11 - Translating Designs from OrCAD SDT

Abstract

This chapter elucidates how to translate designs from OrCAD SDT. In general, SDT files required for the translation include: schematic files with a .sch extension, library files with a .lib extension, and the SDT configuration file with Sdt.cfg. The name of an OrCAD SDT design is the name of the design directory. OrCAD SDT also needs that the root schematics have the same name as the design directory. The most crucial issue in translation from OrCAD SDT relates to part libraries. Unlike Capture, OrCAD SDT schematic files do not contain an internal parts cache. Part information is always loaded from one or more external part library files when a schematic file is opened. If a required library file is no longer available, the affected parts are deleted from the schematic. The PLIB line lists the path to the directory for OrCAD SDT libraries. If Capture cannot find this directory, it will attempt to substitute its own libraries. Each LIB line lists a library used in the OrCAD SDT design in the order that they are searched. The first library is. \\Tutor8.1ib. This is the archive library that contains all parts used in the design. The “.\\” path indicates that this archive library is stored in the design directory. The archive library usually has the same name as the design. Examination of the library list in the Sdt.cfg file reveals possible difficulties that may occur during translation. If an archive library is listed in the Sdt.cfg file and this library is included in the design directory, there should not be any difficulties.