Tool targets the acceleration of mainstream PCB design

25th July 2014

Staff Reporter

0 0

Three additions to the Cadence OrCAD product line has been introduced, targeting the acceleration of the mainstream PCB design process and the boosting of productivity and efficiency. The OrCAD products include OrCAD Engineering Data Management (EDM), a comprehensive collaboration and management environment for OrCAD Capture; OrCAD Library Builder, a rapid automated part builder; and OrCAD Documentation Editor, an intelligent, automated PCB documentation environment.

Enabling efficient schematic design collaboration and management among engineering teams, OrCAD EDM combines an easy-to-use, intuitive interface with design and data management capabilities. This ensures that data integrity and project status are managed throughout the schematic design process.

The OrCAD Library Builder provides a single integrated environment for the rapid creation of complete OrCAD parts. This is provided by harvesting readily available component IP from on-line component catalogs and device specification sheet PDFs using an automated correct-by-construction approach. The automated and interactive technology significantly decreases part creation time – by as much as 70% for complex parts – while the advanced PDF datasheet extraction technology eliminates countless hours of manual data entry and creation to extract data from pin tables and diagrams to build parts.

OrCAD Documentation Editor provides an intelligent, interactive PCB documentation environment. It enhances and significantly simplifies the PCB documentation process by automating the creation of documentation elements, manufacturing views, details, and tables. Utilizing advanced technology that directly leverages PCB design data, synchronizes engineering change orders (ECOs), and enables dynamic content, Documentation Editor streamlines the entire process from creation through distribution. It shortens PCB design time by reducing documentation time up to 60 to 80%.

“With the increasing complexity of designs and tighter manufacturing ship dates, the documentation process has grown to be long, cumbersome and error-prone,” said Josh Moore, director of product marketing for OrCAD, Custom IC & PCB Group, Cadence. “The average documentation time can take up to 20 percent of the overall design process. The release of these new OrCAD products aims to shorten that time through automation and a better team environment, so customers are better equipped to address today’s PCB design challenges.”