Audience
Users and engineers who need to design, validate, and manufacture custom circuit boards faster with AI assistance
About Trace
Trace is an AI-native PCB design platform that takes hardware teams from idea to manufactured board. It combines professional schematic capture and PCB layout tools with intelligent agents that understand hardware in context. Users describe what they want to build in natural language, and Trace can research the problem, generate hierarchical multi-sheet schematics, parse datasheets, suggest components, check real-time availability, place parts, route multi-layer boards, tune matched-length signals, and run ERC, DRC, and design reviews. Its component library includes more than 30,000 symbols and footprints, with sourcing data from major distributors. Plan Mode researches complex tasks, asks clarifying questions, creates a step-by-step plan, and executes only after approval, while TraceRules preserves component preferences, layout constraints, and manufacturing targets across conversations.
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ExpressPCB Plus
ExpressPCB is excited to introduce several new enhancements to our ExpressPCB Plus software! With the addition of Schematic Link and Netlist Validation tools to Plus, we provide peace of mind in the validation of your design from schematic to layout prior to manufacturing. Provides the ability to link the schematic netlist in ExpressSCH to the PCB layout in ExpressPCB Plus. Added a “Net Connection” tool to allow users to highlight connected pads in a net from the linked schematic to assist in board layout. Provides validation of the full ExpressPCB Plus layout for equivalence to the ExpressSCH schematic netlist. Provides error reporting for missing or additional components, pins, connections, or other design elements. Allows users to highlight errors, with option to zoom to location. Allows users to correct errors, and validate edits in one easy tool. Error reporting export capability in Microsoft Excel format.
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KiCad EDA
With the schematic editor you can create your design without limit, there are no paywalls to unlock features. An official library for schematic symbols and a built-in schematic symbol editor help you get started quickly with your designs. Make professional PCB layouts with up to 32 copper layers. KiCad now has a push and shove router which is capable of routing differential pairs and interactively tuning trace lengths. KiCad includes a 3D viewer which you can use to inspect your design in an interactive canvas. You can rotate and pan around to inspect details that are difficult to inspect on a 2D view. Multiple rendering options allow you to modify the aesthetic appearance of the board or to hide and show features for easier inspection. KiCad’s schematic capture is efficient, with all the tools you can expect for such a task. The interface focuses on productivity. There are no complexity limits, as large designs can be divided into hierarchical subsheets.
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DipTrace
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The PCB editor features interactive push-and-shove editing: moving a component on a routed board pushes surrounding traces and vias aside in real time, and an edited trace walks around pads and keepouts. Also included: shape-based autorouter, real-time DRC, differential pairs, length matching, 3D preview with STEP export, via stitching, panelizing, IPC-7351 pattern generator. The schematic editor supports hierarchical designs, ERC, and a Digital SPICE Simulator.
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Imports Altium, KiCad, Eagle, OrCAD, PADS. Exports Gerber X2, ODB++, IPC-2581, STEP.
Windows, macOS, Linux. Perpetual license from $75, no subscription.
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PathWave Advanced Design System (ADS)
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Pricing
Starting Price:
$20 one-time payment
Company Information
Trace
Founded: 2025
United States
buildwithtrace.com
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Product Details
Platforms Supported
Windows
Training
Documentation
Videos
Support
Online
