![]() You can import schematics and symbols from a third party tool. I've been pretty happy with Digikey over the years and have sort of a love / hate relation with Mentor's PCB layout products. I'm sure there will be a wide variety of opinions !!! I have no connection with either Digikey or Mentor other than as a customer. As long as they are not stupid about it you should be able to get a couple BGA's on a board. It will depend on just how they count the 1,500 connection limit (do redundant via's count (hopefully not).do wires connect at both ends (probably). ![]() So far the free one seems to offer a lot of bang for the buck. I doubt that auto routing is the only thing they took out. Without sitting down with a full license version and the free version, I suspect it will be a bit tough to really know what you do or do not get in the Maker versions. It also ties into the Digikey empire for parts symbols and information. It does include schematic, BOM, and simulation. It does not include auto routing (which I hate). The software you get is NOT the full blown PADS. I'd bet not, but I've been wrong a lot of times before. Is free a come on to get you to move up to the $499 Pro a year from now? Only time will tell. You are stuck if they discontinue the free tier a year from now. The "free" version is technically a one year license. The $499 gets you a "perpetual" license and 1 year of support. It takes you up to 50 square inches and 8 layers (6 with signals). The "Pro" version is $499 and it eliminates the connection restriction. Layout is limited to 25 square inches and 6 layers (4 with signals). It's free and will let you go up to 1,500 connections on the schematic. Hi Digikey just sent me an announcement about Mentor PADS Maker Edition.
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