Bartels AutoEngineer® - User Manual Chapter 1 Introduction

Contents

1.1.1

BAE Software Configurations

1.1.2

BAE System Components

1.1.3

BAE Database Structure

1.1.4

BAE Data Types and Application Concepts

1.1.5

Exchanging Data with other Systems

1.2.1

BAE Startup and BAE User Interface

1.2.2

Function Selection

1.2.3

Basic System Functions

1.2.4

Graphic Input

1.2.5

Special Remarks

1.3.1

Database Concept

1.3.2

SCM Database Hierarchy

1.3.3

Layout Database Hierarchy

1.3.4

Logical Library

1-1

Bartels AutoEngineer System Flow Diagram

1-2

BAE Pulldown Menu User Interface

1-3

BAE Side Menu User Interface

1-4

SCM Database Hierarchy

1-5

Layout Database Hierarchy

1-6

Part Data Sheet with Loglib Definition

1.1 Product Information

Bartels AutoEngineer (BAE) is a fully integrated EDA software system with powerful CAE/CAD/CAM program modules for circuit design, PCB (printed circuit board) layout and IC/ASIC design. The system is based on the famous Bartels AutoEngineer which has been incorporated in most leading PCB layout systems throughout the world, setting new industrial standards of autorouting success and dramatically reducing the requirement for manual routing.

1.1.1 BAE Software Configurations

The following Bartels AutoEngineer software configurations are available:

• Bartels AutoEngineer Schematics
• Bartels AutoEngineer Light
• Bartels AutoEngineer Economy
• Bartels AutoEngineer Professional
• Bartels AutoEngineer HighEnd
• Bartels AutoEngineer IC Design
• Bartels AutoEngineer FabView

All BAE software configurations are provided with the same user interfaces and support different languages (English, German, etc.). Bartels AutoEngineer features binary-compatible design data management on different host platforms, i.e., BAE design data can be transferred "as-is" between all supported hardware and/or operating system platforms (Windows, Linux/Unix, DOS, etc.).

Bartels AutoEngineer Professional

Bartels AutoEngineer Professional is the basic BAE software configuration described in this manual. BAE Professional is available for PCs with Windows, Linux or DOS operating systems. The following components are included with the BAE Professional software:

• Schematic Editor with hierarchical circuit design support
• Forward/Backward Annotation
• PCB Layout system including Layout Editor, Autoplacement, automatic copper fill, Bartels AutoEngineer, Bartels Autorouter®
• CAM Processor and CAM View with Gerber viewer
• integrated, object-oriented database system (DDB, Design DataBase)
• in-built Neural Rule System
• Bartels User Language Compiler, User Language programs with source code
• utility programs for database management, foreign net list and design data import, etc.
• extensive part libraries for SCM and PCB layout
• design data examples
• Documentation (Bartels AutoEngineer User Manual, Bartels User Language Programmer's Guide)

BAE Schematics, the Schematic Editor of BAE Professional is freely available and can be operated in stand-alone mode. Demo software configurations of BAE Professional (BAE Demo, fully-featured except for data output) are available free of charge for test and evaluation purposes.

Bartels AutoEngineer Light

Bartels AutoEngineer Light is available for PCs with Windows, Linux or DOS operating systems. BAE Light is a shareware price-level BAE configuration for educational purposes and/or semi-professional users. BAE Light provides full BAE Professional functionality, however, with the following restrictions:

• PCB layout size limited to 180mm*120mm
• max. 2 signal layers for manual routing and Autorouter
• no power layer support
• layouts from BAE Professional, BAE Economy and BAE HighEnd only loadable if BAE Light restrictions are not violated

Bartels AutoEngineer Economy

Bartels AutoEngineer Economy (formerly known as Bartels AutoEngineer Educate/Entry) is available for PCs with Windows, Linux or DOS operating systems. BAE Economy is a low-price BAE configuration for educational purposes and/or small business users. BAE Economy has full BAE Professional functionality, however, with the following limitations:

• PCB layout size limited to 350mm*200mm
• max. 4 signal layers simultaneously routable by Autorouter (however, like in BAE Professional, 100 signal layers for manual routing and support for 12 power layers in both manual routing and Autorouter)
• layouts from BAE Professional and BAE HighEnd only loadable if BAE Economy restrictions are not violated

Bartels AutoEngineer HighEnd

Bartels AutoEngineer HighEnd is available on workstations as well as on Windows and Linux PC platforms. BAE HighEnd utilizes special operating system characteristics (multi-tasking, multi-windowing, virtual memory management, etc.) to implement advanced features and functions such as:

• HighSpeed kernel
• in-built messaging system to support advanced communication between different BAE modules
• in-built multi-tasking to support multiple project views
• global net highlight, cross-probing
• place layout parts according to schematic plan
• selective layout short-circuit display
• extremely fast Mincon airline calculation
• DRC with multi-processor system support
• layer stack setup according to trace impedance
• layer-specific clearance paramaters for DRC and copper fill functions
• internal data structures optimized for high Autorouter performance
• advanced Neural Rule System features
• rule-driven Neural Autorouter
• nettype-specific routing area definitions
• net-specific maximum via count settings
• net-specific maximum connection length settings
• CAM output to suppress unconnected inner layer pads

BAE HighEnd is data-compatible to BAE Professional in both directions; requested data transformations are automatically applied during element load procedures.

Bartels AutoEngineer IC Design

BAE HighEnd can be upgraded to a fully featured ASIC design system. Bartels AutoEngineer IC Design (BAEICD) is a complete CAD/CAM system for the physical design of integrated circuits (gate arrays, standard cells, custom ICs and/or ASICs). BAEICD consists of a series of system components such as IC Mask Editor, IC Autoplacement, IC Autorouter and IC DRC (Design Rule Check). GDS-II and CIF standard interfaces are provided for converting foreign data and/or producing CAM output (mask data, bonding data, etc.). The BAEICD CAM tools include a module for displaying CIF data in order to perform visual CAM output checks. Net list data is usually transferred by the BAE Packager after defining the circuitry with BAE Schematics, which provides features for hierarchical circuit design. Alternative solutions for importing foreign/third-party netlist data/formats can be provided on request.

Bartels AutoEngineer FabView

Bartels AutoEngineer FabView is a low-cost PCB layout viewer with manufacturing data output functions. BAE FabView is intended for PCB manufacturing departments and service providers who only have to produce manufacturing data and print/plot outputs but don't have to edit layouts. BAE FabView can be used together with BAE Professional and/or BAE HighEnd. BAE FabView provides the same functionality, however, the functions for saving layout design changes to BAE project files are deactivated.

1.1.2 BAE System Components

Bartels AutoEngineer basically consists of a Schematic Editor, a Layout Editor with Autoplacement and Autorouter and a CAM Processor with a supplemental module for viewing and processing CAM data. A Packager program module and a Backannotation function are provided for automatic forward and backward annotation of net list data from the schematics to the layout and vice versa. BAE supports all phases of modern computer-aided PCB design including schematic capture, physical PCB layout featuring powerful Autoplacement and Autorouting facilities and, finally, generating all of the required manufacturing data and documentation. See figure 1-1 for a design flow diagram of the Bartels AutoEngineer.

Figure 1-1: Bartels AutoEngineer System Flow Diagram

1.1.3 BAE Database Structure

CAD systems must process and/or manage huge amounts of design data. Therefore, the internal database structure of a CAx system is an important criteria for estimating the power of the system. The Bartels AutoEngineer is based on especially designed, homogeneous, object-oriented, hierarchical database structures featuring optimized B-tree search algorithms for fast database object access. Variable keyword lengths and generic data structures guarantee that neither redundancies nor system limits are imposed by the software. The system is only limited by the available amount of main memory. I.e., the software imposes no restrictions with regard to the number of symbols and/or sheets of a schematic circuit, number of parts placed on a layout board, number of pins defined on a part, number of traces routed on a layout, etc.

All BAE CAD data is organized and managed in a fully integrated database with a common binary data format for all supported hardware platforms. Each CAD object is dynamically constructed of its individual components. Library elements from lower database hierarchy levels (e.g., parts on a PCB) are copied (with all sub-elements) from the currently selected library to the currently processed design file when they are first requested, e.g., for placement on the upper hierarchy level. This results in a job-specific library in the design file. Subsequent requests for the same element will then refer to the element already copied to the current design file, i.e., the job-specific library elements are accessed with highest priority. This concept prevents any library and/or design file modification from unintentionally affecting another design and/or library file. AutoEngineer objects can be composed of sub-elements from different libraries. A BAE library file can be build up by accessing one or more other libraries. Even a particular design file can be used as library for another design file. Library definitions such as pin or part symbols can be modified at any stage. Any such modification is automatically reflected up the library hierarchy.

All data relating to one particular design is kept in a single file thus avoiding the confusion of multiple file structures. This so-called design database (DDB) file contains different element types relating to schematic, layout, net lists, part lists, etc. all of which go together to make a complete design. This concept supports highly efficient data management features for the creation, modification, backup, update and redesign of design files and library files alike.

1.1.4 BAE Data Types and Application Concepts

The BAE system is comfortable to use with simple instructions aided by convenient user control over menu and mouse. The menus and manuals are available in different languages (German, English, etc.). The standard BAE user interface is the same on all hardware platforms. With the BAE windows versions the user can optionally use the windows-like BAE user interface with pull-down menus. It is easy to learn how to work with the system since the functions for creating and modifying objects are quite similar for all object types of the different library hierarchy levels. The BAE software also provides most powerful tools for customizing the BAE user interface with menu assignments and online key binding for calling user-defined functions.

The floating point database used throughout the Bartels AutoEngineer has many advantages. Firstly it means that there are virtually no grid limits to designs. Any pad shape, component shape, track width, board size or shape, copper area size or shape, etc. can easily be generated. Secondly it means that online design rule checking (DRC) of copper and track clearances and void areas run at all time during layout providing instant indication of errors. Floating point calculation also means that all geometry is stored extremely accurately. The system can either accept metric or imperial numeric input which is automatically converted to floating point information.

A powerful Undo/Redo function is provided to ensure data security and to allow for comfortable evaluation of different design modifications. Real-time graphic interaction (re-display at zoom and pan, moving graphic elements, etc.) is self-evident, as well as graphical built-in features such as definable color tables or display, query and highlight of elements, connections and errors, etc.

A pool is used for managing data in main memory. This also controls basic features such as the display functions or Undo/Redo. Complex operations such as moving parts are extremely fast since all data is converted in real-time from internal hierarchical representation to vector/polygon-oriented display mode. Fast workspace and clipping window checks are performed on graphical elements to guarantee high-speed re-display. These functions are implemented with internal programming interfaces to support different graphic controllers. Large objects like wiring paths and areas are stored in compressed internal format to avoid redundant memory usage. An entire trace path located on a particular layer occupies just one pool element, as well as e.g., a 84 pin PGA on subsequent placement (only the connectivity is stored separately, the geometry refers to the symbol instantiated with the first placement request). The maximum number of pool elements on 32 bit computer systems is 2^31=2,147,483,648. I.e., the pool on non-virtual systems is limited rather by available memory and/or pointer address space than by the complexity of the design.

All coordinate and angle values are stored in internal 32 bit IEEE floating point format. Online operations requiring higher precision are performed with double (64 bit) precision. Each element can be placed with arbitrary coordinates at any rotation angle. Skillful linkage to the hierarchical database system avoids performance disadvantage even on slow floating point processors. References to named elements (such as pins or parts) are always stored as strings. Identical strings are linked together to one file entry. I.e., naming of e.g., plug or PGA pins such as c32 is easily possible without creating redundancies.

1.1.5 Exchanging Data with other Systems

Bartels AutoEngineer provides tools for importing different ASCII net list formats, placement data and routing data (via Gerber format). Functions for generating insertion data, drill data, Gerber photoplots, Postscript output, HP-GL pen plots and HP-Laser (PCL) output are integrated to the CAM Processor of the Bartels AutoEngineer. A special programming language (Bartels User Language) can be applied for implementing user-specific programs for importing and/or exporting almost any data such as part lists, net lists, geometry data, drill data, insertion data, milling data, etc. in freely definable formats.

1.2 Operating the Bartels AutoEngineer

1.2.1 BAE Startup and BAE User Interface

BAE Startup

After successful installation with correct path setting the Bartels AutoEngineer can be started from any directory, but it is recommended to start BAE from the directory where the projects and/or the design files should be generated (this considerably simplifies job file access).

You can start the Bartels AutoEngineer from your projects directory by typing

> bae 

to the operating system prompt (for testing the software you can use the BAEJOBS directory created during the software installation).

Within Windows, the Bartels AutoEngineer can be started by selecting the bae.exe file using the Run function from the Program Manager Files menu. Windows- and X11/Motif-based operating systems also allow for application startup by clicking the icon of the corresponding program file. Startup icons also allow for the definition of the directory to be entered on default when starting the corresponding application, i.e., BAE can be configured to be started from the BAE jobs directory or from any user-specific BAE project directory. A reference of the BAE startup icon can be included with the operating system launchpad and/or Start menu to provide an even more convenient method of starting up the Bartels AutoEngineer. The default BAE setup links the .ddb file name extension to the BAE application in such a way that the Layout Editor automatically starts and loads the default project layout when double-clicking a .ddb file. Right-clicking the .ddb file activates a context menu which provides the choice of starting either the Layout Editor with the default layout or the Schematic Editor with the last modified SCM sheet. Please consult also your operating system manual for more details on how to configure applications for startup.

BAE User Interface with Pulldown Menus (Standard)

On default, the Windows and Motif versions of the Bartels AutoEngineer are configured with pull-down menus. This user interface is vertically organized and consists of the main menu bar on top, the graphic work area in the middle and an info line followed by the status and input line at the bottom. Function menus are activated in pull-down mode when selecting the corresponding main menu item. Under Windows, the Toolbar submenu from the View menu provides the Tree View Menu function for activating an Explorer-style tree view function menu which can be displayed either to the left or to the right of the graphic workarea.

After starting the BAE, the Bartels company logo and/or a copyright note is displayed in the graphic workarea and the status line displays the program version and/or the user names.

Figure 1-2: BAE Pulldown Menu User Interface

If the Please check your User Authorization! message appears, then check for correct software authorization (i.e., hardlock key and appropriate license file installation; see the Bartels AutoEngineer® Installation Guide for more details).

BAE Side Menu User Interface

The Bartels AutoEngineer can optionally be operated with a side menu user interface. The graphic display of the side menu user interface is divided into different areas as shown in the figure below. It consists of the graphic workarea, an input and/or status line below the graphic workarea and an info field and function menus on the right side.

Figure 1-3: BAE Side Menu User Interface

Under Windows and Motif, the BAE user interface can be selected and/or configured through the Setup dialog from the BAE main menu. Alternatively, the bsetup can be used to select the BAE user interface (see chapter 7.2 for more details).

If the BAE DOS version fails to load the graphic display, then check for correct BAE graphic device driver installation (see the Bartels AutoEngineer® Installation Guide for more details).

1.2.2 Function Selection

BAE Windows/Motif User Interface

The pull-down user interfaces of the BAE Windows/Motif versions provide a permanently displayed main menu bar at the top. Main menu selections usually activate a more particular pull-down function menu. A particular menu function is selected by moving the mouse to the corresponding menu item and pressing the left mouse button. The menu item strings usually contain underlined characters to denote hotkeys for fast activation of the corresponding menu and/or function. I.e., main menu items can also be activated and/or selected by pressing the denoted character together with the Alt key, and pull-down menu functions can be activated and/or selected by simply pressing the denoted hotkey. The middle mouse button provides instant access to the View menu, i.e., pressing the middle mouse button is possible at any time and from any other function and provides fast access to frequently required display functions such as zoom and pan, changing color setup, setting the input and/or display grid, etc. Pressing the middle mouse button will also cause a status line display of the current file and element name if no other menu function is currently active. The middle mouse button interaction can also be simulated by simultaneously holding down both the left and the right mouse button. I.e., it is possible to activate the online display menu even if only a two-button mouse is installed and/or configured. Any currently active menu function can be immediately aborted and/or canceled by pressing the escape key ESC (ASCII code 27; abort hotkey).

To call the Layout Editor function Add Part, activate the Parts function menu by selecting the main menu item Parts, then select the Add Part function from the Parts pull-down menu. The left mouse button provides fast access to the previously processed function, i.e., pressing the left mouse button re-activates the same function as was processed with the previous operation. The function currently assigned to the left mouse button is displayed in the BAE window title bar. Right-clicking the toolbar button H provides quick access to the 16 last called menu functions.

The Windows pull-down menus as well as the menu functions are context-sensitive, i.e., they are only selectable when currently applicable, otherwise they are faded-out ("ghost" menus). Menu separator lines are used throughout the Windows pull-down menu system to separate function groups.

The Windows and Motif versions provide context menus with element-specific functions which can be activated by right-clicking elements in the graphic workarea. The p (properties) key activates a dialog for displaying and/or modifying the properties of the element at the current mouse position.

For certain functions such as file name selection, the BAE Windows/Motif user interfaces provide Windows- and/or Motif-specific dialogs or popup menus instead of BAE standard popup menus. Scrollbars are displayed with BAE Windows and Motif workarea text popups to provide unrestricted access to the contents of lengthy listings and/or protocols.

The cursor/arrow keys can be used under Windows and Motif to scroll the BAE display by half of its dimension in the key-specific direction. The Page Up and Page Down keys scroll the display up or down by its full height. In combination with the Shift key, Page Up and Page Down scroll to the left and right, respectively. Scrolling is limited by the boundaries of the currently loaded element. The Home and End keys can be used to jump immediately to the upper or lower element boundary. In combination with the Shift key, Home and End scroll to the left and right element boundary, respectively.

Under Window and Motif, the mouse wheel can be used to move the current view port upwards or downwards by half its size. In combination with the Shift key, the mouse wheel moves the view port to the left or right, respectively. With the left mouse key pressed, the mouse wheel can be used to zoom in or out.

BAE Windows and Motif sessions can be finished using the standard Close function from the application window system menu or by clicking the Windows close button of the application window. To prevent from accidentally discarding design changes, these exit procedures might require user confirmation with an option for saving the currently processed element.

When ending a BAE Windows or Motif session, the dimensions and positions of the BAE application and dialog windows are automatically saved to a configuration file with the name baewin.dat or baexwin.dat in the BAE programs directory. The next BAE session automatically loads and restores the windows dimensions and positions from the configuration file. BAE HighEnd stores window positions not only with BAE module names but also with current session window numbers, thus allowing for multiple project windows of to be restored with the next BAE session. This is very useful when using BAE HighEnd with multi-monitor systems.

BAE Side Menu User Interface

The menu area on the right side of the BAE standard user interface is divided into a main menu and a standard function menu. Selections are allowed in both of these menus. The permanently displayed main menu is used for activating the more particular function menu displayed below the main menu. Each function of the same process can be reached with only one mouse interaction and each other function can be reached with a maximum of only two mouse interactions.

Within the menu fields of the BAE standard user interface the green menu cursor can be moved with the mouse. A particular menu function is selected by moving the mouse to that function and by pressing either the left or the right mouse button. To call the Add Part function the Layout Editor, simply activate the Parts function menu by selecting the Parts main menu item, then select the Add Part function from the Parts menu. Once the Add Part function is completed, it can be re-activated by simply pressing the left or right mouse button or you can select any other function from the still active Parts menu. If you e.g., want to change to the Add Trace function, just choose the Traces main menu item and select the Add Trace function from the Traces menu.

After selecting a particular function, either another menu is displayed or the user is prompted for keyboard input via the input line or graphic input via the graphic cursor is expected in the graphic workarea. Any messages displayed in the status line are displayed as long as they are relevant. Input prompts (e.g., for coordinate and/or length/width inputs) and error messages contain the name of the processed element if available. Graphic cursor inputs are accompanied by a status line message indicating the expected type of input. The color of the menu cursor changes to red to designate that the BAE system is waiting for some user input. The middle mouse button provides instant access to the View menu, i.e., pressing the middle mouse button is possible at any time and from any other function and provides fast access to frequently required display functions such as zoom and pan, changing color setups, setting the input and/or display grid, etc. Pressing the middle mouse button will also cause a status line display of the current file and element name if no other menu function is currently active. The middle mouse button interaction can also be simulated by simultaneously holding down both the left and the right mouse button. It is possible to activate the online display menu even if only a two-button mouse is installed and/or configured. Any currently active menu function can be immediately aborted and/or canceled by pressing the escape key ESC (ASCII code 27; abort hotkey).

A series of functions are implemented with popup menus, where the object to be processed can be selected by mouse-pick. These popup menus simplify the use of basic data and file management functions such as Load Element, Delete Element, File Contents, Load Colors, etc. With each popup menu, the input line is enabled for manual element name input via keyboard and special popup menu buttons such as Abort (for canceling the current function), Next (for scrolling down the popup menu selections list) or Back (for scrolling up the popup menu selection list) are usually provided.

The dialogs and/or popup menus for net list part and net name selections support ?prefix input for scrolling the list display to the specified name prefix. A name prefix specification such as ?r4 scrolls to the first name starting with ?r4 or, if no such name exists, to the next name thereafter. Part and net list scrolling positions specified through name prefices are saved for subsequent name queries.

The menu color settings of the BAE standard user interface can be changed with the bsetup utility program. Please note that suitable menu colors might achieve considerable ergonomic advantages such as better recognition of the currently active menu and/or function. See chapter 7.2 of this manual for a description of the bsetup utility program.

Customizing the BAE User Interface

Bartels User Language provides system functions for performing key programming and defining menu assignments and/or toolbars. It is possible to define key bindings such as key r for activating User Language program rotate. New or existing menus and/or menu entries can be (re-)configured to support special User Language program calls. These features provide a most powerful tool for configuring the menus of the AutoEngineer modules. It is a good idea to utilize the User Language startup programs for performing automatic key binding and menu setup. Even dynamic changes to the AutoEngineer user interface can be supported with special User Language programs for performing online key and menu programming. Note that due to these features your currently configured AutoEngineer user interface might provide special user-specific add-on functions which are not described in this documentation. See the Bartels User Language Programmer's Guide for a detailed description of the Bartels User Language and its implicit program call features.

Facilities for cascading submenu definitions are implemented for the BAE Windows and Motif pulldown user interfaces. Submenus can be attached to menu items. The uifsetup User Language program is designed to configure cascading menus for the BAE Windows/Motif modules. This allows for easy submenu function location (and activation) without having to activate (and probably cancel) submenus. The function repeat facility provided through the right mouse button also supports cascading menus. This simplifies repeated submenu function calls significantly.

A series of Windows/Motif dialogs are implemented such as display and general parameter settings in all BAE modules, SCM plot parameters settings, Autoplacement and copper fill parameter settings, Autorouter routing batch setup and routing options, strategy and control parameter settings and CAM Processor control plot, Gerber photoplot and drilling data output parameter settings. These dialogs can be activated through the bae_callmenu User Language function. The uifsetup User Language program is designed to provide menu functions for activating the dialogs in the BAE Windows/Motif modules.

BAE HighEnd Message System

A message system is integrated to BAE HighEnd to enable advanced communication between different AutoEngineer program modules. The BAE HighEnd Shell (i.e., the BAE HighEnd main menu) is used as message exchange switchboard. Hence the BAE Shell knows only about its own descendants, i.e., descendant BAE tasks must be started using appropriate BAE HighEnd functions (New Task from the BAE Shell, New SCM Window from the Utilities menus of the Schematic Editor or the Layout Editor or switch between different program modules of the current BAE session). With BAE HighEnd, several views of a project, e.g., overview and zoomed details can be displayed at the same time. The use of multitasking and pipes also enables simultaneous processing of schematics and layout. I.e., BAE HighEnd supports advanced cross-module features such as simultaneous and/or global net highlight for schematic plans and layout of the same design (project specific multi-windowing/multitasking, cross-probing).

1.2.3 Basic System Functions

Display Functions

The middle mouse button is used to call the View menu whilst performing a graphical manipulation like component placement or routing. This allows for the change of display options such as zoom scale, grids, colors, etc. without canceling the current operation. After the display choice has been made you will automatically return to the graphical manipulation that was in progress before the middle mouse button was pressed. I.e., the global placement of a part can be performed with the complete layout displayed, whilst the final placement of that still picked part can be accomplished in a more detailed zoom window.

