Looking Forward What to Expect After Switching from OrCAD

Improved User Interface and User Experience

One of the first things you’ll likely notice when moving on from OrCAD is a more intuitive, streamlined user interface (UI) in your new tool. Leading PCB design platforms put a premium on crafting a UI that simplifies your workflow and minimizes unnecessary clicks and menus.

For example, take a look at this comparison of the OrCAD user interface versus Altium Designer:

OrCAD	Altium Designer
Dated interface with nested menus	Modern ribbon interface that exposes commonly used tools
Separate schematic capture and PCB layout environments	Unified design environment for schematic, PCB, manufacturing outputs
Limited customization options	Highly customizable interface, shortcuts, and panels

While there may be an initial learning curve as you adapt to a new UI paradigm, the productivity gains you’ll achieve from a more efficient interface will be well worth it in the long run. You’ll spend less time hunting for buried tools and settings, and more time designing.

Expanded Design Capabilities

Moving on from OrCAD also means gaining access to expanded PCB design capabilities not available in legacy tools. Here are a few examples of the enhanced functionality you can leverage after switching:

Advanced Routing Tools

Autorouting and routing assistance in modern PCB tools go far beyond what’s possible in OrCAD. For dense, high-speed designs, you’ll have access to features like:

• Topological, unrouted net highlighting for visualizing connectivity
• Multi-pass autorouting with user-defined strategies
• Differential pair routing with length/phase tuning
• Interactive routing modes (shove, hug, walkaround, etc.)

3D Modeling and Visualization

Integrating mechanical and electrical design is increasingly important. After OrCAD, you’ll be able to import STEP models from MCAD tools, visualize board fit and mechanical clearances in 3D, and collaborate more effectively with mechanical designers.

Some PCB tools even offer direct, native 3D modeling of board shapes, cutouts, enclosures and other elements. Bidirectional synchronization with MCAD keeps your electrical and mechanical data in sync.

Rigid-Flex and High-Density Interconnect (HDI)

Designing rigid-flex boards and HDI stack-ups is difficult and error-prone in OrCAD. But modern tools include first-class support for rigid-flex, with 3D folding, MCAD collaboration, and stack-up management built in.

Similarly, you’ll find automated HDI via creation and checking tools that make it much easier to take advantage of the space savings and performance benefits of microvias and blind/buried routing.

Library and Component Management

Switching from OrCAD also provides an opportunity to modernize your library and component management practices. Does this sound familiar?

• Scattered libraries full of duplicate or outdated parts
• No centralized repository or component creation standards
• Endless hours wasted hunting for or re-creating parts

Leading PCB design platforms include dedicated library management tools that act as a single source of truth for your component data. You can create a structured, centralized library that’s easy to search and manage.

Some tools also integrate with online component aggregators that allow you to find and place pre-built, verified component models directly in your designs. This alone can be an enormous time saver versus creating parts from scratch in OrCAD.

Revision Control and Collaboration

Legacy tools like OrCAD have limited support for true revision control of PCB projects. Usually, this means saving copies of your design files, managing changes in folder structures, and manually communicating updates to teammates.

After switching from OrCAD, you’ll be able to use industry-standard version control systems (like Git or SVN) to manage design revisions. You can:

• Store complete projects (schematic, PCB, libraries, etc.) in version control
• Diff and merge design changes
• Create and manage design branches
• Easily roll back to previous versions

This makes it much easier to track design progress, collaborate with teammates, and maintain a clear history of your designs over time. Fewer emails flying around with attachments, and no more “final_final_v2” naming conventions!

Improved Manufacturing Prep and Outputs

OrCAD’s tools for preparing manufacturing outputs are basic at best. Generating complete, error-free manufacturing files often requires manual drawings, separate CAM tools, and lots of double-checking.

Modern PCB platforms have manufacturing outputs built in, with automated tools for generating comprehensive fab and assembly data. You’ll be able to:

• Quickly generate Gerbers, NC drill files, ODB++, IPC-2581, etc.
• Create fully custom fab drawings with automated templates
• Export rich, interactive 3D PDFs for sharing and collaboration
• Run comprehensive design for manufacturing (DFM) checks before ordering

All of this adds up to fewer manufacturability issues and faster time to market. You’ll communicate more effectively with your fabrication partners and ensure that your designs are built exactly to spec.

FAQ

Will I be able to open and edit my old OrCAD designs after switching?

This depends on the specific tool you switch to. Some platforms can directly import OrCAD schematic and PCB files, while others may require manual re-creation. Check with your vendor for details on legacy design migration.

How long does it usually take to get up to speed with a new PCB tool after using OrCAD?

The learning curve varies depending on the complexity of your designs and how extensively you used OrCAD’s features. That said, most modern tools are designed to be intuitive and easy to learn. Expect to spend a few days to a few weeks becoming fully proficient.

Will I need to re-create my library and component data after moving on from OrCAD?

Not necessarily. Again, some tools can import your existing OrCAD libraries natively. If not, this is a good opportunity to take stock of your component library, modernize your data, and establish new creation standards going forward.

What if I run into issues or questions while transitioning from OrCAD?

Look for a PCB design platform that includes top-notch documentation and customer support. Ideally, your vendor will provide comprehensive online help, training materials, and an active user community. For mission-critical issues, consider a tool that offers phone support or even dedicated application engineers that can help you be successful.

How can I convince my team/manager that it’s worth switching from OrCAD to a new tool?

Build a business case that focuses on the ROI of moving to a more modern PCB platform. Consider factors like:

• Improved design productivity and efficiency
• Ability to tackle more complex designs
• Fewer manufacturing issues and delays
• Better collaboration with mechanical and manufacturing stakeholders
• Scalability and room for future growth

Ultimately, the benefits of switching from OrCAD to a full-featured, modern platform will likely far outweigh the short-term costs of evaluating and adopting a new tool. With the right solution, you’ll be well-positioned to meet your PCB design needs now and in the future.

I hope this article provides a helpful overview of what you can expect when moving on from OrCAD to a new PCB design platform. Let me know if you have any other questions!