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Designers’ Dilemmas:
Making the Software Switch
The Dilemma:
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but what about new software? It’s not the easiest thing to pick up and learn a new program after years of experience with another. You’ve developed an expertise with the old software—you’ve learned the tips, tricks, and shortcuts and are confident in your skills. Now you, a veteran designer, are being asked to master a new software.
One former Apple designer is looking to make his own smooth transition. With more than ten years of experience with Allegro under his belt, he has recently decided to learn Cadence® OrCAD®. “Becoming an independent after so many years,” he reasons, “I need software that is inexpensive, easy-to-learn, and still in demand.”
As most designers would expect, taking up Cadence® OrCAD® after having been comfortable with Allegro for a long time is not an easy transition. “Cadence® OrCAD® has so many more tools,” our designer relates, “that it can get a bit confusing.” A key difference between Cadence® OrCAD® and Allegro, he has observed, is that Cadence® OrCAD®’s multi-functional tools each allow a variety of commands, as opposed to Allegro’s more selective tools.
Whether the switch is from Allegro to Cadence® OrCAD®, or from PADs to Allegro, all designers can sympathize with the frustrating back-to-beginner feeling. “But in PADs, we did it like this…” Guess what? This isn’t PADs.
There are several methods for learning software. There’s the “sink or swim” tactic, where the boss sits you down in front of the computer and expects a new board by the end of the week. There’s also the “go to the source” tactic. Take a week off and attend a class with a dozen other designers. Or, you could use the “personal trainer” tactic, such as one CA Design can provide. A tutor can sit with you and teach you at your facility while helping you on your projects.
How CA Design Can Help:
CA Design not only offers design services, it also offers personalized tutorials for Cadence® OrCAD® Layout, Cadence® OrCAD® Capture, Cadence® Allegro® PCB Editor, and PADs Layout. A group of designers may opt to learn together in a classroom setting, or a designer may choose a one-on-one tutorial with a highly trained member of our staff. Our mission is to get rid of the frustration of learning on your own so that you can focus on your project. We don’t use the “canned demo” approach. We use your data, at your facility, to teach you how to use your software to design your boards.
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