Unlocking New Features in OrCAD X Presto: A PCB Layout Recap FAQ

Cadence PCB Solutions

Here are some comprehensive answers to all the questions asked in our recent webinar.

OrCAD X Presto

I have OrCAD X PCB standard and can generate artwork files with the software. Does this work the same in OrCAD X Presto – can I still generate artwork files with it?

Yes, in OrCAD X Presto there is a new batch manufacturing generator that allows you to configure and create all necessary manufacturing outputs including artwork as Gerber, IPC-2581, and ODB++.

The OrCAD X Presto interface looks similar to the PCB Viewer. How do we measure elements within Presto?

You can find the measure command within the floating toolbar on the OrCAD X Presto canvas. By default, the Select command is displayed on the floating toolbar, if you right click on it, it will expand to display 3 other commands that are available. Out of those, the last one is the Measure command, click on it to activate the command.

In OrCAD X, can the absolute and relative coordinates be displayed together at the same time?

No, you must select either absolute or relative, but you can dynamically change between them.

When generating a STEP file, is it possible to only include certain parts? For example, a STEP file with just the board and connectors and tall parts would help to reduce the file size when importing in Solidworks, etc.

You can specify if you want just STEP models or extrusions or both on export.

Are the in-design analysis tools embedded in OrCAD X?

Yes, the in-design analysis tools have existed in the OrCAD PCB Editor product for some time. They have been further enhanced in OrCAD X and now integrated in OrCAD X Presto.

For dimensioning in Fab/Assy Drawings, can you explode the dimensions into individual elements?

Exploded views are not yet supported and are coming in a future release.

Can you add 3D views to the assembly drawing?

You currently cannot add 3D views to the assembly drawing, however it is planned for a future release.

Does the markup feature only work in the cloud?

No, markup doesn’t only work through the cloud. You can also share the design file through normal file sharing mechanisms on your desktop. The value of OrCAD X Cloud is that it makes it easy to share the design and it keep track of all markups as part of the revision history.

Are there sign off/approval capabilities to markup changes?

No, not within OrCAD X. However, in Allegro X you can set events and approval gates as well as create customized workflows.

Is trace tuning automatic within OrCAD X Presto?

Trace tuning is not automatic in OrCAD X Presto, however it is what we call auto-interactive. If you’re looking for automatic trace turning, you’ll have to use our Allegro X Design Platform.

When you create padstacks using the wizard, where are those stored? In the padstacks directory or in the design directory?

The padstacks are stored in the first directory in the padstack search path.

Is possible to set the via distance in differential pairs?

Yes, if you define a via structure, you can define the via distance, return path vias, keepouts, etc, and assign that structure to a physical constraint set.

How does the fanout deal with traces connected if you change the fanout style? For example, if routes were already made to the vias, how would those traces be handled? Will it automatically clear any traces crossing due to the fanout change?

If you change the fanout style, the tool will redo any fanout that it originally put in place and the traces adjust along with it. You can lock existing fanouts if you don’t want to update it. Watch our How to Use the Fanout Command video to understand how fanouts work in OrCAD X.

In OrCAD X Presto can I switch from mils to millimeters without round-off of accuracy?

No, you should pick your design unit before you commit to building a design. You can measure and set constraints in units different then the design unit.

Non plated holes do not display in 3DX canvas and are also hard to select in the PCB Editor unless you add a tiny copper pad on outer layer (that will be removed by the drill). Is it still recommended with Presto?

They should display fine with the latest release, 24.1.

General

Is still possible to use SKILL in Allegro X?

Yes, SKILL is still available. With that said there have been significant changes done to the OrCAD X Presto user interface so UI calls would have changed.

Some of the demo/example boards in the install state are old and need DBDoctor to repair them.

Thank you for letting us know, we’ll make sure we update them accordingly.

Is it possible to import DXF in symbol creator?

Yes, you can import DXF in symbol creator.

What about schematic (Capture) and PCB layout database changes say between, say 17.4, 23.1 and 24.1? I have several clients that are using each of these previous different versions. In other words, what changes in 24.1 cannot be read in the most recent previous version of the schematic, PCB footprints and PCB database, going back and forth?

There is a utility that allows you to down revision your design such that it can be leveraged in older versions. With that said it’s meant to go one or two versions back, not every version. There are updated or new objects added to the database in every major release. It’s these updated/new object changes that will not be supported in older versions.

Which OrCAD X version was used for this demo?

This demo was done using OrCAD X 24.1.

Can you add a few words about Symphony?

Full Symphony is only available in Allegro X, and 2 Person Cloud Symphony is available in OrCAD X.

For the dangling net report, can you remove all the dangling nets with one button click?

It would be easy enough to create a script to do this, however this can be extremely dangerous without verification.

Is the OrCAD X platform an add on with extra cost?

No, if you are already on OrCAD it’s a simple upgrade.

Are templates still created from Sig Explorer for constraints?

Sig Explorer is no longer supported and has been replaced by Topology Explorer, and yes it can still create constraints.

Is it possible to change the cursor into a cross fullscreen?

This is not possible in Presto, but available in our PCB Editor tool.