Allegro/OrCAD/PSpice Version History

A system-level design can be exported to a 3D system with a System Configuration File (.scf). When updating an existing 3D system, the export reflects the latest layout changes while preserving the existing 3D configuration.

This enhancement simplifies the transition from system-level design to 3D visualization for analysis and review.

MCM files can now be imported into system-level designs, in addition to board and module files. This enhancement extends pin-to-pin connectivity tracing and verification across MCM boards and other connected designs within the system.

The Interconnect Model Extraction workflow now supports the Clarity 3D Quasi-Static (QS) solver for RLGC model extraction. In addition to generating S-parameter models, designers can now generate RLGC models for simulation workflows and select the model type that best fits their analysis requirements.

The Reflection workflow now supports LayoutLink profiles, enabling reflection analysis of the interconnects defined across linked designs within a system configuration. This allows for easy analysis of any system configuration without manually recreating the system connectivity in the workflow.

Validated reliability parameters can now be saved in reusable profiles, which can be applied to the same components across multiple designs.

Reliability data is maintained for each physical part and can be exported and imported to and from reusable profiles, enabling consistent application of approved reliability settings across designs. Support for CSV-based review and maintenance makes it easier to manage, update, and reuse reliability data.

For projects managed in a Pulse environment, project archives now preserve the values of Pulse custom variables and are written to the project CPM file. Previously, custom variables defined in the Create New Project form were not retained when a project was archived and opened outside the Pulse environment. With this enhancement, project-specific information remains available when designs are shared with customers, partners, or other users who do not have access to the original Pulse environment.

The Properties panel now includes an overview subpanel called Minimap. It displays the entire schematic page in a zoom-to-fit view and highlights the area currently displayed in the workspace. When working in zoomed-in views, select a location in the minimap to quickly navigate to another area of the page.

Windows and panels can now be stacked in a single container in addition to moving them to another monitor or workspace. This enables multiple windows and panels to be organized and accessed through tabs.

Automatic differential pair creation identifies matching positive and negative signals and groups them into differential pairs. In previous releases, this capability invoked a TCL command and relied on a configuration file. System Capture now uses the advanced differential pair creation capabilities available in Constraint Manager while retaining the existing menu command.

Pin delay values are commonly imported from external files during design creation and analysis workflows. Previously, the Import Pin Delay command imported data directly from a selected CSV file. The updated workflow adds automatic data detection, validation, and data review capabilities within the import dialog, allowing data to be reviewed and refined before it is applied to the design.

PSpice now includes component libraries from TAIYO YUDEN and Murata as part of the product installation adding approximately 10,000 components to the library. These libraries provide access to a broad range of capacitor, inductor, and other passive component models for use in circuit design and simulation. These libraries are integrated with PSpice search, allowing for quick location and use for supported components.

The IFTEXT expression can now be used to dynamically select models and subcircuits based on parameter values or user-defined conditions. This capability enables the model sweep and variant analysis workflows by automatically switching between models and subcircuits without requiring manual updates to the design.

With IFTEXT, a condition is evaluated and the appropriate model or subcircuit are selected at runtime. This simplifies the comparison of alternate design implementations, supports design variant exploration, and reduces the effort required to configure and maintain multipule simulation configurations.

PSpice Smoke Analysis now supports resistor derating based on the ambient or terminal temperature. The default behavior remains unchanged and continues to use terminal temperature-based derating. The new ambient temperature mode supports all existing resistor derating methodologies.

PSpice now supports quantum effects in resistor Johnson-Nyquist noise calculations. Previously, resistor thermal noise power density remained constant with frequency for a given temperature. The enhanced model accounts for quantum effects that become significant at high frequencies or low temperatures, resulting in a more physically accurate noise spectrum.

PSpice now supports the matlabfunctionN function, which automatically determines the number of arguments passed to the MATLAB function. The number of arguments is now implicit. PSpice Probe also extends support for generic measurement functions. MATLAB-based functions can now accept up to ten arguments, enabling more complex custom measurements

Predefined simulation personas simplify simulation setup by automatically applying a recommended set of simulator option values from the PSpice configuration file. When creating a simulation profile, a persona can be selected from the Persona dropdown in the New Simulation window. When editing, the persona can be specified in the Options section.

Personas can help reduce setup time and promote consistency across simulation profiles and projects. Individual simulation options can still be adjusted to meet project-specific requirements, these take precedence over persona-defined values.

EDM Server now works with the included EDM Client for OrCAD X and Allegro X versions 26.1, 25.1, and 24.1.

Upgraded from Microsoft .NET 8.0 to 10.0.

Updated the default password requirements for SQL Login to 35 characters. Changing the default password or using a Windows User is still recommended, but not required.

CIP Server now works with the included CIP Client for OrCAD X and Allegro X versions 26.1, 25.1, and 24.1.

Upgraded from Microsoft .NET 8.0 to 10.0.

Updated the default password requirements for SQL Logins for Internal Users and CIS Users to 35 characters and 20 characters. Changing the default password or using a Windows User is still recommended, but not required.

CIP Compliance license is no longer needed for the Compliance module, only SiliconExpert Credentials are required.

Added configurable file size transfer settings and increased defaults to support larger file sizes for BOM Import, Bulk Operations, etc.

Added a user administration option to disable users and show/hide such users in the user list.

Added a failed login count for local (i.e. password) users, which will lock the users out for 15 minutes after 5 failed login attempts.  The default values for time and number of login attempts can be updated to reflect company requirements.

Added an example CIS .DBC file for compatibility with 8.1 database.

Updated the Install Guide to include steps and screenshots to unlock authentication for IIS web server security. While the CIP Server installer attempts to unlock these sections automatically, this is a manual method that requires an IIS administrator to unlock them.

The Product Choices dialog now displays real-time license availability directly next to each license name. This allows users to view the number of available licenses before launching and select the one that is most appropriate, enabling informed selections and reducing launch failures. Additionally, a new Refresh License icon updates the license availability without relaunching the application.

PSpice now supports an enhanced encryption engine for model libraries, providing stronger security protection for encrypted PSpice models using the existing command lines and arguments. Existing encrypted libraries can be re-encrypted with the updated secure encryption mechanism with the command:
PSpiceEnc <old_filepath> <enhanced_filepath>

The re-encryption process only applies to the portions of the library that are already encrypted. Additionally, libraries encrypted with a user-defined key can also be re-encrypted.

The DesignTrue DFM Wizard now supports module (.mdd) files.

Route Vision results can now be saved as .csv files. Additionally, import previously saved report files to review and reference results while modifying the layout, helping you maintain the visibility into reported issues throughout the design process.

Product features have been updated with significant performance improvements including via structures, DRCs, and interactive placement.

OrCAD X now allows seamless transition to the PCB Expert environment to access advanced capabilities when needed. This enhancement extends the design capabilities without leaving the OrCAD X environment, while maintaining a focused and efficient workflow.

Seamlessly transition between layout environments by accessing the View > Switch to Expert Layout menu option. Advanced PCB Expert features are accessible from within the same session, while Presto remains the primary working environment. To return to OrCAD X Presto, select Display > Switch to Layout from the menu.

The Cut and Undo Cut options in the Artwork Control Form window can now be used to remove and restore selected item film layers in a single action. When multiple film layers are selected under the Film Control tab, right-clicking any one of them and choosing the Cut option removes all selected layers at once, and selecting the Undo Cut option restores all of them in a single operation.

Product features have been updated with significant performance improvements including Find by Query, In-Design Analysis, Placement and Interactive Placement, Degassing, Shape Voiding, SKILL, and more.

Saved queries can now be reused as filters with additional refinements. Loading a saved query from the By Saved Query option in the Find filter, the graphical filter settings for previously active filters are reset. If a command is already active, the query refreshes the filter setting for unsupported elements. Also applies to SKILL-based commands.

Allegro X PCB Editor now supports the photo width text parameter and OpenType fonts in the GDSII stream format. This enhancement enables accurate export of etch-layer text when data is exported from a physical design to the GDSII stream format.

TI model libraries can be accessed directly from Component Explorer in OrCAD X Capture. Right-click TI-PSpice under Workspace Configuration and choose Show Component Explorer. Requires a valid OrCAD X Cloud subscription.