Steps to switch Cadence Allegro version from PSD 15.2 to SPB 16.5 or vice-versa.

Steps to switch Cadence Allegro version from PSD 15.2 to SPB 16.5 or vice-versa.

1. Right click the Computer under startup menu to view properties to set the "Environment Variables".

 

2. Set the "Environment Variables".

For PSD 15.2

Variable name : CDS_LIC_FILE

Variable value: 5280@M*****l-PC

For SPB 16.5

Variable name : CDS_LIC_FILE

Variable value: C:\Cadence\LicenseManager\license.dat

3.Run the lmtools under Cadence --->License Manager at startup menu.

4.Choose the desired Service Name to run at restart of the PC.

5.Restart the PC.

6.Click the Cadence SPB Switch Release application from the startup menu, then choose the desired Release that matched the LMtools service to run then click the OK button.

 

7.Then click the PCB Editor shortcut from the startup menu(or any application program under the desired Cadence version).

Artwork output type (raster) does not match the format used in dynamic shapes parameters (Vector).

 Error:

Artwork output type (raster) does not match the format used in dynamic shapes parameters (Vector).


Solution:

Under Shape, click GLobal Dynamic Shape Parameters. Then choose the Artwork format that match from Manufacture  ---> Artwork Control Form. For example, I choose Gerber RS274X for the Artwork Format. Then you can select Round or Chamfered for Acute Angle Trim Control.

Under Manufacture, click Artwork... . Then the Artwork Control Form will appear and click the Gerber RS274X   for the Device Type.

That's all. That error will not appear anymore prior to create Gerber files in Allegro.

How to add irregular shape for Place_Bound_Top in Cadence Allegro?

Add Shape Polygon to Cadence Allegro Symbol.

Steps on how to add irregular shape for place bound top in Cadence Allegro v15.2 :


1. Select Shape button, then select Polygon sub-button.
2. Be sure to set the Active Class to Package Geometry and Subclass to Place_Bound_Top.
3. Then, begin to input the coordinates of the desired shape to make. 
    Ex.  x -10.5 25       (unit: mm)
4. At the end of the irregular shape, be sure to close the polygon inorder for the shape to be filled up.


Note:

Making irregular shapes of Place_Bound _Top in other way like adding rectangle shape and then using the Shape Void Rectangle will result to corrupted Database. It's because in Edit Change to  Active Class to Package Geometry and Subclass to Place_Bound_Top from for example Active Class to Package Geometry and Subclass to Assembly_Top, the whole shape is not changed to the desired active and subclass. The void part retains it's original active and subclass thus leading to corrupt the database of that symbol (symbolname.dra).

Shape_Void_Rectangle Button

Edit then Change  button.

Migrating Allegro PCB design database from it's current version to the latest version of the tool.

The uprev batch command takes a design database from its current version to the latest version of the tool.

Syntax

uprev

Layout, drawing, or symbol file name (*.brd):

Output layout, drawing, or symbol file name (*.brd):

input_file

The name of the database you want to uprev. The default is .brd.

output_file

The name of the database after the uprev. Giving an output name that is different than the input name prevents the input database from being destroyed.

-version

Prints the version.

Procedure

Updating a Design Database

1. Run uprev from your operating system command prompt.
   

   If you type the command name without arguments, you are prompted for the input and output file names.

2. Enter the appropriate file name and press Return/Enter.
   

   The design is uprevved to the latest tool version.

The uprev command will produce a log file output_db.log that reports information and any error messages that have been reported.


The attached example is from version 11 to version 15.2 of Allegro software.

Changing MAC Address of x64-based PC on Windows 7

Just recently, I changed the MAC Address of my x64-based PC on Windows 7 by following the steps below :

1. Go to Control Panel.

2. Find Network and Sharing Center.

3. Click on Change Adapter Settings.

4. Then, Local Area Connection appears. Right click and choose Properties button.

5. Click on Configure button and then Advanced tab.

6. Then, the name of Ethernet Configuration button will be displayed.

    example : In my case, NVIDIA Ethernet Configuration.

7. Under a Select Task ...., click on Networking then Adjust Ethernet Settings.

8. Click on button with name : Start configuring networking features.

9. Then, the current MAC address under the variable name "Network Address" will be displayed.

10. To change the value, click on the current value in hexadecimal presentation.

Note: When you change the MAC address, be sure it's a valid address.

Hope it helps...=)