How to convert CADSTAR (.csa) to Capture (.DSN)

hi ,

I have a CADSTAR schematics ( .csa ) format.. how can i convert this in to Allegro Capture (.DSN) file ...

Not at all, I fear.

Redraw them, or pay a lot of money to have it done for you.
Contary to any beliefs transferring schematics from one package to another is a difficult and quite often error prone process. The best and least problematic way is to redraw the schematic and use the new Cad system with its own libraries. This also works out the quickest way.
I use Cadstar mainly and Allgro occasionaly, but also do Cadstar work for Allegro users.

So the answer is.....

Send it to Marc with a big big cheque... :lol:

Hi,

it might help it convert the file to .dxf format and then use that file to make the .dsn format.
Try once.. Might work for you.

No intelligence is transferred, so it not much use.
From years of doing this, and transferring from one system to another, the quickest, cheepest and fastest in the long run is to re-create the schematic in the new package.

dxf can be at best help to trace existing geometries, particularly when copying layout artwork, or possibly special shaped schematic symbols. But each route and most other elements have to be sketched anew in the importing CAD tool.

The only information that can be easily exported and reused in other tools is the electrical netlist - if both tools can agree about a common package pin definition. A netlist isn't the full schematic however, it misses the schematic symbols and the wire placement.

DXF is great for re-creating PCBs but for schematics a print out and highlighter pens are your friend. Tried it, but you end up with so many lines on the screen, it can be confusing.
That is the crux of the problem, if both systems follow a strict set of rules for footprints such as IPC-7351 standard then life can be a little easier, BUT you cannot guarantee that, and I have never yet seen a perfect match between one system and an other, even within the same company, though some come pretty close. When using netlists between different PCB/Schematic packages always seems to involve some hassle, even down to characters used and ascii characters allowed in net, part or symbol names.
Moving toward one glabal footprint library (IPC-7351) is the first step to being able to do cross platform schematic/PCB work.