Ditto Karl,

I've been using Cadence both with schematic capture and board layout
for about 6 years, and wouldn't have it any other way (unless the
companies I've worked for could find a better tool, or wanted a cheaper
SCAM!). I've watched what PADS has done, and they're coming on
strong (BUT, Cadence hasn't been complacent!), and if I EVER had to go
with Mentor it would be with Panteon (Intercept Technologies).

Good luck, Khaled  :)

Mitch Morey
Sr PCB Designer
NSI Communications (was ComStream Corp)
San Diego CA

>>> "Karl J. Bates" <[log in to unmask]> 05/07/98 06:03am >>>
My experience with Mentor has mostly been with quick turn (2 weeks or
less)
PCB's.   25 % of these PCB's had analog and digital mixes, the rest were
Digital.  I have done a few RF designs, none on Mentor.  It seems like
every
design that I have done with Mentor, I needed to make compromises in
my design
integrity to get the PCB out on time.  When I was using Cadence I could
quickly
make modifications, slight trace and via moves and areafill cuts without
worrying about losing the trace entirely.   I think this is because Mentor
software is Guide (ratsnest) based.   The Cadence software is more
forgiving
in interactive layout, and designs can be done much quicker (design
reuse
is much easier also).   I spend 85% of my time in layout and that's where
Cadence has it's strength.   Mentor claims to have all these great
add-ons
that will make your life just wonderful.  My experience is that you need
5 programmers for every layout guy to customize the software (Mentor)
just
to make it work.   I buy a software package so I won't have to program
and
customize it.


Just my 3 cents worth..


Karl

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