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LETTER
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1992-08-27
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PCBCAD is a freely-copyable software package consisting of tools for the
design of printed circuit boards. I originally wrote it to investigate the
performance of the A* algorithm (an artificial intelligence technique) when
applied to the autorouting problem (as opposed to the popular Lee's
algorithm). Although I didn't intend it to be used in the actual production
of circuits, some of the PCBCAD users have been doing just that. After the
initial implementation, I evaluated what the software was capable of, and
what it would have to do before I would be satisfied that it was a viable
product. I decided that there was so much to be done that I would never do it
if it remained a freely-copyable package, so when the software reaches the
level of maturity that satisfies me, I will offer it as a low-cost pcb cad
package. I think this is only fair, considering the amount of work involved,
and also the cost of competing software. I'll probably also change the name
to MicroPCB, since I've heard there is already a company using the name
PCBCAD.
I have done some bug fixing on PCBCAD, and I will continue to distribute it
as a freely-copyable package even after MicroPCB is ready. I will limit my
work on PCBCAD to bug fixing.
My regular job is as a software design engineer for Microsoft, and lately
they have kept me so busy that I haven't had a chance to do much work on
MicroPCB. About the most I can promise is that when it is ready, I'll let you
know. I do keep track of the names and addresses of everyone who inquires
about PCBCAD.
A word about "freely-copyable": "freeware", "shareware", and "public domain"
are terms commonly applied to software packages, but they do not fit what I
did with PCBCAD. "Shareware" suggests a contribution after using the product,
but none is requested or even desired with PCBCAD. "Public domain" means that
the author has surrendered all claims of ownership, but I haven't done that
either. I maintain the copyright, but you are allowed (and even encouraged)
to copy it and give it away, as long as you don't try to profit from it. I
don't understand what "freeware" means, so I hesitate to use it.
The most publicity PCBCAD ever received was an article I wrote for Dr. Dobb's
Journal, and published in the September 1989 issue. It mainly dealt with the
A* algorithm and how it behaves in the autorouting domain. If you've ever
wondered how an autorouter works, you should get a copy of this article. An
early rough draft of it is included with the software, but the figures are in
ascii files, which don't do them justice.
Randy Nevin
24135 SE 16th PL
Issaquah, WA 98027