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.
Appendix A: Keyboard Shortcuts (OrCAD 16.6)
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.
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.
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. orcad 16.6 tutorial
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!
This report outlines the essential workflows for using OrCAD 16.6
, focusing on schematic capture, component library management, and PCB layout reporting. 1. Schematic Capture and Library Management Launch OrCAD Capture CIS (Component Information System)
OrCAD Capture 16.6 is the central tool for schematic entry and part management. Creating Library Parts : Users can create custom symbols by going to File > New > Library , then right-clicking the file to add a "New Part". Importing External Parts Ultra Librarian & SnapEDA
: These platforms allow you to download pre-made symbols and footprints. Mouser ECAD Models : Using the Samacsys Library Loader , you can search for a manufacturer part number on
, download the ECAD model, and automatically import it into OrCAD. 3D Footprint Viewer
: You can verify a component's 3D appearance directly in OrCAD Capture by right-clicking a part and selecting Show Footprint . This requires a defined PCB Footprint property that matches a file in your library path. 2. PCB Footprint Creation Creating a footprint from scratch in the OrCAD PCB Editor involves several precise steps: Padstack Design Pad Designer
to define circular or square pads. A standard through-hole pad typically has a copper diameter at least 20 mils larger than the drill hole. Footprint Wizard
: This tool automates the creation of standard packages like DIP or SMD. You define the pin pitch (e.g., 0.1 inches for headers), number of pins, and package dimensions. 3D STEP Models : OrCAD 16.6 supports bi-directional STEP models . You can map a file to a footprint in the Step Package Mapping
settings, adjusting the X, Y, and Z offsets to align the model with the pads. 3. Generating Key Reports
The following reports are critical for moving a design from schematic to production:
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.
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