[SI-LIST] Re: AW: Difference between Protel, Mentor Graphics and Cadence
- From: "Salkow, Steven" <steven.salkow@xxxxxxxx>
- To: Sol.Tatlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, ttecksoo@xxxxxxxxxx, si-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2004 13:27:18 -0700
Gary:
By now, you have read a lot of excellent information from the responders
about many of the tools although, as yet, no one has mentioned the world
leader which is Zuken - (an EDA vendor specializes in software for
design of printed circuit boards, multi-chip modules and IC packaging
http://www.zuken.com/). What we did not hear was what you need to
accomplish in the way of a design. How complex, dense, high-frequency
are your designs? The subject of Signal Integrity and Constraints
management was also not mentioned. There are significant differences how
each of the companies approach this as well as library development.
Cadence Signal Integrity and Constraints management are embedded in
their high end product.
The learning curves are different for different vendors. I think Zuken
has the most intuitive and easier to learn system than any of the other
MAJOR PLAYERS - (read Cadence or Mentor). Since making and managing
symbols is also a significant part of the effort of PCB design, the ease
at which the tools accomplish this is important.
Flexible Design Rule Checks, exportable file formats and reports are
also something you may want to consider.
Sounds like a lot of work - well you are right. Don't forget, when
choosing your ECAD Tool vendors that only the ones making good money at
it are likely to spend significant software hours improving the tools
each year. ECAD companies come and go. Choose one that will be here 5
years from now if you want to protect your training and libraries.
Steve Salkow
Lockheed Martin
3200 Zanker Road
San Jose, CA 95134
(408) 473-4058 (san Jose)
(408) 742-4162 (Sunnyvale)
steven.salkow@xxxxxxxx
salkow@xxxxxxxxxxxx
(925) 462-1075 Home
(925-) 487-5946 Cell
(408) 468-7271 Numeric Pager
-----Original Message-----
From: si-list-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:si-list-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Sol Tatlow
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2004 10:21 AM
To: ttecksoo@xxxxxxxxxx; si-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [SI-LIST] AW: Difference between Protel, Mentor Graphics and
Cadence
Hi Gary,
you don't specify whether you mean Expedition/Board Station/PADS (Mentor
Graphics) or Allegro/OrCad Layout (Cadence), so I'll give you an idea on
all 6 packages (makes for a long read - sorry!):
Protel: DXP is actually a very flexible tool, which has interfaces to a
variety of schematic tools from other vendors (which cannot really be
said for any of the other tools). It has some relatively basic sim.
funtions built in, plus schematic entry, a good Gerber tool (Camtastic!
which can generate layout databases from pure Gerbers!), and the layout
module is certainly good enough for MANY types of boards - DEFINITELY
not just a toy! - with lots of features in one tool.=20
Expedition: Long learning curve, powerful built-in auto-router (but
don't let the Mentor salesman convince you this REALLY works for all
boards ;-)!) and other automated features, design flow where chip design
is involved (out of my area) and an interface to Hyperlynx(?).
Board Station: MEGA long learning curve, definitely NOT recommendable-
bit of an old relic, really, that I expect will get killed off sooner or
later, in preference to Expedition. However, still finds support in
larger companies that have used and will continue to use it for ages.
Pads: haven't used this for some time (5 years), but was (and probably
still is) a good general purpose layout tool - using good layouting
techniques, I produced MANY good, complicated designs even with the old
DOS version.
Allegro: Long learning curve, based on age old software that brought
many unfriendly features (or lack of) with it (proper 'undo' and copper
floods are NEW features!!). Direct interface with Specctra- Quest for
simulation, however, and is a powerful tool aimed at larger companies
interested in complete design flows.
OrCad Layout: no personal experience, but have witnessed my colleague
using it - bottom of this list ... even if you are using Capture as a
schematic entry system ... but then it's cheap, right?
All in all, what are your needs? I choose between DXP, Expedition or
Allegro depending upon customer requests, extent of simulation,
schematic front-end, library base, etc. (Board Station or OrCad
Layout=20 are ONLY used on customer request, PADS we do not currently
use):
1. Layout buro: DXP (and PADS probably falls into this same category) is
fast, efficient and effective, sufficient for the vast majority of
designs, and I think the ideal choice for a (small) layout buro where
costs and learning curves play a big part, and flexibility (format of
schematic input of your customers) is vital, or perhaps for designers/
developers who will do PCB layout part-time;
2. Large companies: Expedition and Allegro both come into question for
larger companies (or buros dealing with larger companies, where higher
license costs can be recouped through higher layout prices), where a
complete design flow is vital, simulation is indispensable, and speed/
efficiency is not overly regarded as a primary requisite ;-). Choice
between one or the other big package probably largely depends mostly
upon simulation tools/design flow if these are already present.
Otherwise try them both & pick your favourite (there are hundreds of
+/- for both tools - common points are: high costs, powerful layout
tools for any layout you want to do, and long learning curves).
My last word on the subject: I think the experience of the PCB designer
(layouter) with layouting and all of the surrounding fields (like PCB
manufacture, assembly technology, etc.) plays a WAY bigger role in the
end result than whether you use one or the other of these 2 expensive
tools. ____________________________________
Sol Tatlow, M.Eng. (Oxon)
ProDesign Electronic & CAD Layout GmbH
Product Developer
Albert-Mayer-Str. 16
D-83052 Bruckmuehl
Phone: +49 (0) 8062-808-302
Fax: +49 (0) 8062-808-333
Mailto:sol.tatlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.prodesign-europe.com ____________________________________=20
-----Urspr=FCngliche Nachricht-----
Von: si-list-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:si-list-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
= Im Auftrag von Gary Tay
Gesendet: Freitag, 15. Oktober 2004 03:00
An: si-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Betreff: [SI-LIST] Difference between Protel, Mentor Graphics and =
Cadence
Hi Guru,
I'm currently evaluating PCB tools package between Protel, Mentor =
Graphics and Cadence.
Could anybody let me know the difference between Protel, Mentor Graphics
= and Cadence since there is a price difference among them. =20 Thanks
and Regards Gary Tay
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