[SI-LIST] Re: Difference between Protel, Mentor Graphics and Cadence
- From: Indrek Rebane <indrek@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: cadpro2k@xxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sat, 16 Oct 2004 13:34:04 +0300
Hi Mitch,
I'm mainly a Protel user nowadays, so I'm also a bit biased.
Mitch S. Morey wrote:
> You start by mentioning a comparison between Protel, Mentor and
> Cadence. Protel is a single package tool, right?
That is correct, schematic entry, PCB, CAM generation, VHDL and SPICE
simulators in one package. Never used SPICE part of Protel myself.
Schematics entry is quite powerful, multi-channel and hierarchical
design is easy. Has nice scripting interface and query system for easy
modification of complex set of objects. Active forum is also a plus.
Library management is rather easy and user interface is intuitive - to
me at least.
Major minuses for me:
- Lack for differential pair routing
- Slow responsiveness, DRC takes time on complex systems
- SI simulation tools bundled are awkward
- No embedded passives, components only on top&bottom
- Support for microvias is kind of half-implemented
- Documentation lacks a clear structure
> These might all work well for you, but when picking Mentor or Cadence
> you have to keep in mind, much more than Protel, what design
> applications you are after. If your designs are highly complex you'll
> need to look at one application of each tool.
What about Zuken CR-5000? I have so far considered 3 companies, apart
from ones that are now bought up by those 3, as high-end PCB EDA tool
providers: Zuken, Mentor Graphics and Cadence.
> Another VERY important issue will be schematic interface. I'm
> guessing Protel interfaces as a 3rd party with Viewlogic or Orcad
> Capture. I don't know if they have their own schematic capture tool.
They have rather excellent schematic capture tool. In my opinion. Also
interfaces with third party tools (via netlist import/export).
If folks at Altium would bother to spend some time on improving Protel
in the areas of user interface design, documentation and speed, this
would become a rather excellent system.
Indrek
--
Indrek Rebane | Borthwick-Pignon
Electronics Engineer | Tartu Science Park
Phone: (+372) 7 302 641 | Riia 185, 51014 Tartu
Fax: (+372) 7 383 041 | Estonia
indrek@xxxxxxxxx | www.bps.co.ee
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