OrCAD X Quick Start Tutorial | Cadence

Key Takeaways

• OrCAD X contains schematic capture, simulation, and PCB layout tools to optimize design workflows.

• Customizable interfaces and real-time DRCs streamline design and validation processes.

• Features like Live BOM and 3D visualization improve manufacturability and collaboration.

The OrCAD X Platform is comprised of  a comprehensive suite of tools from Cadence, encompassing the entire PCB design flow—from initial schematic capture through circuit simulation, PCB layout, and final manufacturing outputs. Key applications within the OrCAD X Platform include:

• OrCAD Capture (OrCAD X Capture) for schematic design

• PSpice for circuit simulation

• OrCAD X Presto or OrCAD PCB Editor for PCB layout

• Integrated features like Live BOM for supply-chain insights and 3D visualization for mechanical collaboration

Read on as we provide you with the basics in this OrCAD X quick start tutorial.

OrCAD X Quick Start Tutorial Table of Contents

Installation and Setup

1. Download and Install

• Obtain the OrCAD X installer from the official Cadence website (or your distributor).

• Follow the on-screen prompts to install. The process is generally straightforward, but ensure your hardware meets the system requirements.

• Make sure you have the necessary licenses, whether single user or floating licenses.

• After installation, launch OrCAD X. Familiarize yourself with the design workspace, property panels, and various toolbars.

• The interface is highly customizable—arrange panels and toolbars to suit your workflow.

OrCAD X Quick Start Tutorial: Schematic Capture Basics

To Create a new project with OrCAD X capture:

1. New Project Wizard: Upon starting OrCAD X Capture, choose to create a new schematic project.

2. Define Parameters: Give your project a clear name and select a working directory.

3. Project Structure: Setting up an organized folder structure from the beginning (e.g., separate folders for schematics, libraries, simulations, and documentation) keeps your design data well-managed.

Placing and Connecting Components In OrCAD X Capture

1. Libraries & Parts: Access OrCAD X libraries or add custom components. If needed, create a dedicated local library for specialized parts.

2. Placing Components: Simply click and place components on the schematic canvas. Use the integrated search functionality to find parts quickly.

3. Wiring: Utilize the wiring tool to connect pins. Hierarchical design is supported, allowing complex circuits to be broken into manageable blocks.

Annotating and Validating the Schematic

1. Annotation: Assign reference designators (R1, C2, U3, etc.) to all components. This step is crucial for accurate PCB layout and assembly.

2. Design Rule Checks (DRC): Real-time DRCs checks for unconnected pins, duplicate references, or short circuits. Resolve errors before moving to simulation or layout.

Circuit Simulation with PSpice in OrCAD X

Incase you are interested in doing circuit simulation with PSpice, below is a quick start tutorial.

1. Analysis Type: Choose from DC sweep, AC analysis, transient analysis, or more advanced analysis types (e.g., Monte Carlo, parametric).

2. Simulation Parameters: Define your time steps, sweep ranges, or frequency spans as required.

3. Attach Models: Ensure all components in the schematic have the proper simulation models or equivalents.

Running Simulations and Analyzing Results

1. Waveforms and Data: Once the simulation is run, examine voltage, current, and power waveforms at critical nodes.

2. Probe Tools: Use the probe feature to zoom in on specific signals or nodes, enabling a deeper understanding of circuit behavior.

3. Iterate and Refine: Adjust component values or circuit topology based on results. Re-run simulations until performance meets specifications.

OrCAD X Quick Start Tutorial for PCB Layout in OrCAD X Presto

1. Board Outline: In OrCAD X Presto, define the shape and dimensions of your board.

2. Layer Stack-Up: Specify the number of signal, power, and ground layers. Properly configuring dielectric materials and thicknesses is essential for signal integrity.

3. Design Constraints: Establish constraints for trace width, spacing, via drill sizes, and other critical design parameters in the Constraint Manager.

