The Complete Guide to Buying Cadence PCB Design Solutions
A guide to making the right choice between Allegro X and OrCAD X
Find the Right PCB Design Solution
Which Software Tool is Best For Your Needs?
Selecting the right PCB design software depends on the complexity of the boards you design and manufacture. OrCAD and Allegro share the same underlying database architecture, so files move between them without data loss, but they're built for different scales of work.
The X generation of both products replaces Cadence's legacy interfaces with cloud-connected, AI-assisted environments. Choosing a PCB design tool isn't just about routing traces, it's about making sure your electrical data flows cleanly into your mechanical enclosures, supply chain, and manufacturing process without data drop or re-spins.
PCB Design Tools from Cadence
OrCAD X
Built on the well-established OrCAD platform, OrCAD X delivers best-in-class power with an approachable learning curve, exceptional value for front-to-back PCB design.
Ideal for Engineers Who:
- Want a complete, reliable, easy-to-learn front-to-back PCB design suite
- Are integrated with SOLIDWORKS or 3DEXPERIENCE
- Need built-in PSpice circuit simulation
- Work solo, on a mid-sized team, or in rapid prototyping
How Much Does OrCAD X Cost?
Pricing for OrCAD X starts at $2,088 USD for a yearly lease, which includes technical support and product updates.
Allegro X
Allegro X is Cadence's highest-performance PCB design platform, built to handle complex design constraints, extreme signal speeds, and multi-designer workflows.
Ideal for Engineers Who:
- Work on large enterprise teams, or in aerospace/defense
- Design high-density interconnect (HDI) or high-speed digital systems
- Need advanced RF or wireless routing and simulation
- Require better-suited tools for complex routing designs
How Much Does Allegro X Cost?
Pricing for Allegro X starts at $5,707 USD for a yearly lease, which includes technical support and product updates. Perpetual licensing starts at around $18,390 USD including support.
Are there any Allegro X or OrCAD X Promos?
Check our Cadence promotions page for details on any active promos.
OrCAD X In Depth
Built for Speed, From Schematic to Layout
Presto PCB Editor
A completely redesigned, modern layout environment built for speed and ease of use.
Live BOM
Real-time supply chain integration with component availability, costing, and lifecycle data during design.
Pspice Simulation
Native, industry-standard analog and mixed-signal circuit simulation, built in.
Cloud-Enabled Workspaces
Centralized data storage, version history, and cloud library management for easier collaboration.
Allegro X In Depth
Engineered for the Most Demanding Designs
Real-Time Concurrent Collaboration
Multiple layout designers working on the same board database, simultaneously.
Constraint-Driven Design
Correct-by-construction management of crosstalk, dynamic phase matching, timing, creepage, and clearance.
Advanced High-Speed & HDI
Support for next-gen memory interfaces (DDR5/DDR6), PCIe, microvias, and component embedment.
In-Design Analysis
Signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI), and thermal analysis via integrated Sigrity and Celsius engines.
Orcad X vs. Allegro X
CAPABILITY / FEATURE
ORCAD X
ALLEGRO X
Primary user focus
Mainstream PCB layout & prototyping
Advanced high-speed, enterprise & HDI design
User interface
Presto PCB Editor, modern & intuitive
Advanced Engineer's Cockpit, configurable
Circuit simulation
Built-in PSpice for analog/mixed-signal
Comprehensive PSpice + system-level simulation
Supply chain insights
LiveBOM, real-time cost & lifecycle data
Enterprise ERP/PLM integration
Team collaboration
Cloud sharing & review markup
True real-time concurrent routing
High-speed routing
Standard differential pairs & basic tuning
Advanced constraint manager (DDR5, PCIe, RF)
Analysis integration
Basic signal integrity checks
Full Sigrity (SI/PI) & Celsius thermal
Unifying ECAD and MCAD
Why buy Cadence from a longtime SOLIDWORKS reseller? Because hardware design doesn't happen in a silo.
Flawless ECAD-MCAD Co-Design
Your Cadence layout speaks perfectly to your SOLIDWORKS mechanical assembly, cutting down structural re-spins.
Localized Technical Expertise
Certified application engineers who specialize in electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems.
GoEngineer Success Plan+
An elite support and training tier, including tools like CADchat for real-time model collaboration.
Training & Onboarding
Self-paced, virtual, or on-site classroom training so your team gets up to speed quickly.
Where Can I Purchase Cadence Software?
Cadence products are sold worldwide through a select network of authorized partners. In the US and Canada, GoEngineer is one of two Cadence partners and the nation's leading SOLIDWORKS reseller, putting you in a position to pursue integrated PCB and mechanical design, simulation, manufacturing, and data management. Not located in our territory? Find your national Cadence partner(s) on Cadence's Channel Partner Programs page.
Ask a GOENGINEER EXPERT
Still Have Questions?
Reach out and one of our electronics and electrical design experts will follow up with you.
Additional Resources
Take Advantage of GoEngineer’s Extensive Knowledge Base and Resources
Find a Solution
Our robust Knowledge Base contains over 12,000 resources to help answer your product design questions. From basic CAD questions to in-depth guides and tutorials, find your solution here. Find a Solution
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Improve your skills with professional training and certifications in SOLIDWORKS, CAM, 3D Printing, and 3D Scanning offered four ways: self-paced, online, on-site, or in-classroom. Certified Training Courses
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#1 Technical Resource Worldwide - Right at your fingertips. Search or browse through hundreds of SOLIDWORKS tips & tricks, additive manufacturing product developments, announcements, how-to guides, and tutorials. Blog
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Order 3D printing materials and consumables, enroll in SOLIDWORKS training classes, and buy official GoEngineer gear directly from our online store. Online Store
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