If you haven’t heard of OrCAD X before – we need to catch up.
The 23.1 update is already here with a keen focus on enhancing the user experience and leveraging data intelligence across multiple fronts.
From optimizing Bill of Materials (BOM) processes to refining fabrication and assembly documentation, OrCAD X 23.1 sets the stage for smoother workflows and enhanced productivity.
Moreover, advancements in PCB 3D, layout refinement, SPICE analysis, and data management underscore our dedication to providing engineers and designers with robust tools to tackle their most ambitious projects.
Without further ado, let’s explore OrCAD X 23.1.
Data Management
In OrCAD X 23.1, data management takes center stage. One standout improvement lies in the tighter integration of LiveBOM into the OrCAD X Capture CIS environment.
With the inclusion of ASME 2 level alphanumeric revision scheme support, users gain greater flexibility in managing revisions, ensuring accuracy and compliance throughout the design lifecycle. The introduction of LiveBOM updates facilitates real-time synchronization, empowering teams to work collaboratively and make informed decisions with up-to-the-minute data.
OrCAD X 23.1 goes a step further by enabling seamless connectivity between OnPrem CIS DB and LiveBOM. This integration bridges the gap between design and supply chain management, allowing for smoother procurement processes and enhanced visibility into component availability.
Customizable property columns add another layer of versatility, empowering users to tailor their data views to suit specific project requirements. Whether tracking supplier information or prioritizing components based on supply chain lead time, the ability to customize property columns puts critical data at your fingertips.
Additionally, the inclusion of supply chain lead time information directly within LiveBOM streamlines decision-making, helping teams anticipate potential bottlenecks and optimize their procurement strategies accordingly.
Lastly, cross-probing from LiveBOM to schematic enhances traceability and simplifies the debugging process. By seamlessly navigating between the BOM and schematic views, users can quickly identify and address any discrepancies, ensuring design integrity and accelerating time-to-market.
Ease of Use
One area that has received significant attention in this update is the PCB object visibility control within OrCAD X Presto PCB Editor. Here, you’ll find a slew of enhancements designed to improve visibility and streamline workflows in both 2D and 3D environments.
OrCAD X Presto PCB Editor introduces several features aimed at enhancing object visibility control. The addition of stipple patterns provides greater flexibility in customizing the display of PCB elements, ensuring clarity and ease of interpretation.
The introduction of user-defined PCB views allows for the creation and recall of customized visibility display settings, empowering users to tailor their workspace to suit their specific needs.
OrCAD X 23.1 also introduces improvements to the process of editing and updating footprints within the PCB design environment. With the ability to control what’s being updated in the design after a footprint edit, users can ensure greater accuracy and efficiency in managing design changes. This includes the ability to edit pin locations in the search table, enabling mass editing for enhanced productivity.
Additionally, features such as pad preview in search, DXF import in footprints, and paste special preserve location further streamline the footprint editing process, making it easier than ever to fine-tune designs to perfection.
Finally, archiving or removing Design Rules (DR) and Manufacturing Units (MU) facilitates seamless collaboration with external users and partners. By simplifying the process of sharing designs while maintaining control over design rules and specifications, this feature enhances collaboration and accelerates the design iteration process.
Collaboration in OrCAD X
In OrCAD X 23.1, we’ve doubled down on our commitment to fostering collaboration with a suite of enhancements aimed at streamlining PCB fabrication and assembly documentation within OrCAD X LiveDOC.
One notable improvement comes in the form of enhanced flexibility in dimensioning. With the ability to display alternate units in dimensions, you can communicate design specifications more clearly, catering to diverse preferences and requirements.
The new update also introduces improvements to the viewing experience within OrCAD X LiveDOC, aligning panning and zooming functionalities with the OrCAD X layout environment.
The inclusion of ISO and ASME page sizes expands the range of options available to you when generating documentation, catering to international standards and preferences. Whether collaborating with global partners or adhering to industry-specific requirements, you can now produce documentation that meets the highest standards of professionalism and compliance.
Lastly, the ability to export PDFs to user-defined locations enhances workflow efficiency, allowing you to organize and manage their documentation with greater flexibility and control.
Analysis and Simulation
Thanks to multicore parallel simulation support, PSpice analysis is accelerated. Now, you can leverage the full power of their hardware to speed up simulations, supporting Monte Carlo, Temperature, and Parametric sweep analyses with unprecedented efficiency. This enhancement not only reduces simulation times but also enhances productivity, enabling engineers to iterate on designs more rapidly and make informed decisions with confidence.
OrCAD X 23.1 introduces a range of analysis enhancements designed to address specific industry needs and user requirements. With the inclusion of ISO transient sources for automotive applications, you can simulate and analyze electrical disturbances in accordance with industry standards such as ISO 7637-2 and ISO 16750-2.
The ability to control noise contributors in noise analysis and perform audio simulation using .wav inputs or exports extends the capabilities of OrCAD X 23.1, catering to a diverse range of design requirements and use cases. Finally, the introduction of the PSpice simulation persona offers a simplified way to globally apply simulator options, streamlining the simulation setup process and enhancing user experience.
Final recap
As we wrap up our exploration of OrCAD X 23.1, one thing becomes abundantly clear – innovation is at the heart of everything we do. From enhancing usability and streamlining workflows to unlocking new levels of insight and efficiency.
With OrCAD X 23.1, designers and engineers are equipped with a powerful arsenal of tools and features aimed at simplifying complex tasks, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation forward. Whether it’s the tighter integration of LiveBOM, the enhanced object visibility control in PCB Editor, the streamlined documentation process in LiveDOC, or the accelerated analysis capabilities in PSpice, every aspect of OrCAD X 23.1 is designed to empower users to bring their ideas to life with confidence and clarity.
If you want to learn more about OrCAD X, feel free to watch our recorded demo walking you through the interface and user experience in the Presto Layout Editor. You can find it right here.