How to Import Circuit Designs from Cadence to Altium Designer

In the field of electronics design, engineers often find themselves working with different Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools for various stages of the design process. Cadence and Altium Designer are two widely used EDA software platforms, each with its own strengths and capabilities. However, there may arise situations where you need to transfer your circuit designs from one platform to another, such as when collaborating with teams using different tools or when migrating to a new design environment.

Importing circuit designs from Cadence to Altium Designer is a common requirement, and fortunately, there are several methods available to accomplish this task. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the different approaches, their advantages and limitations, and provide step-by-step guidance to ensure a smooth transition of your circuit designs.

Methods for Importing Circuit Designs from Cadence to Altium Designer

There are three primary methods for importing circuit designs from Cadence to Altium Designer:

1. Using the Intelligent ECAD Import Wizard
2. Exporting from Cadence and importing into Altium Designer
3. Utilizing third-party translation tools

1. Using the Intelligent ECAD Import Wizard

Altium Designer’s Intelligent ECAD Import Wizard is a built-in feature that simplifies the process of importing circuit designs from various EDA tools, including Cadence. This wizard provides a user-friendly interface and automates many of the steps involved in the import process.

Advantages

• Streamlined and intuitive process
• Automated translation of design data
• Supports a wide range of file formats
• Minimizes manual intervention

Limitations

• May not support all design features or customizations
• Accuracy and completeness of the import may vary depending on the complexity of the design

Step-by-Step Guide

1. In Altium Designer, go to File > Import > Import from Other ECAD....
2. In the Intelligent ECAD Import Wizard, select “Cadence” as the source ECAD system.
3. Browse and select the Cadence design files you wish to import (e.g., .brd, .dsn, .lib).
4. Configure the import options according to your requirements (e.g., layers, design rules, component mapping).
5. Review the import preview and make any necessary adjustments.
6. Click “Import” to initiate the import process.
7. Once the import is complete, review the imported design and make any necessary modifications or corrections.

2. Exporting from Cadence and Importing into Altium Designer

This method involves exporting your circuit design from Cadence in a supported file format and then importing that file into Altium Designer. While this approach may require more manual steps, it can provide greater control over the import process.

Advantages

• Flexibility in choosing the export file format
• Allows for manual adjustments or conversions before importing
• Potential for better preservation of design data and customizations

Limitations

• Requires additional steps and manual intervention
• Accuracy and completeness of the import may depend on the file format and export settings

Step-by-Step Guide

1. In Cadence, export your circuit design to a supported file format (e.g., IPC-D-356, ODB++, or Gerber files).
2. In Altium Designer, go to File > Import > Import PCB from Other System....
3. Select the appropriate import option based on the file format you exported from Cadence.
4. Browse and select the exported file(s).
5. Configure the import options according to your requirements (e.g., layers, design rules, component mapping).
6. Review the import preview and make any necessary adjustments.
7. Click “Import” to initiate the import process.
8. Once the import is complete, review the imported design and make any necessary modifications or corrections.

3. Utilizing Third-Party Translation Tools

Various third-party software tools are available that specialize in translating circuit designs between different EDA systems, including Cadence and Altium Designer. These tools can offer more advanced translation capabilities and customization options, but may come with additional costs or licensing requirements.

Advantages

• Specialized tools designed for inter-EDA translations
• Advanced translation capabilities and customization options
• Potential for better preservation of design data and customizations

Limitations

• Additional software and licensing costs
• Learning curve and complexity associated with third-party tools
• Accuracy and completeness may still vary depending on the tool and design complexity

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Obtain and install the third-party translation tool of your choice.
2. Follow the tool’s specific instructions for exporting your circuit design from Cadence in a supported file format.
3. In the translation tool, configure the import and export settings according to your requirements.
4. Initiate the translation process, which will generate a file compatible with Altium Designer.
5. In Altium Designer, go to File > Import > Import PCB from Other System....
6. Select the appropriate import option based on the file format generated by the translation tool.
7. Browse and select the translated file(s).
8. Configure any additional import options as needed.
9. Review the import preview and make any necessary adjustments.
10. Click “Import” to initiate the import process.
11. Once the import is complete, review the imported design and make any necessary modifications or corrections.

Factors to Consider

When importing circuit designs from Cadence to Altium Designer, there are several factors to consider:

1. Design Complexity: The complexity of your circuit design, including the number of components, layers, and customizations, can impact the accuracy and completeness of the import process.
2. File Format: The file format used for export and import can influence the preservation of design data. Some formats may be better suited for certain types of designs or may have limitations in representing specific features.
3. Design Rules and Constraints: Design rules and constraints, such as electrical rules, routing constraints, and component constraints, may need to be manually recreated or adjusted in Altium Designer after the import.
4. Component Libraries: If your design uses custom or proprietary component libraries from Cadence, you may need to recreate or map these components in Altium Designer’s component libraries.
5. Design Verification: After importing your circuit design, it is crucial to thoroughly verify and validate the imported data to ensure its accuracy and functionality. This may involve performing simulations, design rule checks, and other validation procedures.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Can I import my entire Cadence project into Altium Designer?

A1: Unfortunately, it is not possible to import an entire Cadence project directly into Altium Designer. You will need to import the individual circuit design files (e.g., schematic, PCB layout) separately.

Q2: What file formats does Altium Designer support for importing from Cadence?

A2: Altium Designer supports various file formats for importing circuit designs from Cadence, including IPC-D-356, ODB++, Gerber files, and others. The specific supported formats may vary depending on the version of Altium Designer you are using.

Q3: Can I import my custom component libraries from Cadence into Altium Designer?

A3: Custom component libraries from Cadence may not be directly compatible with Altium Designer. You will need to either recreate or map these components to the corresponding libraries in Altium Designer. This process may require manual intervention and adjustments.

Q4: How can I ensure the accuracy of the imported design in Altium Designer?

A4: After importing your circuit design from Cadence, it is essential to thoroughly verify and validate the imported data. This may involve performing design rule checks, simulations, and other validation procedures. Additionally, you should visually inspect the imported design for any discrepancies or missing elements.

Q5: Can I import my design constraints and rules from Cadence to Altium Designer?

A5: Design constraints and rules, such as electrical rules and routing constraints, may not be directly transferable between Cadence and Altium Designer. You may need to manually recreate or adjust these constraints and rules in Altium Designer after the import process.

Conclusion

Importing circuit designs from Cadence to Altium Designer is a common task in the electronics design industry, and there are several methods available to accomplish this. Whether you choose to use the built-in Intelligent ECAD Import Wizard, export and import files manually, or utilize third-party translation tools, each approach has its own advantages and limitations.

Ultimately, the method you choose will depend on factors such as design complexity, file format requirements, and the level of accuracy and preservation needed for your specific design. Regardless of the method, it is crucial to thoroughly verify and validate the imported design in Altium Designer to ensure its accuracy and functionality.