# Design tools and software **URL:** https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/c/design-and-layout/design-tools-and-software/11.md [Latest](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the Design tools and software category](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/about-the-design-tools-and-software-category/19)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2023, 10:10pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/about-the-design-tools-and-software-category/19 "2023-09-05T22:10:16Z")
The Design Tools and Software category on SierraConnect is your hub for discussions and insights on the latest tools and software used in design. Here, you can explore different design platforms, share tips on optimizing… --- ## [How to Evaluate VRM Stability in PCBs](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/how-to-evaluate-vrm-stability-in-pcbs/4234)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 3:02pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/how-to-evaluate-vrm-stability-in-pcbs/4234 "2026-07-09T15:02:52Z")
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-vrm-stability-in-pcbs/ To measure the voltage regulator module (VRM) stability in PCBs, you need a combination of Bode plot analysis, step-lo… --- ## [How's AI Transforming the Circuit Board Industry?](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/hows-ai-transforming-the-circuit-board-industry/3802)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2026, 5:20pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/hows-ai-transforming-the-circuit-board-industry/3802 "2026-01-14T17:20:19Z")
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/hows-ai-transforming-circuit-board-industry/ AI-assisted circuit board design is reshaping the schematic and layout creation process by recommending optimal … --- ## [Open Hardware, GitHub, and KiCad: The Future of PCB Collaboration](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/open-hardware-github-and-kicad-the-future-of-pcb-collaboration/3395)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2025, 6:33pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/open-hardware-github-and-kicad-the-future-of-pcb-collaboration/3395 "2025-07-24T18:33:23Z")
In this Trace Talks snippet, @seth shares why we’re already at the inflection point for open hardware design collaboration and why KiCad is uniquely positioned to drive it forward. Unlike proprietary EDA tools, KiCad … --- ## [OPEN DISCUSSION: Which PCB design software do you use and why?](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/open-discussion-which-pcb-design-software-do-you-use-and-why/3156)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2025, 3:21pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/open-discussion-which-pcb-design-software-do-you-use-and-why/3156 "2025-05-12T15:21:56Z")
Tell us your go-to PCB design software—what makes it your favorite, and what feature can you not live without? --- ## [POLL: What’s your go-to design tool? 🛠️](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/poll-what-s-your-go-to-design-tool/1727)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2024, 8:11am UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/poll-what-s-your-go-to-design-tool/1727 "2024-12-06T08:11:27Z")
As PCB designers, the tools we use can make all the difference in bringing our ideas to life. Between navigating complex layouts, ensuring signal integrity, and optimizing for manufacturability, the right design software… --- ## [How to Autoroute a PCB Layout in KiCad using FreeRouting Plugin](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/how-to-autoroute-a-pcb-layout-in-kicad-using-freerouting-plugin/2666)
**Author:** [@Mohamed\_Faheemuddin](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/Mohamed_Faheemuddin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2024, 3:46pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/how-to-autoroute-a-pcb-layout-in-kicad-using-freerouting-plugin/2666 "2024-11-19T15:46:58Z")
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/how-to-autoroute-pcb-layout-in-kicad-using-freerouting-plugin/ The autorouting plugin in KiCad automates the PCB routing process by creating optimized signal… --- ## [How to Place Components in KiCad](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/how-to-place-components-in-kicad/2539)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2024, 8:08am UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/how-to-place-components-in-kicad/2539 "2024-10-01T08:08:09Z")
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/how-to-place-components-kicad/ In our previous tutorial, we demonstrated how to set up design rules in KiCad, which included how to create a netlist and how … --- ## [KiCad Version 9: Exploring the New Features](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/kicad-version-9-exploring-the-new-features/1841)
**Author:** [@Pooja\_Mitra](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/Pooja_Mitra)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2024, 2:53pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/kicad-version-9-exploring-the-new-features/1841 "2024-09-24T14:53:52Z")
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/kicad-version-9-exploring-the-new-features/ KiCad is an open-source software that offers PCB designers and hobbyists a free yet powerful alternative to comme… --- ## [How to Route Differential Pairs in KiCad](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/how-to-route-differential-pairs-in-kicad/1839)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2024, 10:29am UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/how-to-route-differential-pairs-in-kicad/1839 "2024-09-23T10:29:51Z")
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/how-to-route-differential-pairs-in-kicad/ Routing is simply the process of wiring between the components placed in the PCB design while following all the des… --- ## [Trace Routing in Altium](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/trace-routing-in-altium/1073)
**Author:** [@will](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/will)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2024, 5:02pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/trace-routing-in-altium/1073 "2024-05-08T17:02:47Z")
When routing traces from pads/vias with slight offsets, Altium generates redundant trace segments under the pad/via. These “stub traces” create clutter and hinder component movement. Is there an Altium option to automat… --- ## [Plugin version 4.1 not compatible with KiCAD 7.0.9](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/plugin-version-4-1-not-compatible-with-kicad-7-0-9/648)
**Author:** [@joshua.pitchford](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/joshua.pitchford)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 5:48pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/plugin-version-4-1-not-compatible-with-kicad-7-0-9/648 "2023-12-01T17:48:59Z")
Sierra Plugin version 4.1 is not compatible with KiCAD 7.0.9 (latest). Can the software team provide a quick solution for the error in the picture below? Looks like the GetEffectivePolygon() function has changed after Ki… --- ## [KiCAD for serious hardware development](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/kicad-for-serious-hardware-development/507)
**Author:** [@hw1](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/hw1)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2023, 11:00am UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/kicad-for-serious-hardware-development/507 "2023-12-01T11:00:18Z")
Let me share with you some of the best tips and tricks I believe you can benefit from in no time. I have written about them for about 5 years on my LinkedIn profile and here will be reposted the best ones. --- ## [KiCad quote plugin](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/kicad-quote-plugin/93)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2023, 11:22am UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/kicad-quote-plugin/93 "2023-11-22T11:22:51Z")
Hey KiCad users! Who has tried the KiCad quote plugin?