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Fragen und Antworten zum
Bartels AutoEngineer®
Die
BAE-FAQ-Seiten geben Antworten auf eine Auswahl der am häufigsten
gestellten Fragen zum Betrieb der
Bartels AutoEngineer Software.
Damit der Leser seine Suche nach Problemlösungen möglichst schnell fokussieren kann,
sind die Fragen und Antworten in verschiedenen Kategorien aufgelistet und jeweils mit dem Datum der letzten Änderung versehen.
Letzte Änderung
Die folgende Information ist im Augenblick leider nur in Englisch verfügbar. Wir bitten um Ihr Verständnis.
| FAQ100-001 |
What is the difference between
BAE Professional and
BAE HighEnd? |
| The
BAE HighEnd version uses different
Layout Editor and
Autorouter kernels, both with a much higher performance. The
BAE HighEnd version also applies a sophisticated messaging system for advanced multitasking features such as cross-highlight between SCM and Layout (cross-probing) and features additional functions such as net attribute
, selective short-circuit display, advanced documentary layer selection methods, net type specific routing areas, etc.
BAE HighEnd is available on Windows and Linux/Unix platforms. |
| FAQ100-003 |
What is the difference between a Demo and a user version? |
| The Demo software does not allow plotting or output via
User Language (plotting is simulated only;
User Language does not allow to open files for write access). The authorized version cannot read demo jobs, however Bartels System are able to convert such demo jobs. |
| FAQ100-010 |
What is the IC Design package for? |
| The
IC Design package supports standard cell and custom IC designs with Rip-Up placement and routing, GDS-II and CIF import/export capabilities, true on-line ERC and extensive rule driven DRC functions. This package is not necessary for vendor specific gate arrays and FPGA's. BAE
IC Design supports
User Language as well as features such as
and hierarchical part design. The
BAE IC Design system is optionally available for Windows and Linux/Unix platforms. |
| FAQ100-100 |
Do I really have to read all the user manuals? |
| We strongly recommend this if you want to make efficient use of the
Bartels AutoEngineer (there is a reason why we have written the
manuals...). |
| FAQ100-200 |
What programming language is used by Bartels System. |
| In general ANSI-C, with a few lines of 386 Assembler for the PC version low level device driver portions. |
Die folgende Information ist im Augenblick leider nur in Englisch verfügbar. Wir bitten um Ihr Verständnis.
| FAQ110-001 |
How do I install the BAE software? |
A DOS install program is provided on the BAE CD-ROM. Simply start an MS-DOS prompt, select the appropriate drive (e.g.,
E: when installing from CD-ROM drive
E:) and start the BAE install program from the root directory of your drive after mounting the BAE CD-ROM. On workstations, simply use the
tar utility to install the BAE software file provided either on CD-ROM or on tape.
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| FAQ110-003 |
Is it possible to install both the DOS and Windows version of BAE on the same machine? |
No problem! Simply run the BAE install program from the BAE CD-ROM twice and use different BAE program directories for the Windows and the DOS versions of BAE (e.g.,
baewin and
baedos, respectively). Note that you can exclude parts of the BAE software (such as the Symbol and Part Libraries, the example jobs and the
User Language programs) by simply deleting the corresponding destination directories from the directory specification menu provided by the install program. I.e., you can first install the complete BAE DOS version including libraries,
User Language programs and example jobs, and, at later stage, you can install only the BAE programs directory for a BAE Windows version.
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| FAQ110-010 |
How do I chose the BAE Demo software version? |
Simply select the
demo.cfg software authorization file during installation or copy
demo.cfg to
router.cfg in the BAE programs directory after successfully installing the BAE software.
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| FAQ110-011 |
After having installed the
Bartels AutoEngineer Software, I get a
Please check Your User Authorization message!
|
Please contact Bartels System for a Workstation specific
router.cfg file. Please supply your
uname serial number on HP and/or your Ethernet number on Linux systems.
For the PC, please check that you have installed the hardlock device and copied
demo.cfg to
router.cfg in the BAE programs directory created during BAE software installation.
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| FAQ110-050 |
How do I chose a different DOS graphic device driver? |
Copy the graphic driver
(.dev) file supporting your graphic system to
bae.dev in the BAE programs directory created during BAE software installation.
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| FAQ110-100 |
I would like to use different drive or directory names! |
No problem, the BAE programs directory is located from the
PATH variable, the
baelib library directory is known from the
bsetup.dat setup file. To modify
bsetup.dat, create a copy of the
stdset.def file, specify correct library paths with the
SCMDEFLIBRARY and
LAYDEFLIBRARYM statements in the DEF file and call the
bsetup utility program to compile the new DEF file.
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| FAQ110-101 |
I cannot locate any test jobs! |
Use the
AutoEngineer like a text editor or compiler. Step into the
baejobs or any of your jobs directories, start the BAE main shell by typing
> bae 
to the operating system prompt and call the desired BAE program module. Use the
function from the
menu for loading existing design/library elements or use the
function for creating new elements. Under Windows, file dialogs are provided for more comfortable project file selection.
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| FAQ110-110 |
How do I install and/or start User Language programs? |
All standard
User Language programs and source files are located in the
baeulc directory created during BAE software installation. To compile the
User Language programs (and thus make them available on function keys or by name) simply call the
cplsll.bat batch file from the
baeulc directory. The compiled
User Language programs are stored in the
ulcprog.vdb file of the BAE programs directory. The
ulcprog.vdb file of the BAE software comes with the BAE
User Language programs precompiled. I.e., re-compilation of the
BAE User Language programs usually is not required after performing a complete/new BAE software installation.
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| FAQ110-200 |
What memory standards are supported by the PC version, is there a 640K barrier? |
| As the
Bartels AutoEngineer is a Protected Mode program, there is no 640K barrier. BAE uses the
PharLap DOS Extender, which supports
DPMI,
VCPI,
EMM386,
XMS/HIMEM,
VDISK and
INT 15.
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| FAQ110-201 |
I have annoying long program load times when running the BAE software under MS-DOS 6.x! |
This problem was introduced with MS-DOS 6.0. Use the
NOVCPI switch with the EMM386 driver to avoid this problem.
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| FAQ110-250 |
I have problems installing the TIGA graphic device driver for MS-DOS! |
|
Some particularities are to be considered when installing the
tiga.dev graphic driver for operating the TMS 34010/34020 graphic processors with the TIGA (Texas Instruments Graphics Architecture) graphic standard. An interrupt parameter value smaller than 0x70 should be used for the TIGA interface or otherwise problems might occur with the Phar Lap 386|DOS Extender used by BAE. Interrupt level 0x60 is recommended; the following command must be added to
autoexec.bat for setting the TIGA interrupt level:
SET TIGA=-i0x60
Please refer to the corresponding installation guideline of your TIGA graphic system for more details.
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| FAQ110-300 |
How do I install/connect a HP7574A pen plotter to my DOS system? |
|
To connect a HP7475A plotter to one of the serial ports (e.g. COM2) of your computer, the serial plotter interface must be connected to the serial port with a cable wired according to the diagram in the following figure.
HP Plotter Cable Wire Diagram
A MODE statement such as
MODE LPT1=COM2:9600,N,8,1,P
must be added to the
autoexec.bat file to operate an HP 7475A serial plotter at COM2.
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Die folgende Information ist im Augenblick leider nur in Englisch verfügbar. Wir bitten um Ihr Verständnis.
| FAQ120-001 |
How do I correct mistakes? |
|
Please use the multi-step
feature.
and
can also be used to verify different design options. |
| FAQ120-010 |
Can I change display settings such as Zoom or Colors whilst working in another function? |
|
Simply hit the middle mouse button for activating the online Display menu whilst working in any other function. You can also name color palettes for automatic load on preferred layer selection. Note that the middle mouse button interaction is also simulated by pressing both the left and the right mouse button simultaneously. |
| FAQ120-020 |
How can I rotate a part or create an arc in a trace? |
| Please hit the right mouse button for a specific submenu of the currently active function. These submenus provide specific functions such as size change, any angle rotate, step back, arc-shaped trace or exit. |
| FAQ120-100 |
How can I change key bindings and/or menu assignments? |
|
The
bae_deffuncprog,
bae_defkeyprog and
bae_defmenuprog User Language functions can be used for key programming and menu assignments. See the
uifsetup User Language program for an example on how to activate predefined key bindings and menu assignments in different BAE modules. Note that
uifsetup is intended to be automatically executed during BAE module startup for setting up key bindings and menu assignments; you can customize (change and recompile)
uifsetup. Please see (or simply use) the
keyprog User Language program for an example on how to perform online key programming. |
| FAQ120-110 |
Does BAE also support Windows-like pulldown menu user interfaces instead of the BAE standard menus with pop-up? |
|
The Windows and Motif versions of the
Bartels AutoEngineer software can be configured to support either the BAE standard side-menu or the windows-like pulldown menu user interface. You can easily switch between the different user interface types via BAE setup even after installing the BAE software. |
| FAQ120-200 |
Which X11 interface is used together with the workstation version? |
|
We are using X11R5 Xlib through a central C module called XWINGRAF, which, together with the HGRAF module, creates the
Bartels AutoEngineer look and feel. |
Die folgende Information ist im Augenblick leider nur in Englisch verfügbar. Wir bitten um Ihr Verständnis.
