Best Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Software and Tools List 2024

Electronic design automation (EDA) tools and software is constantly evolving. In fact, the total valuation of EDA is around $12 Billion and the forecasted CAGR growth is over 10% between the year 2023 to 2030.

With new tools and AI technologies emerging, it’s crucial for engineers and designers to stay updated on the latest advancements in EDA software. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or a newcomer to the field, EDA design tools can significantly enhance your productivity and take your innovation to the next level.

In this article, we will share an exclusive list of the best EDA software in the market. From schematic capture to printed circuit board (PCB) layout, these tools offer a comprehensive suite of features to streamline the design process.

What is an Electronic Design Automation Software (EDA)?

EDA or electronic design automation software are computer programs used to design and analyze electronic systems. These tools are primarily used for electronic devices such as IC (integrated circuits), semiconductors, PCB (printed circuit boards). It simply works as a digital workbench for engineers to design, simulate, and verify their chip making process.

Features of Electronic Design Automation Software

EDA design software comes with multiple features like schematic capture, PCB layout, IC designs, simulations and verifications. Below are some of the features of EDA tools:

• Schematic Capture and Editing: EDA software helps users to create and modify electronic schematics with a visual representation of circuit design. It helps them to understand how their product will look before finalization.
• PCB Layout and Routing: This feature of EDA design software helps with the design of circuit boards with components, pads, and traces on a printed circuit board (PCB). Moreover, the layout tool for board design includes routing, verification, and import/export capabilities.
• Bill of Materials (BOM) Generation: Bill of material generation is a crucial step in building any enginerial products. EDA tools can list all the necessary materials required and automate the BOM creation process.
• Simulation and Analysis Tools: Simulation helps designers to analyze the behavior and performance of the designed circuits. This makes it possible to identify and address any potential issues that occur before the physical implementation.

Applications of EDA Software

EDA software can develop all kinds of electronic devices, from the tiny chips in your smartphone to the complex integrated chips or circuits. Below are some of the applications of EDA tool to check:

• EDA tools support electrical system design and simulation- from the initial conceptual phase to the product design.
• They include tools for circuit design and simulation, facilitating precise electronic component integration.
• EDA tools extend to printed circuit board layout tools, streamlining the arrangement of components for optimal functionality.
• In semiconductor design, these tools cover semiconductor device design, logic, timing design, and layout design with associated simulation tools.
• EDA tools also address the critical aspect of mitigating unwanted emissions during the design process.

11 Top Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Tool and Software

• Cadence
• KiCAD
• Altium
• Autodesk Eagle / Fusion360
• Ansys
• Synopsys
• Zuken
• EasyEDA
• Siemens
• Proteus

We have researched over 20 EDA products and compiled the list of best Electronic Design Automation tools (EDA) available in the market right now.

1. Cadence

Cadence Design Systems is a powerhouse in the world of electronic design, offering software, hardware, and IP solutions that turn ideas into integrated chips and systems. With a focus on integrated circuits (ICs) and printed circuit boards (PCBs), their software suite covers everything from design and simulation to analysis and verification.

Cadence leverages AI to optimize designs and accelerate the innovation cycle. In short, if you’re interested in the intricate world of electronics, Cadence is a name you’ll encounter.

Features of Cadence Electronic Design Automation Tool

• Generative AI-based software
• Custom IC and RF
• Multiphysics system analysis
• Customized PDK development
• LLM backed data insights

Cadence Pricing: Cadence offers a 30-day free trial on each of their product combinations. The paid plan starts at around $1000 a month.

Pros and Cons of Cadence

2. KiCAD

KiCAD is a favorite tool of those looking for circuit simulation and PCB design. The tool is written in C++ language which makes it one of the fastest EDA design automation software in the market.

It has five modules – Eeschema (for schematic editor and capture), KiCAD (for project management), PCBNew (PCB layout and 3D viewers), Bitmap2Component (convert image to PCB footprint) and GerbView (for checking Gerber files).

Features of KiCAD

• Schematic capture sheets
• Gerber file generator
• Extensive artwork library
• Bill-of material generator
• 3D viewing
• Integrated SPICE viewer

Pricing: KiCAD is a free EDA software.

Pros and Cons of KiCAD

3. Altium

Altium is an enterprise-standard PCB layout and design software. It offers a simple and high performing user interface which supports a hierarchical schematic display. Altium works on a cloud-based model so that multiple team members can work together on a large project.

Features of Altium

• Easily works with multiple eCAD formats
• Single-view project access
• 3D and BOM generation system
• Support cloud-based remote access
• Hierarchical schematic display
• Manual and automatic routing

Pricing: Altium offers three plans, and it comes with a free trial.

• Altium Designer SE: Starts at $110 a month (approx.)
• Altium Designer: Stars at $365 a month (approx.)
• Altium 365 BOM: Available on request

Pros and Cons of Altium EDA Tool

4. Autodesk Eagle / Fusion 360

Eagle is a part of Autodesk’s Fusion 360. This low-cost EDA electronic design automation software is an ideal option for beginners with multi-design and rule checking capabilities.

Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor (EAGLE) offers a multi-window graphical user interface with various automation features such as task scripting, auto-routing, design checking etc.

Features of Autodesk Eagle

• 3D design and modeling
• Modular design block
• PCB layout editor
• SPICE simulation
• Design rule checking (DRC)
• Library management

Pricing: Autodesk Eagle comes with the premium plan of Autodesk Fusion 360. The Fusion 360 offers a 30-day free trial and a money back guarantee. The paid plan starts at around $60 a month.