Colors

The colors for displaying the design objects can be changed with the Change Colors function from the View menu. At overlaps of different elements the resulting mixed color is displayed. The highlight color is also mixed with the color of the element to be marked, thus resulting in a brighter display of that element. The Save Colors function from the View menu is used to saved the current color table definition to a system file (whichever appropriate for the current program module). Once a color table has been saved, it can be reloaded at any time using the Load Colors function from either the View menu. Special color tables (e.g., for library edit, for finding unroutes, etc.) can be defined and reloaded on request. The default color table to be loaded after the startup of a particular BAE program module is the one named standard.

Changing some item-specific color is accomplished by selecting the desired display item using the left mouse button and then selecting the desired color button from the Change Colors function. In the layout system, Change Colors provides a feature for fast display item fade-out/fade-in. Activating and/or deactivating some item-specific display is accomplished by selecting the desired display item entry with the right mouse button which works as a toggle between fade-out and fade-in. The system won't loose information on currently defined colors of faded-out display items; strike-through color buttons are used for notifying currently faded-out display items.

Input Grid

The floating point database used throughout Bartels AutoEngineer allows to specify arbitrary placement coordinates. Input grids and angles can be released and/or locked at any time from throigh the View menu which can be activated with the middle mouse button. Nevertheless, the choice of a suitable input grid has fundamental meaning for design processes such as Autorouting or manufacturing data generation. Placing parts in 1/10" or 1/20" grids with just exceptional deviation (e.g., for plugs) will considerably facilitate both manual routing as well as Autorouting. Trace corners at 45 degree angle steps are recommended for better manufacturing results unless deviation is indispensable.

The cursor/arrow keys can be used together with the Shift key to move the mouse/graphic cursor to the next input grid point in direction of the arrow key. Shift together with Enter selects the current input grid coordinate (as if a corner was selected with the left mouse key) and a subsequent Enter key input terminates the definition of a point list as if Done was selected through the right mouse key. This allows for on-grid traces or polygons to be created through the keyboard only.

Coordinates

BAE uses a conventional coordinate system which always references the current position of the origin. It can be useful to reposition the origin to make absolute coordinate references easier - even for one command. A special submenu can be activated with the right mouse button when manipulating objects in the graphic workarea (placing/moving elements, creating polygons, etc.). This submenu provides functions for specifying absolute or relative coordinate values. Jump Absolute accepts an absolute coordinate value referring to the origin of the currently loaded element. Jump Relative accepts a coordinate value relative to the previous input coordinate value (e.g., when drawing polygons). Floating point coordinates can be specified, where fractional parts of corresponding numeric values must follow the decimal point (.). Coordinate values are interpreted either in mm units or in inch units, depending on whichever default input units are defined with the USERUNITS setup parameter (see also chapter 7.2 of this manual for a description on how to define USERUNITS with the bsetup utility program). Non-default metric input is forced by attaching mm to the input value. Non-default imperial input is forced by attaching the double quote character " to the input value. Metric and imperial values can be mixed arbitrarily. Precision throughout the whole system is ensured with BAE's floating point database based on common internal system units. The system also support polar coordinate input through the Polar Coordinates button and subsequent radius and angle value prompts. Attaching an R to the angle value will force the system to interpret the value in Radians instead of (default) Degree units.

All numeric input fields of the BAE dialogs support simple arithmetic expressions with add, subtract, multiply and divide operators and round brackets. An equal sign at the end of the expression causes the system to calculate and display the result immediately in the input field. Otherwise, the expression is evaluated when the dialog box closes successfully. This allows for, e.g., a Jump relative to be carried out through a Jump absolute dialog with the relative coordinates added to the absolute coordinates using the + operator.

File Management

Most of the BAE functions require an element (e.g., SCM sheet, layout board, library symbol, etc.) to be loaded. A particular element is specified by element type, file name and element name. The element name is the unique name of the element in the selected design database (DDB) file. The process of loading an element is activated after specifying the element name. There are two methods for specifying file and element names. Either select the file and/or element name with popup menu and mouse-pick or perform direct keyboard input by typing in the name to the corresponding input line prompt. The file name of the currently loaded element is used if you select the Project popup menu button or if you type in an empty string (by pressing the return key ) to the file name prompt. DDB file name queries in the Schematic Editor and the layout system also accept ! input for selecting the SCM and/or the layout standard library defined through the BAE setup (see also chapter 7.2).

Please do not forget to save the currently loaded element before exiting from the program or loading or creating another element. The system activates a popup menu with options for discarding and/or saving changes to prevent from unintentionally discarding design changes in cases where an unsaved element is about to be unloaded.

When loading a BAE DDB file element, the element's modification time is retrieved. This modification time is checked against the current time when saving the element. User confirmation request is issued if the DDB file element appears to have been changed, thus providing advanced support and security for BAE network installations where different users might simultaneously modify the same DDB file element.

With the BAE standard user interface, an intelligent popup menu for optionally selecting directories is integrated to the file name query functions. This feature can be activated by selecting the Dir. button from the currently active file selection popup menu. The bsetup command PROJROOTDIR (see chapter 7.2) can be used to define the root of the directory tree to be displayed for directory name selection; on default the current directory (relative path name .) will be used. The background color for the directory selection popup menus can be defined using the POPMFILL option of the FRAMECOLOR bsetup command (see also chapter 7.2). Directories with subdirectories are displayed in hierarchically arranged graphic frames. Directories without subdirectories are displayed with their name only. Directories including files with extension .ddb (DDB files) are marked by appending a plus sign (+) to the end of the directory name. The Next button of the directory selection menus is used to scroll in the directory selection menu. The ...Zoom button can be used to switch to a more detailed display of the selected directory; the Parent button can be used to switch back to the directory survey. Selecting the Abort button will cancel the file name query. An error message such as No subdirectories found! is issued if there are no subdirectories available in the directory defined by PROJROOTDIR. After selecting a valid directory, the file name query is reactivated with the file names of the selected directory provided for selection.

With the Windows and Motif user interfaces of the BAE software, Windows- and/or Motif-specific popup menus for file name selection with directory navigation and listboxes for element name queries are automatically provided.

The file and element name queries provide default names (current project file name, selected library, current element name, etc.) if at all possible and/or appropriate. The Delete Element functions from the File menus can only be applied to DDB file elements which are not referenced by any other element from the same DDB file.

Automatic Design Data Backup

A feature for optionally performing automatic design data saving is implemented with the Schematic Editor, the Layout Editor and the Neural Router. This feature is controlled with the Autosave function from the Settings menus. The Autosave function requires a positive integer input designating the autosave time interval in minutes. On zero or dash (-) input the automatic save facility will be deactivated. With Autosave activated, the system automatically saves the currently processed element to a backup file at the specified time intervals. However, to prevent Autosave from overwriting backup files in situations where an element is only loaded for viewing/checking purposes, the backup is only performed if the currently loaded element was modified during the autosave interval. The name of the backup file is automatically derived from the current job file name and has the extension .bak. Autosaved elements can be restored using features such as the Save Element As function from the File menu or the copyddb utility program.

Automatic Parameter Backup

Important design and operational parameters such as autosave time interval, name of the currently loaded color table, input and display grid, angle and grid lock, coordinate display mode, standard placement angle and mirror mode, standard text size, library access paths, plot file names, standard trace widths, Mincon function class, airline display mode, placement matrix, copper fill parameters, etc. are automatically saved with the currently processed layout board and/or SCM sheet or with the processed library hierarchy level (part, padstack, pad, SCM symbol, etc.). When loading an element, the corresponding parameter set is automatically loaded as well, thus providing a convenient way of setting up a default design environment suitable for processing the selected database and/or design element.

Element Boundary, Workspace

At the creation of a new element the system will prompt for the element boundary. The element boundary corresponds with the workspace on a paper for manual drawing, i.e., the element boundary defines the overall size of the data element and must not be confused with the board outline or any other artwork drawing. It is utilized for preventing the system from creating or placing objects somewhere outside in hidden infinite regions, i.e., nothing can be drawn or placed outside the workspace (which otherwise would be possible because of the floating point coordinates supported by the system). The element boundary can be enlarged or reduced with the Upper/Right Border and Lower/Left Border functions from the Settings menu. Note that workspaces larger than necessary are worsening performance at screen redraw, zoom, pan and certain other functions. It is a good idea to shrink each element's workspace; element workspaces can easily be enlarged at any time lateron.

Group Functions

The Bartels AutoEngineer group functions allow powerful manipulation in both the Schematic Editor and the Layout Editor. The group functions are featuring set principles. Groups can be defined either by selecting individual items or by defining the area around the items that you want to select. Choice of item types and the ability to de-select with the same technique makes it easy to define a group. Group-selected elements are marked by highlight, and these are the only objects to be affected by subsequent group functions. Groups can be moved, copied, deleted or saved and loaded. When saved they are stored as an element of the same type as that from which the group was selected and can be accessed by the appropriate editor. When saved a group origin must be defined which becomes the origin of the new element and is used as the reference point for group load commands. Group facilities can be used for a variety of tasks such as replicating circuitry and/or tracking, saving and loading standard SCM blocks or PCB templates, stealing from existing and proven designs, etc.

Undo, Redo

With the Undo and Redo functions from the Edit menu, the Bartels AutoEngineer can be used without fear of causing damage. Previously executed commands can be reversed or undone using Undo and then reprocessed with Redo. This ensures data security and provides a powerful feature for validating different design options.

On default, the system supports twenty Undo steps. The Setup dialog from the BAE main menu provides options for increasing the number of supported Undo steps for the Schematic Editor and/or the Layout Editor to up to one hundred.

1.2.4 Graphic Input

Input to the BAE graphic workarea is performed with the graphic cursor and the mouse. The most important graphical interactions are pick and place. Pick means selecting an item which is already placed in the graphic workarea. Place means placing a new item to the graphic workarea. A pick function is often followed immediately by a place function, e.g., when moving a part.

The left mouse button is used both for selecting an element (pick) for further manipulations and for selecting the current graphic cursor position for place operations such as placing a selected part or defining the next corner point of the trace or polygon to be currently created. The right mouse button is used either for canceling pick operations or for activating a submenu with special options. This options submenu provides choices appropriate for the current graphic operation. These include important functions such as setting rotation angles and mirroring during placement, specifying direct coordinate input (Jump Relative, Jump Absolute) during placement or polygon point definition, performing layer changes or setting trace widths during manual routing, generating arcs whilst drawing lines or defining areas, defining text sizes whilst moving texts, finishing a manually routed trace or a polygon definition, etc.

Each area and line (or trace) in the Bartels AutoEngineer is defined as a polygon. The corresponding menus for the creation and manipulation of such items are Graphic in the Schematic Editor and Areas (or Traces) in the Layout Editor. BAE supports different polygon types such as graphic area, graphic line and dotted line in schematics or passive copper area, active copper area, keepout area, documentary area, documentary line, copper fill workarea and trace in the layout system. Each polygon can consist of an arbitrary number of polygon points and arc segments. An arc segment is created by defining the arc segment start point, then choose the requested orientation with submenu function Arc Left or Arc Right and select the arc center point, and finally define the arc segment end point. When finishing the polygon definition with the Done submenu function, the system distinguishes between area and line definitions, and the last polygon point is connected to the first point when creating an area. No area can contain intercrossing segments because otherwise basic operations like checking polygon intersection for clearances and short circuits, polygon filling features, area size changes, etc. would not be possible. The polygons created by the Bartels AutoEngineer are not just simple line drawings but intelligent arbitrary shaped polygons. The system is fully capable of applying complex operations on these polygons such as move, copy, enlarge, shrink the polygon, move, delete, insert polygon corner points and/or polygon segments, perform automatic copper fill and/or hatching, perform design rule checking, etc.

Redundant polygon points should be avoided because they might cause trouble, e.g., when generating certain CAM data. In this context, the definition of full circles in BAE is worthwhile to be mentioned here especially. A full circle is created by defining a point on the circle, then choose either Arc Left or Arc Right from the submenu and select the circle center point and finish the definition with the Done submenu function. Alternatively, the c key can be pressed to set the circle center point, and then a second point can be selected to set the circle radius.

1.2.5 Special Remarks

The preceding paragraphs explained the basic concepts of operating the BAE design system. Now you can become more familiar with the BAE system functions by working through the examples provided with this manual. You should also have a close look at the bsetup utility program and the AutoEngineer database concept before starting the design of real projects since the user-definable setup parameters and database conventions have most considerable inpact on the design process and the possibilities of manufacturing data output.

