Lesson 8: Differential Pairs

OrCAD Capture 22.1 Walk-Through Lesson 8: Differential Pairs

This walk-through demonstrates how to define differential pairs in the schematic in OrCAD Capture version 22.1 (2022). This can also be completed during the PCB layout. After you complete the topic, you will be able to:

Define differential pairs both manually and automatically

To follow along, continue with the design from the last topic or use the provided design files. If the design files were not downloaded in the beginning of the Capture Walk-Through, the design files for this lesson can be found under the Materials tab.

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Creating Differential Pairs Manually

Step 1: Select capture_tutorial.dsn in the project hierarchy.

Step 2: Select Tools > Create Differential Pair from the menu.

Step 3: Select net D+ from the net list.

Capture22.1 L8 Step4 — Selecting Differential Pair Nets

Step 4: Select the > arrow to move the net to the Selections list.

Step 5: Select net D- from the list.

Step 6: Select the > arrow to move the net.

Capture22.1 L8 Step7 — Naming a Differential Pair

Step 7: Enter DPD into the Diff Pair Name field.

Capture22.1 L8 Step8 — Creating a Differential Pair

Step 8: Click Create to create the differential pair.

Note: By defining a differential pair, the nets of the differential pair will be routed together in the PCB.

Creating Differential Pairs Automatically

Step 9: Select Delete to clear the differential pair definition.

Note: In this walk-through, deleting the differential pair is only used to show the automatic process of creating a differential pair. For typical designs, use either manual or automatic creation.

Step 10: Select Auto Setup to open the Automatic Setup window.

Note: Automatic setup automatically identifies nets with the defined suffixes and assigns differential pairs based on: