Orcad 16.6 Tutorial -

This is the bridge between schematic and layout.

While Cadence has moved to 17.2, 17.4, and 22.1, OrCAD 16.6 remains the baseline for millions of legacy designs. Many defense and medical device companies still require 16.6 because newer versions break their proprietary scripts.

By completing this tutorial, you have learned:

Your next step? Design a two-layer Arduino shield or an audio amplifier. Download the free OrCAD 16.6 Lite (limited to 100 pins) from Cadence’s archive to practice.

Have a specific OrCAD 16.6 question? Drop a comment below (or visit the Cadence community forums). Remember: every expert was once a beginner who couldn’t find the right net alias.

Did this guide help you? Share it with a colleague still stuck on OrCAD 16.6. For more advanced topics (differential pairs, RF design, or constraint tuning), check our advanced tutorial series.

Creating a complete PCB design in OrCAD 16.6 involves a multi-step workflow spanning schematic capture, simulation, and physical layout. This tutorial outlines the core process from project setup to generating manufacturing files. 1. Project Initialization & Schematic Capture

The first step is using OrCAD Capture CIS to define your circuit's electrical connections.

Project Setup: Open Capture and select File > New > Project. Choose the PC Board Wizard to ensure the project is configured for PCB layout later.

Placing Components: Use the Place > Part menu (shortcut: P) to browse libraries for components like ICs, MOSFETs, and discrete parts.

Wiring: Connect pins using the Place > Wire tool (shortcut: W). Assign net names to critical lines to simplify the layout process.

Footprint Assignment: Each component must have a valid PCB Footprint property (e.g., SOT23, R0805) to transition to the layout stage. You can find manufacturer-specific models on sites like Mouser or SnapEDA. 2. Design Verification (DRC & Netlist)

Before moving to layout, you must ensure the schematic is logically sound. orcad 16.6 tutorial

Design Rule Check (DRC): Run a DRC by selecting your project file and choosing Tools > Design Rule Check. This identifies unconnected pins or shorted nets.

Generate Netlist: Use Tools > Create Netlist to produce the .dat files that tell the PCB Editor which pins are connected. Ensure there are no errors, or the layout tool will not import the data correctly. 3. PCB Layout in OrCAD PCB Editor upgrade projects from Orcad 9.2 to Orcad 16.6 - PCB Design

Appendix A: Keyboard Shortcuts (OrCAD 16.6)

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

Step 2: Creating a Schematic

Step 3: Simulating the Circuit

Step 4: Creating a Netlist

Step 5: Designing the PCB

Step 6: Routing the PCB

Step 7: Verifying the Design

Step 8: Outputting the Design

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

Common Errors and Solutions

OrCAD 16.6 Shortcuts

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 This is the bridge between schematic and layout

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.

This report outlines the essential workflows for using OrCAD 16.6

, focusing on schematic capture, component library management, and PCB layout reporting. 1. Schematic Capture and Library Management

OrCAD Capture 16.6 is the central tool for schematic entry and part management. Creating Library Parts : Users can create custom symbols by going to File > New > Library , then right-clicking the file to add a "New Part". Importing External Parts Ultra Librarian & SnapEDA

: These platforms allow you to download pre-made symbols and footprints. Mouser ECAD Models : Using the Samacsys Library Loader , you can search for a manufacturer part number on

, download the ECAD model, and automatically import it into OrCAD. 3D Footprint Viewer

: You can verify a component's 3D appearance directly in OrCAD Capture by right-clicking a part and selecting Show Footprint . This requires a defined PCB Footprint property that matches a file in your library path. 2. PCB Footprint Creation Creating a footprint from scratch in the OrCAD PCB Editor involves several precise steps: Padstack Design Pad Designer

to define circular or square pads. A standard through-hole pad typically has a copper diameter at least 20 mils larger than the drill hole. Footprint Wizard

: This tool automates the creation of standard packages like DIP or SMD. You define the pin pitch (e.g., 0.1 inches for headers), number of pins, and package dimensions. 3D STEP Models : OrCAD 16.6 supports bi-directional STEP models . You can map a file to a footprint in the Step Package Mapping

settings, adjusting the X, Y, and Z offsets to align the model with the pads. 3. Generating Key Reports

The following reports are critical for moving a design from schematic to production: Click OK

Reviewing OrCAD 16.6 tutorials reveals a software suite that, while powerful and an industry standard for professional PCB design, presents a steep learning curve for beginners . Most high-quality tutorials focus on the primary flow: for schematics, for simulation, and PCB Editor for layout. Key Learning Pathways

Tutorials for OrCAD 16.6 typically break down into these core areas: