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:
Mastering the Basics: A Step-by-Step Tutorial for OrCAD Capture 16.6 OrCAD 16.6 remains one of the most widely used versions of electronic design automation (EDA) software in the industry. While newer versions exist, 16.6 is often considered a "sweet spot" for stability and performance in corporate environments. For new users, the interface can appear daunting. Unlike modern consumer software, OrCAD is a dense engineering tool packed with decades of legacy features. This tutorial will guide you through the essential workflow: setting up a project, creating a schematic, and preparing for the PCB layout.
Phase 1: Project Setup Before you draw a single wire, you must understand how OrCAD manages files. Unlike many programs, OrCAD organizes work into a specific directory structure.
Launch OrCAD Capture CIS. (Note: Ensure you select Capture CIS if available, as it includes the component information system, which is superior to standard Capture). Go to File > New > Project . In the "New Project" dialog box: orcad 16.6 tutorial
Name: Give your project a name (e.g., Tutorial_Project ). Location: Create a specific folder for this project. Crucial Tip: Never save OrCAD projects to the desktop or a root drive; always use a dedicated project folder to manage the various database files. Create New Project Using: Select PC Board Wizard . This pre-configures the project for PCB layout, linking it to a netlist directory.
Click OK . The "PC Board Wizard" will pop up asking for inputs. For this tutorial, leave the defaults (no mixed-signal simulation) and click Finish .
You will now see the Project Manager window on the left side of the screen. This is your command center, showing the hierarchical structure of your design. Reviewing OrCAD 16
Phase 2: Placing Components (Parts) You will see a schematic page titled "PAGE1" under the Design Resources folder. Double-click it to open the canvas. To place parts, you use the Place Part menu.
Open the Place Part window by pressing P on your keyboard or going to Place > Part in the menu bar. Libraries: The Place Part window shows available libraries. OrCAD 16.6 typically defaults to loading standard libraries. If you don't see parts, you may need to add a library.
To add a library: Click the Add Library button (folder icon). Navigate to C:\Cadence\SPB_16.6\tools\capture\library . For basic components, add Discrete.olb (resistors/capacitors) and Connector.olb . While newer versions exist, 16
Searching: Select Discrete.olb in the libraries list. In the filter box, type R or resistor . Placing: Double-click the part symbol. The window will close, and the part will attach to your mouse cursor. Rotation: While the part is on your cursor, press R to rotate it 90 degrees. Positioning: Left-click to place the resistor on the schematic. Click again to place a second one. Ending: Right-click and select End Mode (or press Esc ) to stop placing parts.
Repeat this process to place a Capacitor (Part Name: C) and a generic Connector pin.
