Orcad 16.6 Tutorial

Introduction

OrCAD 16.6 is a powerful electronic design automation (EDA) software used for designing, simulating, and laying out printed circuit boards (PCBs). This tutorial will guide you through the basics of using OrCAD 16.6 to design a simple PCB.

Step 1: Setting up the Design

1. Launch OrCAD 16.6 by double-clicking on the icon or by navigating to the installation directory and running the executable.
2. Click on "File" > "New" to create a new project.
3. Select "OrCAD PCB Designer" as the project type and click "OK".
4. Choose a project name, select a project location, and click "OK".

Step 2: Creating a Schematic

1. In the "New Project" dialog box, select "Schematic" as the design type and click "OK".
2. The schematic editor will open. Create a new schematic sheet by clicking on "File" > "New" > "Schematic Sheet".
3. Add components to the schematic sheet by dragging and dropping them from the "Component Browser" window.
4. Connect the components using wires and buses.

Step 3: Simulating the Circuit

1. To simulate the circuit, click on "Analysis" > "Simulate".
2. Select the simulation type (e.g., DC, AC, Transient) and set the simulation settings as desired.
3. Run the simulation by clicking "OK".

Step 4: Creating a Netlist

1. Once the simulation is complete, create a netlist by clicking on "Tools" > "Create Netlist".
2. Select the netlist type (e.g., OrCAD, SPICE) and set the netlist settings as desired.
3. Click "OK" to generate the netlist.

Step 5: Designing the PCB

1. Click on "File" > "New" > "PCB" to create a new PCB design.
2. Select the PCB design type (e.g., single-layer, multi-layer) and set the design settings as desired.
3. Import the netlist into the PCB design by clicking on "Tools" > "Import Netlist".
4. Use the "Component Placement" tool to place components on the PCB.

Step 6: Routing the PCB

1. Use the "Autoroute" tool to route the PCB.
2. Set the routing settings as desired (e.g., via size, trace width).
3. Run the autoroute by clicking "OK".

Step 7: Verifying the Design

1. Use the "Design Rule Check" (DRC) tool to verify the design.
2. Select the DRC rules to check (e.g., clearance, connectivity).
3. Run the DRC by clicking "OK".

Step 8: Outputting the Design

1. To output the design, click on "File" > "Export".
2. Select the output type (e.g., Gerber, ODB++).
3. Set the output settings as desired (e.g., file name, directory).

Conclusion

This tutorial has provided a basic overview of using OrCAD 16.6 to design a simple PCB. From creating a schematic to outputting the design, this tutorial has covered the essential steps involved in designing a PCB using OrCAD 16.6.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Use the "Help" menu to access the OrCAD 16.6 documentation and tutorials.
• Use the "Component Browser" to find and add components to your schematic.
• Use the "Layer Stack Manager" to manage the PCB layers.
• Use the "DRC" tool to verify the design before outputting.

Common Errors and Solutions

• Error: "Unable to find component" Solution: Check that the component is installed and available in the Component Browser.
• Error: "Netlist import failed" Solution: Check that the netlist is correctly generated and imported into the PCB design.

OrCAD 16.6 Shortcuts

• Shortcut: Ctrl + S Description: Save the current design
• Shortcut: Ctrl + Z Description: Undo the last action
• Shortcut: Ctrl + Y Description: Redo the last action

Editing Values

1. Double-click the value text (e.g., "1k") on one of your resistors.
2. In the "Display Properties" box, change the Value to 4.7k.
3. Click OK.

7. Common Troubleshooting in OrCAD 16.6

| Error Message | Likely Cause | Solution | | ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | "Netlist failed – missing pin" | Schematic symbol pin doesn't match footprint | Verify pin numbering in Part Editor. | | "Footprint not found" | PCB Footprint property misspelled or not set | Add PCB Footprint property in Capture (e.g., DPAK). | | "DRC: Line to shape spacing" | Dynamic shape clearance violation | Increase shape clearance via Setup > Constraints > Spacing | | "Database lock" | Crash left .db lock file | Delete .db files in the project folder. |

6. Design Rule Check (Layout) and Output