS: It also performs well in the import of third-party libraries and is compatible with multiple library formats.
TARGET3001!: It also supports the import of third-party libraries, and users can customize the import of external component libraries.
Component Editor:
Altium Designer: Provides a powerful component editor, and users can customize the properties and appearance of components.
PADS: The component editor has complete functions and supports multiple customization options.
TARGET3001!: It also has powerful component editing capabilities, and users can freely adjust component properties.
Network library docking:
Altium Designer: It can dock with online component libraries and supplier databases, which is convenient for users to obtain the latest component information.
PADS: It supports network library docking, but the function is relatively simple and practical.
TARGET3001!: It performs well in this regard, providing a large number of components and third-party network library docking functions, and users can easily access online resources.
Rapid production of components:
Altium Designer: Some components can be quickly produced using the component wizard and package wizard, which greatly improves design efficiency.
PADS: The function of rapid component production is slightly insufficient, but it can basically meet the needs.
TARGET3001!: It provides similar rapid production tools and is easy to operate.
Schematic drawing
Schematic drawing is one of the core functions of EDA software. All three softwares perform well in this regard, but each has its own characteristics.
Fast routing:
Altium Designer: provides efficient schematic fast wiring function, users can quickly draw circuit diagrams.
PADS: The fast routing function is basically complete and meets most design needs.
TARGET3001!: The routing function is slightly simple, but it can still complete most tasks.
Electrical rule checking:
Altium Designer: has a powerful electrical rule checking function to ensure that there are no electrical errors in the schematic design.
PADS: performs well in electrical rule checking and can automatically detect electrical problems in the design.
TARGET3001!: The electrical rule checking function is complete and can detect most common problems.
Unlimited number of components:
Altium Designer: has no limit on the number of components in the project, which is suitable for large-scale design.
PADS: also supports an unlimited number of components.
TARGET3001!: The number of components is unlimited, which can meet complex design needs.
Quickly add components:
Altium Designer: users can easily import components into the schematic, and the operation is simple.
PADS: The quick addition of components function is relatively convenient.
TARGET3001!: Supports fast addition of components and smooth operation.
Automatic sorting of component labels:
Altium Designer: After copying and pasting or adding new components of the same type, the labels can be automatically sorted.
PADS: It has an automatic sorting function for easy management.
TARGET3001!: The automatic sorting function of labels is perfect and easy to use
. Quick PCB import:
Altium Designer: After the schematic design is completed, it can be quickly imported into the PCB with close connection.
PADS: It also supports the quick import of PCB function to ensure a smooth design process.
TARGET3001!: Supports quick import of PCB and easy operation.
PCB Design
The complexity and precision of PCB design determine the performance level of EDA software. We will compare ten aspects: automatic routing, advanced routing tools, 3D view, PCB stack manager, signal selector, multi-layer board design, one-click copper plating, design rule checking, one-click teardrop addition and impedance calculation.
Interactive layout:
Altium Designer: supports horizontal segmentation of schematic and PCB, and then interactively and quickly completes the layout.
PADS: The interactive layout function is basically complete.
TARGET3001!: Provides interactive layout tools and intuitive operation.
Automatic routing:
Altium Designer: Automatically routes (Layout) according to design rules to improve design efficiency.
PADS: The automatic routing function is powerful and can meet the needs of complex circuit design.
TARGET3001!: Provides basic automatic routing functions and is easy to operate.
Advanced routing tools:
Altium Designer: Provides advanced routing tools such as differential pair routing and length matching.
PADS: Rich advanced routing tools support a variety of complex routing needs.
TARGET3001!: Basic advanced routing tools, but relatively simple functions.
Multi-wiring function:
Altium Designer: provides intuitive multi-wiring tools, allowing designers to select multiple signal lines and route them at one time.
PADS: also has powerful multi-wiring functions, allowing designers to select and arrange multiple signal lines.
TARGET3001!: There is no multi-wiring function for the time being, and we look forward to adding this function later.
3D View
Altium Designer: provides a complete 3D view function, users can view and check PCB design in a 3D environment to ensure the manufacturability and assembly rationality of the design.
PADS: has a 3D view function, which can help users visualize the design, check mechanical interference and spatial layout.
TARGET3001!: provides a powerful 3D view function, which can be viewed in 3D while designing, suitable for design inspection and visualization, to ensure the integrity of the design.
PCB Stack Manager
Altium Designer: has a powerful PCB stack manager, users can easily manage and adjust multi-layer board design to ensure the rationality and electrical performance of the stack structure.
