How to Convert an OrCAD Layout to Allegro

By Society & Culture & Entertainment Last updated Sunday, May/12/2024

1). Open the "Layout Catalog" tool and create a new catalog of your library. This will generate a .max file that Allegro can recognize. Note that your Layout libraries contain both documentation layers and all four primary layers: TOP, BOTTOM, PLANE and INNER.
2). Open the Allegro PCB Editor, go to "File" and select "Import." Choose "OrCAD Layout" from the drop-down box. Select the .max file and hit "OK" to convert the file to a .brd file used by Allegro. The new file contains all four primary layers and documentation layers.
3). Go to "Setup" and select "Cross-section." Delete the "PLANE" and "IS2" layers.
4). Go to "Tools," select "Padstack" and click "Modify Design Padstack" to update the Allegro PCB Editor padstacks.
5). Open Cadence's "DB Doctor" tool and run it on your design.
6). Go to "File," select "Export" and click on "Libraries." Export all the symbols from the .brd file. You are now able to use the layers and symbols from your OrCAD Layout project in the Allegro PCB Editor.

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