2 file types use the .dsn file extension.
- OrCad PCB Editor File Extensions - A Definitive List *please ...
- Dsn
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- How To Generate PCB Gerber Files From Cadence Allegro/OrCAD ...
If the board file is of the older version like 14.x and you are trying to open that in 16.x then the above suggested option do not work. You have to go to the StartProgramscadence SPB 16.2 PCB Editor UtilitiesDB Doctor select the board or library files and run update. About the Author. PCB Design Solutions to go from prototype to production in less time and get it right the first time with real-time feedback. Follow on Linkedin Visit Website More Content by OrCAD PCB Solutions. Assigning Footprints to Your Components. Find components’ footprints in OrCAD PCB Editor’s footprint libraries and assign the footprint names to properties spreadsheet in OrCAD Capture, or simply find a pre-built component footprints from Ultra Librarian. A DSN file is a PCB (printed circuit board) design file created by OrCAD, a program used to design PCBs. It saves the circuit schematic and is often one of several files included in a OrCAD project (.OPJ file). DSN files reference 'symbols,' which are the electronic components used to make up the design (stored in.OLB files).
- 1.Database Source Name File
- 2.OrCAD Design File
OrCad PCB Editor File Extensions - A Definitive List *please ...
File Type 1Database Source Name File
Developer | N/A |
Popularity | |
Category | Database Files |
Format | Text |
What is a DSN file?
A DSN file is a data file used by various database client programs to connect to a database. It describes properties, such as the data source name and directory, the connection driver, the server address, user ID, and password. DSN files are used by ODBC drivers to connect to a specified database, such as a SQL Server or Microsoft Access database.
DSN files are typically stored in a plain text files. However, some client database programs use entries in the Windows registry instead of DSN files.
The ODBC Data Source Administrator included in Windows can be used to create DSN files. It can be found within the Windows Control Panel under Administrative Tools, or in the Start Menu by selecting Programs → Administrative Tools → Data Sources (ODBC).
Open over 300 file formats with File Viewer Plus.Programs that open DSN files
File Type 2OrCAD Design File
Developer | Cadence Design Systems |
Popularity | |
Category | CAD Files |
Format | Binary |
.DSN File Association 2
A DSN file is a PCB (printed circuit board) design file created by OrCAD, a program used to design PCBs. It saves the circuit schematic and is often one of several files included in a OrCAD project (.OPJ file). DSN files reference 'symbols,' which are the electronic components used to make up the design (stored in .OLB files).
DSN files are typically opened using OrCAD PCB Designer because they are created by the program. However, you can also import DSN files in Altium Designer as schematic files using the Import Wizard in the program.
Programs that open DSN files
A PCB Gerber file for each section of your electronic circuit design is what you need if you want to create a PCB. In order to ensure delivery time and reliability of end products, PCB design engineers should learn how to generate PCB Gerber files on their own. PCB Gerber files generally contains design data of signal layer, soldermask layer and silkscreen layer.
Nowadays, there are three versions of Gerber formats available:

• Gerber X2 - the newest Gerber format with stackup data and attributes contained.
• RS-274-X - an expanded version of Gerber format and it has been widely applied.
• RS-274-D - the oldest version of Gerber format which is being gradually replaced by RS-274-X
Different PCB design software feature different operation steps of PCB Gerber files generation. In the following part of this article, We will show you how to generate PCB Gerber file from Cadence Allegro in details.
Open your PCB layout in Cadence Allegro:
1. First, manually add artwork layers, and then click Manufacture>>Artwork.
2.Click General parameters, setting as shown below:
3.Then click Film Control,add artwork layers, add a board outline by right-clicking on the TOP folder and picking Add Manual.
4. Determine a film name, OUTLINE for example and click OK button.
5. In the Subclass Selection window, expand BOARD GEOMETRY and tick OUTLINE. Then, click OK button
6. Back to Artwork Control Form window, tick OUTLINE if it has stayed in the area of Available films.
7. Use the same method to add other layers, Assembly layer is similar to the picture below
All the signal layers are set similar to the picture below:
Dsn
Drill layer is set similar to the picture below:
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Silkscreen layers are set similar to the picture below:
Paste mask layers are set similar to the picture below:
Then setting and output the drilling file
1. Add the drilling table
Open the Drill layer through the Views list of the Visibility option on the right side of the screen, and select both the PIN and Via options in the Visibility option, as shown below:
Then click Manufacture>>NC>>Drill Legend, as shown below:

The drilling table parameters are setting as shown below:
Click the OK button, a drilling table appears, placed in the appropriate place on the board.
2.Output the drilling file
How To Generate PCB Gerber Files From Cadence Allegro/OrCAD ...
The parameters are setting as shown below:

Output drilling files, as shown below, it is best to click the dirll button to generate .Dril files which means drilling files
With these steps finished, you need to re-confirm whether each parameter is set correctly, if there is no problem,press Select all button with all the layers output. Then, PCB Gerber files will be generated when Create Artwork button is clicked.
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