News


Latest evolution in DesignSpark PCB design software

November 2025 News

RS South Africa has announced the local availability of DesignSpark PCB version 13, the latest evolution of its award-winning PCB design software. Sponsored by Würth Elektronik, a leading manufacturer of electronic and electromechanical components, this release delivers significant enhancements to PCB design functionality while empowering engineers, students and innovators across South Africa.

Since its launch in 2010, DesignSpark PCB has remained committed to providing accessible, professional-grade design tools for engineers of all levels. Over the years, the platform has become an essential tool for South African students, startups and SMEs who are innovating across industries such as telecommunications, renewable energy, automotive and advanced manufacturing.

The new release introduces advanced capabilities to make PCB design more powerful and intuitive, including:

Enhanced graphics: Improved rendering and visual clarity for smoother design experiences and high-resolution outputs.

Set symbol origin at centre of pads: Simplifies alignment and improves accuracy in component placement.

Serpentine routing: Ensures high-speed signal integrity in dense spaces with advanced trace shaping.

Archimedean spiral generator: Updated to enable compact antenna design for wide bandwidth wireless communication.

Interactive BOM export: Makes prototyping easier by visually correlating components in the BOM with their PCB placement.

These updates strengthen RS’s commitment to South Africa’s engineering community, making advanced tools more accessible to local innovators who are working to solve real-world challenges.

Wesley Hood, education and social impact specialist at RS South Africa, highlights that tools like DesignSpark PCB version13 are game changers for South Africa’s engineers, makers and students. “By providing world-class, professional-grade design capabilities at no cost, RS is lowering the barriers to entry for innovation. This means young innovators, startups and SMEs can compete on a global level, accelerate their ideas and contribute to building solutions that address South Africa’s unique challenges.”

DesignSpark PCB forms part of the comprehensive suite of engineering tools and resources available on the DesignSpark website, which includes mechanical and circuit simulation software, technical articles, community forums and a vast library of components and reference designs. With these resources, RS South Africa continues to invest in enabling local talent, driving digital skills development and ensuring that the country’s engineering community has access to the latest global technologies.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

OMRON Robotics and COMAU to collaborate on expanding advanced industrial automation solutions
Omron Electronics News
COMAU and OMRON Robotics have signed a strategic collaboration agreement aimed at accelerating the adoption and deployment of advanced industrial automation solutions for manufacturers worldwide.

Read more...
RS South Africa marks 30 years of enabling industry and innovation
RS South Africa News
RS South Africa celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of supporting local industry, enabling innovation and building strong customer partnerships across the country.

Read more...
Africa’s AI ambitions face critical infrastructure questions
Schneider Electric South Africa News
As AI investment accelerates globally, Africa is increasingly being viewed as the industry’s next major growth frontier. The continent’s AI ambitions will ultimately depend on its ability to solve one critical challenge: infrastructure readiness.

Read more...
SKF South Africa celebrates 112 years in rotating asset optimisation
SKF South Africa News
Commemorating 112 years of innovation, premium quality products, cutting-edge technologies and enduring partnerships, SKF South Africa in 2026 enters a defining chapter in strategic rotating asset optimisation.

Read more...
Five reasons why female engineers in SA should become professionally registered
News
According to award-winning engineer and CEO of AvenirHoldings, Tshidi Mndzebele, professional registration is one of the most important steps female engineers can take to strengthen and advance their careers.

Read more...
Closing the energy efficiency gap at SKF’s Tech & Innovation Summit
SKF South Africa News
SKF is hosting its yearly virtual Tech & Innovation Summit, bringing together industry leaders and experts to showcase technologies, products and solutions designed to help close the energy efficiency gap in industrial operations.

Read more...
Appointment
News
Beckhoff Automation has appointed Scott Hayward as support technician.

Read more...
Mining sector turns to private renewables
News
As the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism enters its permanent phase and global buyers tighten emissions disclosure requirements, South African mining operations are accelerating the integration of privately contracted renewable power into their energy mix.

Read more...
Appointment
Beckhoff Automation News
Beckhoff Automation has appointed Luzuko Bulembu as technical support engineer.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: You could be doing what?
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control) News
Humanoid robots are increasingly featuring in the news. Some of them are a bit creepy, some make you anxious because they might take your job, but others are a lot of fun, and they’re getting better ...

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved