PADS ES Suite Evaluation Guide

PADS ES Suite
Evaluation Guide
Included in this guide:
A complete guided tour of the entire
PADS ES Suite including:
Introduction to the PADS ES Suite
Design Capture with DxDesigner
DxDesigner LineSim Link
DxDesigner HyperLynx Analog
PC Board Placement and Routing
with PADS Layout
High Speed Routing and Autorouting
with PADS Router
Completing the Design
HyperLynx BoardSim
HyperLynx Thermal
DFM Analysis
Creating CAM Outputs
PADS 3D Viewer
PADS Layout PDF
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Contents
Introduction
Introduction................................................................................................................... 2
Design Process Overview............................................................................................... 4
Flow Graphic.................................................................................................................. 5
ES Suite Highlights......................................................................................................... 6
About This Evaluation.................................................................................................. 10

Lesson 1: DxDesigner Workspace................................................................................ 10
Lesson 2: Setting up a New Project............................................................................. 21
Lesson 3: Creating a Symbol with the Symbol Editor.................................................. 29
Lesson 4: Selecting and Verifying Parts with DxDataBook........................................... 39
Lesson 5: Creating a New Schematic/Placing Parts..................................................... 50
Lesson 6: Wiring the Schematic................................................................................... 60
Lesson 7: Rules and Constraints.................................................................................. 72
Lesson 8: Variant Manager.......................................................................................... 80
Lesson 9: Generating the BOM (Bill of Material)......................................................... 92
Lesson 10: DxDesigner Integration with HyperLynx LineSim....................................... 97
Lesson 11: DxDesigner Integration with HyperLynx Analog...................................... 104
Lesson 12: DxDesigner and PADS Layout Integration................................................ 111
Contents
PC Board Placement and Routing with PADS Layout................................... 123

Lesson 13: PADS Layout Environment....................................................................... 124

Lesson 14: Setting Up a New Design......................................................................... 131
Lesson 15: Creating Component Information............................................................ 134
Lesson 16: Placement................................................................................................ 139
Lesson 17: Rules and Constraints.............................................................................. 146
Lesson 18: Interactive Routing.................................................................................. 152
Lesson 19: Creating Plane Layers............................................................................... 158
Lesson 20: RF Options............................................................................................... 167
Lesson 21: Verification (in Layout)............................................................................. 171
High Speed Routing and Autorouting with PADS Router

ii
Contents
175
Lesson 22: PADS Router Environment....................................................................... 176

Lesson 23: Component Placement............................................................................ 194
Lesson 24: Rules and Constraints.............................................................................. 199
Lesson 25: Interactive Routing.................................................................................. 211
Lesson 26: High Speed Interactive Routing............................................................... 217
Lesson 27: Setting up a Design for Autorouting........................................................ 229
Lesson 28: Verification............................................................................................... 232
Simulation with HyperLynx BoardSim & HyperLynx Thermal
239
253
Conclusion
273
Lesson 29: Simulation with HyperLynx BoardSim...................................................... 240

Lesson 30: Thermal Analysis with HyperLynx Thermal.............................................. 247
Lesson 31: DFM Analysis........................................................................................... 254

Lesson 32: Generating Manufacturing Outputs (CAM)............................................. 258
Lesson 33: 3D Layout View........................................................................................ 266
Lesson 34: Creating PDFs........................................................................................... 268
Lesson 35: Archive Navigator.................................................................................... 271
Contents
iii
List of Figures

Figure 1: Design Process Steps...................................................................................... 4

Figure 2: PADS ES Suite Flow Diagram........................................................................... 5
Figure 3: PADS Suites Configurations............................................................................. 6
Figure 4: DxDesigner Main Window............................................................................ 11
Figure 5: DxDesigner Toolbars................................................................................ 12-13
Figure 6: PADS Layout Main Window........................................................................ 125
Figure 7: PADS Layout Toolbars.......................................................................... 126-127
Figure 8: PADS Router Main Window........................................................................ 177
Figure 9: PADS Router Toolbars.......................................................................... 178-179
Table 1: PADS Router Table of Common Keyboard Commands................................. 185
List of Reference Tables
iv
Contents
Introduction to
the PADS ES Suite
In this section:
Introduction
Design Process Overview
The PADS Design Flow
ES Suite Feature Highlights
elcome to the PADS ES Suite Evaluation Guide. Our goal

is to introduce you to the broad spectrum of highly-integrated PADS design tools and assist you in understanding how to
apply them to your most complex design situations.
The PADS ES Suite is specifically configured to address the multitude of design challenges faced by engineers trying to meet
the ever-increasing demands of the rapidly-expanding global
demand for electronic products. As component speeds increase
and product designs continue to evolve into more complex
and higher-density packages, the design tools used by these
engineers must keep pace with these developments. The PADS
ES Suite has been specifically matched to these demanding
requirements and offers an outstanding breadth and depth of
features to meet these design challenges.
We invite you to use this guide to fully explore both the power
and ease of use of the PADS ES Suite.
Introduction
Uncommon is the design project that requires you to work in
only one application from start to finish. To get the job done in
todays market, design engineers move back and forth between
numerous design, simulation and layout applications. Even the
simplest design, which you might capture in DxDesigner, often
includes library content accessed through DxDataBook, as well
as simulations from HyperLynx Analog and HyperLynx LineSim.
As the design develops, multiple versions of the design are
often created for production, each of which can be tracked
with Variant Manager. Then, the design needs to be reviewed,
verified, and passed to PADS Layout for physical placement and
routing. Using the interactive placement and routing tools in
PADS Layout, the data develops into the physical representation
of the design. Additional power and flexibility found in PADS
Auto-router allows high-speed design rules and constraints to
be enforced. Once critical signals have been routed, the power
of PADS Autorouter can be used to quickly complete the routing
tasks.
Introduction
Seamless integration between the applications allows the

design to be returned to PADS Layout for verification checks and
manufacturing output generation. Additional simulations can
be performed in HyperLynx BoardSim and HyperLynx Thermal
to verify proper signal integrity and thermal performance of the
completed design. Lastly, intelligent PDF files can be generated
and the design can also be passed to the PADS 3D Viewer for
realistic visualization of the finished board.
The PADS ES Suite fits perfectly into this world by providing a
complete design solution from design concept through manufacture and test. This Evaluation Guide shows you how the PADS
ES Suite can be used effectively to accomplish the full spectrum
of design tasks.