| FAQ150-001 |
How can I access the object oriented database? |
| You can list, copy, update or delete objects including inherited sub-objects using the appropriate functions from the
menus. The
copyddb utility program can be used to copy selectable DDB class entries between different files and
User Language functions are also provided for accessing and/or manipulating BAE design database entries. |
| FAQ150-002 |
Does the DDB file contain all necessary project data? |
| Yes, even a local (design-specific) library extract for archiving purposes. Local symbols can be modified and later updated or copied back to the central library. Since the BAE Design DataBase (DDB) is object oriented, it knows of all inherited objects such as pads on padstacks or parts during copy or update operations. |
| FAQ150-010 |
How do I graphically create new library parts? |
Please use the same SCM and GED functions for symbols, parts, pads as you would use for schematics and layouts. Please select the appropriate type when using the create element function. The part menus chose padstacks to be placed as pins when used on part level. On padstack level, pads are chosen for placement. The same is true for the schematic editor with symbols or special labels and pin markers. There are also some very useful
User Language programs for library management provided with the BAE software, such as e.g.
lsymedit,
genlmac and
llibutil. We strongly recommend to read at least
Chapter 4 of the
Bartels User Language Programmer's Guide, even if you do not intend to do
User Language programming. The
BAE User Language programs are provided in the
baeulc directory. Use one of the batch files
(cpldll.bat,
cplsll.bat or
baeulcpl.bat) for automatically compiling the
User Language programs. For compiling a single program, simply apply the
User Language Compiler as in:
> ulc progname -O
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| FAQ150-011 |
What else is required for library parts? |
| A library part definition usually consists of the schematic symbol, the corresponding physical layout part and the logical library definition (provided with a logical library definition file). A physical layout part can be used by more than one schematic symbol, if necessary, additional attributes such as the schematic symbol name can be passed. The logical library definition file describes the assignment, pin/gate/group-swap information, internal nets and additional information like bus synthesis commands or hierachical block calls. It can be a single or multiple lines per part. Please do not forget to run
loglib on the layout library and/or on the specific job to create or update logical library definitions. |
Die folgende Information ist im Augenblick leider nur in Englisch verfügbar. Wir bitten um Ihr Verständnis.
| FAQ200-010 |
Is it possible to assign different schematic symbols to a single physical part, e.g. for relay definitions or for op-amp's with separate power supply? |
|
Please use the LOGLIB mainpart/subpart commands. See
chapter 7.11 of the BAE User Manual for a description of the
loglib utility program. |
| FAQ200-011 |
Can I create hierarchical schematic diagrams? |
|
Yes, please select the block name for every schematic page and create
a corresponding (local) part using the call command in the LOGLIB DEF
file part entry. An example job is named HIRSCM. For more detailed information on hierarchical SCM design see
chapter 2.4 of the
BAE User Manual. |
| FAQ200-015 |
How can I specify net-specific attributes such as priority, trace width or minimum distance? |
|
Please have a look at the ROUTE schematic library which contains
symbols for said attributes to be added to the selected nets.
