With the number of PCB CAD tools available, board translation may be necessary when collaborating with team members and contract manufacturers, migrating design tools, or utilizing reference designs. Easily import an Altium PCB file in OrCAD X Presto as well as PADS and Eagle CAD files to reuse existing data and IP and accelerate your PCB layouts.
This quick how-to will provide step-by-step instructions on how to import an Altium design for editing in OrCAD X Presto.
How-To Video
Open in New WindowConfiguring the Import
Step 1: Open a blank layout in OrCAD X Presto.
Step 2: Select File > Import > Altium PCB from the menu.
Note: Other translator options include:
- PADS
- PADS Library
- Eagle PCB
Step 3: In the Altium PCB Translator window, select the ellipsis to load an Altium board file.
Note: When exporting the design from Altium, the file must be in the ASCII format.
Step 4: Browse to and select the file. Click Open.
Step 5: Check the option to Create Individual Symbol Definitions. This option generates specific symbol definitions for each footprint by adding a suffix.
Step 6: Check the option to Cleanup Dangling Clines. This option deletes clines with at least one end unconnected.
Step 7: Select Dynamic from the Translate Shapes dropdown.
Note: With this option selected, voids and copper pours are redrawn by Presto. Only the shape outlines are copied. In the Static mode, voids and pours are copied as their own shape, potentially making the design harder to modify.
Several other translation options are available, such as:
- Skip Shape Based Teardrops: Altium generates teardrop traces from shapes and tracks. This option skips the shape-based teardrop option, as teardrops in Presto are parameter-driven (not shape-derived).
- Pad Touch Connections: Choose whether to connect vias and pin pads by cline, by shape, or to leave unconnected.
- Min Width: Select the minimum width for Altium lines to be copied into the OrCAD design.
Import an Altium PCB File in OrCAD X Presto
Step 8: Select Translate.
Step 9: When the translation and import finishes, the board design opens in the Presto canvas. Review the design and correct errors as needed.
Wrap Up & Next Steps
Quickly import an Altium PCB file in OrCAD X Presto to reuse IP and accelerate your PCB designs. Test out this feature and more with a free trial of OrCAD X Presto. For more how-tos and step-by-step walk-throughs, visit EMA Academy.
