OrCAD 16.6 is a comprehensive suite for PCB design, primarily consisting of OrCAD Capture for schematic entry and PCB Editor (Allegro) for layout. This tutorial provides a high-level guide to the end-to-end design workflow. 1. Project Setup and Schematic Capture The process begins in OrCAD Capture CIS.
Create New Project: Use File > New > Project. Select "Schematic" or "PC Board Wizard" and ensure your project is saved in a dedicated directory.
Design File (.DSN): This is the core file that stores all schematic symbols, netlists, and electrical connections.
Place Components: Open the Place > Part menu. You can add libraries or search for standard components like resistors, capacitors, and ICs.
Wiring: Use the "Place Wire" tool to connect pins. Every connection creates a "net" used for the layout.
Annotation: Use Tools > Annotate to automatically assign unique reference designators (e.g., R1, C1, U1). 2. Creating Footprints and Padstacks
Before moving to layout, every schematic part must have a corresponding PCB footprint.
Pad Designer: Use the "Pad Designer" utility to define the copper shape, drill size, and solder mask for individual pins.
Drill Diameter: For through-hole parts, the drill should be slightly larger than the component lead (e.g., 0.039" for a standard header). Solder Mask: Typically set to be
larger than the copper pad to allow for manufacturing tolerances.
Package Symbol Wizard: In the PCB Editor, use File > New > Package Symbol (wizard) to create footprints from scratch.
Library Import: You can also use Ultra Librarian or Library Loader to download pre-made symbols and footprints. 3. Netlist Generation and Layout
Transferring the design from schematic to board layout requires a netlist.
Create Netlist: In Capture, select the design file and go to Tools > Create Netlist. This synchronizes your schematic connections with the PCB Editor.
Board Setup: In PCB Editor, use Setup > Design Parameters to define units (mils or mm) and workspace size.
Placement: Manually place components or use Place > Quickplace to bring all parts onto the board area.
Routing: Use the Route > Connect tool to draw copper traces. Adjust trace widths based on current-carrying requirements. 4. Advanced Features and Simulation
3D Modeling: You can associate STEP files with your footprints to view the board in 3D using Setup > Step Package Mapping.
PSpice Simulation: OrCAD 16.6 includes PSpice for advanced circuit analysis, including transient, AC, and DC sweeps.
Manufacturing Files: Once the design is complete, generate "Gerber" files and "NC Drill" files via the Export menu for fabrication. Useful Shortcut Keys Action Zoom In I or Ctrl + Mouse Scroll Zoom Out O or Ctrl + Mouse Scroll Place Wire W Rotate Part R
For students and educators, OrCAD offers a free academic program to access professional-grade tools during studies.
Whether you are a student or a seasoned engineer, OrCAD 16.6
remains a powerhouse for schematic capture and PCB design. This version is known for its stability and deep integration with for simulation and for high-end layout.
Below is a breakdown of the core workflow to get you from a blank screen to a finished board. 1. Project Initialization & Schematic Capture The first step in any design is creating the schematic in OrCAD Capture Start a Project : Launch OrCAD Capture and select File > New > Project
. Ensure you select "PC Board Wizard" if you plan to move to a physical layout later. Adding Parts Place > Part menu. If a component is missing, you can create a in your own library by right-clicking your file and selecting External Libraries : For complex parts, use tools like Ultra Librarian (accessible via Accessories > Ultra Librarian in Capture) to download pre-built symbols and footprints. : Connect pins using the Place Wire Net Aliases
(keyboard shortcut 'N') to name specific signals, making the layout phase much more organized. 2. Preparing for PCB Layout
Before jumping into the board design, you must "prepare" your schematic data. Annotation Tools > Annotate
to automatically assign unique designators (e.g., R1, C1) to all components. Design Rule Check (DRC) Tools > Design Rule Check
to catch errors like floating pins or shorted nets before they reach production. Generate Netlist Tools > Create Netlist orcad 16.6 tutorial
. This generates the logic file that tells the PCB editor which pins are connected. University of Benghazi 3. PCB Design in Allegro Once the netlist is ready, switch to OrCAD PCB Editor Board Setup : Define your board shape and layer stack-up via Setup > Cross-section Component Placement : Import your netlist ( Import > Netlist
). Place components logically—keep high-speed signals short and group related parts together.
tool to draw your traces. A standard signal width is often around , but high-power lines will need more. Footprints : Footprints are stored by default in C:\OrCAD 16.6\share\pcb\pcb_lib\symbols
. Ensure your parts in Capture have the exact footprint name matching these files. 4. Manufacturing Output
Your design isn't finished until you have the files for the factory.
Once upon a time, in a small lab filled with the hum of old monitors, an engineer named Alex faced a daunting task: designing a 5V power supply from scratch using OrCAD 16.6. Chapter 1: The Blueprint
Alex began in OrCAD Capture CIS, selecting File > New > Project to create a fresh workspace named "Power_Supply". He chose the PSpice Analog or Mixed A/D option, knowing that simulation was the only way to avoid "the magic smoke" later.
Setting the Stage: He navigated to the Libraries and started placing components—a linear regulator, some capacitors, and a simple connector.
The Connection: With a few clicks of the Wire tool, he linked the pins, carefully naming the nets to keep the layout organized. Chapter 2: The Physical Form
With the schematic complete, Alex had to give his virtual parts a physical body. He opened the PCB Editor to build a custom footprint for his connector.
The Pad Designer: He used the Pad Designer to create a circular pad with a 0.039-inch drill hole, ensuring it had enough copper for a solid solder joint.
The Footprint Wizard: Using the Package Symbol Wizard, he defined a 9-pin header with a 0.1-inch lead pitch, setting Pin 1 as a square pad for easy identification.
The Silk Screen: He added a neat rectangular outline on the Silkscreen Top layer so he’d know exactly where the part sat on the board. Chapter 3: Bringing it to Life
After mapping his footprints back to the schematic symbols, Alex generated a Netlist and moved into Allegro PCB Designer. He laid out the board, carefully routing traces to handle the current.
If you are looking for a review of typical OrCAD 16.6 tutorials, they generally reflect the software's reputation as a powerful but complex industrial tool. While newer versions like OrCAD X are now available, version 16.6 remains a legacy staple in many engineering environments. General Consensus on Tutorials
Steep Learning Curve: Most reviews and guides highlight that OrCAD is not "plug-and-play" like hobbyist tools. Tutorials for 16.6 are essential because the interface is dense and relies on specific workflows for schematic capture and footprint creation.
Technical Depth: High-quality tutorials are praised for covering "hidden" settings, such as automatic annotation in Capture or the Padstack Designer for custom mounting holes.
Practical Utility: Many users find tutorials most helpful when they focus on library management (storing symbols in \share\pcb\pcb_lib\symbols) and downloading footprints from third-party sites like SnapEDA. Pros of 16.6 Tutorials
Comprehensive Documentation: Because 16.6 was a long-standing version, there is a massive library of community-made videos and Cadence-official guides covering almost every niche error or design rule check.
Industry Standard Focus: Unlike KiCAD tutorials which focus on hobbyists, OrCAD 16.6 tutorials often teach professional practices like CIS (Component Information System) database integration. Cons of 16.6 Tutorials
Dated Content: Many top-rated tutorials are 5–10 years old. While the core logic remains the same, the UI in these videos can look antiquated compared to modern software.
Scattered Resources: Information is often split between YouTube, legacy forums, and university-hosted PDFs, making it hard to find a single "all-in-one" course.
OrCAD 16.6 Tutorial
OrCAD 16.6 is a powerful software tool used for designing and simulating electronic circuits. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the basics of using OrCAD 16.6 to create and simulate a simple electronic circuit.
Step 1: Installing OrCAD 16.6
Before we begin, ensure that you have OrCAD 16.6 installed on your computer. If you haven't installed it yet, follow the installation instructions provided by the software vendor.
Step 2: Launching OrCAD 16.6
To launch OrCAD 16.6, double-click on the OrCAD 16.6 icon on your desktop or navigate to the installation directory and run the executable file. OrCAD 16
Step 3: Creating a New Project
Once OrCAD 16.6 is launched, click on File > New > Project to create a new project. In the New Project dialog box, select OrCAD Capture as the project type and choose a project name and location.
Step 4: Creating a Schematic
In the OrCAD Capture window, click on File > New > Schematic to create a new schematic. In the Schematic dialog box, select a template and choose a name for your schematic.
Step 5: Adding Components
To add components to your schematic, click on the Place > Part button or use the keyboard shortcut P. In the Part Search dialog box, search for the desired component and click OK to place it on the schematic.
Step 6: Connecting Components
To connect components, click on the Place > Wire button or use the keyboard shortcut W. Click on the starting point of the wire and then click on the ending point to create a connection.
Step 7: Simulating the Circuit
To simulate the circuit, click on Analysis > Simulate or use the keyboard shortcut F5. In the Simulation Settings dialog box, select the simulation type and parameters.
Step 8: Viewing Simulation Results
After the simulation is complete, you can view the results in the Waveform window. Click on View > Waveform to open the Waveform window.
Basic Tools and Commands
Here are some basic tools and commands to get you started with OrCAD 16.6:
Tips and Tricks
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we have covered the basics of using OrCAD 16.6 to create and simulate a simple electronic circuit. With practice and experience, you can master the advanced features of OrCAD 16.6 and create complex electronic designs.
Additional Resources
For more information on OrCAD 16.6, refer to the following resources:
We hope this tutorial has been helpful in getting you started with OrCAD 16.6. Happy designing!
Creating a complete PCB design in OrCAD 16.6 involves a multi-step workflow spanning schematic capture, simulation, and physical layout. This tutorial outlines the core process from project setup to generating manufacturing files. 1. Project Initialization & Schematic Capture
The first step is using OrCAD Capture CIS to define your circuit's electrical connections.
Project Setup: Open Capture and select File > New > Project. Choose the PC Board Wizard to ensure the project is configured for PCB layout later.
Placing Components: Use the Place > Part menu (shortcut: P) to browse libraries for components like ICs, MOSFETs, and discrete parts.
Wiring: Connect pins using the Place > Wire tool (shortcut: W). Assign net names to critical lines to simplify the layout process.
Footprint Assignment: Each component must have a valid PCB Footprint property (e.g., SOT23, R0805) to transition to the layout stage. You can find manufacturer-specific models on sites like Mouser or SnapEDA. 2. Design Verification (DRC & Netlist)
Before moving to layout, you must ensure the schematic is logically sound.
Design Rule Check (DRC): Run a DRC by selecting your project file and choosing Tools > Design Rule Check. This identifies unconnected pins or shorted nets. Place Part : $$P$$ Place Wire : $$W$$
Generate Netlist: Use Tools > Create Netlist to produce the .dat files that tell the PCB Editor which pins are connected. Ensure there are no errors, or the layout tool will not import the data correctly. 3. PCB Layout in OrCAD PCB Editor upgrade projects from Orcad 9.2 to Orcad 16.6 - PCB Design
Introduction
OrCAD 16.6 is a powerful software tool used for designing and simulating electronic circuits. It is widely used in the field of electronics engineering for creating schematic diagrams, simulating circuit behavior, and laying out printed circuit boards (PCBs). In this tutorial, we will guide you through the basics of OrCAD 16.6 and provide a step-by-step approach to get you started with using this software.
Installation and Launching OrCAD 16.6
Before we begin, ensure that you have OrCAD 16.6 installed on your computer. If you haven't installed it yet, you can download the software from the Cadence website and follow the installation instructions.
Once installed, launch OrCAD 16.6 by double-clicking on the icon or by searching for it in the Start menu (on Windows). The software will launch, and you will see a welcome screen with various options to create a new project or open an existing one.
Creating a New Project
To create a new project, follow these steps:
OrCAD 16.6 Interface
The OrCAD 16.6 interface is divided into several sections:
Creating a Schematic Diagram
To create a schematic diagram, follow these steps:
Adding Components
To add components to your schematic diagram, follow these steps:
Connecting Components
To connect components, follow these steps:
Simulating the Circuit
To simulate the circuit, follow these steps:
Designing a PCB Layout
To design a PCB layout, follow these steps:
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we have covered the basics of OrCAD 16.6 and provided a step-by-step approach to get you started with using this software. We hope that this tutorial has been helpful in understanding the features and capabilities of OrCAD 16.6. With practice and experience, you can master the skills of designing and simulating electronic circuits using OrCAD 16.6.
Additional Resources
For more information and advanced tutorials, you can refer to the following resources:
We hope that you have enjoyed this tutorial and will continue to learn and explore the features of OrCAD 16.6.
Setup → Cross Section → Define layers (Top, GND, Signal, Bottom).Setup → Constraints → Physical/Spacing → Set trace width (e.g., 6 mil), clearance.Launch OrCAD Capture CIS (Component Information System). This is your canvas for logical design.
This tutorial has demonstrated the fundamental workflow for OrCAD PCB Designer 16.6, from initial schematic capture in Capture CIS to final Gerber output in PCB Editor. Mastering the DRC cycle, netlist transfer, and dynamic shape management is essential for reliable PCB design. While newer versions (17.x, 22.x) exist, OrCAD 16.6 remains a stable, resource-efficient platform for learning professional EDA practices.