PADS: provides a complete stack management tool to support high-performance design of multi-layer PCBs, and users can flexibly adjust the stack structure.
TARGET3001! : The stacking management function is relatively simple and practical, and can meet the design requirements of general 2-6 layer boards.
Signal Selector
Altium Designer: Provides flexible signal selectors, users can select and manage signals according to design requirements to ensure signal integrity and design rationality.
PADS: The signal selector is fully functional, supports the management and selection of complex signals, and is suitable for high-speed and high-density design.
TARGET3001!: Provides powerful signal selection functions to meet the design requirements of multiple scenarios.
Supports PCB design of multi-layer boards
Altium Designer: Supports simple multi-layer board design, can handle low-density components and high-speed circuits, and ensures the electrical performance and reliability of the design.
PADS: The multi-layer board design function is powerful and suitable for various complex design requirements. It supports a variety of stacking structures and design rules and is mostly used for high-performance PCB design.
TARGET3001!: Provides basic multi-layer board design functions, suitable for small and medium-sized projects, and can meet general design requirements.
One-click copper plating
Altium Designer: Provides a one-click copper plating function, users can quickly complete the layout of large-area copper foil to ensure the heat dissipation and electrical performance of the design.
PADS: The copper pouring function is complete, supporting multiple copper foil layout methods, and users can flexibly adjust the copper pouring area.
TARGET3001!: It provides a basic one-click copper pouring function, which is suitable for general design needs and easy to operate.
Design rule checking
Altium Designer: It has a powerful design rule checking function, which can automatically detect errors and violations in the design to ensure the correctness and manufacturing feasibility of the design.
PADS: It provides a comprehensive design rule checking tool, supports multiple checking rules, and users can customize and adjust the checking parameters.
TARGET3001!: The design rule checking function is basically complete, which can detect common design errors and violations to ensure the correctness of the design.
One-click teardrop
Altium Designer: It provides a one-click teardrop adding function, and users can quickly add tears to the design to enhance the reliability and strength of the solder joints.
PADS: The teardrop adding function is complete, supporting multiple adding methods, and users can flexibly adjust the teardrop position and size.
TARGET3001!: It provides a basic one-click teardrop adding function, which is suitable for general design needs and easy to operate.
Impedance Calculation
Altium Designer: It has convenient and practical impedance calculation tools, supports impedance matching of high-speed signals and differential pairs, ensures the electrical performance of the design, and is mainly suitable for low-performance PCB design.
PADS: It provides a complete impedance calculation tool, and users can perform accurate impedance calculation and adjustment according to design requirements.
TARGET3001!: The impedance calculation function is relatively simple and practical, but it can meet design requirements, and is mainly suitable for small and medium-sized projects.
High-speed signal routing
Altium Designer:Provides basic high-speed signal routing functions. It supports differential pair routing, length matching, etc., but may not be as good as other software in the detailed processing of complex high-speed signal routing.
PADS: excels in high-speed signal routing and provides a variety of advanced routing tools, including differential pair routing, impedance control and length matching.
TARGET3001!: has relatively simple high-speed signal routing functions and supports limited advanced routing tools, which is mainly suitable for small and medium-sized projects.
Simulation and Verification
Simulation and verification are key functions of EDA software, used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the design. Below we will compare the performance and features of Altium Designer, PADS and TARGET3001! in simulation and verification in detail.
P-SPICE Simulation
Altium Designer: Provides powerful P-SPICE simulation functions that can simulate the behavior of circuits, including multiple analysis types such as DC, AC, transient and parameter sweep. This allows engineers to verify the functionality of circuits in the early stages of design to avoid problems later.
PADS: P-SPICE simulation functions are equally powerful and support multiple simulation types, including transient analysis, frequency response analysis, etc. Its simulation results are accurate and the visual interface is friendly, which facilitates users to conduct detailed circuit analysis.
TARGET3001!: Provides basic P-SPICE simulation functions to support common circuit simulation needs. Although it may not be as good as Altium Designer and PADS in some advanced functions, it is sufficient for most application scenarios.
Electromagnetic Field Simulation
Altium Designer: Equipped with advanced electromagnetic field simulation functions, it can simulate electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility problems in circuits. This is particularly important for high-frequency circuit design and can effectively improve the reliability and performance of the design.
PADS: It also supports electromagnetic field simulation, and can analyze the electromagnetic field distribution in the circuit, helping engineers optimize circuit layout, reduce interference, and improve signal integrity.
TARGET3001!: Its functions in electromagnetic field simulation are relatively basic, but it can still provide basic electromagnetic compatibility analysis to meet general design needs.
