OrCAD™ Design
20 Nov 17
I would like to share my views on one of many popular industrial EDA software: OrCAD. This electronic design automation tool is pretty much the standard and is in widespread use in the industry. It is not meant for the hobbyist, as it has a steep learning curve: OrCAD splits up every feature into standalone applications and each feature has its own program.
OrCAD Capture is one of the most widely used schematic design solutions in the world. Because it’s part of the OrCAD PCB Design Platform, it can be purchased as a stand-alone application yet will integrate seamlessly with other OrCAD applications as your needs expand or change. It comes with huge libraries of components; These large libraries are critical because creating new components can introduce errors that won’t be captured by any of the verification tools. That being said, regardless of the package you’ll eventually need to create some custom components yourself. OrCAD handles pin swapping much better than other software like Altium™. OrCAD has fast response times to common actions like copy, drag, popup properties etc. It also has very flexible DRC checking. In OrCAD I could mark a pin as NC and it transferred to layout as NC, never popping up as an DRC error for the branch called “unconnected pins”. In Altium, I had to explicitly put a script in query which would mark pins as NC in case I wanted to run NC rule against other pins.
The latest OrCAD Capture version has many new features. The design difference viewer performs logical and graphical comparisons between two designs, two schematic folders or two schematic pages and displays the differences in the form of a portable HTML format. The new advanced annotation feature lets users annotate multiple schematic pages at a time giving them complete control over their component annotation process in the design cycle. OrCAD Capture provides you with the capability to convert Capture designs to XML format and vice-versa based on the requirements. The new PDF export functionality lets users export Capture designs as a PDF file and provides intelligent design information.
OrCAD PCB UI is seriously fast. OrCAD PCB/Allegro has an amazing autorouter. It really works well and with proper placement it does a great job. However, it takes a long time to understand and configure. Basically, you have to configure things like libs, padstacks, etc.. Allegro’s biggest weakness is that it does not have any real library management. Even the place parts option in the PCB has no way of displaying parts or symbols as they call them in logical folders.
Putting these things aside, the true power of OrCAD Allegro really shines when you want to do things like large complex boards or RF design. The shape editing tool in OrCAD/Allegro is amazing for copper pours and copper pour editing. Large copper pours don’t bog down the display either. In Allegro, Automatic length matching works very well. A lot of times it manages to make right length adjustments even in areas where one would think it is impossible. Its 3D rendering falls short, though.
As I had mentioned before, in OrCAD you have different applications for each feature. This is actually really inconvenient as you need to work with a few different windows opened while performing any function. While in Altium, the schematic editor and PCB editor can be accessed and worked on in adjacent tabs. Also, there is scope for alerting and updating changes in one window to other. The panels feature I mentioned in our previous Altium post also needs a special mention here, as it adds more convenience while working, providing easy access to SCH lists, PCB lists, etc.
Both Altium and OrCAD provide wizards to ease new PCB footprint creations. However, the wizard in Altium is more advanced and has more package designs compared to the one in OrCAD. Trying to create PCB footprints for components outside the wizard is similar in OrCAD and Altium just like any EDA software. Still, Altium feels more user friendly regarding shortcuts and number of clicks needed for any action, compared to OrCAD. Getting more into OrCAD might help me find it easier to work on in the future.
One major thing that separates OrCAD from the lower end CAD packages is the PSpice add-ons that allow full circuit simulation. It does have quite a learning curve but if you have it at your disposal, it can save you a ton of time and frustration on some of the more advanced mixed signal designs. There are even entire courses in college focused on just learning how to use this one feature. OrCAD CIS allows you to integrate component information in a database, something that is useful when working in a bigger team with an accelerated design cycle.
By: Tony Jose
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16 Aug 22
AirPoint® App’s Apple Silicon Compatibility
Magnima’s AirPoint® desktop application makes your presentations vibrant and lets you connect with the audience in an engaging way. The application has an organized user interface with features like pointer, spotlight and magnifier making it ideal for highlighting and zooming in on your content.
The AirPoint® app is a great way to control AirPoint® Ring. The app lets you to switch the device to different modes such as left-hand mode, presentation mode and adjusts the 3D sensitivity of the mouse cursor. This is a great way to ensure that your presentations are always on point! It is a great tool for both personal and professional use.
