Were price no object, I would choose Cadence Allegro on UNIX, Steve. The
NT version is one to be avoided, as they made sure that it would not
>compete with their pricey UNIX tool. Concerning DXF and IDF and DRW
compatability, I can only vouch for the DXF compatability, as I have had
no experience or demand for the other two formats. Be ready to thump
down extra bucks (in 5K increments) for DXF I/O and other non-core
utilities.
There is probably no single PC design umbrella that handles all of the
translation you mentioned and the 3rd party tools are out there and
cannot be acquired without paying homage to the UNIX god. Cadence does
import Gerber and converts it into traces, and does it quite well. This
feature allows you to import the Gerber files on a job, place your
Cadence library parts using the silkscreen and pads as a template and
then convert the Gerber traces to connected nets. You then can export a
netlist which is void of real signal names (which the Gerber format does
not support). Advanced CAM Technologies, the CAM350 folks and Router
Solutions, Inc. both offer solutions to the conversion delima, but
neither is a "push-button" task. There is some intelligent intervention
required.
References:
The CAM350 Family Hotline is 1-800-535-3226. Technical support is
available Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time. Always
have your product name and serial number available when you call.
You may e-mail your technical questions to [log in to unmask], or fax them
to 1-408-358-4691.
Software updates, utilities, and other information are available 24
hours a day on our WEB site, http://www.ecam.com, and our BBS at
1-408-358-4696 through 4698.
Router Solutions, Inc. Web Site:
http://www.dnaco.net/~ccc/products/router/router.html
Cadence Website & Phone Number:
http://www.cadence.com/main2_3.html
1-800-746-6223
>
> HELP! I am desperately in search of a full design
> package where price is no limit! I need to do
> schematic capture, pcb layout, netlist conversions,
> backwards and forwards compatability, DXF and IDF
> and DRW compatability. I have been using PADS,
> and lately ORcad. Any suggestions as to the most
> reliable and succesful product out there?
>
>Thank you
>
>Steve Rose
>
>-----------------------------------
>
>
>
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