P-CAD to PADS

[smfaucher]

Our PCB used to be routed outside with P-CAD hence we do not have the software.

We now route our own PCB using PADS.

Is there a way to get those old files in PADS?

What software could do that?

Sébastien

[Tom]

I'm not totally sure but I believe that Router Solutions has a P-CAD to PADS translator in their CAMCAD software program. Here's the contact information.

Router Solutions
David Arnold - Tech Support
100 Bayview Circle
Newport Beach, CA 92660-2983
800.766.1230

[PRoehl]

Just a warning, if this is still an issue. I've used that software before and found it to be a very rough translation. Alot of problems. Just a heads up.

Paul

[Cadcrusher]

I have used RSI translators. They do a reasonable job. But like all translators you are lucky if you get 100% translation. More like 90%-95%..

[PRoehl]

I think all of their translators have a different success rate.

I just worry that if 90% of the data comes accross, what did I lose in that 10%???? It's all mental man.

Paul

[Tom]

The reason why translators are so difficult to get 100% results is because everyone uses different layers for different reasons. Also, many designers use workarounds for CAD system limitations and they expect the translator to know that.

Being in the CAD business for 22 years, I've seen almost everything and I would hate to be a programmer trying to create a translator for all the weird stuff that engineers and designers do to a CAD database to make look and work the way that they think is best.

Positive planes, negative planes, copper pour, text fonts, part libraries, layer usage and CAD vendors continuously changing their software are the biggest hardships in performing translations. I have never heard of a translator that will work 100% of the time. It's impossible.

[PRoehl]

I agree! But, as soon as Mentor buys Cadence and Altium, we'll be one happy family and the need for translation will go away.

*rolls eyes*

Paul

[C. Alscher]

It seems that the who buys who has changed last week. May be some time ago it would have been Mentence. Today it looks like Cadentor ;-)