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To me the big difference they bring to the table is that it is web based, instead of downloadable software. There is a lot more to your average EE CAD package
by 0x12 15y ago
To me the big difference they bring to the table is that it is web based, instead of downloadable software.
There is a lot more to your average EE CAD package than just wiring up some parts. That's the easy bit. Rules checks, physics, placement, packages, PCB design, (auto)routing, Gerber files and all the other 'goodies' are required before you can take on the big guys.
Schematics is an important element in the whole chain of developing hardware, but it really needs a lot more than that.
That's a large number of man-years, and by going the software-as-a-service route they gain some advantages but are also stuck with a number of disadvantages, the largest of which is that they won't be seeing the benefits of user contributions at a level where it will move the needle. Of course there will be contributions to the parts library that can be shared, which is a step.
The 'perfect tool for open-source hardware' would benefit from being open-source itself.
- bradfa 15y agoI took the tour on their site and it looks neat but the first thing I thought was, "Where's my layout tool?" Open source hardware is no good if I can't manufacture it on a circuit board. Yes, breadboarding is handy for small stuff, but 256 pin BGAs don't fit on breadboards. And repeatability isn't so grand. With a nice, reasonable to use layout tool (even with just simple routing assistant type features [push and shove]) and tutorials on how to use it, what DRCs are and how they're used, and maybe videos showing people who know how to do this stuff teaching, upverter could be really cool. Heck, for a full-ish featured EDA package in the cloud targeted at open hardware, I'd even pay to use it (provided we're not talking Cadence or Mentor money, more like GitHub paid account money).
- zakhomuth 15y agoHey bradfa, Zak from upverter here. We hear you! Layout will be one of the next things we launch (we are working on it right now, hopefully just a few months away). The hope is to also add a "print button" to connect users designs with rapid manufacturing suppliers.
- 0x12 15y agoThat's a hell of a business model! Congratulations.
- trafficlight 15y agoThat will be very cool. Best of luck to you guys.
- follower 15y ago> The 'perfect tool for open-source hardware' would benefit from being open-source itself. Agreed. Open Hardware needs fewer closed tools, not more.