FAQ

What is the International Cadence Usergroup?
The Usergroup is an independent, not-for-profit organization of users of Cadence products who meet annually at a conference in the fall and interact throughout the year, sharing frustrations, solutions and ideas.

Detailed information about the ICU is in our bylaws: http://www.cadenceusers.org/faq/ICU_bylaws.pdf

How is it associated with Cadence?
The Usergroup is independent of Cadence but maintains strong ties at all levels into the company in order to conduct its business, Cadence representatives are invited to Usergroup board meetings and Cadence provides valuable assistance at the annual Usergroup conference (tutorials, executives, application engineers, etc.).

How can the Usergroup assist me?
The Usergroup, through various forums, brings together users so they can share ideas and solutions to problems. A company employee is significantly more productive when he or she more fully understands the features, limitations and applications of (Cadence) electronic design tools.Some examples:

  • Novel use of software products accelerates design cycle times.
  • Advance notice of software bugs reduces costly employee downtime.
  • Early access to information on tool changes allows planning for them.
  • Improved insight into Cadence and communication with key Cadence employees allows customers to air their issues and keep Cadence "on-track".
  • Cadence system administration tips optimize use of available resources.

The Usergroup conference, held in the Fall of each year, is organized by users for users and boasts a comprehensive program that includes:

  • technical papers
  • low-cost full and half-day tutorials
  • 3rd-party vendor fair
  • technical panel sessions
  • Q&A forums with Cadence Application Engineers
  • Cadence product demonstrations
  • Interaction with Cadence R&D, executive, AE and marketing staff

Join the hundreds who attend every year - find out more via the ICU Web page at http://www.cadenceusers.org

Who should join?    How can I join?

The only qualification required to join in on the activities of the Cadence Usergroup is a genuine interest in the effective use of Cadence tools. There is no registration process and no fee required to participate. Any and all users are welcome, including system and circuit designers, designers of boards, and ICs,  system administrators, CAD managers, and CAD integrators and developers.   Check the ICU home page on the web http://www.cadenceusers.org for instructions on:

  • joining the e-mail discussion forums
  • participating in the annual conference

Review the ICU bylaws here: http://www.cadenceusers.org/faq/ICU_bylaws.pdf

How do I go about presenting a paper at the conference?

Choosing to present a paper is an excellent way of enhancing your communications skills, gaining recognition with your manager and employer and sharing your work accomplishments. Every conference has an "Advance Notice and Call For Participation".  It details what you need to do to and lists the important dates.   Check the ICU Web page for details (Web address given above).

What does the Usergroup Board of Directors do and how can I join?

The board consists of 11 members and a couple of invited Cadence representatives. Board member selection takes place at the annual fall conference and terms last one year. All board members are volunteers who meet monthly via conference calls and up to three times yearly to organize the Fall conference. During the year, board members handle incidental user issues and specific issues collected at the annual conference. Downside: volunteer time, travel expenses and new responsibilities. Upside: ample interaction with other users, contacts and insight into Cadence and opportunity for personal development. Interested? Contact us using the ICU Contact Form or ask any board member at the annual conference.

Review the ICU bylaws here: http://www.cadenceusers.org/faq/ICU_bylaws.pdf

Where can I obtain more information?