Chris: FYI: Cadence has changed their pricing structure; both their UNIX and NT versions now cost the same (around 25K). We just recently bought one of each. They claim equal functionality for both (version 12.0); so far, so good. At 11:28 AM 9/10/97 -0400, Taylor, Chris H. wrote: >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 >> >>----------------------------------- >> >> >> > > Alexis Meehan PCB Design & Engineering Services Delphi Bureau, Inc. mailto:[log in to unmask] San Jose Jet Center tel: 408-938-9200 1250 Aviation Ave. Suite 105 tel: 408-938-9201 San Jose, CA 95110 http:/www.delphibureau.com/ ############################################################## IPC Designers Council Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE DESIGNERCOUNCIL <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF DESIGNERCOUNCIL ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. For the technical support contact Dmitriy Sklyar at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.311 ##############################################################