Apple introduced Apple silicon which is the new standard for Apple devices, and we understood that it has number of advantages over traditional processors. The new silicon chips are faster and more efficient than ever before, and our app has been updated to take advantage of that. With this update, our app will be able to run natively on Apple’s new M1 chip.
Since 2020, Apple has been working to transition away from Intel chips, instead using its own Apple silicon chips. The custom chips are Arm-based and are like the A-series chips used in iPhones and iPads, and Apple unveiled the first Apple silicon Macs in November 2020. The second Apple silicon Macs came in 2021, and now the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, and iMac line-ups all feature machines with M-series chips.
Magnima’s AirPoint® application, is now compatible with the latest hardware and software from Apple, and we are proud to say that we are now fully Apple silicon compatible.
ADVANTAGES BROUGHT TO AIRPOINT® BY MAKING IT APPLE SILICON COMPATIBLE
Apple Silicon chips bring a whole new level of performance with more powerful Macs that are also more energy efficient. Silicon is more compatible with Apple’s software than other types of chips, making it possible to create apps that run natively on Apple silicon devices.
There are a number of advantages to making our app Apple silicon compatible and some of them include:
- Increased performance – Apple Silicon devices are faster and more efficient than their predecessors, so our app will run more smoothly on these devices.
- Low power consumption – Apple silicon is also more energy-efficient than Intel processors, so making our app compatible with it will help reduce our overall power consumption.
- Enhanced security – Apple silicon comes with built-in security features that protect users’ data and privacy. With our app being compatible with Apple silicon, we can offer our users an extra layer of protection.
- Better compatibility with future versions of macOS – as more and more devices switch to using Apple silicon, making our app compatible now will ensure that it continues to work seamlessly on future versions of macOS.
The advantages of this transition are numerous.
DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES FACED
When Apple released their new line of MacBook with Apple silicon chips, many developers were left scrambling to update their apps to be compatible. While the new chips offer better performance and efficiency, they also posed some challenges for us. Let us take a look at some of the development challenges faced in making AirPoint® app compatible with Apple silicon devices.
One challenge was simply getting the new macs to work with existing development and testing tools. For example, Apple’s own XCode IDE did not initially support Apple silicon chips. This meant that we had to find workarounds or use alternative tools in order to develop and test our app on the new macs.
Overall, the transition to Apple silicon chips has been a challenge for us. However, as the chips become more widely used and better optimized, these challenges will likely lessen.
We made sure AirPoint® would be compatible with the new hardware. While the process was daunting, it was ultimately a success, and now AirPoint® is compatible with Apple silicon chips. Many of the most popular Mac apps have yet to fully adopt the new technology.
In order to make AirPoint® compatible with the new hardware, we had to first understand the new architecture and design our app accordingly. Additionally, making sure that AirPoint® runs smoothly on both Apple silicon and older devices can be a difficult task. Another challenge faced by us was dealing with changes to the operating system. Apple made a number of changes to macOS when they switched to using their own silicon chips, and these changes often broke compatibility with our existing app. We had to put some additional effort on testing and tweaking the code to make sure everything still worked as intended. We also had to ensure that the UI would remain consistent across different devices. Any code or libraries that were not already compiled for Apple silicon needed to be recompiled, which was a time-consuming and difficult process. In addition, there may be compatibility issues with existing code or libraries, which can lead to crashes or other problems.
Despite these challenges, there are many benefits to developing an app for Apple silicon. The new hardware offers improved performance and efficiency, which can lead to a better user experience. Additionally, Apple silicon compatibility means that now AirPoint® will be able to run on the latest devices from Apple.
Overall, the switch to Apple silicon is a positive move for both developers and users. There will be a learning curve as developers adjust to the new platform, but the benefits are clear. In the long run, this helps our app to be faster, more secure, and more energy efficient.
As Apple moves away from Intel chips and toward its own custom silicon, developers will need to make some changes to their apps to ensure compatibility. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to do:
- Recompile your app using the latest XCode 12 beta, which includes support for Apple Silicon.
