Difference Between OrCAD PCB and Allegro Versions?

Kyle,

 

The calls to allegro.exe use OrCAD PCB. However, full Allegro has the skill option and the option to output files in lower case.

 

But when just doing vanilla parts without Skill, Allegro users could feasibly buy the less expensive OrCAD PCB translator and manually edit and add the proper command-line switches to the batch file you generate, and then run it.

 

So basically, Allegro users can purchase the OrCAD PCB translator but manually edit the .SCR file for every library part. It's a workaround if you can't afford the Allegro option.

 

In the near future we plan to add several commands that use Skill and these will not be available in the OrCAD PCB translator.

I just purchased Orcad PCB Designer which does not support the SKILL command line.

I also use OrCad PCB Designer (Professional).  Switching from Eagle, it was quite a learning process, but that's another topic.

With respect to Library Expert, the distinction you need to be aware of is the diference between the OrCAD Layout and OrCAD PCB plug-ins.  OrCAD Layout used to be Cadence's low-budget layout option.  It is no longer available from Cadence, but I know people who still use it.  OrCAD Layout has been replaced with OrCAD PCB, which is just a feature-limited version of Allegro. 

In your case, assuming you have the OrCAD PCB plug-in for Library Expert, you'll be fine.  This is what I have, and I have not found it lacking in any way whatsoever.