A Complete Solution
Working Together
The PADS ES Suite is a complete design solution that lets todays

creative engineers design and produce quality board designs
faster, more easily, and more affordably than ever. The PADS ES
Suite combines the full versions of DxDesigner, DxDataBook,
Variant Manager, PADS Layout, PADS Router, HyperLynx Analog,
HyperLynx LineSim and BoardSim, HyperLynx Thermal, PADS
PDF and the PADS 3D Viewer to deliver a feature rich, truly
integrated solution. In addition, the PADS ES Suite features a
tightly-integrated workflow, world-class support, and a comprehensive collection of training resources to help you work more
efficiently. In short, the PADS ES Suite offers time-saving integration, simplified workflows, and an unprecedented value.
This attention to workflow means that we will also show you

how to use the applications together with real-world design
examples. Along the way, we also introduce you to many of
the great new features in each application, highlighting some
of the more interesting techniques with steps and lots of
illustrations. To see which applications and features a section
covers, scan the In this section list at the beginning of each
section.
Purpose of This Guide

This Evaluation Guide will introduce you to the major features
and capabilities of the applications and help you to understand
how they work together to unify and simplify your design
process. We walk through the entire workflow from symbol
creation to design capture, to layout, placement of components,
routing, rules and constraints entry, interactive routing, autorouting, design verification to final output. The focus throughout is on using the entire PADS ES Suite, with special attention
paid not only to those areas where the applications function
similarly, but also to the transition spots, providing tips on how
to get the job done more efficiently.
Further Exploration
Finally, remember that this document is an evaluation guide,
not a comprehensive user guide. Your most complete source
of detailed feature information is the Help in each application.
In addition, take time to examine the resource information
accessible through the InfoHub link within each application.
There youll find information on a variety of PADS resources
that will help you get started, get informed, and get inspired
while using the PADS ES Suite.
We hope this evaluation guide helps you see some of the
exciting possibilities available to you with the PADS ES Suite.
Enjoy!
Introduction
Design Process Overview
Steps In the Design Process
Taking a new design from concept to completion requires a

designer to pay attention to many details. We all know that designing a printed circuit board is a continuous process of making
design decisions and tradeoffs. Throughout the design process,
you must weigh a number of conflicting factors and make calculated design choices in order to obtain the best possible design
outputs.
Knowing that your design tools have the ability to provide and
manage the required content gives you a strong foundation
on which to build your design. The PADS ES Suite offers a fully
featured front-to-back design flow that allows you to balance
rules and constraints in an intelligent and predictable manner to
create quality designs that can be easily produced.
Though there are hundreds of operations you must perform to

produce a final design, we can distill the process down to a few
basic steps:
1. Creating a Design Project
2. Performing Design Capture
Creating the Top Level Schematic
Adding Components to the Schematic
Connecting the Components
Verifying the Design
Defining Constraints
Performing Design Analysis (pre-layout)
Packaging and Forward Annotating the Logical Design for
Physical Design
3. Performing Layout Design
Importing Schematic Design Data to Layout
Configuring for Physical Design
Placing Parts
Adding Physical Constraints
Creating Fanouts
Routing Critical Nets
Auto Routing Nets
Generating Plane Structures
Checking Design Rules (DRC)
Post Layout Verification
4. Creating Documentation and Manufacturing Outputs
Creating Schematic Release Documentation
Creating Manufacturing Outputs
Performing Engineering Change Orders (ECO)
Partitioning your workflow to align with these steps will help
you establish a structured approach to organizing your design
tasks. It will also provide you with a number of checkpoints for
reviewing your design data.
The Design Process
Creating a Design Project
Performing Design Capture
Performing Layout Design
Creating Documentation and

Manufacturing Outputs
Introduction

The PADS Design Flow
PADS
PADS ES
ES Suite
Suite
Design
Design Flow
Flow
Symbol
Editor
DxDataBook
BOM
BOM
BOM
BOM
Decal
Editor
Variant Manager
HyperLynx
Analog
DxDesigner Link
PADS
Layout
DxDesigner
PADS
Router
Schematic
Schematic
Schematic
HyperLynx
Thermal
Layout PDF
LineSim
Link
LineSim
HyperLynx
BoardSim
3D Viewer
Introduction
PADS ES Suite Highlights

Mentor Graphics, the worlds number one provider of PCB
design solutions, has combined the expansive capabilities of
the PADS product line into a series of affordable PADS Suites.
These suites have just the right mix of technology necessary
for complex PCB design, yet they can be supplemented with a
variety of add-on capabilities should your needs change.
PADS Suites are a complete family of integrated solutions that
improve personal productivity and speed time to market. Available in three configurations of increasing functionality, the PADS
Suites provide low-risk entry points to the PADS flow.
A PADS Suite for Everyone

Each PADS suite is designed to meet the specialized needs and
job requirements of individual engineers and PCB designers:
PADS Design Station (the PADS DS Suite) is ideal for the
Electrical Design Engineer looking for rapid product definition.
PADS Layout Station Suite (the PADS LS Suite) is designed
for the Layout Designer who wants to quickly define and
complete PCB designs.
PADS Engineering Station (the PADS ES Suite) is created for
Engineers who want complete product definition within a
single solution and Layout Designers who need high-speed
routing capabilities.
This PADS ES Suite Evaluation Guide will let you explore the entire depth and breadth of the PADS design flow and experience
the incredible power and integration available to accelerate
your product development cycle.
Introduction
Design Without Compromise

With PADS, your tools wont limit your ability to design. Unlike
other systems that advertise price conscious tools, the PADS
flow is infused with vibrant, dynamic technology for a complete
and comprehensive solution. Because PADS is based on industry
standards such as Windows automation, Visual Basic scripting,
and an ASCII database, you can work the way you want and
customize the capabilities you need such as creating special
function keys or outputs formatted to your standards.
Design Definition
The PADS flow delivers the most robust system design capture
and definition functionality available, including intuitive project
and design navigation, unlimited hierarchical support, design
reuse, advanced design attribute, property and rules management, full forward/back annotation including design rules,
cross-probing with layout and routing, and a direct schematicto-signal-integrity analysis link. Component management is also
available.

Analog Analysis
PCB Layout
HyperLynx Analog with EZwave is a board-level simulation

analysis and verification environment that is integrated into
Mentor Graphics DxDesignerTM board design environment.
Using a single schematic to drive both the simulation and PCB
applications, it effectively eliminates costly and error-prone
schematic re-entry, therefore significantly shortening the overall
development cycle.
TM
Signal Integrity Analysis

Signal integrity (SI) analysis is an essential part of modern
electronic design. Increasingly fast edge rates in todays integrated circuits (ICs) cause detrimental high-speed effects, even
in PCB designs running at low operating frequencies. As driver
ICs switch faster, a growing number of boards suffer from issues
such as crosstalk, over/undershoot, ringing, glitching, and timing problems. PADS design solutions offer powerful and easy-touse signal integrity capabilities on the engineers desktop. With
pre-layout analysis capabilities for defining routing constraints,
to verification of the routed board to ensure your design goals
are met, PADS design solutions offer a complete environment
for all your signal integrity analysis needs.
Thermal Analysis
HyperLynx Thermal allows engineers and PCB designers to analyze board-level thermal problems on placed, partially routed,
or fully routed PCB designs from all popular PCB layout environments. Temperature profiles, gradients, and excess temperature maps enable designers to resolve board and component
overheating early in the design process.
As the standard in desktop PCB layout tools, PADS offers unparalleled price-performance for the layout and design of complex
circuit boards, including high-speed applications and RF circuits.
PADS offers advanced design rules with real-time design rule
checking, bi-directional crossprobing, RF design functionality,
split-plane generation, auto-dimensioning, direct DXF import
into both the board and part library editors, physical design
reuse, advanced fabrication verification tools, and 3D viewing.
Also available are assembly variant functions, test coverage
auditing, chip-on-board / advanced packaging, and an IDF link to
third party CAD/CAM tools.
Interactive & Automatic Routing

Many designers of high-speed and/or dense designs require
exacting manual control of critical signal traces, but could also
benefit from the speed and built-in intelligence of an autorouter. The router provides both advanced interactive and
sophisticated autorouting for all applications. Whether interactively routing with orthogonal, diagonal, or any-angle styles, or
differential pair routing with unique rule assignment or trace
length requirements, the router provides exacting control.
Intuitive graphical monitoring tools provide real-time feedback
for correct-by-construction methodology. Proven routing algorithms enable robust design rules and advanced design constraints to be applied between objects or groups of objects such
as components, layers, nets, and vias.
The advanced autorouter simplifies routing operations most
suited for an autorouter, including fanout and routing, by individual components or groups of components.
Introduction
End of section. This page intentionally left blank.
Introduction
Design Capture
with DxDesigner
In this section:
Installation and Setup

DxDesigner Environment and Workspace
Setting up a New Project
Symbol Creation
Creating a New Schematic
Placing Parts
Wiring the Schematic
Rules and Constraints
Variant Manager
DxDesigner Integration with HyperLynx LineSim
DxDesigner Integration with HyperLynx Analog
Generating the BOM (Bill of Materials)
DxDesigner and PADS Layout Integration
10
About This Evaluation
Lesson 1: DxDesigner Workspace
This Evaluation Guide and the accompanying lesson files will allow someone with limited experience with the PADS DxDesigner
workflow, the opportunity to review several of its new features
and capabilities. Keep in mind this presentation is a snapshot of
the full range of features DxDesigner provides.
The Evaluation files should be copied into the C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation directory. This is necessary since the software has specific parameters that are setup within the lesson files enclosed.
The content of the evaluation material should include this PDF
file of the Evaluation Guide (located in the C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Document directory), Schematic, Simulation and PCB
Lesson files (located in the C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation directory),
Datasheets (located in the C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Datasheet
directory) and Libraries (located in the C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\
Libs directory).
This Evaluation Guide is intended to be used with the PADS PCB
software. This particular evaluation has Lessons dedicated to
interfacing with PADS Layout pcb software. Customers wishing
to run through DxDesigner in an Expedition flow should request
a different DxDesigner evaluation from their local Mentor Sales
and Technical representatives.
DxDesigner follows Windows navigation standards. It supports

pulldown menus, hot keys, toolbars, toolboxes and tooltips.
The software is object aware so the Right Mouse Button (RMB)
menu selections will change automatically based on the object
selected when the RMB is used.
It is these standard windows features which make DxDesigner
an easy and productive environment for schematic generation.

