Take Your PCB Designs to the Next Level: Master OrCAD Online

Course Title: Mastering PCB Design with OrCAD Software

Module 1: Introduction to OrCAD and PCB Design Fundamentals

• Overview of OrCAD PCB design software suite
• Understanding the PCB design process and its importance in electronics
• Introduction to schematic capture, layout design, simulation, fabrication, and assembly phases
• Exploring different types of PCBs and their applications
• Getting started with OrCAD: installation, setup, and interface overview

Module 2: Schematic Capture with OrCAD Capture

• Introduction to schematic capture in OrCAD Capture
• Creating and editing schematic symbols and components
• Building hierarchical designs and managing design sheets
• Establishing connections between components using nets and buses
• Annotating schematics and generating netlists for PCB layout
• Practical exercises and projects to reinforce schematic capture skills

Module 3: PCB Layout Design with OrCAD PCB Editor

• Overview of the PCB layout design process
• Setting up the PCB layout environment in OrCAD PCB Editor
• Placing components on the board and arranging them for optimal routing
• Routing traces and managing signal integrity
• Implementing power and ground planes for improved performance
• Using advanced features such as differential pair routing and via stitching

Module 4: Signal Integrity Analysis with OrCAD SI

• Introduction to signal integrity (SI) analysis in PCB design
• Performing pre-layout SI analysis to identify potential signal integrity issues
• Post-layout SI analysis and simulation techniques
• Analyzing transmission line characteristics and addressing impedance mismatches
• Mitigating signal integrity problems such as reflections and crosstalk
• Hands-on exercises using OrCAD SI for SI analysis and simulation

Module 5: Thermal Management with OrCAD PCB Editor

• Understanding thermal management in PCB design
• Thermal analysis techniques to predict and mitigate temperature-related issues
• Placement and routing strategies for thermal optimization
• Incorporating thermal vias and heat sinks in the design
• Practical exercises using OrCAD PCB Editor for thermal analysis and management

Module 6: Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)

• Overview of DFM and DFA principles in PCB design
• Identifying and addressing DFM and DFA issues using OrCAD PCB Editor
• Designing for manufacturability and assembly efficiency
• Design rule checks (DRC) and design for test (DFT) considerations
• Utilizing OrCAD tools for DFM and DFA analysis

Module 7: Collaboration and Documentation

• Collaborative PCB design workflows with team members and stakeholders using OrCAD
• Generating fabrication and assembly documentation: Gerber files, assembly drawings, bill of materials (BOM)
• Exporting design data for manufacturing and assembly processes
• Version control and revision management in OrCAD environment
• Practical exercises on collaboration and documentation using OrCAD software

Module 8: Simulation and Verification with OrCAD PSpice

• Introduction to simulation and verification in PCB design using OrCAD PSpice
• Performing electrical simulations for signal integrity, power integrity, and EMI/EMC analysis
• Verifying design correctness and functionality through simulation
• Hands-on exercises using OrCAD PSpice for PCB design verification

Module 9: Advanced PCB Design Techniques

• Advanced routing techniques in OrCAD PCB Editor: differential pairs, high-speed signals, controlled impedance routing
• Implementing multi-layer PCB stackups for complex designs
• Designing for high-frequency applications and RF considerations
• Exploring advanced features and capabilities of OrCAD software for complex PCB designs
• Case studies and practical projects to reinforce advanced design techniques