Learn How OrCAD X Can Be Ideal For PCB Layout Planning

Printed Circuit Board or PCB design is one of the intricate processes which requires precision, efficiency, and accuracy. The OrCAD X stands at forefront as one of the best PCB editor tools and offers a set of advanced tools which simplifies the layout planning in the PCB design ensuring high-performance electronic systems. This tool serves as an ideal support system for both seasoned and experienced designs as they help in developing high-quality circuits. Hence, this blog helps to learn how OrCAD X can be ideal for PCB layout planning significantly.

How OrCAD X Helps In PCB Layout Planning?

BOM Validation:

The BOM validation is one of the PCB layout planning elements available in the OrCAD X which greatly helps in synchronizing design data and the components that are available in real-time. Also, with the help of these features you can validate the vendor part numbers (VPN) and manufacturer part numbers (MPN) ensuring the components are available in real-time and meet the specified requirements. 

In addition, with BOM validation users can use Mark DNI (Do Not Install) components which helps the designers in specifying the parts which should not be placed or soldered during the PCB assembly. This approach helps in streamlining the production and reducing the potential errors. 

Stack-Up Design

The stack-up design is also one of the PCB layout planning elements in the OrCAD X which helps in configuring the conductive and insulating layers within the printed circuit board. With the help of a cross-section editor, the designers can define and visualize the PCB stack-up, specifying material properties, layer count, and overall thickness. This approach with the help of OrCAD X ensures enhanced electrical performance and structural integrity. Also, this tool helps in managing the impedance for an optimized signal integrity. Thus, a well-defined stack-up improves manufacturability, reduces signal interference and enhances overall PCB reliability.

Design Rule Definition

The Design Rule Definition process ensures that the PCB designs are electrical, physical, and manufacturing constraint compliant. In defining advanced rules such as differential pairs, HDI designs, and via stacking, impedance, trace width, and via size constraints are defined in the Constraint Manager. Real-time checks to detect and correct violations are performed by the DRC Validation Tool. The DFM Wizard ensures compliance with IPC standards by streamlining fabrication, assembly, and testing while reducing errors and improving manufacturability.

Footprint Management

The OrCAD X Footprint Editor is an ideal tool to manage the process of creating and checking PCB footprints based on datasheets and standards from IPC for precise pad-to-pad and component spacing without any solder bridging. A validation of footprint alignment can be ensured through an inbuilt 3D Viewer Tool. Proper spacings, assembly issues are reduced as DFA rules get followed. Moreover, pin 1 and polarity indicators improve the accuracy of component orientation, thus reducing placement errors during manufacturing for a more reliable PCB assembly process.

Board Outline Definition

OrCAD X focusing on board outline definition and manufacturability through DFM considerations. Board outlines can be created using the Mechanical Layer Editor or mechanical constraints can be imported from DXF/DWG files. For DFM, OrCAD X has a DFM Checker to catch such defects as clearance violations, via-in-pad placement, and solder mask openings. Padstack Editor is there to help optimize pad dimensions for reduced defects, and silkscreen validation checks the text for clarity and proper placement.

OrCAD X is an industry-leading PCB design tool that reduces the complexity in layout planning, while ensuring good performance and reliability. With OrCAD X intuitive interface, Sunstream offers robust routing, simulation tools, and cloud-based collaboration features through our PCB design services that empower designers to build optimized PCB layouts efficiently. Reach out to us to acquire your licenses of OrCAD X.