Introduction to the User Interface (Main Window)
Navigator
Pane
Menus
Toolbars
Workspace
Properties
PADS Decal
Preview
Symbol
Viewer
Status Bar
DxDataBook
Search Window
11
Toolbars
The Main Toolbar

New
Cut
Print
Paste
Copy
Find
File
Viewer
Redo
Package
GRC
Verify
Run Graphical
Rule Checker
Undo
IO
Expedition
PCB
PCB
Extraction Designer
CES
PCB
Library
Interface Manager
Export
Foreign
Database
The View Toolbar

Fit All
Zoom
Out
Zoom
In
12
Fit
Restore
Selected Zoom
Zoom
Area
Save
Zoom
eExp
DxDataBook View
Navigator
Add
Properties
Output Mode
ICT Properties
Viewer
Push
ICT
Selection
Push
Filter
Schematic
Route
Mode
Pop
Import
Foreign
Database

Toolbars
(Continued)
The Add Toolbar

Net
Select
Block
Special Arc
Components
Bus
Array
Circle Text
Box
Line
The Grid Toolbar
Add
Missing
Ports
Cut
Nets
PADS Decal
Preview
Grid
Spacing
Grid
On/Off
The Transform Toolbar
Delete
Rotate
90
Disconnect
Flip
Mirror
Scale
Stretch
Align
Center
Align
Left
Align Align
Distribute Snap to
Grid
Top Center Horizontally
Align
Right
Align
Bottom
Distribute
Vertically
Bring
Send
Forward Backward
Bring to
Front
Send to
Back
Backup
Sheet
13
Navigator Tree Pane

The Navigator Tree pane, as with all of DxDesigner panes, is
dockable and can be moved anywhere you wish on the screen.
The software will also remember heights and widths of any
pane modified during a working session. This is particularly
beneficial in a dual monitor configuration.

The advantage of this window is the ability to view all of the design files and to jump to various pages or nets quickly and easily.
The Navigator Tree Pane

Select File > Open > Project and browse to C:\PADS_
ES_Evaluation\Lesson1\Lesson1.prj.
If a previous lesson was open then select the Yes button acknowledging the software closing the previous
documents.
Open the Navigator Tree by selecting the icon if it is not
already open.
Double click the LMB over the name Corporate and
notice the main window displays the sheet Corporate.1
(The sheet name is shown on the tab at the top of the
design window).
Next select the [+] icon located to the left of the Corporate schematic name.
Note: The tree should be expanded to look similar to this

example.
14

The Navigator Tree Pane
(continued)
Double click over Sheet 4 and watch the main screen

update to show page 4.
Note: Notice the schematic sheet tabs located at the top
display both Corporate.1 and Corporate.4.
Select the [+] item to expand one of the sheets in the

Navigator tree.
Notice there are 2 categories that appear in the dialog
for each schematic sheet. (Symbols and Nets).
Select the item again to expand the Symbols and Nets
section of the dialog.
Select any symbol listed and notice the software automatically cross probes to that item.
Note: You may need to zoom out to see items selected during crossprobing.
15
Tooltips
DxDesigner supports Tool Tips for Components and Nets. The
visible properties are configurable. Lets take a closer look.
Open the Project Settings by using the pulldown menu

Setup > Settings or select the CTRL-ALT-G hotkey.
Click on Display and notice the options for controlling
various display options including Show Tooltips. Components and Nets should be checked.
Select Apply and then OK.
Enable the Navigator Tree dialog if not already open.
To do so select the Navigator Tree icon.
Using the cursor, double click the LMB over the schematic name Corporate to open sheet 1 of the schematic.
Place your cursor over any component to see the tool
tip.
Note: Make sure the All selection filter is enabled.
Place your cursor over any net to view the netname

tool tip.
Note: This is a very convenient way to get information without having to zoom in and out to view and identify an object
on the schematic.
16

Navigation (Pan and Zoom)
Zooming
Using the LMB click on any open area in the workspace.
Using the F7 (Zoom In) and F8 (Zoom Out) keyboard
keys. Zoom in and out for practice.
Hit Home (Zoom to the Full) to restore the view to the
entire Schematic.
Try hitting F9 and begin framing the area you wish to
zoom in on. This is accomplished by holding the LMB
down and dragging a box around the area you wish to
zoom in on.
This same procedure can be done by hitting the z key,
then dragging a box around the area you wish to zoom
in on.
Help System
Notice that there is a Help menu at the top of the tool.
From here you can access documentation, support,
SupportNet and tips. Take a moment to view the
resources available from this menu.
View all available shortcuts and system strokes by selecting Help > Show Bindings and Help > Show Strokes.
Note: Navigational controls can also be configured in Setup >
Settings > Schematic Editor > Strokes, Pan and Zoom.
17
The Find Function

Cross probing using the design hierarchy in the navigator is one
way to work your way through a design. In addition you can use
the Find function.
Using the Find Function

Select Edit > Find/Replace or click the Find icon.
Click the More button to open all options.
Take time to read through the options available.
Use the drop-down Within: to define which part of

the design you would like to search. In this case select
Board: Corporate (Corporate).
In Find what: type C2 and click Find All.

Note: The results of the search appear in the Find dialog.
Note: When you search, the results will also show in the
Output window. See item # 7 below.
Notice that several pages are now open. Each page

containing a reference to C2 has been opened.
In the Output window select the first hyperlink to
quickly jump to the capacitor with reference designator
C2.
18

Using the Find Function
(continued)
Notice the section of the schematic that C2 resides within.
In the Find and Replace dialog search for 698k across

the Corporate Schematic.
Notice all parts meeting this criterion are listed in the
output window
Close all of the schematic pages using the small x to
close each sheet.
This method can also be used to find nets.
Now enter the net name BSYNC- (make sure to include

the -character) in the Find and Replace dialog to
search across the Corporate schematic.
Select the Find All button to search the entire schematic.
There are four instances of BSYNC- across three schematic sheets.
Note: When selecting the net, the appropriate schematic
sheet is opened and that portion of the BSYNC- net is
selected. This functionality allows you to check connectivity
throughout your design very efficiently.
Select File> Close Project when you are finished to

close the current project.
19
Review Questions
1 What is the purpose of the Navigator?
2 What information can I get from the tooltips?
3 How many different ways are there to zoom in and out?
4 When would I use the Find function instead of the Navigator?
Review Answers
1 The Navigator presents you with a central viewport into your design. Components
and nets are available for browsing and querying from this common window.
2 Tooltips provide you with a quick and easy way to examine the properties of design
objects (components, nets and pins). Depending on how you have set up the visibility of properties, you can view information about these objects by simply holding
the cursor over the item for a few seconds.
3 The DxDesigner user interface provides multiple ways to perform most common
design tasks. You can zoom in and out using the keyboard keys (F7 and F8), press
F9 and drag a zoom window, press the z key and drag a zoom window, or use the
mouse scroll wheel forward and backward to zoom in and out. Both Expedition and
PADS Pan and Zoom styles are supported.
4 Though the Navigator gives you the opportunity to browse the major elements of
your design, use the Find command to build complex searches and quickly find very
specific details such as all instances of a specific component value.
20