OrCAD X Presto User Interface Overview

Upon launching OrCAD X Presto, you’ll notice a modern, intuitive interface that boosts productivity:

• Workspace Customization: Drag and dock toolbars and panels according to your preferences.

• PCB Editor Canvas: Central views for placing/routing boards.

• Visibility and Property Panels: Displays context-sensitive information about components, nets, layers, DRCs, constraints and more.

Taking a bit of time to personalize your workspace can significantly streamline your design process.

Assigning Footprints and Generating the Netlist

1. Footprint Association: Each schematic symbol must map to an appropriate PCB footprint (package outline).

2. Netlist Creation: Export the netlist from OrCAD X Capture. This netlist ensures all electrical connections (nets) and component references are transferred accurately into the layout tool.

Component Placement in OrCAD X Presto

1. Placement Strategy: Position high-speed or sensitive components first (e.g., microcontrollers, DDR memory).

2. DFM Considerations: Follow design for manufacturability guidelines, ensuring adequate spacing for assembly, heat dissipation, and routing.

3. Real-Time Feedback: OrCAD X real-time DRCs will alert you to violations regarding component spacing or placement constraints.

Routing Techniques in OrCAD X Presto

1. Routing Tools: Use auto-routing features for rapid initial routing, then refine critical nets manually.

2. Differential Pair Routing: For high-speed signals such as USB or PCIe, maintain consistent impedance and spacing.

3. Power & Ground Planes: Add solid copper planes or shapes to reduce noise and improve power distribution.

3D Visualization and ECAD/MCAD Collaboration

1. 3D Inspection: Switch to the integrated 3D viewer to detect mechanical interferences or check component height clearances.

2. Concurrent Engineering: Collaborate with mechanical (MCAD) teams by exchanging design data (STEP files, etc.), preventing enclosure fit issues later on.

Design Rule Checks (DRC) and Validation

1. Running Comprehensive DRC: Validate the entire PCB against your ruleset. Address any flagged violations (clearance, trace width, overlapping components, etc.).

2. Final Verification: Re-run DRCs after fixes to confirm the design is error-free and manufacturable.

Generating Manufacturing Outputs in OrCAD X

Once you’ve finalized your board design, the last stage of this OrCAD X quick start tutorial covers basics for exporting your board.

Creating Fabrication and Assembly Drawings

1. Live DOC: Automate documentation with Live DOC to create fabrication and assembly drawings, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

2. Dimensioning: Clearly detail board outlines, hole sizes, layer thicknesses, and assembly notes. These drawings serve as the reference for manufacturers and assemblers.

Exporting Gerber Files and Drill Data

1. Gerber Layers: Generate separate Gerber files for top, bottom, inner layers, solder mask, and silkscreen.

2. Drill Files: Provide NC drill files that specify hole sizes and locations for vias and through-holes.

3. BOM and Live BOM:

• Bill of Materials (BOM): List all part numbers, descriptions, and quantities.

• Live BOM Integration: OrCAD X Live BOM offers real-time supply chain data (pricing, availability, and lead times) directly within the design environment.

OrCAD X Quick Start Tutorial: Additional Resources

• OrCAD X Presto How-To Series: Check for tutorials and webinars by Cadence that offer step-by-step demonstrations.

• Cadence PCB Resources: Visit the official Cadence website for application notes, user guides, and knowledge base articles on advanced topics (e.g., high-speed design, rigid-flex PCBs).

• Community Forums: Engage with the Cadence community forums for troubleshooting tips, best practices, and design reviews.

By following this end-to-end workflow, from installation to  final manufacturing outputs—you’ve now completed the OrCAD X quick start tutorial! 

The integrated feature set, including real-time DRCs, Live BOM, and ECAD/MCAD collaboration tools, ensures that your designs are not only functionally correct, but also manufacturable and supply-chain friendly. Visit the associated pages to learn more about Cadence PCB design and analysis, and the OrCAD X platform.