Issue link: https://resources.pcb.cadence.com/i/1310863
www.cadence.com 3 Allegro PCB Librarian Data Import Allegro PCB Librarian provides a variety of import options and utilities to accelerate part creation. Users can create schematic parts by importing part data in formats such as: • EDA XML • Si2 PinPak XML • VHDL • Verilog • Synopsys PTM models • CSV and text files • Die text • Pin grids • Pin tables • Cadence OrCAD Capture • Mentor Graphics DxDesigner • Mentor Graphics Design Architect • Allegro Package Designer • FPGA (Xilinx, Actel, Altera) • IBIS • DML Die file import enables co-design while FPGA import helps in implementing FPGA flows in front-end design. With IBIS and DML model import, front-end models can be easily created from third-party high- speed models. User-configurable data translation rules make it easy to customize data import. These rules manipulate part, pin, and property names as well as other part details. Allegro PCB Librarian checks the data being imported for consistency and valid- ity, flagging errors upfront. A preview window allows users to review the part data before the part is created. These reduce the chance of errors in the source data being propagated into the part. Datasheet Mining The ability to read pin tables and pin grids makes it easy to create parts from descriptions in PDF datasheets. Users can copy pin-out/ball-map diagrams from datasheets into Allegro PCB Librarian. The data is automatically interpreted and can be fine-tuned to meet company naming standards. Additionally, users can copy complete tables of information from datasheets with configurable translation of pin types and bus notations. Schematic Symbol Editing Allegro PCB Librarian comes with a powerful graphics editor for creating reusable shapes and schematic symbols. An editable spreadsheet with symbol information and a symbol editing canvas with expert features, such as separate grid controls for pins and non-pin objects, give users the flexibility to do bulk operations and intricate graphics work according to their needs. Automatic symbol generation based on user preferences makes it easy to create large-pin-count devices—devices that might have thousands of pins distributed among dozens of symbols. A simple pin distribution interface makes it easy to move pins between symbols to meet engineering requirements. The spreadsheet editor for part information speeds many part devel- opment operations, including: • Converting scalar pins to vector pins and vice-versa • Expanding and collapsing vector pins • Switching between visible and invisible power pins • Filtering and hiding operations • Finding and replacing A comparison UI makes it easy to compare interfaces of various part entities includ- ing footprints, schematic symbols, and SI models. The ECO import mode makes implement- ing incremental changes remarkably easy. This mode retains original data, while allow- ing new, possibly conflicting data to be imported. The data can then be compared and resolved to produce parts. The ECO mode greatly reduces rework in cases where input data changes frequently. The ECO preview window allows users to view and evaluate newly imported data before committing to the change. Figure 4: Preview window for viewing and editing part data before importing Figure 5: Import of part data in pin-grid format from PDF Pinout description in PDF Imported data after mining Created and validated part