Lesson 2: Setting Up a New Project
Project Overview
A project (.prj) contains pointers to all DxDesigner files associated with the open project.
The project database is stored in binary format in the /database
directory. This is a change from the use of /sym, /sch and /
wir directories previously. This database structure provides a
framework for dynamic updates. When using DxDesigner you
never have to stop and remember to save your work. Everything you do is always being stored. If you want to return to a
previous state you can use Undo to remove your edits. Everything you do between backups will be stored in the Undo
queue.
In addition, you have the option to create Backup points to rollback your design. You may choose to File > Backup at anytime
to create a backup of the active sheet. The Roll Back function
in DxDesigner allows you to bring the schematic sheet back to
the last Backup version. Upon invoking DxDesigner, the File >
Backup Sheet function is grayed out. Once a schematic page
is opened, the Backup Sheet function becomes enabled. Each
time you perform a File > Backup Sheet, it is preserved and can
be recalled for the session using File > Rollback Sheet. Each
backup in the session is saved using a "date-timestamp" format.
You can use this menu to return the active sheet to desired
backup state preserved. The tool also creates incremental automatic backups for you.
The \wir (wire) directory contains files used to generate the
actual netlist going forward to the circuit board layout software.
These files represent the electrical version of the schematic.
When using DxDesigner in a netlist flow, these files will be
generated from the binary database at the time you choose to
forward annotate your work. They have an incrementing extension for each sheet of schematic data.
Directory Structure
Setting Up a New Project
21
Creating a Project
If it is not already running, start DxDesigner.
Creating a Project
Select the Windows Start > Program > Mentor Graphics SDD > Design Entry > DxDesigner
Click File > New > Project

Another option is to select the New icon and then
select Project.
Enter the name of your project in the Name prompt of
the Project dialog.
Note: For this exercise enter your (first name) and (last
name) for your project name (i.e., JohnSmith).
Confirm the project Location is pointing to C:\PADS_

ES_Evaluation\Yourname (i.e., JohnSmith).
Select the appropriate Layout Tool from the list. In this
case select PADS9.XX.
Select the OK button to create the project.
Notice your project name now appears in the Project
Navigator Tree.
22

Opening a Project
There are many ways to open a project. We will learn two ways
here:
Using the .prj File Method

Close down DxDesigner by selecting File > Exit.
When you open the project for the first time you may
see this message This project was created on an earlier
version of DxDesigner (see sample message below). If
this message does appear simply select the Yes button to
update and continue.
On the desktop double click on My Computer to

open Microsoft Explorer.
Select the C: Drive.
Go to C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson2 directory.
Double click on the Lesson2.prj.
Note: This will launch DxDesigner and open the Lesson2
project. If you get an error then try double clicking the
icon rather than the file name. If you still get an error
then open DxDesigner and move to the next step.
Using the File Menu

From DxDesigner, open a project using the menu
File > Open > Project.
Browse to the C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson2\
location.
Either select Open or double click the Lesson2.prj
file.
23
Adding Libraries
After you create a project, you need to add the libraries for
your design. If you have libraries from previous versions of
DxDesigner you can easily add them for use in this newer
version. You can also use libraries which were created for
other schematics tools if you are new to DxDesigner. Refer to

www.suppportnet.mentor.com for schematic and library translators if you are coming from a different schematic tool.
Adding Libraries with Setup > Settings
To open the settings dialog pick Setup > Settings.

Using the cursor, select the Symbol Libraries selection located within the Project section of the settings hierarchy.
In the Library dialog box, you can add a new library, remove an existing library or modify the order of the libraries. To add a library, click the New icon and then browse
to the correct Path. In this case just note the options
available but dont add a library.
The available library types can be Megafile, Read Only, or
Writable.
A Megafile is a library that contains all symbols but in
a condensed format.
A Read Only library is a library that has not been
condensed and lists each symbol uniquely within the
library directory. The content of this type of library
cannot be edited or changed.
A Writable library is a library that lists each symbol
uniquely in a directory with the ability to read and
write to it.
Click Cancel to leave the New Library window and return

to the Settings dialog.
When adding a part to the schematic, the libraries are
searched in the order they are defined within the project.
The library structure is maintained from within the Settings Dialog. Use the arrows to control the order of the
library list.
24
Note: The only real advantage to a Megafile

library is that it contains a reduced set of files
associated with the library so archiving is
much easier with fewer data files being saved.

Creating New Libraries
Sometimes you may need to create an entirely new library. This
is also done within the Settings dialog.

Open the Settings dialog using Setup > Settings and
then return to the Symbol Libraries section.
To add a library, click the New Library icon.

In the Library window you will browse to create a new
library location. Modify the existing Path so it appears
as shown below.
Notice as you add \new_lib to the path, the software

adds new_lib to the Alias.
Try to change the Type and notice that Readonly is the

only option right now.
Click OK and you will see a message asking you to confirm the creation of the new directory.
Click Yes to create this new directory.

A new directory was created at C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Libs\new_lib and new_lib is a library in our list.
NOTE: Keep in mind that this new directory called \new_lib

is still an empty directory. It will continue to remain empty
until we decide to create new symbols that we wish to place
in this location.
25
(continued)
Now that we have a directory created we can modify

the type to Writeable. Double click on new_lib to open
the configuration and change the type to Writeable as
shown.
Note: At this time you have a red X through the W symbol
because you still cant write to it. Before this step you are
missing the appropriate directory structure within new_lib.
Click OK to close this window and then click Apply in

the Settings dialog. At this time a new directory structure is generated within the C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\
Libs\new_lib directory.
Using Windows Explorer, browse to C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Libs\new_lib to observe this new directory.
Now that the appropriate directory structure exists
within the library directory you can open the configuration for new_lib again and see the red X is gone.
At this time you still dont have any symbols available

in the library. Saving symbols in libraries is covered in
Lesson 3.
Note: You will not see the library in your Symbol View list
until after you have saved a symbol in the library. Once you
have done so you will also need to re-invoke DxDesigner
(close the tool and then open it again).
26

PADS Layout Decal Preview Pane
The PADS Layout Decal Preview pane allows you to graphically
verify the correct PCB Package will be used in Layout. The
preview window will update when a symbol is selected on a
schematic. The pane requires PADS Layout to be installed on
the system with the proper links to the PCB library located on
the network or the local computer. This pane does not require a
PADS Layout license.
Enabling the PADS Decal Preview Pane
Select PADS Decal Preview icon or hit the CTRL-ALT-J

hotkey.
Note: If you dont see this icon then you may need to enable
the toolbar in View > Toolbars > Addins. You can also enable
the PADS Decal Preview by selecting View> Other Windows>
PADS Decal Preview.
Open PADS Layout and pick File > Library > Manage Lib
List Then click Add and browse to add the following
two libraries:
C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Libs\Corporate.pt09
C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Libs\fpga.pt09
Note: If the libraries already exist in the Lib List, then you will
not need to add them.
Double click the LMB over the name Corporate to open

the first sheet of the schematic.
Next select the [+] icon located to the left of the Corporate schematic name and double click Sheet 3 to
display it in the workspace.
Select one of the symbols on schematic sheet 3. The
PCB decal appears in the PADS Decal Previewer.
27
Review Questions
1 What is a DxDesigner Project (*.prj) file?
2 What is the quickest way to open a project?
3 Is there a preferred location for storing new company-specific symbols?
4 How do I verify which package is assigned to a particular symbol?
Review Answers
1 A DxDesigner project (.prj) contains pointers to all DxDesigner files associated with
the open project.
2 To quickly open a design, browse to the .prj file and double click it. This will launch
DxDesigner and open the design file.
3 Though DxDesigner has a number of libraries that are shipped with the application,
you may find it convenient to use the Setup > Settings > Symbols Libraries dialog to
create a new library for your company-specific symbols. This lets you keep them separate from the other content and make them easy to locate when you need them.
4 To determine which package type (PKG_TYPE) is associated with a component in
your design, use the PADS Decal Browser to view a graphical image of the decal.
28

Lesson 3: Creating a Symbol with the Symbol Editor
The symbol editor allows you to generate new symbols very
quickly. You can use a spreadsheet to copy and paste pin information into the symbol or you can enter the data manually. The
editor will provide a basic symbol automatically and allow you

to modify the symbol in any way you desire.
Open the Symbol Editor and Set the Grid

Select File > Open > Project then picking C:\PADS_ES_
Evaluation\Lesson3\Lesson3.prj.
Open the Symbol Editor using File > New > Local Symbol
Prior to adding pins, open the Symbol Editor Preferences

using File > Preferences to review the settings.
Set Grid step: 0.050, Show grid every: 1 grid points, Large
dot every: 4 displayed grid, Default length: 4 grid points,
Default Spacing: 4 grid points and Pin property position:
Above Pin and click OK.
Adding Pins to a Symbol

To add pins select the Add-Pin & Edit icon.
Place the pin on the upper left corner of the symbol
body as shown below. Then type the Pin Name CLK
and press Enter. Use the ESC key to exit pin placement
mode after placed.
Now define this pin to be pin 1. Select View > Windows > Properties if the Properties window is not
visible. Select the pin and then click <new_property> in
the PCB Properties section Properties window.
Note: If you have difficulty selecting the pin, make sure that
the Select Pins button on the toolbar is selected.
Now click in the drop-down to select the property #.
Enter a value of 1 in the Value field.

Position the pin number above the pin.
Symbol Creation
29
Add an Array of Pins

Add an array of both input and output pins using Add
Pin Array.
Use the following settings for the input pin array:
1. Pin Name = IN
2. Range 7 to 0
3. Step = 1.
4. Pin type = IN
5. Pin location = Left
6. Pin spacing = 4
Select the OK button to create the array of pins.

Place on left side approximately 4 grids down from
the CLK pin.
Note: You can use View > Show Port Type to toggle the
port type graphical indicators On and Off.
Add another array for the output pins using the following settings:
1. Pin Name = OUT
2. Range 7 to 0
3. Step = 1.
4. Pin type = OUT
5. Pin location = Right
6. Pin spacing = 4
Place the array on the right side of the symbol so that

the output pins align with the input pins as shown..
30
Symbol Creation

Adding Pin Numbers
The next step is to select the IN pins (other than CLK)
from the Pins window.
Note: The pins highlight in all windows even the working
area.
To update the Pin Numbers select the Add Properties

icon.
Set the values as shown below. Make sure Type = Pin
Property, Name = #, Prefix is Empty, Value = 2, Delta =
1, Suffix is Empty and Position and Visibility are set to
Above Pin and Value.
This will automatically add and increment the Pin Numbers. Reposition them as shown.
Repeat this step for the OUT pins. Use a start Value =
18 and Delta = -1 to decrement the Pin Numbers down
to 11. Reposition them as shown.
Symbol Creation
31
Note: We need to shrink to symbol shape and the symbol outline to

create a symbol that is complete.
Adjusting the Symbol Outline
To shrink the outline first make sure the Select Graphics icon is selected.
Select the symbol shape and notice pick points appear

on the shape.
Note: Use View > Symbol Outline if you don't see the outline.
Select the Middle pick point using the LMB. Hold the
LMB down and drag which will allow you to reposition
the bottom of the symbol so its closer to the lowest
pins. Place it four grid points below the lowest pins.
Now manually move the symbol outline in a similar

fashion as the symbol shape.
The bounding box can also be moved automatically by

selecting the Symbol > Update Symbol Outline menu
pick.
Note: The symbol outline helps with avoidance rules when
connecting nets in the schematic.
Note: The symbol outline may be set to update automatically as you adjust the symbol shape. If it is and you wish to
manually adjust it you may need to turn off the automatic
adjustment mode first. This can be done by selecting the File
> Preferences > General > Symbol and unchecking the Automatic Outline Update check box.
Moving the Symbol Origin
To complete the graphical modifications we should

move the origin to the appropriate location.
This can be done by selecting the origin marker with
the LMB. Then while holding the LMB down, drag the
marker to the lowest left pin on the new symbol. Release the LMB once you have it placed as desired.
32
Symbol Creation

Associating a Part Decal
Now we will associate a physical part decal with our
new symbol. Select Tools > PADS Decal Browser.
Note: If this dialog does not appear for you then you will
need to setup your PADS libraries. In PADS, use File > Library
> Manage Lib List > Add and browse to add the C:\PADS_ES_
Evaluation\Libs\Corporate.pt09 and C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Libs\fpga.pt09 libraries.
The PADS Decal Browser reads all of your PADS libraries pointed to in your PADS list. You can search for the
appropriate decal By Name or By Pin Count. With the
search path Library: set to (All Libraries), filter on Pin
Count = 20 and click Apply Filter.
Select a DIP20 and click the Assign button to move it to
Assigned Decals.
Click Apply to Symbol and then Close. Notice in the

properties window the symbol now has a new Property
PKG_TYPE = DIP20.
Note: If PKG_TYPE is not added automatically, you can add it
manually by selecting PKG_TYPE from the drop down menu.
You can then select the appropriate decal value (DIP20 in this
case).
Symbol Creation
33
Saving the Symbol

The last step is to save the symbol. To save this as a
local symbol use File > Save As name the symbol
SymbolTest.1.
Note: You may want to add a symbol to an existing symbol
library. To do this you will use File > Export Symbol. Now you
can see the file will be saved as SymbolTest.1 and you can
place it in the C:PADS_ES_Evaluation\Libs\CorporateDemo\
SYM directory.
In the Properties window you will notice that the Symbol Name has been updated to match the name you
used.
The symbol is now complete and ready for use.
Verifying the Symbol Availability

Select File > Close then File > Exit to exit the Symbol
editor.
Back in DxDesigner select DxDataBook icon to open

the DxDataBook pane.
Select the [+] symbol to expand the Local Symbol partition.
Notice the Symboltest.1 symbol has been saved and is
ready for use.
34
Symbol Creation

Creating a Symbol from a Spreadsheet
Entering all of the pins manually can be tedious and error prone.
If you have all of your pins entered into a spreadsheet then you
can quickly and easily import them into the Symbol Editor for
placement on a symbol.
Start a New Symbol and Load the Pin Data
Start a new symbol in the Symbol Editor (Select

File>New>Local Symbol from the main pulldown
menu.)
If the Pins Window is not open, then open it using View
> Windows > Pins List.
Place the cursor in the Pins List pane, select RMB and
pick Import Pins.
Browse to C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson3 and select

SerialIO.csv to import all of the pins in this file.
All unplaced pins are marked with an *. You can add
pins to the symbol by selecting them from this list.
Symbol Creation
35
Adding Pins to the Symbol

Select pins from the pins list by left clicking and drag
them into the Symbol window to place them on the
symbol body. As you place each pin the * is removed.
Place ~RST_N on the Symbol body. Using the LMB,

select the ~RST_N pin name in the pins list.
Select and hold the LMB so that you can drag the pin
into the Symbol view.
Notice the pin attaches itself to the cursor so that it can be
placed in the Symbols working pane.
Release the mouse button when the pin is in the desired location on the symbol body.
Notice there is in invert bubble on the pin and a strike
over the name. If you open the .csv file you will see
why. This is because the pin was set as inverted which
resulted in the bubble. The Pin Label began with ~
which results in the strike over.
36
Symbol Creation

Adding Multiple Pins to the Symbol
You can also add multiple pins simultaneously from the