You can also create other net-specific attributes. |
| FAQ200-050 |
The select group by polygon function is very
flexible, but a bit cumbersome, is there a way to use a simple
rectangle selection box, where the user only has to specify two corners? |
|
Group selection and deselection functions through rectangular
polygons specified with two corner points have been implemented with the
SCMGROUP
User Language program of
BAE Version 4.4. |
| FAQ250-001 |
How do I annotate design changes? |
|
The
Packager supports automatic forward annotation, the
Layout Editor part menu provides placement update functions, and the
Autorouter supports automatic update by using
and then
(Re-Entrant Routing). |
Die folgende Information ist im Augenblick leider nur in Englisch verfügbar. Wir bitten um Ihr Verständnis.
| FAQ300-001 |
What is meant by incremental on-line check? |
|
To save computation time, only modified items are checked real-time by the incremental online check. As board parameters may have changed until post-processing, please run a final batch check with the actual parameters before releasing the board. The incremental connectivity however does not have parameters and thus is always correct. Please view all checking counts finally with the
function. |
| FAQ300-010 |
Is it legal to create connections over copper areas? |
|
Yes! This most powerful in-built feature of the
AutoEngineer layout system is known as genuine copper sharing and/or true connectivity. It works with double precision on arbitrarily shaped copper objects! |
| FAQ300-030 |
How do I create split power planes? |
|
You can either use negatively plotted split power planes by (hierarchically) creating Active Copper Areas on power planes. Or you can create Copper Fill Areas to be filled with the appropriate Copper Fill functions. These positive areas should later be filled using the appropriate Copper Fill functions. The
Layout Editor module also supports changes with Fill Remove functions which won't affect the fill area outline. |
| FAQ300-031 |
Does the system recognize islands in filled areas? |
|
The
AutoEngineer recognizes fully isolated copper areas in Copper Fill Areas and removes them as required. |
| FAQ300-050 |
The select group by polygon function is very flexible, but a bit cumbersome, is there a way to use a simple rectangle selection box, where the user only has to specify two corners? |
|
Group selection and deselection functions through rectangular polygons specified with two corner points are implemented with the
gedgroup User Language program. |
| FAQ320-010 |
I would like to optimize my placement, but without modifying certain parts! |
|
Please run the
Autoplacement Pin/Gate/Part Swap. Selectable parts can be fixed with the
Layout Editor group functions to prevent them from being involved in placement optimization processes. |
| FAQ330-001 |
What is meant by selective rip-up and cleanup? |
|
The router has a unique algorithm for identifying blocking traces during rip-up and cross-net optimization. The router removes such traces and tries to find less obstructing paths for them. Cleanup means cross-net changes during optimization by said algorithm. The cross-net optimization saves a lot of via space and is also called when the rip-up algorithm temporarily fails to find an acceptable solution. This is the reason why the router may find a bunch of traces, then nothing for some time, then again some traces, and so on. |
| FAQ330-010 |
Can I place pre-routed traces and parts anywhere off-grid? |
|
Yes! The
Bartels AutoEngineer features off-grid recognition based on floating point design database precision. Note, however, that on-grid items make the job easier for the router (and of course for the production people). |
| FAQ330-011 |
Can I perform single-layer routing with the Autorouter? |
|
Yes! Simply use the
function from the
menu to define keepout layers to prevent the router from routing certain layers, e.g. prohibit routing on layer 1 and allow routing on layer 2 causes the router to use the part side only. Note that single-layer routing might require non-default routing strategy settings in order to achieve 100% routing. |
| FAQ330-012 |
On a 4-layer multilayer design, there are pre-routed power supply traces which have been fixed. Now I want to autorout the rest of the layout, however, I want to prevent the
Autorouter from routing on layer 4 since I want do reserve the remaining space on this layer for future use. How can I advice the
Autorouter to rout the rest of the layout on the first three signal layers, still considering the pre-routed traces on layer 4 as being already routed? |
|
The
parameter from the
Autorouter
menu must be set to 4 to force the
Autorouter to take the pre-routed traces on layer 4 into consideration. Additionally, to prevent the
Autorouter from creating any further routes on layer 4, the
function from the
menu must be used to prohibit layer 4 for routing. Once these settings are defined, the
Autorouter can be started. |
| FAQ330-020 |
What should be done to route dense SMT boards? |
|
Please consider pre-allocation of vias using the SMD via pre-place function (SMD Via Fanout Routing) or select a sub-grid for routing between the standard grid if necessary. The sub-grid mode requires more computing power and should therefore only be used if considered necessary. Appropriate preferred routing direction setup according to SMD IC placement is recommended for the part and solder side layers. |
| FAQ330-030 |
Can I use blind, buried or staggered vias? |
|
Yes, you can enter more than one via with the
menu function. These vias are automatically considered by the router and by the interactive functions in order to achieve minimum via layer coverage. |
| FAQ330-050 |
The router left some traces open and then starts optimizing. Should I stop the router? |
|
Please don't! The router tries to clean up the mess from the selective rip-up operations and will re-start rip-up later again. Just wait! The router can distinguish blocked from rip-up traces and excludes blocked traces automatically. |
| FAQ330-051 |
The routing results gets worse. Should I stop the router? |
|
Please don't! As the router does a selective rip-up, it tries several alternatives and may rip-up or move more than one trace. If this does not succeed or if the router is stopped, it will always return to the best result. |
Die folgende Information ist im Augenblick leider nur in Englisch verfügbar. Wir bitten um Ihr Verständnis.
