Cadence allegroPCB Design

Cadence allegro SPB 17.4-2019 EDA design software has been released, which is an update of the minor version number of Series 17. It doesn’t bring amazing changes like from 16.6 to 17.2, but there are still some interesting new features. Maybe you can’t wait to install and try Cadence SPB 17.4-2019 before old wu sends this blog post. However, according to the old wu’s past experience, the new version of the software will have a lot of minor problems until the patch of the tenth number. Friends who don’t like tossing can wait for the patch to come out before installing it. Moreover, if your Cadence 17.2 has been patched all the time, most of its functions have already been experienced.
The first impression of Cadence SPB 17.4-2019 on the old wu is that the interface is more modern. From the initial installation interface, to the Capture schematic design interface and PSpic main interface, all the icons are painted with wireframes, following the design concept of Material Design.
Dark theme has many advantages. It can reduce eye fatigue and make it easier to read in low light. Moreover, for OLED screens, dark themes can greatly reduce power consumption.
However, habits are often difficult to change. Just like some friends around old wu, they still insist on using XP system and old EDA software. They think that the interface of XP is the most classic, and they can’t accept the interface design of Win 10. I believe this new design of Cadence SPB 17.4 will also bring some controversy, but the technology is improving. In the future, new computers can’t even light up Win7, so they have to get used to Win10, and the design software naturally has to make appropriate adjustments according to the technological trend.
The interface of PCB Editor is not as radical as Capture, and the choice of License Feature Options of “Product Choices” at the first startup is more friendly and clear. This old wu gave a favorable comment.
The main interface icon of PCB has also been completely redesigned, adopting a modern and concise wireframe style, and supporting high-resolution screens is more friendly. After all, now high-resolution widescreen displays are gradually becoming the standard of productivity tools.
This time, the PCB Editor has also adjusted the default three tabs “Options”, “Find” and “Visibility” on the right side. When “Find” is activated, you can drag the window width on the right side tab with the mouse. There is a minimum width limit, which can’t be minimized. However, old wu found that if the Find tab is minimized, the width of the remaining two tabs can be adjusted arbitrarily.
Another great experience of Cadence SPB 17.4 is the improvement of 3D function. Now Cadence focuses on real-time high-speed PCB design, and the continuously improved 3D Canvas function helps to verify whether components are placed at reasonable spacing and clearance. Performing collision detection is helpful to find and correct any problems in 3D CAD system. Any movement or placement done in 2D will be reflected in 3D, and vice versa. Reduce the interference between electronic parts and mechanism parts, and ensure a successful design!
Since the release of Cadence SPB 17.2, Cadence has released many patches one after another, which not only fix bugs, but also add some useful functions, and now it has become the standard of Cadence SPB 17.4:
Real-Time Impedance Analysis
The impedance discontinuity can be easily, quickly and intuitively identified without the knowledge of simulation model or signal integrity.
Real-Time Route Analysis
Real-time interactive function can easily find and correct routing problems that are easily overlooked during manufacturing DRC review and inspection.
Real-Time Placement Analysis of components
The length constraint indicator can help us identify whether the transmission delay and total etching length rules are met in real time when placing components.
Reasonable use of Allegro’s real-time PCB design function can greatly reduce the rework times of PCB design, improve the manufacturability of design, easily design high-speed circuits, accelerate the time from prototype development to mass production, and create the next generation of higher-performance electronic products!