OrCAD X Component Library Key Features | Cadence

Key Takeaways

• OrCAD X Capture ensures component management by integrating centralized libraries, real-time design verification, and structured version control.

• OrCAD X OnCloud allows for collaboration and data integrity by providing cloud-hosted component libraries, real-time synchronization, and lifecycle management tools.

• With features like Live BOM integration, Component Explorer, and shared workspaces, OrCAD X simplifies component selection, sourcing, and design consistency.

A component library in PCB design is a centralized repository that contains essential data for electronic components, including schematic symbols, PCB footprints, and electrical properties. The OrCAD X component library streamlines workflows and ensures design integrity. It allows engineers to quickly access, modify, and manage components while ensuring adherence to electrical and mechanical constraints.

Creating a New OrCAD X Component Library

Key Features of OrCAD X Component Library 

OrCAD X Capture offers enhanced productivity by integrating schematic capture, simulation, and cloud-based data handling into a unified environment.

OrCAD X Integration with Component Libraries

OrCAD X Capture has a built-in Component Explorer that provides instant access to thousands of components from sources like Ultra Librarian, SamacSys, and SnapMagic, allowing users to quickly find and place symbols, footprints, and simulation models - ensuring engineers use the most up-to-date and verified components.

Engineers can eliminate manual entry errors by pulling accurate component properties, including manufacturer part numbers, voltage ratings, tolerances, and footprints, from a fully integrated component database.

Design Accuracy with Real-Time Verification

The OrCAD X component library is designed to ensure accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in PCB design by integrating real-time verification, simulation capabilities, and structured data management.

Version Control and Design Variants

Version control capabilities within OrCAD X Capture ensure teams always work with the most recent and approved component versions. The Design Variants feature allows engineers to create and manage multiple versions of a circuit within the same project, each with different component values or configurations.

OrCAD X OnCloud – Cloud-Based Library and Data Management

OrCAD X OnCloud extends component library management by leveraging cloud-based storage and collaboration tools, allowing teams to access, manage, and modify designs from any location.

Centralized Cloud Storage for Component Libraries

OrCAD X OnCloud centralizes component library management in a shared cloud workspace, which provides many benefits:

• Cloud-hosted component libraries allow engineers to access verified symbols, footprints, and simulation models from anywhere.

• Libraries are stored within shared workspaces, preventing duplication and ensuring a single authoritative component database is available to all users.

• Cloud-based storage eliminates the need for local library file management, reducing risks associated with missing or outdated components.

Real-Time Collaboration and Design Sync

Teams can work simultaneously within a shared cloud workspace, ensuring all component additions and modifications are immediately reflected across all users.

• OrCAD X Design Sync allows real-time synchronization of component changes between the schematic and PCB layout, preventing inconsistencies. The Workspaces feature supports structured team-based component management, allowing administrators to:

• Restrict view/edit privileges to protect verified component footprints.

• Track component modifications and maintain revision history to ensure library integrity.

• Facilitate collaboration where multiple designers can work on a project without overwriting critical component data.

• The Component Explorer enables engineers to:

• Search, filter, and place components directly into designs from millions of verified parts.

• Follow IPC-7251/7351 naming conventions for consistent industry-compliant library organization.

Cloud-based revision tracking and component lifecycle management maintain design integrity and ensure that all team members work with the most up-to-date components.

OrCAD X Features For Better Component Libraries

Library Management with Live BOM and Manufacturer Data Linking

OrCAD X includes Live BOM integration, allowing engineers to check real-time component availability, pricing, and lead times. The ability to link manufacturer part numbers directly to components reduces procurement errors and ensures design manufacturability.

The Live BOM system offers:

• Alternative and drop-in replacement components when primary components become unavailable.

• Real-time supply chain insights, helping mitigate risks related to component shortages and unexpected pricing fluctuations.

The OrCAD X component library offers an integrated solution connecting schematic capture, simulation, and cloud-based data management. Whether managing verified footprints, automating BOM generation, or optimizing design iterations, OrCAD X provides the advanced tools necessary — Try a free trial today!