I have the SPECCTRA tool set and use it with multiple CAD tools (Mentor
Graphics & OrCAD)  the file that is written out of these tools is an ascii DSN
file.  This file format was released to public domain by CCT at last years PCB
Design Conference. I think CCT hopes that this file format will become an
industry standard much like AutoCAD's DXF.  Translators are available from
either CCT or PROTEL for your system.  The amount of rules that you add to our
design will determine the which translator is better.  Most likely it will be
the CCT.  These translators are not bi-directional in that the footprint data
is translated into the DSN format but only routing and placement  data is
translated back.  Most loss of data occurs when the units between the two
systems don't match up and there is a loss of precision.  Also,  you should be
careful with area fills.  The SPECCTRA router's modeling routine doesn't
support these well.

CCT was purchased last year by CADENCE.  So information on thier products will
be found at CADENCE's web site.

Dale Parker
Printed Circuit Design Services
dparker@mc.net

David Sorlien wrote:

> WF AUTOMACAO wrote:
>
> > Does someone know where can i find this translator?
> >
> >         I have some projects did with PIC, using the PROTEL and i would
> > like to reroute for Specctra!
> >
> >         Miguel.
>
> Miguel,
>
> I use both Protel (2.x and 3.x) and Specctra (7.x), and the translator
> utility is available from Cooper & Chyan.
>
> I have only needed Specctra for a couple very dense boards (12 layers, 5mil
> trace and spaces, some BGA components, etc.). The translation is not 100%
> perfect. I had to do a bit of editing before the Protel->Specctra
> translation, and some more editing in Protel after autoroute in Specctra
> (and of course the Specctra->Protel translation). Lots of work, but was
> necessary on a board with over 1000 nets, surface mount parts on both
> sides, and full testpoint coverage. I would much prefer routing even these
> dense boards manually, however that would take weeks.
>
> Dave Sorlien
> dsorlien@geocities.com
> davewave@minn.net
> http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Haven/9004/