Waiting for the Completion of Complex Functions

Some of the more complex BAE functions such as loading or moving groups might require some CPU time. Within the Windows version of the BAE software the mouse cursor will change to a sand clock symbol to indicate that the system is waiting for the completion of some function. Within the BAE standard user interfaces the menu cursor changes its color (to red) to indicate that the system is currently busy. This is also true for operations where the system expects some user input in the graphic workarea or via keyboard input. After the completion of a particular function the menu bar color of the BAE standard user interface changes back (to green) to indicate that the user can activate another function. More time-consuming functions such as batch design rule check or connectivity generation will even report the percentage of completeness for better information. It is strongly recommended to wait for each BAE function to be successfully completed, because interrupting a function by e.g., resetting your computer might cause irreparable damage of design data.

Design Data Backup

Kindly note the importance of backing up your design data when working on real projects. Every now and then we are asked to restore damaged design data on faulty hard disks. A hard disk can suffer a genuine loss of data by headcrash or other hardware defects, and we are not able to help if not even a simple backup has been performed. A regular backup of your project (DDB) files is strongly recommended. You can also use the Autosave function from the Settings menu (see above) for activating the automatic design data backup feature.

Releasing Manufacturing Data

Before generating and releasing manufacturing data, you should always perform a complete design rule check using the Batch DRC function from the Utilities menu of the Layout Editor. Subsequently, the DRC result should be examined with the Report function. Never start the CAM data output if clearance violations or short circuits are indicated since otherwise you might produce useless PCBs in almost any case. Also ensure that the CAM process does not cause any troubles such as overdraw errors. Apply CAM View on generated Gerber data for visual checks. Furthermore it is recommended to perform extensive tests on prototypes before starting any mass production. You should be able to achieve good project and production results with the Bartels AutoEngineer if you follow these instructions.

1.3 BAE Design Database

1.3.1 Database Concept

The key feature of the Bartels AutoEngineer design system is its powerful design database. It is a genuine object-oriented database since this has been proven to be optimum for accessing and processing the complex data types of different size used throughout the AutoEngineer. Powerful search algorithms are implemented for fast access to the database objects, and a high-sophisticated library management program provides simultaneous access to different symbol libraries. The user is able to define both standard libraries and job-specific libraries for particular projects. These libraries can be stored with the job and completely and/or partially transferred to or from a central standard system library.

Object Classes, Hierarchy

Each database entry is assigned to a predefined database class and is identified by an element name which is unique in this database class. Each element contains the data defined on that element, i.e., graphic items, texts, pin positions and pin designators on SCM and/or layout symbols, etc. Higher level database entries can refer elements of subordinate database hierarchy levels. Such a reference consists of the element placement coordinates, a name referring the subordinate database symbol, and the name of the placed element if it is a named reference. E.g., a layout contains the named references of the part symbols placed on the layout, the parts contain the named references to the padstack symbols defined on the part, and the padstacks contain the unnamed references to the pad symbols used on these padstack. All references of a certain element are transparent throughout the corresponding DDB file. When loading or copying that element, all pertinent references are automatically be loaded and/or copied.

Homogeneity

All database classes are subject to general file and database management functions. I.e., the Schematic Editor is suitable for creating and manipulating SCM plans as well as for editing SCM library elements such as symbols, labels, and pins. The same is true for the Layout Editor concerning the creation and manipulation of layouts, parts, padstacks and pads. All functions are automatically adjusted to the current environment and database hierarchy level. Corresponding menus and functions from the Schematic Editor and the Layout Editor are quite similar. I.e., the Add Connection SCM function is equivalent to the Layout Editor Add Trace function, and the Layout Editor Add Part function is used for placing parts on layouts, for placing padstacks on parts or for placing pads on padstacks, whichever is appropriate for the currently loaded element. This concept creates far-reaching analogies for the processing of objects of different database classes and makes it fairly easy to learn how to use the BAE design system.

File Format

All program modules of the Bartels AutoEngineer are working with the same database and file format. This file format is called Design DataBase (DDB) format. The .ddb file name extension is used for indicating the DDB file type. All of the design data relating to one particular design is kept in a single DDB file, thus avoiding the confusion of multiple file structures. This DDB file contains different element types relating to schematics, PCB layout, net list data, library symbols, parameter settings, etc. all of which go together to make a complete design. This concept introduces most efficient data management features for creation, modification, backup, update and redesign of both design and library files. The BAE library files including SCM and layout symbols, logical library entries, etc. are also prepared in DDB format. AutoEngineer objects can be composed of sub-elements from different libraries. A library or design file can be build up by accessing one or more other libraries, and even a particular design file can be used as library for another design.

Data Consistency

Each element is constructed dynamically during load. E.g., when loading a layout element to the Layout Editor, first the data pertinent to the layout is read and then the referenced part elements are loaded from the same project file; with each part element the referenced padstack symbols are loaded, etc. This dynamic load process presupposes that all required elements are available in the project file. The system will automatically check on missing library symbols, and requested elements not available are copied and loaded from the currently selected library. With this process, consistent construction of job-specific libraries without the need of storing redundant library elements in a job file is always ensured. This concept introduces considerable advantages with regard to project archiving or independence from master library availability. Modifications in a certain DDB file are reflected up the library hierarchy levels of that file without affecting any other DDB file, and the functions for deleting library elements prevent from erasing DDB file elements which are referenced by other elements from the same DDB file. I.e., data consistency throughout any particular DDB file is automatically ensured. Nevertheless, BAE provides powerful features for transferring library data between different DDB files such as the Update Library function from the File menu which can be used for correlating job-specific libraries with master library contents.

Manufacturing Process Control

A further advantage of the BAE database concept is the possibility of adapting project-specific libraries to special manufacturing processes. For this purpose, so-called technology parts containing special pin and/or padstack definitions can be defined in technology-specific library files. With a technology part a complete set of technology-dependent pin definitions can be defined (e.g., SMD pad definitions for a special SMT soldering process or annular pad shapes for manual drilling). Functions such as Replace Element or Update Library can be utilized for copying a technology part to a certain project file in order to include pin and/or pad definitions requested for a special manufacturing process.

