Installing Cadence
Installation
System Requirements
- PC: Windows 10 (64-bit) Professional, Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, or greater (Hardware and Software Requirements). Note that Cadence does not support Windows 10 Starter nor Home Basic.
- Mac: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11 or greater running on Boot Camp or Parallels
Before Installing
Adding Text to a Layout in Cadence PCB Editor
Introduction
Text is important on PCB layouts to identify the designers, project, version, components, etc. Typically, text can be placed on a silkscreen layer that sits on top of the copper. However, our manufacturing process in PRLTA 109 only supports text that is milled on the TOP COPPER or BOTTOM COPPER layers.
ASU PCB Fabrication Process
How are PCBs fabricated at ASU?
The following video shows our PCB manufacturing process.
Cadence Walkthrough: PSoC 4 BLE Module
Introduction
This Cadence walkthrough goes through the process of creating a PSoC® 4 BLE module schematic symbol and PCB footprint.
Changing a Hole Diameter in Cadence PCB Editor
Why would you need to change the hole diameter?
The default diameter of holes in Cadence is 0.3 mm. This is too small for most components to fit through, as well as too small for proper through-plating of vias. According to the Peralta PCB Mill specifications, hole diameters should be at least 0.5 mm (19.7 mil). Therefore, the following settings are recommended:
Changing the Default Via Padstack in Cadence PCB Editor
Introduction
A via is an electrical interconnection that connects one layer of a PCB to another layer of a PCB. Vias are typically used when two wires need to cross on the same side of a PCB design, but cannot without continuing the trace on a different layer. It is best to minimize the use of vias for boards being manufactured in Peralta to maximize reliability, but sometimes they are necessary in order to complete a design. If you do need a via, the default via padstack in Cadence is too small for the LPKF ProtoMat S63 PCB Mill that we use to manufacture PCBs in PRLTA 109. There are two ways to address this issue:
Changing the Library Search Path in Cadence PCB Editor
Why would I need to change the library search path?
When creating a custom PCB footprint for a component, it is stored somewhere on your computer. In order for PCB Editor to find where a custom footprint is stored, the library search path must be changed so that PCB Editor knows where to look.
Configuring Cadence (Apporto)
Before using Cadence, configure it for optimal performance by following the instructions below.
