What is TinyCAD?

TinyCAD is a Windows-based software application for drawing electrical circuit diagrams or schematics. It offers an intuitive interface for placing symbols and connecting them with wires to create a circuit diagram. TinyCAD includes a library of common electronic symbols that can be customized. The software also supports PCB layout by allowing the schematic to be exported to PCB applications.

Some key features of TinyCAD include:

• Easy to learn and use schematic capture
• Customizable symbol library
• Single click wiring with auto junction placement
• Hierarchical design with multi-page schematics
• Export to PCB layout software
• Low cost compared to other schematic tools

PCB Design Companies Using TinyCAD

1. PCBWay

PCBWay is a leading provider of PCB manufacturing services, offering both prototyping and volume production. They use TinyCAD in their design process to create schematics that are then used to generate PCB layouts. Some advantages of using PCBWay for PCB fabrication include:

• Online instant quoting and ordering
• Wide range of PCB Options (rigid, flexible, HDI, etc.)
• No minimum quantity for prototyping
• Fast turnaround times
• High quality standards

Service	Capability
PCB Prototyping	1-16 layers, 24-hour turnaround
PCB Assembly	SMT, through-hole, mixed
Flexible PCBs	1-12 layers, 0.1mm minimum pitch
Advanced PCBs	HDI, blind/buried vias, copper coin

2. Royal Circuit Solutions

Royal Circuit Solutions is a US-based manufacturer of quick-turn PCB Prototypes and low-volume production runs. Their team of engineers uses TinyCAD to design schematics, which are verified using simulation tools before being sent for manufacturing. Royal Circuit Solutions is known for:

• Quick turnaround times (same-day available)
• Specialization in complex PCB designs
• ISO 9001:2015 certified facility
• Free design for manufacturability (DFM) checks
• Excellent customer support

Service	Capability
PCB Prototyping	1-28 layers, same-day turnaround
PCB Assembly	SMT, through-hole, BGA, QFN
Flex & Rigid-Flex	1-16 layers, 0.075mm line/space
RF/Microwave PCBs	Up to 40GHz, mixed dielectrics

3. Sierra Circuits

Sierra Circuits is a full-service PCB design and manufacturing company that leverages TinyCAD for schematic capture. Their experienced engineering team can assist with design, prototyping, and production of a wide variety of PCB types. Sierra Circuits offers:

• Free PCB design software (PCB Artist)
• Design review and optimization services
• Rapid prototyping (1-2 day turnaround)
• Volume production with offshore partners
• Comprehensive online knowledge base

Service	Capability
PCB Layout	1-50 layers, HDI, flex, rigid-flex
PCB Fabrication	Quick-turn prototypes to high volume
PCB Assembly	SMT, through-hole, COB, MCM
Box Build	Complete turnkey assembly

4. EMA Design Automation

EMA Design Automation is a provider of electronic design automation (EDA) solutions, including PCB design tools like TinyCAD. In addition to software, they offer training, support, and design services to help companies bring their electronic products to market faster. EMA’s expertise includes:

• Schematic capture and simulation
• PCB layout and routing
• Signal and power integrity analysis
• Library management and creation
• 3D mechanical integration

Service	Offering
Software	Cadence OrCAD/Allegro, Altium Designer
Training	Instructor-led and online courses
Design Services	Schematic, PCB layout, FPGA, etc.
Consulting	Design process optimization

Advantages of Using TinyCAD for PCB Design

There are several reasons why PCB design companies choose to use TinyCAD for schematic capture:

1. Cost-effective: TinyCAD is an affordable solution compared to other schematic design tools on the market. This makes it accessible to small businesses and startups.

2. Easy to learn and use: TinyCAD features an intuitive user interface that allows designers to quickly create schematics without a steep learning curve. The software also includes tutorials and sample designs.

3. Customizable library: The built-in symbol library can be customized to include company-specific or project-specific symbols. This saves time and ensures consistency across designs.

4. Hierarchical design: TinyCAD supports hierarchical schematic design, allowing for the creation of multi-page schematics. This is useful for organizing complex designs and promoting reuse of circuitry.

5. Integration with PCB tools: Schematics created in TinyCAD can be easily exported to PCB layout software for further design work. Many PCB design services have established workflows incorporating TinyCAD.

Choosing a PCB Design Company

When selecting a PCB design company to work with, there are several factors to consider:

• Experience: Look for a company with a track record of successful PCB designs in your industry or application area. Experienced designers can help optimize your design for manufacturability and reliability.

• Capabilities: Make sure the company offers the specific services you need, such as schematic capture, PCB layout, simulation, prototyping, and assembly. Some companies specialize in certain types of PCBs (e.g. RF, flex).

• Tools and processes: Inquire about the design tools and methodologies used by the company. Are they using industry-standard software like TinyCAD? Do they follow best practices for design verification and testing?

• Communication: Clear and timely communication is essential for a successful design project. Make sure the company is responsive to your inquiries and provides regular updates on project status.

• Pricing: Get quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing for your specific project requirements. Keep in mind that the lowest price may not always result in the best value, especially for complex designs.

By considering these factors and evaluating the capabilities of PCB design companies that use TinyCAD, you can find a partner that will help bring your electronic product vision to reality.

FAQ

1. What is the typical cost of using TinyCAD for PCB design?

TinyCAD is a free, open-source software tool for creating electrical schematics. There is no cost to download and use the software. However, some PCB design companies may charge for their design services that utilize TinyCAD.

2. How long does it take to learn to use TinyCAD?

For users with some familiarity with schematic capture tools, TinyCAD can be learned relatively quickly due to its simple and intuitive interface. Beginners may need a few days to become proficient with the basic functions. TinyCAD includes a tutorial and sample designs to help new users get started.

3. Can TinyCAD be used for complex PCB designs?

Yes, TinyCAD supports hierarchical design, allowing for the creation of multi-page schematics for complex designs. However, for very large and complicated projects, some designers may prefer to use more advanced schematic capture tools with additional features and integration capabilities.

4. What PCB layout tools is TinyCAD compatible with?

TinyCAD can export schematic files in several formats that are compatible with popular PCB layout software, including:

• Altium Designer
• KiCad
• Eagle
• OrCAD/Allegro
• PADS

The specific process for importing TinyCAD schematics into a PCB tool may vary depending on the software being used.

5. Are there any limitations to using TinyCAD for PCB design?

While TinyCAD is a capable schematic capture tool, it may have some limitations compared to more advanced commercial software. These include:

• Lack of simulation capabilities
• Limited customization options for symbols and schematics
• No direct integration with component databases
• Fewer collaboration features for team-based design

Despite these limitations, TinyCAD remains a popular choice among PCB designers due to its simplicity, affordability, and ability to streamline the design process.