TABLE OF CONTENTS Before digging into the details of PCB Editor, we take a moment to discuss computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools in general. Computer-aided engineering tools cover all aspects of engineering design from drawings to analysis to manufacturing. Computer-aided design (CAD) is a category of CAE related to the physical layout and drawing development of a system design. CAD programs specific to the electronics industry are known as electronic CAD (ECAD) or electronic design automation (EDA). EDA tools reduce development time and cost because they allow designs to be simulated and analyzed prior to purchasing and manufacturing hardware. Once a design has been proven through drawings, simulations, and analysis, the system can be manufactured. Applications used in manufacturing are known as computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) tools. CAM tools use software programs and design data (generated by the CAE tools) to control automated manufacturing machinery to turn a design concept into reality.
So how does OrCAD/Cadence fit into all of this? Cadence owns and manages many types of CAD/CAM products related to the electronics industry, including the OrCAD design suite. The OrCAD design suite can be purchased through resellers such as EMA Design Automation, Inc., which packages different combinations of CAD/CAM applications, including Capture, PSpice, and PCB Editor, to suit customers' needs. Although these applications can operate individually, bundling the individual tools into one suite allows for intertool communication.
Capture is the centerpiece of the package and acts as the prime EDA tool. Capture contains extensive parts libraries...