- Make sure all of your app’s dependencies are also compiled for Apple Silicon. This includes any frameworks or libraries you’re using.
- Test your app on an Apple Silicon Mac to make sure everything works as expected.
- When you’re ready, submit your app to the App Store using the new “Universal” binary format, which includes both Intel and Apple Silicon versions of your app in a single package.
Making these changes should be relatively straightforward, but it’s always a good idea to test everything thoroughly before releasing an update to your users.
04 May 21
Create More Engaging Presentations with Magnima’s AirPoint® Ring
Top-notch presentations contribute to the professionalism and overall appeal of a working professional. It increases his credibility and effectiveness as a speaker and an employee. Moreover, presentations frequently determine a field worker’s capacity for the position he holds; thus, it is considered an essential factor to one’s career.
Besides playing a critical role at work and doing business transactions, high-quality presentations are also necessary to build a firm connection to your audience. As a result, its primary purpose comes up well-driven and very engaging to your target people. However, attaining such can be challenging, especially because practice standards are supreme due to the innovation line’s continuous movement.
Fortunately, making an engaging, effective, and seemingly perfect presentation is more achievable now through the futuristic AirPoint® Ring by Magnima!
Smoothly Run Presentations
The device allows its users to run their presentations more smoothly, imparting their audience a significant impression. AirPoint® Ring features easy computer control through its finger-wearable, wireless navigation function. This modern-day device is primarily designed to make presentations even better, enabling presenters to work confidently and look more intelligent. Also, to make presentations more engaging, download Magnima’s AirPoint® desktop application that has exemplary presentation tools.
AirPoint® Ring is among Magnima’s top-quality designs containing high-end specifications such as Bluetooth 5 connection, lengthy battery life, and top-of-the-line sensor components, such as a 3-Dimensional accelerometer, gyroscope, a Light-Emitting Diode Optical Sensor, tactile switches and capactive touchpads. This innovation by Magnima costs $129.99, a product that is indeed worthy of its price!
In general, AirPoint® Ring capacitates professionals and their audience to experience better presentations, giving them zero stress. Moreover, using this device lightens the presenters’ tension and inhibition, ensuring a professionally appropriate and competitive output.
Nonetheless, if you are a working professional who struggles with such a matter, or a presenter who aims to stand out, AirPoint® Ring by Magnima perfectly suits you. Finally, to get a set of the device, you can visit Magnima’s website and confirm an order.
18 Apr 21
AirPoint® Ring, Your Modern-Day Partner!
Presentations are essential and frequent for students, educators, and even corporate and business professionals. These have always been linked with academic recognition, enhanced teaching methodologies, and business expansions. Thus, in line with innovations that continuously propagate in this digital and advanced society, Magnima has come to introduce AirPoint® Ring—your modern-day partner!
AirPoint® Ring is an innovation that incorporates a ring-shaped finger-wearable unit with 3D navigation on top of a traditional mouse’s functionalities, all operated with only your fingers. Hence, it suits various uses, such as conference presentation controller, gaming and entertainment, and 3D modeling.
In general, Magnima has envisioned a significant contribution to the modernization of the collaboration between the digital and traditional way of teaching inside the schools and empowering professional careers and businesses.
Indeed, the AirPoint® Ring widened the spectrum of its users’ reach by enabling them to manipulate a presentation/gaming/3d modelling without getting off of their seats effortlessly.
The ring has a 36mm x 32mm x 39mm dimension, inclusive with a 65mm x 66mm x 68mm, 150-gram, rechargeable AirPoint® charger that allows users to recharge the AirPoint® Ring by mounting the device into it.
Moreover, in every purchase of AirPoint® Ring, the user also receives the following:
- AirPoint® Charger
- 3 Finger size adapters: Large, Medium, Small
- Charging cable (USB Type C)
- User documentation
- Quick start guide
The system requires Bluetooth Low Energy Enabled Device, Windows 8 or later, macOS 10.10 or later. On the other hand, its limited functionalities come with the following:
- Chrome OS™
- Android™ 5.0 or later
AirPoint® Ring comes with a one-year limited hardware warranty that will ensure you have the best of both worlds in enjoying the product while having the guarantee to return it if some complications happen, which is a rare case for this device.