general

[OlekSz]

Hi,
I would like to know what is most popular PCB design and schematic capture software used by Layout Design companies in Canada (or in USA).
Is it CadStar, Orcad , Mentor Graphics Pads or maybe none of them?
How popular is CadStar in North America?

Also, I’m looking for some translation software enabling data exchange between
CadStar, Mentor Graphics Pads and OrCad.
I would like to export schematics and pcb designs from CadStar to either Orcad or Pads and to import schematics and pcb designs either from OrCad or Pads to Cadstar.
I wonder how complex is a mapping and how good or bad are translation results.

Thanks,

Olek

[Frank_Tesinsky]

I have used Mentor BoardStation, PADS, and Zuken CR-5000 tools. Here in the states my guess would be that Mentor Boardstation/Expedition would be the most used followed closely by PADS and ORCAD, and then ZUKEN. If you were in Japan, then ZUKEN would be the number tool.
Each software package has it advantages and disadvantages. If you are planning on changing tools then you should evaulate each tool and its abilities to fit your needs and not on what is the most popular. If you outsource your board work, then it might be wise to query to vendors to see what they use. The company I am currently at uses PADS and it is a good tool.
As for translation packages, my suggestion would be to look into a company call RSI(Router Solutions, Inc.), www.rsi-inc.com.
Do not expect your designs to translate 100%, I personally have not found a translator that really works.
Good Luck in your search.

[padmaster]

Cadence PCB Design Studio (http://www.cadencepcb.com/products/studiosuite/) is a good set of affordable tools. You get Allegro, your choice of Orcad or Concept schematic capture and it comes with a 6 layer Specctra autorouter.