Multiple simulation signal support
Altium Designer: It supports simultaneous simulation of multiple simulation signals. Users can simulate the interaction of multiple signals in the same simulation environment, which is convenient for comprehensive analysis of circuit performance.
PADS: It also supports simultaneous simulation of multiple simulation signals, can handle complex circuit simulation requirements, and provide comprehensive simulation results.
TARGET3001!: The multi-simulation signal support function is relatively complete, and can effectively handle general multi-signal simulation tasks.
File import and export
The file import and export function is the embodiment of the compatibility and openness of EDA software, and determines the interoperability of the software with other tools and platforms. Below we will compare the performance of the three software in file import and export in detail.
Gerber file generation
Altium Designer: It can generate high-quality Gerber files for PCB manufacturing. These files contain all layer information of the PCB to ensure the accuracy of the manufacturing process.
PADS: It performs well in generating Gerber files and supports detailed file configuration and inspection to ensure the accuracy of manufacturing files.
TARGET3001!: It can also generate high-quality Gerber files and supports a variety of configuration options for different manufacturing needs.
Drill file output
Altium Designer: It supports the generation of drill files, which contains all the drilling location information to ensure accurate drilling operations in PCB manufacturing.
PADS: It can also generate detailed drill files to facilitate manufacturers to accurately perform drilling processing.
TARGET3001!: It has complete functions in generating drill files and can meet various PCB manufacturing needs.
BOM generation
Altium Designer: Provides a powerful BOM (Bill of Materials) generation tool that supports automatic generation of detailed BOMs, including component names, specifications, quantities, supplier information, etc.
PADS: Also has excellent BOM generation functions, supports automatic generation and customization of BOMs. Users can quickly generate BOMs containing all necessary information through simple settings.
TARGET3001!: Provides practical BOM generation functions that can automatically generate detailed BOMs, including component information and supplier data. Users can customize the format and content of BOMs to meet the needs of different projects.
ODB++ output
Altium Designer: Provides comprehensive ODB++ output functions that can generate manufacturing data files that meet industrial standards.
PADS: Also has powerful ODB++ output functions to ensure the integrity and consistency of design data.
TARGET3001!: Provides basic but complete ODB++ output functions that can generate standard manufacturing data files.
DXF file import and export
Altium Designer: With powerful DXF file import and export functions, users can easily import mechanical drawings in DXF format and use them as references for PCB design.
PADS: It performs well in importing and exporting DXF files and provides reliable file conversion functions.
TARGET3001!: It provides complete DXF file import and export functions, supporting seamless conversion of design data between different tools.
STEP file import and export
Altium Designer: It provides complete STEP file import and export functions, allowing users to seamlessly collaborate with mechanical design in a 3D CAD environment.
PADS: It also supports the import and export of STEP files, helping users to exchange data efficiently between electronic and mechanical design.
TARGET3001!: It has the function of importing and exporting STEP files, and also supports seamless data exchange between EDA tools and mechanical design tools.
Export of multiple formats of files
Altium Designer: It provides comprehensive export functions of multiple formats of files, supporting multiple common formats such as DXF, STEP, Gerber, ODB++, etc.
PADS: It also performs well in exporting multiple formats of files, supporting multiple formats including DXF, STEP, Gerber, ODB++, etc.
TARGET3001!: Provides multiple file export functions, supporting common formats such as DXF, STEP, Gerber, ODB++, etc., to ensure that design files can be seamlessly connected with other EDA tools and manufacturing processes.
Other functions
In addition to the core functions, other functions of EDA software are also very important. Let me take a look at them together.
Compatibility with other EDA software
Altium Designer: It performs well in compatibility with other EDA software, supports the import and export of multiple file formats, and ensures that design files can be seamlessly converted between different software tools.
PADS: It also performs well in compatibility, supports the import and export of multiple formats of files, and facilitates users to convert design data between different EDA tools.
TARGET3001!: It performs relatively weak in compatibility with other EDA software, but still supports the import and export of common format files, which can meet general design needs. Although its compatibility is not as comprehensive as Altium Designer and PADS, TARGET3001! The simple operation interface and basic compatibility functions enable users to achieve file exchange and collaboration with other design tools to a certain extent.
Commercial use
Altium Designer: It performs well in commercial use. Its comprehensive functions and powerful performance support make it a good choice for commercial design projects.
PADS: It is also remarkable in commercial use. It has complete functions and powerful performance, which is particularly suitable for high-performance projects and medium and large enterprises.
