Introduction to OrCAD X, Our Next-Generation PCB Layout Solution FAQ

Within OrCAD X Presto, there currently isn't a way to control the visibility of a shape boundary independent of the shape.

Yes, OrCAD X Presto, OrCAD X PCB Editor, and Allegro X PCB Editor all use the same .brd file format and Constraint Manager technology file format. Database version rules apply.

Yes, OrCAD X Presto supports the XY commands in the footprint editor.

In the OrCAD X 23.1.1 hotfix shipping in February, the padstack editor will use/follow the design units in the property panel.

There is currently not a built-in manufacturing output (Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581) viewer. There are numerous free viewers that are offered by several software providers.

Yes, multi-track/bus routing is fully supported in either OrCAD X Presto and OrCAD X PCB Editor.

Yes, the environment is completely customizable. Panels can be arranged on all four axis of the application interface as well as detached to place on a secondary monitor.

There are two different PCB layout environments in OrCAD X - OrCAD PCB Editor, which most users are familiar with, and the New OrCAD X Presto. If you go under Cadence PCB 2023, you will see a new Presto icon to start this interface.

No, the use models are simpler in OrCAD X Presto - Allegro will have features that are not yet available in Presto. Presto focuses on the novice designer, electrical engineer, and layout designers focused on quick turn PCB. OrCAD X PCB Editor focuses on the advanced layout designer.

Yes, BGA's are allowed in OrCAD X

To access OrCAD X Presto, you will need a 23.1 OrCAD X license.

Yes, the full pad stack library is still available, and the new wizard writes to the specified libraries.

Yes, the OrCAD X Presto license is available within OrCAD X 23.1, and there is no add-on cost – it is your choice to choose which layout environment you want to design with.

We are in the process of releasing a How-To series on OrCAD X Presto on YouTube. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified as it becomes available. Feel free to peruse our website, contact your local sales rep, or initiate the trial, and a rep will contact you.

If you navigate to tools/material editor, you can add custom material layers that can be used in the cross-section editor.

You can translate your designs from Altium, PADS, and Eagle.

You can specify swapping in the PCB Editor.

Yes, you can.

OrCAD X Live DOC does not yet support custom title blocks or the inclusion of the BOM.

Yes, the following image types are supported in Live DOC – bmp, svg, jpeg, png, etc.

Yes, it supports a wide range of dimension capabilities.

The comments are stored in the PCB database with the ability to export.

Not at this time, but this will be supported in a future release.

In the Properties Panel in the new OrCAD X Presto footprint editor, there is an Add/Import (+) 3D model button in the Status section.

To orient the 3D model, there are several alignment controls in the Properties panel, under 3D Location, and options including auto, manual, snap model face to top or bottom layer, and coordinate alignment.

You can export STEP, IDF, DXF, and IDX.. 3D Exports are STEP, IGES, ACIS, and 3D PDF.

CADSync is an optional OrCAD MCAD/ECAD exchange solution provided by EMA. MCADX is a native solution to OrCAD X that is included and free of charge. It contains all the functionality of CADSync and extends support for additional objects. MCADX is installed as part of OrCAD X, and the MCADX Solidworks plugin can be downloaded here.

No, there is no add-on fee. We have worked closely with Solidworks to ensure the best back-and-forth ECAD MCAD experience.

Yes, importing STEP files from the mechanical team is supported with our ECAD MCAD interfaces and our 3D DRC engine.

To view the schematic sheets, you need to open OrCAD X Capture – a full cross probe is available between OrCAD X Capture and OrCAD X Presto and PCB Editor.

Yes. the Constraint Manager is available in both the schematic and PCB layout environments.

OrCAD X Capture and Allegro X System Capture are two different schematic environments, each with its own benefits. OrCAD X Capture libraries and designs can be imported into System Capture.

If a database is opened in 23.1 from versions 17.4 or 17.2, it is not backwards compatible.

OrCAD Capture used to be offered with and without CIS (Component Information System). Due to the popularity of CIS, it was decided to minimize it to a single offering, hence why there is only OrCAD X Capture CIS.

If you are interested in Live BOM, watch the Optimize Your Supply Chain Through Effective BOM Management webinar, which addresses supply chain challenges and introduces the capabilities of Live BOM.

The design review and markup is currently a layout feature only, reach out to your local AE if you think that it would be helpful in the schematic as well.