Design templates

[dmaldona]

OK, I thought I would change the conversation to more work oriented.
As I am a new user of Orcad, I am trying to learn how to standardize my users. Is there a way to create a schematic sheet in our library that has everything pre-set besides the title block? I would like to set a design template that has all of the preferences pre-set, the drawing notes, text size, sheet size and revision block in the top right corner of the schematic. We are looking to see if we could create one large title block to include the revision block, so we could fill out the information in the design template pulldown. Is there a way to do this? If not, is there a configuration file we could copy to everyone's pc so that they automatically have the preferences pre-set?
I would be very interested to see how do other companies handle this.

Thanks

[cadpro2k]

Hi Debbie,

I know EXACTLY what you're after. I've created this exact template on Cadence Concept, with "attributes" that you'd be prompted to fill in and what-not. As for Orcad, here we have most of it filled in as a "Block" drawing that users add. Then they add the revision block, notes, last sheet used block, etc. Currently the librarian doesn't have it set up to "blast" everything in, so I don't know if it's possible. All I do know is that one of my last schematics got kicked off the sign-off table because the revision block had the wrong text height! Do you like to plot off D-size still (just kidding)? I was then told, "you don't do schematic revisions, the drafters do..." Whatever.

Good luck on the process. I'd say, start with piece parts to add to the format, then detail out the process to follow. (Make them know the process.)

Mitch

[dmaldona]

Thanks Mitch,

I figured it was possible in Concept, but the Engineers here all want to use Orcad. Right now, we will need to go to each Engineer's desk and hold their hands in setting up their preferences and training them on what blocks to use. They are not in the software everyday and appear to forget these things the next time they use it. I was hoping there was even just a config file we could copy over to each user, but I guess that is what you pay the big bucks for with the more robust tools (I am spoiled).

Thanks for the reply

[MattLawrence]

It not difficult at all,

Firstly you need to create the title block with all the different sections you want, drawing number, revision block, date, etc etc
put the title block in a library, any library. Although its called a title block in OrCAD you can add anything you want, I have added company logo, address, copyright etc.

To create text that you don't want users to be able to edit then use ordinary text. If you want to be able to edit text once the title block is placed on your sheet, i.e. revision details then you need to go to Options/Part Properties and New, give the property a suitable name and hey presto. Once the block is on the sheet you just double click the user property you created and type what you want.
You can also use any of the fields in the design template, i.e drawing number, title etc, these are also placed as User properties.

In the design template, under title block, enter the details, i.e. library name and symbol name in the 'symbol' section.

This will then enter the title block in every new sheet your users create.

The only thing that I have found is that I have had to make two size of title block, one for A4 and one for A3 to A1.

In the attached zip file there is an OrCAD lib, look at the Omitec_TitleBlockA3 and A4 and you may understand a bit more.

I hope this helps