TARGET3001!: It is also feasible for commercial use. Its rich functions can meet the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises and low-performance projects. In addition, its low learning curve and cost make it the best choice for enterprises with limited budgets but stable performance.
Stand-alone license type
Altium Designer: It provides flexible stand-alone license types, allowing users to use all functions on independent workstations.
PADS: It also provides a complete stand-alone license type. Users can run the software on a separate computer and enjoy complete design functions.
TARGET3001!: It also provides a stand-alone license type, which is suitable for design work on a stand-alone computer. Its simple and easy-to-use license management system allows users to easily activate and use the software.
Network license type
Altium Designer: It provides flexible network license types and supports multiple users to share licenses through the server. Through network licenses, enterprises can flexibly allocate software usage rights according to needs, improve resource utilization and work efficiency, but generally require multiple sets of sales, which may not be suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.
PADS: It also supports network license types, which also allows multiple users to share licenses through the server. This licensing method is very suitable for medium and large enterprises and can improve team collaboration efficiency, but it also requires multiple sets of sales.
TARGET3001!: does not support network license type, all licenses are single-user versions, but due to its favorable price and high cost performance, more and more people are choosing it.
Full-function activation
Altium Designer: does not provide full-function activation, and some advanced functions and services require additional payment.
PADS: does not activate all functions either, and some advanced functions and features need to be purchased separately.
TARGET3001!: 's professional version provides full-function activation. Users can use all the functions of the software after purchase without additional payment requirements.
Plug-ins and extensions
Altium Designer: provides rich plug-in and extension support, and users can add various additional tools and functions according to project requirements. Its plug-in market contains a variety of practical plug-ins, from advanced simulation tools to automatic wiring assistants, which greatly expands the functionality and applicability of the software.
PADS: also has powerful plug-in and extension functions, supporting users to add a variety of third-party tools and extensions. Its ecosystem includes a wealth of plug-in options, covering various fields from signal integrity analysis to thermal analysis, helping users optimize the design process.
TARGET3001!: also performs well in plug-ins and extensions, providing a variety of plug-in support to help users enhance design functions and efficiency. Although the number and complexity of its plug-ins may not be as good as Altium Designer and PADS, its ease of use and diverse selection make TARGET3001! popular among low-performance designers and beginners.
Reverse Engineering
Altium Designer: does not support reverse engineering. Although it excels in forward design and advanced wiring tools, Altium Designer does not provide a direct solution for the need to generate schematics and PCB designs from images or finished circuit boards.
PADS: also does not have reverse engineering capabilities. For users who need to generate design files from existing PCBs or images, PADS does not have built-in support, which means that users may need to look for other alternatives when reverse engineering is needed.
TARGET3001!: supports reverse engineering functions, which is a significant advantage. Users can generate corresponding PCBs and schematics by importing pictures, which is very useful when they need to copy existing circuit board designs or obtain design drawings from finished PCBs. This function makes TARGET3001! have unique advantages in some special application scenarios, such as product maintenance, copying or analyzing competitor products. Its simple operation and intuitive interface make the reverse engineering process more efficient and easy.
MID function
Altium Designer: The latest version in 2024 introduced the MID function, namely molded interconnect technology. This function allows users to layout and route on the surface of plastic shells, expanding the application scenarios of PCB design.
PADS: Does not support the MID function. Although PADS excels in PCB design and high-speed signal routing, it has not yet provided relevant functions in the field of molded interconnect technology.
TARGET3001!: It has had the MID function for many years and provides the ability to layout and route on the surface of plastic shells. Its mature MID function enables designers to flexibly design circuits in three-dimensional space, improving the flexibility and innovation of design.
User experience
In addition to the core functions and other functions, the user experience of EDA software is also particularly important. Let me take you to see how the user experience of these three software is.
Rich in functions
Altium Designer: It performs well in terms of rich functions and integrates comprehensive design tools, covering the entire process from schematic design, PCB layout to simulation and verification.
PADS: It also provides rich functions to meet the needs of beginners to professional designers. Its automatic routing and advanced routing tools such as differential pairs and length matching make complex designs simpler and more efficient.
TARGET3001!: It also performs well in terms of rich functions. Although it is relatively simple, each function is efficient and convenient, and the functions it provides are sufficient to meet the design needs of small to medium-sized projects. The software
interface is simple and efficient
Altium Designer: The operation interface is powerful, but relatively complex. Beginners may need to spend some time to familiarize themselves with its interface layout and various functions.
PADS: The operation interface is also rich in functions, but it performs generally in terms of simplicity and efficiency. PADS provides a variety of tools and setting options for complex design needs, but its interface design is relatively traditional, the learning curve is steep, and it is not friendly to beginners.
