Ascent: Training Insights: DE-HDL Libraries in Allegro X System Capture

 Allegro X System Capture offers a complete ecosystem for library development. This post introduces the latest DE-HDL Library Development using System Capture course in which you learn how to create different library objects.

As a librarian, you often work with numerous libraries. Your tasks include creating or modifying symbols for libraries. To use Allegro X System Capture to create a library, you can follow the steps in the following flowchart:

Let’s go through each step in detail.

Setting the CDS_SITE Variable

Before you start library development for a new project, set the CDS_SITE system environment variable. This step is required to access libraries and other configuration files.

Creating a Project in Allegro X System Capture

The next step is to create a project in Allegro X System Capture. 

Adding a Library to the Project

Symbol development consists of creating symbol graphics, electrical data, and properties used by different tools in the PCB design flow. To add a library to a project, first create a library in the Libraries pane of the Project explorer.

Creating Library Symbols

The library development process supports the creation of various types of symbols.

Creating a Symbol with Multiple Views

You can generate multiple views of the same symbol using the Duplicate command. For example, a discrete symbol, such as a resistor, can have multiple views, as shown in the following image:

Creating a Split Symbol

For advanced designs, you often need to create library symbols and break them into multiple sections to support the design process. When a symbol shows all the logical pins in the physical package, it is called a single-section or flat symbol.

Many large ICs have several pins and the symbols need to fit on a single schematic page. One workaround is to use vector pin names on a symbol to reduce its size, although manufacturers prefer schematics that show each pin. You can divide these high-pin count devices into smaller pieces, where each piece is a separate version of the part. Such parts are referred to as split parts or multi-section symbols.

For multi-section symbols, you can create two types of split parts—symmetrical and asymmetrical.

Symmetrical Split Symbols

A symmetrical split symbol has only one symbol graphic, which holds two or more identical logic symbols, each with its own unique physical pin numbers.

You can create a symmetrical split symbol using the Duplicate Section icon in the canvas window. Each symbol section contains the same set of pins but different pin numbers, as shown in the following image:

 

Asymmetrical Split Symbols

An asymmetrical split symbol is a symbol whose physical package contains one or more unique schematic symbols.

You can create an asymmetrical split symbol by clicking the New Section icon in the canvas window. Asymmetrical symbols have a unique set of logical pins, as shown in the following image:

Creating Symbols Using the Spreadsheet Interface

To simplify the development of large symbols, Allegro X System Capture has a Spreadsheet Interface. You can copy <what> from a spreadsheet into the <Table View> interface. This saves time and helps minimize errors introduced by manual entry.

   

In conclusion, the DE-HDL library development using Allegro X System Capture course involves several critical steps and supports various symbol creation techniques. This course helps librarians create and modify symbols effortlessly and deepens their understanding of library development within Allegro X System Capture.

 To learn more about this topic, enroll in the DE-HDL Library Development using Allegro X System Capture course on the Cadence Support portal.

Click the training byte link now or visit Cadence Support and search for training bytes under Video Library.

If you find the post useful and want to delve deeper into training details, enroll in the following online training course for lab instructions and a downloadable design:  DE-HDL Library Development using Allegro X System Capture (Online). 
                                                             
You can become Cadence Certified once you complete the course.                                                                                                                    

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