Orcad 16.6 Tutorial ((better)) Info
Comprehensive OrCAD 16.6 Tutorial: From Schematic to PCB Layout OrCAD 16.6 remains a widely used, stable version of Cadence’s PCB design suite. It offers a comprehensive environment for schematic capture ( Capture CIS ) and PCB layout ( PCB Editor /Allegro). This tutorial provides a structured approach to designing a basic printed circuit board using OrCAD 16.6. 1. Introduction to the OrCAD 16.6 Environment OrCAD 16.6 consists of two main tools: OrCAD Capture CIS: Used for creating schematic diagrams and managing components. OrCAD PCB Editor: Used for placing components, routing traces, and generating manufacturing files. Before starting, ensure your libraries are correctly configured. 2. Project Setup in OrCAD Capture CIS Open OrCAD Capture 16.6. Go to File > New > Project . Select PC Board Wizard (recommended for beginners) or Analog or Mixed A/D . Name your project and choose a folder location. Wizard: Choose your PCB library paths and design template. 3. Creating the Schematic 3.1 Adding Components Open the .dsn file in the project manager. Click on the PAGE1 of the schematic. Press 'P' on your keyboard to open the "Place Part" library. If libraries are empty, click the Add Library button and navigate to the OrCAD installation folder ( tools/capture/library ). Search for components (e.g., res, cap, ICs) and place them on the sheet. 3.2 Wiring the Design Press 'W' to start wiring. Click on component pins to connect them. Use 'N' to add Net Aliases (labels) for connections to improve readability. Add Power ( VCC ) and Ground ( GND ) symbols from the library. 3.3 Annotating and Electrical Rule Check (ERC) Select the design file, go to Tools > Annotate . Go to Tools > Design Rules Check . Run this to ensure there are no floating nets or short circuits. 4. Creating a Netlist for PCB Editor Select the .dsn file. Go to Tools > Create Netlist . Ensure the "Create PCB Editor Netlist" option is selected. Click OK . This generates the necessary files for the PCB Editor. 5. PCB Layout Design (OrCAD PCB Editor) 5.1 Setting up the Board Open OrCAD PCB Editor . Go to File > New . Choose Board and name it. Go to Setup > Design Parameters to set units (e.g., mils or mm). Define the board outline using Add > Line on the Board Outline layer. 5.2 Importing the Netlist Go to File > Import > Netlist . Select the allegro folder created by Capture and click Import . 5.3 Placing Components Go to Place > Manually . Select components to place them within the board outline. Use Right-Click > Rotate to adjust orientation. 6. Routing and Manufacturing 6.1 Routing Traces Select Route > Connect (or press F3 ). Click on a pin and route the trace to the target pin. Use different layers (Top/Bottom) by adding vias ( Add > Via ). 6.2 Generating Manufacturing Files Generate Gerbers: Go to Manufacture > Artwork . Click Create Artwork . Generate Drill Files: Go to Manufacture > NC > NC Drill . Click Drill . 7. Advanced: Creating Pick and Place Report If you are assembling the board, you need a pick and place file. In PCB Editor, go to File > Export > Placement . Select the output file name (e.g., place.txt ) and choose the origin (e.g., Body Center). Click Export to generate the file. If you'd like, I can: Explain how to create custom footprints in OrCAD 16.6. Provide a guide on differential pair routing . Show you how to set up design rules (DRC) for manufacturing.
Creating a design in OrCAD 16.6 involves a standard workflow starting from schematic entry to PCB layout and fabrication file generation. 1. Schematic Capture (OrCAD Capture) The design process begins in OrCAD Capture, where you create the logical representation of your circuit. Create Project : Open Capture CIS, select File > New > Project , and choose "PSpice Analog or Mixed A/D" if you plan to simulate, or "PC Board Wizard" for layout only. Place Parts Place Part button (shortcut 'P') to browse libraries. If a part is missing, use the Part Editor to create a custom schematic symbol. : Connect pins using the Place Wire tool (shortcut 'W'). Annotate & Design Rule Check (DRC) Tools > Annotate to assign unique reference designators (e.g., R1, C1) and Tools > Design Rule Check to identify errors like unconnected pins. Assign Footprints : Right-click components to open the Edit Properties spreadsheet and enter the exact name of the PCB footprint (e.g., ) in the "PCB Footprint" field. 2. PCB Footprint Creation (Padstack & Symbol Editor) Before moving to layout, ensure all components have matching physical footprints.
Creating a complete PCB design in OrCAD 16.6 involves a multi-step workflow spanning schematic capture, simulation, and physical layout. This tutorial outlines the core process from project setup to generating manufacturing files. 1. Project Initialization & Schematic Capture The first step is using OrCAD Capture CIS to define your circuit's electrical connections. Project Setup: Open Capture and select File > New > Project . Choose the PC Board Wizard to ensure the project is configured for PCB layout later. Placing Components: Use the Place > Part menu (shortcut: P ) to browse libraries for components like ICs, MOSFETs, and discrete parts. Wiring: Connect pins using the Place > Wire tool (shortcut: W ). Assign net names to critical lines to simplify the layout process. Footprint Assignment: Each component must have a valid PCB Footprint property (e.g., SOT23 , R0805 ) to transition to the layout stage. You can find manufacturer-specific models on sites like Mouser or SnapEDA. 2. Design Verification (DRC & Netlist) Before moving to layout, you must ensure the schematic is logically sound. Design Rule Check (DRC): Run a DRC by selecting your project file and choosing Tools > Design Rule Check . This identifies unconnected pins or shorted nets. Generate Netlist: Use Tools > Create Netlist to produce the .dat files that tell the PCB Editor which pins are connected. Ensure there are no errors, or the layout tool will not import the data correctly. 3. PCB Layout in OrCAD PCB Editor upgrade projects from Orcad 9.2 to Orcad 16.6 - PCB Design
This covers the essential steps from schematic capture to PCB layout. orcad 16.6 tutorial
OrCAD 16.6 Tutorial – Step by Step 1. Getting Started
Launch Capture CIS (Schematic) or PCB Editor. Create a new project: File → New → Project → Name it → Select "PC Board Wizard" → OK.
2. Schematic Design (Capture CIS) 2.1 Adding Components Comprehensive OrCAD 16
Open Place Part (P key or right-click). Choose libraries (e.g., Discrete.olb , connector.olb ). Click to place components on schematic grid.
2.2 Wiring
Use Place Wire (W key) to connect pins. Add net aliases (N key) for labeled connections. Use Place Bus for multiple nets. 2.3 Power &
2.3 Power & Ground
Place VCC_BAR , GND from CAPSYM.olb . Assign value (e.g., 5V, GND).