Pros and Cons of of Autodesk Eagle EDA Design Tool

6. Ansys

Ansys is a Tier-1 EDA software for 3D IC systems along with multiphysics analysis. It provides an exceptional speed for completion for even bigger finFET IC and 2.5D/3D multi-die systems.

Ansys accelerates design efficiency by offering their users power integrity analysis, golden signoff verification and cloud-native infrastructure.

Features of Ansys EDA Software

• Electronic design simulation
• Multiphysics analysis and verification
• 2.5D and 3D multi-die systems
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) with PathFinder-SC
• Thermal prototyping

Pricing: The pricing of Ansys is available on request

Pros and Cons of Ansys

6. Synopsys

Synopsys EDA revolutionizes electrical design with advanced generative AI capabilities. It is one of the first autonomous AI applications for chip designs. Synopsys provides engineers with expert guidance and automations for faster time-to-market.

Features of Synopsys EDA Design Software

• AI-driven full stack EDA
• Backed by LLMs (Large Language Models)
• Access through cloud or on-premises
• Test program generation
• Generate RTL, testbenches and workflows
• Data analytics from design to manufacturing

Pricing: Available on request

Pros and Cons of Synopsys

7. Zuken

Zuken EDA software is a global leader in advanced design solutions for PCB, electrical, 3D cabinet and fluid systems. Its modules, such as eCADSTAR and CR-8000, are the best-in-class for electro-mechanical product development. This makes Zuken a trusted choice for companies in the electrical and electronic design domain.

Features of Zuken

• Wire harness layouts
• Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Schematic capture and design
• Analysis and simulation
• BOM and product management

Pricing: Available on request

Pros and Cons of Zuken

8. EasyEDA

Easy EDA online is one of the most used PCB design and simulator platforms which is used by over 3 million engineers for more than 19 million designs. It also offers a library which consists of five million plus components to help designers build their product.

The tool’s advanced features like schematic capture, PCB design, and team collaboration makes it the next generation PCB design solution.

Features of EasyEDA

• Integrated JLCPCB and LCSC Component
• Schematic capture with PCB design
• Real-time stock quantity components
• Project management
• 3D view with dimension check

Pricing: EasyEDA offers a free and a premium plan. These are

• Free: Free forever plan for individuals with 0.5 GB cloud storage and unlimited editor features
• Premium (For individuals): Starts at $19.90/month
• Premium (For enterprises): Starts at $39.90/month

Pros and Cons of EasyEDA

9. Siemens (Formerly Mentor Graphics)

Siemens (Mentor Graphics) EDA is another leading electronic design automation software that offers a full suite of tools for designing and verifying integrated circuits.

It has over 175 years of industry expertise and offers holistic solutions to technologies like 5G, IoT, AI, and high-performance computing. Siemens offers multiple tools for IC designing, manufacturing, testing, and verification.

Features of Siemens or Mentor Graphics

• IC design, manufacturing and verification
• AI and ML powered EDA technology
• Coverage and Debug
• Additive manufacturing
• Model-based system designs

Pricing: Siemens offers two types of EDA software, Siemens Xcelerator and Siemens Xcelerator as a Service. Pricing of both software is available on request.

Pros and Cons of Siemens

10. Proteus

Proteus by Labcenter has been around for 35 years and it is constantly evolving. It provides virtual prototyping, shape-based auto routing, and you will get access to a vast library with over 15 million electrical components. The recent 8.17 update has now a Push and Shove route editing mode that further enhances its capabilities.

Features of Proteus EDA Software

• Circuit simulation and PCB design
• Customized development
• Over 15 million library parts
• Manual routing and debugging
• Configurable and customizable BOM content
• Comprehensive report generation

Pricing: Proteus offers multiple pricing plans with a free trial. These are:

• Custom: Starts at $248
• Enterprise: Starts at $6972
• Platinum: Starts at $8622
• Proteus Education Pricing: Available on request

Pros and Cons of Proteus

Principles of EDA Software

EDA software adheres to several key principles that guide design and function of the IC. The key principles of EDA software are automation, scalability, efficiency, fault tolerance, etc. Let’s take a look below:

• EDA tools come with automation features to help designers in the electronic design process. This includes tasks like schematic capture, simulation, logic synthesis, placement and routing, and verification.
• They aid in defining product nature and aligning system configurations with cost targets.
• EDA tools also offer Simulation functionality that allows quick evaluation of virtual system configurations for optimal performance and cost.
• EDA allows for the scaling of components to tackle the changing needs and workloads of users.

How to Choose the Right EDA Software?

When you are searching for the best EDA software, then you need to consider factors like your projects, budget, system compatibility and more. Here’s what you need to consider before choosing the right electronic design automation tool:

• Project complexity and requirements
• Budget and experience level
• Preferred features and functionalities
• System compatibility and ease of use
• Technical support and resources

Conclusion: Which is the Best EDA Tool?

The EDA field is rapidly evolving and with the new technology, it is important to stay abreast of the latest tools for the engineers and designers alike. Industry giants like Cadence, Synopsys, Altium, and others listed in this blog offer unique features and functionalities.

However, the best EDA software should meet your project requirements and aid you in achieving your design objectives effectively. Consider the factors like complexity of your projects, your budget constraints, and your familiarity with the tools. Moreover, look for system compatibility, technical support, and features offered to make an informed decision.

Whether you’re a professional engineer or a student, the right electronic design automation tool can make a significant difference in your projects. So, take the time to explore different options and choose the one that best suits your needs.

FAQs Related to EDA Software