Orcad 16.6 Tutorial Guide

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

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

Step 2: Creating a Schematic

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

Step 3: Simulating the Circuit

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

Step 4: Creating a Netlist

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

Step 5: Designing the PCB

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

Step 6: Routing the PCB

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

Step 7: Verifying the Design

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

Step 8: Outputting the Design

To output the design, click on "File" > "Export".
Select the output type (e.g., Gerber, ODB++).
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

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. orcad 16.6 tutorial

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

. 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.

OrCAD 16.6 Tutorial: Comprehensive User Guide OrCAD 16.6 is a vintage yet robust suite for electronic design automation (EDA), primarily used by engineers to create schematics and design printed circuit boards (PCBs). This report outlines the core workflow for OrCAD Capture (schematic) and OrCAD PCB Editor (layout). 1. Schematic Capture (OrCAD Capture)

This is the starting point where you define your electrical circuit. Creating a Project : Open OrCAD Capture and select File > New > Project

. Choose "PC Board Wizard" to ensure compatibility with the PCB layout tool. Placing Components Place > Part menu (Shortcut:

). You can search through default libraries or download pre-made components from to save time. : Connect pins using the Place > Wire tool (Shortcut: Annotation

: Before moving to layout, you must assign unique names to components (e.g., R1, R2). Go to Tools > Annotate Introduction OrCAD 16

and select "Unconditional reference update" to reset and re-label all parts. Design Rule Check (DRC) Tools > Design Rule Check

to identify errors like overlapping wires or missing footprints. Netlist Generation : To transfer data to the PCB editor, go to Tools > Create Netlist . This generates the logic file the layout tool requires. 2. PCB Layout (OrCAD PCB Editor)

The layout stage involves placing physical components on a board and routing the traces. Importing Logic : In PCB Editor, use File > Import > Logic to bring in the netlist from Capture. Footprint Management

: Components need a physical "footprint." Standard footprints are stored in C:\OrCAD 16.6\share\pcb\pcb_lib\symbols Padstack Design : For custom components, use the Pad Designer

utility to define hole sizes and copper pad dimensions for different layers (Begin, Default, End). Routing and Navigation Ctrl + Mouse Scroll or shortcuts

: The tool provides online DRC that highlights violations (like traces too close together) in real-time. 3. Manufacturing Output

Once the design is complete, you must generate files for the fabrication house. Gerber Files

: These are the industry-standard "blueprints" for your board. Go to Export > Gerber Parameters to configure the layers, then generate the artwork files. NC Drill Files : Generate these via File > Export > NC Drill to provide coordinates for all holes and vias. 4. Advanced Features PSpice Simulation

: OrCAD 16.6 includes PSpice for mixed-signal simulation, allowing you to test circuit behavior before building it. Academic Access

: Students can often get free access to these tools through the OrCAD Academic Program

Creating a design in OrCAD 16.6 involves a standard workflow starting from schematic entry to PCB layout and fabrication file generation. 1. Schematic Capture (OrCAD Capture)

The design process begins in OrCAD Capture, where you create the logical representation of your circuit. Create Project : Open Capture CIS, select File > New > Project

, and choose "PSpice Analog or Mixed A/D" if you plan to simulate, or "PC Board Wizard" for layout only. Place Parts Place Part

button (shortcut 'P') to browse libraries. If a part is missing, use the Part Editor to create a custom schematic symbol. : Connect pins using the Place Wire tool (shortcut 'W'). Annotate & Design Rule Check (DRC) Tools > Annotate to assign unique reference designators (e.g., R1, C1) and Tools > Design Rule Check to identify errors like unconnected pins. Assign Footprints : Right-click components to open the Edit Properties

spreadsheet and enter the exact name of the PCB footprint (e.g., ) in the "PCB Footprint" field. 2. PCB Footprint Creation (Padstack & Symbol Editor)

Before moving to layout, ensure all components have matching physical footprints. Launch OrCAD 16

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.

You can use this as a template for a lab report, a training manual, or an educational assignment.

6. Learning Resources for OrCAD 16.6

Cadence Legacy Documentation (PDFs installed with software)
- doc\capture\capture_tutorial.pdf
- doc\pspice\pspiceug.pdf
- doc\pcb\pcb_tut.pdf
YouTube playlists (search “OrCAD 16.6 tutorial”)
- OrCAD Capture 16.6 Complete Tutorial (by Kirsch Mackey)
- PCB Design with OrCAD 16.6 (by Robert Feranec – older videos)
Forums
- PCB Design Forum (Cadence)
- Edaboard.com – OrCAD section
Books (eBay/AbeBooks – 16.6 specific)
- Complete PCB Design Using OrCAD Capture and PCB Editor (Kraig Mitzner) – covers 16.x
- OrCAD 16.6 Step by Step (older Indian publication)