Collaborative PCB Design in OrCAD X

Key Takeaways

• OrCAD X Workspaces enable secure, role-based access, file versioning, and cloud sync across schematic and layout teams.

• Real-time editing with OrCAD X Symphony allows multiple engineers to co-design PCBs simultaneously, reducing delays and manual merges.

• Integrated ECAD-MCAD collaboration tools ensure 3D synchronization, design consistency, and efficient handoff between electrical and mechanical teams.

Modern PCB design involves intricate interactions between schematic capture, layout, simulation, MCAD integration, and manufacturing preparation. OrCAD X offers an integrated environment built from the ground up to facilitate collaborative PCB design, enabling teams to work concurrently, manage data effectively, and deliver projects faster while ensuring design reliability. This article explores key features and workflows within OrCAD X that empower engineering teams to collaborate effectively.

Collaborative PCB Design in OrCAD X 

Collaboration is at the heart of modern PCB development, particularly when teams are distributed across locations and disciplines. OrCAD X streamlines this process with Cloud Workspaces, designed for real-time communication, secure data sharing, and structured role-based access. From schematic reviews to ECAD-MCAD coordination, OrCAD X keeps all contributors aligned, ensuring a unified workflow across the entire design process.

Collaborative PCB Design in OrCAD X 

Real-Time Collaborative PCB Design with OrCAD X Symphony

While the Workspace and cloud storage provide excellent version control and managed access, OrCAD X  Symphony takes collaborative PCB design even further. Symphony enables real-time, concurrent PCB layout design. Multiple users can connect to and work on the exact same board design database simultaneously, eliminating the inefficiencies of partitioning designs or manually merging layout sections. It removes the bottlenecks associated with traditional file-sharing and merging workflows.

OrCAD X Symphony Capabilities

Collaborative Schematic and Layout Workflow in OrCAD X

This workflow outlines a common collaborative scenario where a schematic designer (Designer A) initiates a project and hands it off to a layout designer (Designer B), followed by back-annotation, using OrCAD X Workspaces.

Step-by-Step Collaborative Schematic and Layout Workflow

1. Initial Project Preparation (Designer A):

   • Finalize the schematic design (.DSN file) in OrCAD X Capture.

   • (Recommended) Generate an initial empty board file (.BRD) linked to the schematic within the project structure.

   • Save the project locally.

2. Publishing to Shared Workspace (Designer A):

   • Open the File Manager (View > Workspace > File Manager).

   • Navigate to the project directory within the Local Workspace.

   • Right-click the project directory and select Publish.

   • In the Publish dialog:

     • Select the designated Shared Workspace accessible by Designer B.

     • Set the Revision Type (e.g., Minor), add descriptive Tags, and enter relevant Comments. This metadata aids tracking.

     • Review the list of files to be published (e.g., .DSN, .BRD, netlist files).

     • Click Publish. The project is uploaded to the Shared Workspace.

3. Checking Out for Layout (Designer B):

   • Open the File Manager.

   • Navigate to the Shared Workspace where Designer A published the project.

   • Locate the project folder.

   • Right-click the project folder (or specifically the .BRD file if only layout work is intended) and select Edit.

   • Confirm the file copy operation in the Edit dialog. This copies the necessary files to Designer B's Local Workspace and places a lock on the edited files/project in the Shared Workspace, preventing concurrent edits by others.

4. Performing PCB Layout (Designer B):

   • Navigate to the project within the Local Workspace via the File Manager.

   • Open the .BRD file in OrCAD X Presto.

   • Perform layout tasks (e.g., component placement, routing, plane generation, DRC checks).

   • (Optional) Update reference designators using the Renumber command if needed after placement.

   • Save the .BRD file periodically. Changes are saved to the Local Workspace and synced with the cloud backup.

5. Publishing Layout Updates (Designer B):

   • Return to the File Manager.

   • Navigate to the project in the Local Workspace.

   • Right-click specifically on the modified .BRD file and select Publish.

   • In the Publish dialog:

     • Confirm the target Shared Workspace.

     • Update Revision Type, Tags, and Comments to reflect the layout changes (e.g., "Placement complete, ready for routing review").

     • Click Publish. The updated board file is uploaded, its version is incremented in the history, and the lock on the file is released.

6. Retrieving Updates and Back-Annotating (Designer A):

• • Open the File Manager.

  • Navigate to the project within the Shared Workspace. Observe the updated .BRD file with Designer B's comments and revision.

  • Right-click the updated .BRD file and select Edit. This downloads the latest version to Designer A's Local Workspace, overwriting the previous local copy.

  • Open the project in OrCAD X Capture.

  • Use the Update Schematic command ( via the toolbar icon or Tools menu).

  • The Update Schematic dialog displays changes detected in the board file (e.g., renumbered reference designators).

  • Review the changes and click Sync to apply them back to the schematic (.DSN file).

  • Save the updated schematic file.

OrCAD X provides a powerful, unified platform that enables seamless communication between electrical and mechanical design teams for collaborative PCB design. Whether you're integrating rigid-flex designs or managing cross-domain updates, OrCAD X gives you the tools to build smarter, faster, and more collaboratively. Try OrCAD X for free or explore the full OrCAD X platform to see how it can transform your design process.