Roland
As a general rule, there is no compatibility between any two ECAD systems although
there exist some translators. Some of these are written by the software manufacturers
to in/out between other systems and their own. There are a few "universal" translators
written by 3rd parties. However, all translation between systems is hazardous.
Component libraries are possibly the most difficult part. Just to give a single
example. Let's imagine that one system A uses component names incorporating values with
16 characters, the value being put at the end. Another system B does likewise, but with
12 characters. A>B translation will possibly truncate the value or miss out other data,
even assuming that B will recognise what the component is (not always the case). B>A
translation may place the value in the wrong place. However, one of the real problems
is that the database format often changes between major versions, so that the
translator must be able to cope with these variations, as well.
My experience (as both vendor and author of one simple translator) is that, except for
extraordinary circumstances, it is easier, better, cheaper and more reliable, if you
have to change between systems, to recapture on the new one from scratch, working from
library, through schematic and artwork, to all the manufacturing data files. The only
exception I would make to this rule is that, with a few systems, it is possible to
import layers from a Gerber file and to recombine them back into an artwork file BUT
you will have none of the supporting data such as net names, component data, etc.
There have been putative attempts to standardise database files between systems but
these are always doomed to failure because the data is so different between systems and
each manufacturer must believe that his system is better than all the others. It would
mean having to reduce the data to the lowest common denominator and such simple but
essential features as DRC would need to fall by the roadside.
Brian
Roland Jaquet wrote:
> Dear Technetters,
>
> I would appreciate to know how compatible is the Pads format with other CAD
> systems.
>
> Thank you in advance
>
> Very Best Regards
> Roland
>
> PCB Consultant - Company viability, Technical viability, Technology choice,
> Yield improvement, Company Strategy, Equipment choice, Company acquisition
> Roland Jaquet - Tel. +41-22-880-0405 - Fax. +41-22-880-0409 - Cell
> +41-79-203-3723
> http://members.xoom.com/rjaquet/index.htm
> _______________________________________________________________________
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Ko Adeline-FSGA2298 <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2000 3:04 AM
> Subject: Re: [TN] Cadence to Mentor
>
> > Just a note.
> >
> > If you want to convert a existing project file in Cadence to Mentor. No
> Way.
> >
> > Adeline Ko
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Kotecki, George [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> > > Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2000 10:34 PM
> > > To: [log in to unmask]
> > > Subject: [TN] Cadence to Mentor
> > >
> > > Does anyone out there know where I can get information regarding
> switching
> > > from Cadence Concept/Allegro on NT to equivalent Mentor products also on
> > > NT?
> > > What I am looking for are issues to be concerned about, ease of legacy
> > > translation, etc. Please e-mail off-line to avoid any vendor bashing or
> > > advertising. Thanks in advance.
> > >
> > > George Kotecki
> >
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