Adding Libraries to OrCad Capture

Do you have some .lib and model files and can’t make them work in an OrCad simulation? I sure had this problem before, and before going crazy on stack exchange, there are a couple of simple steps that usually work.

1. Download the models. I’m guessing that if you’re creating your own models, you don’t need to read this. So, find the models (.lib, .sch, etc. files ) and download them!

2. Put them in .../Cadence/SPB_16.6[in my case, this may change]/tools/pspice/library then double click the .lib file (or open it via File > Open > library in the dropdown menu). Then click File > Export To Capture Part Library... and choose .../tools/capture/library (not the same folder) or any subfolder like .../tools/capture/library/pspice as destination; this will create the .olb file.

3. Load the library into the schematic: Go to “Place Part” find the “Add Library” button and point it to the .olb file.

4. If you try to simulate it and it doesn’t work, go to the simulation profile, Configuration Files tab, chose Library under Category, browse and point to the .lib file and finally click “Add as Global”.

I don’t know if these steps are something obvious, but I remember having to scavenge some forum posts when I first encountered this problem.