| FAQ350-001 |
How is Gerber data generated? |
| The
CAM Processor applies automatic fill algorithms featuring multiple aperture selection and area reduction. |
| FAQ350-010 |
I need support for other Printer/Plotter output! |
|
User Language programming can be applied to provide other plot formats than those supported by the BAE software on default (e.g., see the
scmeps and
layeps User Language programs for examples on how to generate Encapsulated PostScript output). With the Windows versions of the BAE PC software, Generic Output is featured, thus supporting any printer/plotter currently configured and/or installed with the Windows operating system. The
CAM Processor also allows for color plot generation with the multilayer option of the Windows Generic Output function. |
| FAQ350-011 |
I require some specific Post Processor! |
Please have a look at the
baeulc directory for source code examples which can be modified. You will find
User Language programs for generating part lists, producing special drill and insertion data outputs, generating test data, etc. Note that Bartels System also have additional (unreleased) post processors available on request. |
Die folgende Information ist im Augenblick leider nur in Englisch verfügbar. Wir bitten um Ihr Verständnis.
| FAQ600-001 |
What is the purpose of User Language? |
| The
User Language concept allows for quick implementation of urgently required add-on functions and customer-specific features without the need to release a new version of BAE. This means that you don't need to wait for the next BAE update to get additional functions, and the system can be tailored to customer-specific requirements of almost any kind. You can write your own (C-like)
User Language programs, modify existing programs or simply ask Bartels support for doing the job. The
User Language Compiler is delivered with the BAE software, thus allowing for compilation of
User Language programs to be executed by the
User Language Interpreter which is integrated to the interactive BAE modules. |
| FAQ600-010 |
I want some ASCII input! |
Please have a look at the
readlplc User Language program for an example on how to apply the in-built BNF processor. The BNF format description of a specific input format can be included to a
User Language program using the
#bnf clause. This allows for fast and flexible input interface implementations. |
| FAQ600-011 |
I would like to import a third party netlist format! |
| Please use either of the
conconv,
netconv,
valconv or
redasc utility programs (advanced
User Language program versions of
conconv and
netconv are also provided with the software) or write a
User Language program using the
con_* functions for storing netlist data. This allows for the input of any netlist format, even together with placement and/or part/pin attribute data. The BNF processor can also be applied for analyzing and/or parsing foreign netlist formats (see the
conconv and
netconv User Language programs for examples). |
| FAQ600-020 |
I need additional features! |
| Please refer to the 150+
User Language programs and/or source files provided with the BAE software. The
User Language Compiler is supplied with the BAE system and you are free to modify existing or create new
User Language programs for enhanced CAD functions. If you have a more complex task simply contact the BAE support. |
| FAQ600-021 |
Is it possible to access existing interactive menu functions from User Language, i.e. can I create macros? |
| Yes! Please use the
bae_store*iact and the
baecallmenu User Language functions which allow for the definition of macros and/or scripts. |
| FAQ600-040 |
I would like to extract trace lengths and other geometric information for my simulator! |
| Please use the
ged_setnetattrib User Language function to store such information. This information is feeded back during the
process. |
| FAQ600-050 |
Does the AutoEngineer provide a relational database with SQL query method to handle any type of manufacturing data? |
| Please use the
sqlcmd User Language function to store any type of e.g. part list, price list, manufacturer name and address for direct attribute setting or e.g. order form output. Please have a look at the
ssymattr User Language program for an application example. |
Fragen und Antworten zum - Bartels AutoEngineer®
© 1985-2025 Oliver Bartels F+E • Aktualisiert: 26. January 2007, 17:23 [UTC]
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