TARGET3001!: It has outstanding performance in terms of simple and efficient interface. Its operation interface design is simple and clear. Users can quickly get started and easily find the required functions. TARGET3001! Focuses on user experience and reduces unnecessary complex options, allowing users to focus more on actual operations when designing.
User interface customization
Altium Designer: It has outstanding performance in user interface customization, allowing users to customize the interface layout according to personal work habits and project requirements. Users can adjust the position of toolbars, windows and panels, and save different layout schemes for quick switching.
PADS: It also performs well in user interface customization, supporting users to adjust and customize the working environment according to their needs. Users can freely arrange the position of toolbars and panels, and create and save custom layouts.
TARGET3001!: It provides basic user interface customization functions. Users can adjust the position of toolbars and windows to adapt to personal work habits.
Integrated design environment
Altium Designer: It provides a complete integrated design environment, integrating schematic design, PCB design and simulation on the same platform.
PADS: It is not an integrated design software. Its schematic design, PCB design and simulation need to be carried out in different software modules.
TARGET3001!: It is also an integrated design software that integrates schematic design, PCB design and simulation on one platform. Users can complete all design steps in the same software to ensure the continuity and efficiency of the design process.
Integration
Altium Designer: It is known for its high integration, which not only improves work efficiency, but also reduces errors and inconsistencies caused by data transmission between different tools.
PADS: It also has a highly integrated design environment. Its integration is not only reflected in its powerful design tools, but also in its flexible database management and real-time collaboration functions, which improves the overall design efficiency.
TARGET3001!: Although relatively simple in some advanced functions, its integration is still very high, providing an integrated solution from schematic to PCB design, simulation and manufacturing output, and can meet most design needs.
Quick Start Software
Altium Designer: Although it is powerful and suitable for high-end complex designs, its rich features and complex operation interface require a long learning curve for new users when they first use it.
PADS: As a full-featured EDA tool, its professionalism and complexity may make new users encounter greater challenges when they first get started.
TARGET3001!: With its simple operation interface and intuitive design process, it is an ideal choice for novices and beginners. Its user-friendly interface design and simple operation logic enable engineers to quickly get started and start designing projects.
Support software secondary development
Altium Designer: It has strong secondary development support. Through its open API and rich scripting functions, users can carry out secondary development of software according to specific needs.
PADS: It also supports software secondary development and provides rich API and scripting tools. Users can develop custom applications and automation solutions as needed.
TARGET3001!: It does not support software secondary development for the time being, which limits the ability of users to customize and expand the software according to specific needs.
Cost-effectiveness
Altium Designer: As a mid-to-high-end EDA software, it has comprehensive functions and powerful performance, but its high price makes its learning cost high and its cost-effectiveness is relatively low.
PADS: As a powerful EDA software, it provides a wide range of design tools and advanced functions, but its price is relatively high, it is not easy to get started quickly and the cost-effectiveness is not ideal.
TARGET3001!: It performs well in terms of cost-effectiveness and has won the favor of users with its low price and easy-to-learn characteristics. TARGET3001! has a gentle learning curve, and users can get started quickly, reducing time and training costs.
Ecological community
Altium Designer: has an active and large ecological community that provides rich resources and support.
PADS: also has a strong ecological community, and users can get support through the official forum, knowledge base and training resources of the software.
TARGET3001!: also has an ecological community that can provide certain resources and support. Users can get help through official forums, user manuals and online tutorials.
Cloud Service
Altium Designer: provides comprehensive cloud services that allow users to access and manage design projects under Internet connection. Its Altium 365 platform enables teams to collaborate and share design files in real time for efficient remote work.
PADS:It also performs well in cloud services, supporting cloud collaboration and project management through the Mentor Cloud platform. Users can store and share design files in the cloud, enabling real-time collaboration and feedback between team members.
TARGET3001!: does not support cloud services for the time being. Although it is fully functional in local design and management, it lacks the ability to collaborate and manage on the Internet cloud.
In summary, EDA software is an indispensable and important tool in the electronic design process. Through the comparative analysis of this article, we hope to provide valuable references for engineers and designers, helping them find the most suitable tools for their needs among many software, improve design efficiency, and ensure design quality.
In the future, with the continuous development of EDA technology, it is believed that these software will launch more innovative functions to further enhance design capabilities and user experience. When choosing, users should pay attention to the software update dynamics and technical support to ensure that they can always use the most advanced design tools to complete high-quality electronic product design.
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