First Draft | OrCAD X License

Key Takeaways

• The OrCAD X license is the key to accessing OrCAD X and associated Cadence applications.

• Users need to configure their license file to match system network settings.

• There are various methods to troubleshoot licensing errors, depending on the source.

Before starting with OrCAD X, users need to acquire a license for system validation. The OrCAD X license is the key to accessing the suite of OrCAD X applications for circuit simulation, analysis, and layout. Users only need to set up their license server once during the initial OrCAD X installation steps.

OrCAD X License Options

OrCAD X License Explained

The OrCAD X license authorizes access to OrCAD X (as well as some additional Cadence products) and is part of the OrCAD X download. The license server contains three main components (lgmrd.exe, cdslmd.exe, and the license file); the two background processes distribute licenses to clients on a first-come, first-served basis. When users access the license server, they “check out” the license, and the license “returns” to the server when the user exits the Cadence program.

To get started with the License Manager, users can download the installation file binaries exclusively through the Cadence Portal:

1. Log into https://downloads.cadence.com

2. Select your operating system

3. Locate Lic+Config_Utils(LCU) in the dropdown list or search filter

This process installs the License Manager separately from the “standard” OrCAD X installation. However, users may still wish to perform this installation, as it includes some additional tools to help troubleshoot license issues.

The license requires configuration with the host system network settings. Launching Command Prompt on a Windows system allows users to enter hostname to see the appropriate network and port details. Provided the following syntax:

SERVER <hostname> <hostid> <port>,

Users will want to verify that the system hostname matches the hostname found in the license file. 

Troubleshooting OrCAD X License Issues

Incorrect installation or configurations of the OrCAD X license can produce verification errors when accessing OrCAD X software. Users encountering issues when launching OrCAD X should review the following checklist to ascertain the source of the issue:

• Start-up errors - The first check to alleviate start-up errors is to reboot the system; although rare, license verification may simply require a restart to correct. If using a dongle-based license, ensure the dongle is firmly attached to the port.

• Launch Cadence products from the Start menu - Launch the product directly to rule out issues with desktop shortcuts. If the programs fail to launch, review the debug.log file (default file path: C:\Cadence\LicenseManager\debug.log). Verify that the License Manager is running by launching the program, checking the box for “LMTools ignores license file path environmental variables” (found at the bottom of Service/License File tab) and opening the Server Status tab. Enter cdslmd into the Individual Daemon field and confirm Perform Status Enquiry. To determine whether the server is reachable, open Command Prompt and enter “ping <hostname>”. 

• Dongle licenses - First, verify that the dongle is fully inserted into the workstation and receiving power (i.e., the light is on). The dongle's Flex ID needs to match the FLEXID value in the SERVER line of the license file. To check this value, open Run from the Start menu and enter C:\>cd c:\Cadence\LicenseManager (note the file path given is the default file path). Then enter lmultil lmhostid -FLEXID. Alternatively, users can instead launch License Manager and locate the FLEXID value in the System Settings tab.

• Contact - If the above methods do not resolve these issues, contact Cadence with the license.dat and debug.log files (default file path: C: CadenceLicenseManagerdebug.log) and a screenshot of the error message(s).

Cadence Solutions for Industry-Leading Designs

The OrCAD X license is the key to unlocking the powerful and user-friendly OrCAD X and associated Cadence applications. After a short setup, users can look forward to an industry-leading product that enhances design turnaround for a faster time-to-market. Interested in learning more? See how Cadence PCB Design and Analysis Software is helping engineers and designers realize tomorrow’s electronic devices.