Creating Library Elements

The New function from the File menu is used in both the Schematic Editor and the Layout Editor for creating new BAE library (and design) elements. After specifying the new element library hierarchy level the user is asked for the name of the DDB file where the element is to be stored, the name of the element to be created and the element boundaries. Subsequently, the element is defined by placing elements from subordinate library hierarchy levels and by creating additional objects such as documentary graphic, text, drill holes, contact areas, keepout areas, etc. (whichever is permissible on the currently edited library hierarchy level).

SQL Functions, Relational Databases

Bartels User Language provides SQL (Structured Query Language) functions for maintaining relational databases, thus introducing powerful software tools for programming database management systems. These tools e.g., can be utilized for integrating a component database to the Bartels AutoEngineer to perform stock and cost expenditure analysis on different variants of a layout including facilities for choosing components with controlled case selection and part value assignment. This however is just one example from the wide range of possible database applications; utilizing database systems could be worthwhile also in the fields of project and version management, address list maintenance, production planning and inventory control, supplier and customer registers management, etc. See the Bartels User Language Programmer's Guide for a detailed description of Bartels User Language and its integrated SQL functions.

1.3.2 SCM Database Hierarchy

Figure 1-4 shows the structure of the database hierarchy supported throughout the Bartels AutoEngineer SCM system.

The SCM sheet level is the top hierarchy level of the BAE SCM design system database. On SCM sheet level, the circuit diagram of a particular design is defined by generating SCM sheets, placing symbols and creating connections and busses. Labels, bus taps and module ports can be placed for defining signal names and for connecting different sheets. Graphic and text can be created for documentation purposes such as creating SCM sheet frames, including commentary text, etc. Part and net attribute values can be assigned for setting variable component properties and/or for controlling subsequent design processes such as Autorouting or CAM data output.

On SCM symbol level the schematic part symbols are defined (and stored to SCM symbol libraries). A schematic symbol is usually defined by placing elements from the subordinate marker level, thus creating the logical pins of the corresponding part. Graphic and text can be created on symbol level for including symbol outlines, part name references, attribute definitions, commentary text, etc.

Special symbols for signal naming purposes are defined on SCM label level. These symbols can be utilized on SCM sheet level for assigning signal names or signal levels to connections and/or busses, for tapping busses, for connecting different SCM sheets, etc.

Pin symbols are created by defining a contact area on SCM marker level. Marker symbols can be placed on SCM symbol and/or label level to determine the positions of the corresponding part pins. The contact area is required for connecting the corresponding pin on SCM sheet level. A reference designator text can be defined on marker level for showing pin names on symbol level. Marker symbols with a normal graphic area instead of a contact area can be utilized on SCM sheet level for creating and displaying T-connections.

Figure 1-4: SCM Database Hierarchy

1.3.3 Layout Database Hierarchy

Figure 1-5 shows the structure of the database hierarchy supported throughout the Bartels AutoEngineer PCB design system.

The layout level is the top hierarchy level of the BAE PCB design system database. On layout level the PCB contour is defined, the parts (from the subordinate layout part level) are placed, keepout areas, power planes and copper areas are defined, the traces are routed, and, finally, the CAM output is generated. Drawing items and text can be created on layout level for such things as plot registration markers, measurement, project identification, etc.

On layout part level the layout part symbols (i.e., the part package types) are defined (and stored to a layout part library). A particular layout part symbol is usually defined by placing elements from the subordinate padstack level in order to define the types and positions of the physical pins of the corresponding part. Traces and vias (e.g., for printed inductors), keepout areas (for part clearance check, defining via keepout areas, etc.), copper areas, drawing information (component outline on insertion plan) and text (for part name reference, insertion data pick point, attribute value display, etc.) can be created optionally.

On layout padstack level the layout pin symbols and vias are defined by placing symbols from the subordinate pad level. Each pad can be assigned to a signal and/or documentary layer thus designating contact areas for the routing or defining pad shapes for solder resist, SMD masks, etc. A drill hole and drill plan info can be created optionally for the definition of vias or drilled pins. Keepout areas can be utilized for controlling the pin contact mode. Documentary lines or areas can serve as pin designators on the silk screen or insertion plan and reference texts can be used for displaying pin names on part and/or layout level.

On layout pad level the pad shapes (i.e., the pin contact areas) are defined by creating passive copper areas. Different pad symbols can be assigned to different layers on a single padstack symbol thus defining a particular layout pin type.

Figure 1-5: Layout Database Hierarchy

1.3.4 Logical Library

The Bartels AutoEngineer logical library provides the link between the SCM library and the layout library. The logical library contains information about the assignment of SCM symbols to layout packages including gate definitions and pin mapping, pin/gate swap rules, predefined power supply pins, fixed part attributes, etc. All these definitions can be entered to an ASCII file to be subsequently transferred to a BAE DDB file using the loglib utility program (see chapter 7.11 of this manual for a description of the loglib utility program). The logical library definitions are required by the Packager for compiling logical net list data created by the Schematic Editor to physical net list data which can be processed by the BAE layout system (see chapter 3.2 of this manual for a more detailed description of the BAE Packager). During a Packager run, the logical library entries are checked against the corresponding layout library symbols for ensuring correct pin mappings. Please note that the Packager can evaluate only one library file at the same time, i.e., both the required logical library data and the requested layout library data must be stored to the same DDB file.

Figure 1-6 shows a loglib file example containing a logical library part definition according to the manufacturer's part data sheet.

Figure 1-6: Part Data Sheet with Loglib Definition

The following sequence of operations is recommended for the definition of a new part:

• create the SCM symbol and store this symbol to a SCM library
• create the layout part symbol and store this symbol to the central layout library (if not yet existing)
• create an ASCII loglib file containing the requested logical library part definition and
• transfer the loglib file to the central layout library using the loglib utility program

Once the above tasks are completed, the new SCM symbol can be used for circuit drawing, the Packager is able to assign this SCM symbol to the correct layout package, and the corresponding layout part is available for placement in the layout. For less-experienced users it is a good idea to use a test file for new definitions, and to perform a Packager test run before releasing new library parts for real projects. This should prevent from unintentionally introducing erroneous library definitions to BAE library and/or project files.

Introduction
© 1985-2025 Oliver Bartels F+E • Updated: 26 January 2007, 17:23 [UTC]