SAN JOSE, CA, Nov 12, 2026 – Cadence has announced the Cadence OrCAD Xplore Design Platform, a design environment that integrates electronic component research, design, supply-chain intelligence and procurement. Built on OrCAD X Capture and using the Cadence Ultra Librarian ecosystem, the platform brings manufacturer content, component data and sourcing tools into the printed circuit board (PCB) design workflow. OrCAD Xplore is designed for individual engineers and design teams that use multiple websites and tools to research, evaluate and source electronic components.
“Built on years of collaboration with semiconductor manufacturers, Cadence has helped enable the design of today’s most advanced ICs,” said Michael Jackson, corporate vice president and general manager of the systems design and analysis group at Cadence. “OrCAD Xplore extends that partnership beyond design and into the path to market. By bringing manufacturer expertise directly to engineers at the point of component selection, we can simplify component research, accelerate design-in and help our partners grow adoption of their products.”
Component Research and Design Integration
OrCAD Xplore provides access to manufacturer-supplied symbols, footprints, 3D models, simulation-ready models, reference designs, documentation and application expertise within OrCAD X Capture. Through Ultra Librarian, engineers can access more than 16 million verified symbols, footprints and 3D models. Using this content saves an average of three hours per component by avoiding manual symbol and footprint creation and verification.
The platform also allows engineers to review component lifecycle status, availability, pricing, lead times, compliance information, sourcing risks and qualified alternatives during the design process. AI-powered natural-language interactions support component research, selection, replacement and sourcing. Engineers can access manufacturer product information and technical resources without switching between separate research tools.
“Texas Instruments is committed to helping engineers accelerate innovation with foundational semiconductors, design expertise and robust development resources,” said Jason Cole, vice president and general manager of sensing products at Texas Instruments. “Through Cadence’s OrCAD Xplore, we can put reference designs, simulation-ready models and technical knowledge directly into the workflows engineers use every day, enabling faster evaluation, better design decisions and shorter time to market.”
“Engineers need more than component specifications to make informed design decisions. By bringing ST’s broad portfolio, reference designs and system-level expertise into their design workflow, the Cadence OrCAD Xplore Design Platform can help customers evaluate options faster and move their designs forward more efficiently and with greater confidence,” said Gerd Melder, group vice president, digital marketing at STMicroelectronics.
Manufacturer and Component Partner Integration
OrCAD Xplore platform provides semiconductor manufacturers and component distribution partners with a digital channel for supplying product information during component selection. The platform incorporates manufacturer-verified content, technical resources, selection tools and design models. Engineers can use these resources to evaluate components within their existing design workflows.
“Cadence’s OrCAD Xplore brings Murata’s component intelligence and design models directly to engineers, enabling faster component selection, improved design accuracy and greater confidence throughout the development process,” said Tom Kuhl, vice president of digital experience at Murata.
“At Molex, we’re focused on becoming the easiest connector company for engineers to work with by removing friction throughout the design process,” said Ashley Quinlan, vice president of global marketing at Molex. “Our integration with Cadence OrCAD Xplore advances that commitment by making Molex solutions and engineering expertise more accessible within the tools and workflows engineers rely on to make critical architecture and component decisions.”
Supply-Chain Information and Procurement
OrCAD Xplore integrates DigiKey supply-chain information into the design environment. Engineers can review component availability, pricing and sourcing considerations as they develop their designs. An integrated shopping cart allows users to purchase a complete bill of materials (BOM) through DigiKey, connecting component selection with procurement.
“At DigiKey, we are committed to helping engineers move seamlessly from design to production,” said Brooks Vigen, senior director, global strategic marketing at DigiKey. “By bringing real-time supply-chain intelligence into Cadence’s OrCAD Xplore, designers can make component decisions with greater confidence, while our integrated shopping experience streamlines the path from selection to sourcing.”
Integration With the Cadence Design Ecosystem
OrCAD Xplore forms part of Cadence’s electronic systems design environment, which also includes the Allegro X Design Platform and Allegro X PCB System Capture. Cadence positions the platform as a starting point for individual engineers and small teams that may move from PCB-focused design to complex system design workflows. OrCAD Xplore also forms part of the company’s Intelligent System Design strategy, combining component information, manufacturer resources and PCB design technology.
The OrCAD Xplore partner ecosystem is designed to expand after launch, adding component manufacturers and industry partners to increase the range of technical information and resources available through the platform.
Source: Cadence
About Cadence
Cadence Design Systems is a U.S.-based technology firm that develops electronic design automation (EDA) tools, hardware, and IP for designing integrated circuits and electronic systems. Formed in 1988 through the merger of SDA Systems and ECAD, the company is headquartered in San Jose, CA. Cadence provides software and solutions for designing SoCs, PCBs, and complete electronic systems used in the semiconductor, automotive, aerospace and defense, telecommunications, and consumer electronics industries. Its tools support both digital and analog design workflows. Cadence employs about 12,000 people globally.
