Chapter XI: MENU SUMMARY

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The Info Menu

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Figure 11.8

This menu provides a collection of information gathering facilities. The most useful is Get Info which describes the currently highlighted object. Other informational commands exist to describe the circuit. Help and Tutorial functions are available. Also, default node and arc creation information can be set.

Get Info

This command presents a dialog that shows information and allows modification of the currently highlighted node, arc, port, or text.

When a single node is highlighted, this command presents the dialog shown here. Note that complex nodes have the "Expanded" option but cannot have their sizes changed. Primitive nodes can have their size altered. The "Name" field is simply a documenting message that is displayed on the node. The list of connections at the bottom shows all ports, the types of arcs to which they may connect, all connections actually made, and any exporting that has been done.
Figure 2.1

When a single arc is highlighted, this command presents the dialog shown here. All of the options in the Arc menu may be set here. The "Name" field defines a network name for this arc and all others electrically connected to it.
Figure 2.2

When two objects are highlighted with selection and toggle select buttons, this command reports the distance between their centers.

When an exported port's name is highlighted, this command presents the dialog shown here. The characteristics of the port can be set; the size of the port name can be set; and the location of the port name relative to the port center can be set.
Figure 3.3

When special pieces of text are highlighted, this command presents a customized dialog for that value. For example, when the resistance value on a resistor is selected, this dialog is used.
Figure 6.7

When any other text is highlighted, this command presents the dialog shown here. The size of the text can be set; and the location of the text relative to its grab-point can be set.
Figure 6.6

Variables...

This command allows the internals of the Electric database to be examined and modified. It is not recommended for general use, and the description here is not complete enough for those unfamiliar with Electric's internals. For documentation on Electric internals, contact Electric Editor, Incorporated.

The Electric database is constructed from objects that have attributes on them. Although only six of the most common objects appear at the top of this dialog, all objects are accessable through this command. The six commonly used objects are the Currently Highlighted node or arc, the Current Facet, the Current Cell, the Current Library, the Current Technology, and the Current Aid. Both the name and type of the currently selected object are listed. The middle section of the dialog shows the attributes on the currently selected object. The attribute that is selected has its value shown in the bottom section of the dialog. Some additional factors pertaining to the selected attribute are also indicated (whether the attribute is displayable, temporary, is an array, or is code). By using the "Examine Attribute" button, the selected attribute becomes the current object, and its attributes are then available for examination. The "New Attribute" checkbox allows creation of a new attribute on the current object. Any change (such as the creation of a new attribute or the setting of an attribute value) will not take effect unless the "Set Attribute" button is used. The "Delete Attribute" button only works for those attributes that are created by the "New Attribute" option.
Figure 11.37



Describe this Facet

This command displays information about the facet in the current window.

Describe Current Technology

This command displays information about the current environment of design.



List Facet Instances

This command displays a list of facet instances contained in the current facet.

List Facet Usage

This command displays a list of places where the current facet exists as an instance.

List Facet Dates

This command displays a list of all facets in the current library, with their creation and modification dates shown.

Show Facets Graphically

This command displays a graph showing the hierarchy of facets in the current library. The graph is actually a new facet that contains Artwork components. Thus, it will be stored with the library and may be edited, printed, etc.

List Exported Ports

This command lists the exported ports in the current facet.

List Networks

This command lists the named networks in the current facet. Networks can be given names by selecting an arc on the network, using the Get Info command above, and filling in the "Name" field.

List Connections on Network

This command lists the active components connected to the current network. The current network is the collection of nodes and arcs connected to the currently highlighted objects. If a node is highlighted that has multiple networks on it, the particular port that is highlighted on the node determines the network.

List Ports on Network

This command lists the exported ports on the current network.

List Tools

This command lists all of the tools, showing which ones are active.



Help

This command provides information about the use of Electric. A dialog helps to select the subject.

Tutorial

This command loads a tutorial package that provides some examples of use.



Set Node Defaults...

This command presents a dialog that allows default settings to be established for the creation of new nodes. Default sizes may be set for each primitive node. Default expansion may be set for each complex node (facet instance). Expansion determines whether the node is drawn as a black-box or with its contents visible. The check box "Disallow modification of existing facets" prevents accidental motion of existing circuitry. This is helpful when the placement is correct and the wiring is being done. The check box "Disallow modification of locked primitives" applies only to primitive node instances in "array" technologies and prevents fixed circuitry from being altered. The check box "Check facet dates during creation" causes creation and modification information to be used to ensure that the hierarchy has been built in the proper order. The check box "Tiny facets hashed out" causes the contents of facets to be a gray hash area when zoomed too far out to be distinguishable. Finally, it is possible to set a default orientation of all new nodes.

Figure 6.1

Set Arc Defaults...

This command presents a dialog that allows default settings to be established for the creation of new arcs. Specific arc types may be given default constraint settings, default widths, and default angle increments. It is also possible to set an overriding constraint set for all new arcs.
Figure 5.4



Show Cursor Coordinates

This command causes the cursor coordinates to be continuously displayed in the status area. The coordinates appear where the Technology and Lambda information used to be. To restore Technology and Lambda display, uncheck this menu entry.

Measure Distance

This command allows you to measure the distance between any two points on the display. After issuing it, click over the first point and hold the button while moving to the second point. The distance will be displayed as you move. The measurement will disappear when you release the button.

Rename Object

This command allows anything in the system to be renamed. Besides renaming the obvious: libraries, cells, ports, networks, etc, it is also possible to rename internal objects such as technologies, primitive nodes, arcs, and layers.

Set Paths...

This command shows the current directories in which library files can be found. You can modify the path strings to set a different default for these files.

Check and Repair Library

This command examines the database for inconsistencies and repairs them whenever possible. Given that Electric is a stable, working program, this command should not uncover any problems. If, however, the system is acting strangely, try saving your library and running this.


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