Allegro PCB 16.6 vs 17.2 differences

Look on http://support.cadence.com for algpn.pdf which is a the What's New Product notes for Allegro. You will see the differences there. Biggest change is 64-Bit v 32-Bit between 17.2 and 16.6.

It's different but it's worth it.  The 3D viewer and flex support. 

Just have to keep a picture of the 16.6 toolbar arrangement handy as Cadence came up with something new for 17.2 and I can't find anything until I put it back.

https://resources.ema-eda.com/blog/why-move-up-to-orcad-17-2-2016-new-padstack-editor-more-than-just-a-new-gui-2 (sorry, wrong link)

I'm stuck running 16.6 in parallel until Mentor Graphics upgrades their translator (expected to release P*DS designs..)  Just be careful as once you upgrade a database to 17.2, there's no back translation.

From a basics standpoint it's as if they stirred things up but it's still the same.  However, if you have higher licenses a lot of new things have been added.  Via control for differential pairs is very different.  High speed rule and DRC checking has a bunch of new features.  Output DRC checking is all new.

But to do a day-to-day job I prefer the 16.6 environment!

I miss 17.2 when I'm in 16.6.  But, I don't use either enough to invest time to customize and memorize the shortcuts. 

16.6 makes me nuts about the little things...  color192 changes, the [Apply] button without checking the auto-update box.

17.2 Allegro PA3100 base adds the Impedance View workflow.  Allegro high speed rules option adds IR drop analysis (without Sigrity.)

17.4 is supposed to have a new UI.  So, three button panels.