In OrCAD Capture 16.6, "making a report" usually refers to generating a Bill of Materials (BOM), which is a list of components used in your schematic. However, you might also need a "Cross Reference" report to find where parts are located.

Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to generate the most common reports.

Step 4.1: Board Setup

  • File > New. Give it a name: MyFirstBoard.brd.
  • Setup > Design Parameters: Set the Units to Millimeters (or Mils if you prefer imperial). Set Accuracy to 4.
  • Setup > Cross-section: Define your stackup. For a 2-layer board: Top (Signal/Cu), Dielectric, Bottom (Signal/Cu).
  • Setup > Areas > Board Outline: Click the grid to draw a rectangle. Then Shape > Compose Shape to make it a solid outline.

Part 5: Running DRC and Finishing Up

Before you call your board finished, you must run a physical DRC.

  • Manufacture > Design Rules Check (DRC).
  • Click the DRC Action button. Review the report.
  • Common errors: Silkscreen overlapping pads (increase clearance) or routing too close to the board edge (change yourRoute Keepin).

Marking Completion:

  • Ensure every net trace has no "Unrouted" connections (View > Status).
  • Add a Board Outline dimension: Manufacture > Dimension > Linear.

2. Tutorial 1: Schematic Capture (OrCAD Capture)

Step 2 – Place parts

  • Press P or click Place Part
  • Libraries: DISCRETE.OLB, 7400.OLB, ANALOG.OLB
  • Place resistor, capacitor, op-amp, etc.

3.5 Routing

  • Route → Connect (F2 key) → Click pad → route traces.
  • Use add vias (right-click during route) to change layers.
  • Follow routing guidelines (avoid 90° bends, keep differential pairs together).

Step 3 – Run simulation

  • Place voltage/current markers (PSpice → Markers)
  • Click Run (blue play button)
  • View waveforms in Probe

5.3 Importing Netlist and Footprints

  1. File > Import > Logic.
  2. Import method: “Design entry CIS” (or Allegro).
  3. Browse to the netlist directory. Click Import Cadence.
  4. Common error: Missing footprint. Ensure each schematic part has a PCB Footprint property (e.g., 0805 for resistors, LED_5MM).