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        Protel OrCAD Interface 99 Readme file             3-Nov-99

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CONTENTS

1. About the OrCAD Interface 
2. Installing and using the OrCAD Interface 
3. Notes
4. Copyright Notice

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1. About the OrCAD Interface 

The OrCAD Interface allows you to import OrCAD Capture designs into 
Protel 99's Schematic Editor, and OrCAD Layout designs into Protel 
99's PCB Editor. 
The Capture importer supports V7.x and V9.x schematic (*.DSN) and 
library (*.OLB) binary files.
The Layout importer supports V9.x PCB (*.MAX) and library (*.LLB) 
binary files.

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2. Installing and using the OrCAD Interface 

- Ensure that Protel 99 is closed prior to installing the OrCAD 
  Interface.
- Double-click on the downloaded orcadinterface99.exe file to start 
  the installation process. 
- Follow the instructions in the installation Wizard. Select the 
  Custom option during installation if you only want to install one
  of the importers.
- After completing the installation re-start Protel 99.

To import a Capture schematic file:
- Select File » Open from the menus and set the Files of Type to
  OrCAD Capture files (*.DSN).
- Locate and select the Capture file and click the Open button. 
- The schematic sheets will appear in the Design Explorer as they 
  are imported.
Follow the same process to import a Capture library file. 

To import a Layout PCB file:
- Open an empty PCB document.
- Select File » Import from the PCB Editor menus.
- The Import File dialog will appear, select the 
  OrCAD PCB Layout files (*.MAX) option in the Files of Type field, 
  locate and select the file, and click the Open button.
- The OrCAD Translation settings dialog will appear. Set the options 
  as required and click the OK button to create the file. Click the
  Help button for more details on the translation options.
To import a Layout library file create an empty Protel PCB Library 
and follow the same process. 

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3. Notes

Capture Importer
- If there are problems with the OrCAD cache the design can not be 
  imported - if you encounter problems trying cleaning the cache 
  in Capture first. If the design still fails to import create a 
  library from the cache in Capture, then import this library first. 
  A report will be created detailing any components with problems. 
  Correct or remove these components before importing the design.

Layout Importer
- Pre-routed fanouts that are part of the component footprint are not
  translated.
- Occasionally the silkscreen for a bottom layer component may be 
  translated offset from its correct position.
- OrCAD vias that are connected to polygons should be translated as 
  free pads but currently they are not.
  
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4. Copyright Notice

Software, documentation and related materials:
Copyright (c) 1992-1999 Protel International Limited
All rights reserved.