This guide explains a complete, step-by-step workflow to translate PCB designs from Altium Designer (Altium®) to Cadence Xpedition™ with high fidelity for schematics, PCB layout, nets, components, libraries, rules, and fabrication outputs. It assumes Altium Designer (2020 or later) and Cadence Xpedition or Allegro PCB Designer (2020 or later). If your versions differ, expect minor adjustments.
Mapping Files: A mapping file is typically required to reconcile differences in pin naming between Altium schematics and Xpedition footprints. altiumr to xpeditionr translator user guide exclusive
If you're moving in the opposite direction, you can also migrate to Altium using its built-in Import Wizard. Altium Designer → Cadence Xpedition Translator — User
Smart Component Mapping & Parameter Filtering
This feature allows you to define translation rules that go beyond simple footprint-to-cell mapping. Exclusive capabilities include: Open Xpedition xDX Designer
DRC Rules: Design Rule Check (DRC) settings often do not transfer perfectly. Re-verify your clearance and routing rules in the Xpedition Constraint Manager.
Moving a design from Altium to Xpedition is not a simple "Save As" operation. It requires a sophisticated data translation engine that understands not just geometric copper, but layer stacks, net properties, component metadata, and design constraints.