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Top Tools for Hardware Version Control and Collaboration

November 27, 2024

Discover essential tools for hardware version control and collaboration. Perfect for hardware developers aiming to streamline projects and boost efficiency.

Top Tools for Hardware Version Control and Collaboration

Git with Git Large File Storage (LFS)

 

Git LFS is an extension to Git that manages large file versioning by replacing large files with text pointers in Git, while storing the file contents on a remote server.

  • Pros: Integrates seamlessly with existing Git infrastructures; suitable for projects with large binary files.
  • Cons: Might require additional setup and learning curve for those unfamiliar with Git; requires a server that supports Git LFS.
  • Cost: Free for personal use; hosting costs apply for commercial use (varies with the service provider like GitHub, Bitbucket).
  • Relevance: Highly relevant for projects involving large binaries and collaborative development.
  • Device Support: Cross-platform; supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Altium 365

 

Altium 365 is a cloud platform that bridges the gaps between PCB design, release, and manufacturing processes by facilitating collaboration and seamless version control.

  • Pros: Facilitates real-time collaboration; simplifies the process of synchronizing design data with PCB manufacturers.
  • Cons: Can be expensive; limited integration with tools outside the Altium ecosystem.
  • Cost: Subscription-based pricing; typically starts at several hundred dollars per month for commercial use.
  • Relevance: Very relevant for electronic design automation (EDA) professionals.
  • Device Support: Web-based platform accessible on any modern browser; Altium Designer supports Windows.

Perforce Helix Core

 

Helix Core by Perforce is a version control system well-suited for large-scale development projects, supporting large file types efficiently.

  • Pros: Highly scalable; excellent performance with large repositories and files.
  • Cons: More complex to set up and manage than simpler alternatives; cost can be a factor.
  • Cost: Free for up to 5 users; commercial pricing scales with the number of users and specific service requirements.
  • Relevance: Highly relevant for enterprise-level projects requiring robust version control and performance.
  • Device Support: Cross-platform; supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Siemens Teamcenter

 

Teamcenter by Siemens is a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system that offers robust version control, collaboration, and management tools for hardware projects.

  • Pros: Comprehensive PLM solution; robust collaboration and version control features.
  • Cons: High complexity; requires significant investment in setup and training.
  • Cost: Custom pricing based on company requirements; tends to be expensive.
  • Relevance: Critical for large-scale manufacturing and engineering projects with complex workflows.
  • Device Support: Primarily Windows-based; offers web-based access for certain components.

Onshape

 

Onshape is a cloud-based 3D CAD system that offers real-time collaboration and version control for hardware design projects.

  • Pros: Cloud-based with real-time collaboration; no software installation required.
  • Cons: May not have all the features of some desktop CAD applications; requires an internet connection.
  • Cost: Free for students and individual hobbyists; professional subscriptions start from $1500/year.
  • Relevance: Highly relevant for collaborative engineering and mechanical design projects.
  • Device Support: Accessible through web browsers on any platform; mobile apps available.

SolidWorks PDM

 

SolidWorks PDM is a product data management solution specifically designed to manage data for SolidWorks and facilitate version control among team members.

  • Pros: Seamless integration with SolidWorks; robust and reliable for managing version history.
  • Cons: It can be costly; limited support for non-SolidWorks files.
  • Cost: Typically requires a commercial SolidWorks license; additional licensing costs for PDM.
  • Relevance: Highly relevant for teams using SolidWorks for design and engineering tasks.
  • Device Support: Windows-based solution primarily.

KiCad with Git

 

KiCad is an open-source EDA suite that, when used with Git, provides a reliable and flexible version control solution for hardware design projects.

  • Pros: Completely free and open source; works well with Git for version control.
  • Cons: May require additional setup for optimization with Git; can have a steeper learning curve for advanced features.
  • Cost: Free for both personal and commercial use.
  • Relevance: Relevant for hobbyists and small teams seeking a low-cost version control system.
  • Device Support: Cross-platform; supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.

AUTODESK Vault

 

AUTODESK Vault is a data management system that integrates with Autodesk software, providing version control and collaboration tools for CAD projects.

  • Pros: Deep integration with Autodesk products; facilitates efficient collaboration and file management.
  • Cons: Limited to Autodesk software; can be costly without the Autodesk ecosystem.
  • Cost: Pricing is subscription-based and varies; tends to be on the higher end.
  • Relevance: Ideal for teams heavily invested in Autodesk tools.
  • Device Support: Windows-focused; some components accessible via web browsers.

PTC Windchill

 

Windchill by PTC is a PLM software that provides comprehensive management of design data, version control, and collaboration functionalities.

  • Pros: Extensive PLM functionalities; suited for complex and large-scale engineering environments.
  • Cons: High complexity can lead to higher implementation time; expensive upfront costs.
  • Cost: Tailored pricing based on organization needs; custom quotes provided.
  • Relevance: Critical for industries needing robust lifecycle management and control.
  • Device Support: Primarily Windows-based with some web interfaces available.

Allegro Pulse

 

Allegro Pulse is a design management and collaboration tool tailored for PCB design processes, enhancing teamwork and efficiency.

  • Pros: Tailored for PCB design; facilitates effective version control and collaboration.
  • Cons: Limited to users of Allegro products; can be expensive.
  • Cost: Pricing is typically available upon request; generally premium priced for corporate environments.
  • Relevance: Highly relevant for VLSI and PCB design teams.
  • Device Support: Windows-centric, with some cloud capability for access via browsers.

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