Data and documentation focus for Orcad PCB additions

Cadence Design Systems has made three additions to its OrCAD line of PCB tools, largely aimed at data management and organization for projects. The tools include OrCAD Engineering Data Management (EDM), an automated parts-library builder, and a documentation environment.

OrCAD EDM is designed to preserve the integrity of design data and project status throughout the schematic-design process, particularly where members of the design team are working in different locations around the world.

OrCAD Library Builder lets users harvest readily available component IP from online component catalogs and device specification sheet PDFs and build that data into an internal parts library. Cadence said the tool can cut part-creation time by up to 70 per cent for complex parts. The PDF datasheet extraction technology pulls data from pin tables and diagrams to build parts.

“The technology available within the new OrCAD Library Builder product has enabled us to significantly reduce the amount of time spent creating and maintaining our symbol and footprint libraries,” said Mike Crittenden, senior printed circuit board designer at Technology Services Corporation.

OrCAD Documentation Editor automates the creation of documentation elements, manufacturing views, details, and tables. It uses the actual PCB design data and synchronizes with engineering change orders (ECOs). Cadence claimed it can shorten overall PCB design time by the time it takes to document the design by up to 60 to 80 percent.

“With the increasing complexity of designs and tighter manufacturing ship dates, the documentation process has grown to be long, cumbersome and error-prone. The average documentation time can take up to 20 percent of the overall design process,” said Josh Moore, director of product marketing for the OrCAD, custom IC and PCB group at Cadence.