pins list. Click on the Pin Type column in the pins list to
sort the pins by IN versus OUT.
Now left click on the first OUT pin. Hold the shift key
and select using the LMB on the last OUT pin further
down the list. Now you should have all the OUT pins
selected.
Using the LMB, select and hold anywhere within the
highlighted pins (blue area) dragging the list of pins to
a desired destination on the right side of the symbol
body.
Experiment with adding other pins and modifying the
symbol graphics. Notice that as you place pins the * is
removed so that its easy to sort and/or visually scan
for unplaced pins.
When you are done, exit Symbol Editor without saving.
Symbol Creation
37
Review Questions
1 Is there a right or wrong way to create a symbol?
2 What is the purpose of the symbol origin?
3 Why do I need to assign a PKG_TYPE?
4 What are the advantages of creating a symbol from a spreadsheet?
5 Cant I just download a symbol from the component manufacturer?
Review Answers
1 There is no right or wrong way to create a symbol as long as the symbol accurately represents the
signals and connectivity of the device. There are formal design specifications for symbols (such
as ANSI/IEEE Standard 91-1984 Graphic Symbols for Logic Functions), but each company tends to
formulate their own internal standards that meet their design requirements.
2 The symbol origin represents a predictable reference point for anchoring and placing a symbol
into the design environment. It is usually placed at the end of the lowest pin on the lower left of
the symbol.
3 The symbol in DxDesigner represents the electrical connectivity of the component. In order to
pass the design to PADS Layout for physical design, each component symbol needs to have a corresponding physical package assignment so that the layout tool can properly represent the physical parts on the printed circuit board. The PKG_TYPE property specifies the name of the part (land
pattern/decal) in PADS Layout that is intended to represent the symbol in the physical design.
4 As the complexity of components increases, it is not uncommon to have symbols with hundreds
of pins. Entering the data for each of these pins into the Symbol Editor can be a very time-consuming and error-prone task. Using a spreadsheet, signal data can be copied and pasted from PDF
data sheets into a spreadsheet and then imported directly into the Symbol Editor. This saves time
and improves accuracy.
5 Unfortunately, except for the PDF of the datasheet, very few manufacturers offer any symbols
that can be directly imported into an EDA application. Due to the multitude of different components and systems, this would be very difficult for the manufacturers to support. Most designers
prefer to create (and check) their own symbols prior to use.
38
Symbol Creation

Lesson 4: Selecting and Verifying Parts with DxDataBook
DxDataBook is a component information system that allows
companies to benefit from a centralized component database
system. The DxDataBook utility allows customers to manage
their library data more efficiently than ever before. It increases
efficiency by decreasing the number of symbols required to
support the parts in their design environment. DxDataBook connects to any ODBC compliant database and makes the necessary
content available to aid in the part selection process.
When the part is added to the schematic, the property data is

also added so the part is complete when it is released onto the
schematic. DxDataBook also provides component verification
checks to ensure the property data contained on the symbol in
the schematic matches the content contained within the data
source. This prevents incomplete or inaccurate data from being
passed into the PCB design phase.
Selecting and Verifying Parts in DxDataBook
39
Configure DxDataBook
The system allows for easy searching and selecting of components. It can tie into a companys purchasing database so that
Engineering can make more intelligent part selections based on
lead time, cost, stock availability, etc.
NOTE: To use DxDataBook, an ODBC data source must be created to
point to the database, then DxDataBook must be attached to this data
source. If Configuration: None is displayed in the lower section of the
DxDataBook application window, this indicates that no database is
attached. See the Appendix at the end of this lesson (Pg. 46) for details
on performing the setup if steps 1-7 in this exercise dont work.
Configuring DxDataBook
Select File > Open > Project and select C:\PADS_ES_
Evaluation\Lesson4\Lesson4.prj.
In the Navigator Pane, double click the LMB on Corporate to enable Sheet 1.
Select the Navigator icon, DxDataBook icon and the
PADS Decal Preview icon to open the window panes.
The PADS Decal Previewer pane can also be enabled
through the View > Other Windows > PADS Decal
Preview pull down menu selection. You can also use
CTRL+Alt+J to open the PADS Decal Previewer.
If the Output pane is open, select the Output pane icon
to close it.
Using the RMB, Place the cursor anywhere within the
DxDataBook pane, select Configure > Open pop-up
menu.
Using the Browse button, navigate to the C:\PADS_ES_
Evaluation\Libs directory.
Once there, select the Corporate.dbc file and click
Open to activate the DxDataBook configuration settings.
40
Libraries with DxDataBook

The Library pulldown section contains a list of all available libraries as described in the database source. All
of the libraries listed are those that are defined as
Tables directly in the Access Database.
Choose ICs from the Library pulldown.

Note: The system now searches the access database and lists
all the components in this library. If it cannot find the *.mdb
file a dialog displays to allow you to browse for it manually.
Select the scroll bar located at the bottom of the DxDataBook window and scroll the dialog window all the
way to the right.
You should see a column labeled Datasheet. These are
links to Datasheets that describe more about the parts
listed in DxDataBook.
Using the LMB, select on one of the datasheet links.
Note: Notice the Datasheet opens and displays the PDF
content.
Note: Any field can be configured as an active link. For example, you
may want to open a simulation model from the schematic. To modify
the configuration right click in DxDataBook > Configure> Edit Configuration. Then select the desired library and find the Property Name
youd like to turn into an active link. Select the cell until the icon is the
same as shown for DATASHEET.
Note: If you didnt install the DxDesigner Evaluation in the

default location under C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation, then these
links will not work.
If you opened the configuration (see note at right) click

Cancel. Scroll the main DxDataBook window back fully
to the left.
41
Component Selection with DxDataBook

When using a standard library configuration without DxDataBook you must take the time to enter properties for every
existence of a part. This can be very time consuming and error
prone. This process may also force the creation of hundreds
of extra schematic symbols. In this exercise you will see how

DxDataBook reduces the need for extra symbols. You will also
see how easy it is to search and select specific parts from a list
of potentially thousands of parts.
Building a Component Query

From the Library pull down menu select the Resistors
library.
Select the Query Builder button to start setting the

query criteria.
With the Query Builder dialog open, select the Condition button.
Select the pulldown arrows in each setting in the dialog

so it matches the example below. (VALUE, =, 10K).
Select the Add button to set the criteria.
This will place the search criteria into the dialog so it
can be applied.
Select the OK button to activate the search based on
the criteria.
Note: Notice the resulting data is based on value equaling
10K.
42

Narrowing the Search
Now narrow the search down further to Resistors with
10K Values and CC1206 PKG_TYPE. Select the Query
Builder again, select the AND button, select the Condition button, set the 1st field to PKG_TYPE, set the 2nd
to =, set the 3rd to CC1206 then select Add button.
Select the OK button to apply the additional search
based on the new criteria.
Note: Notice the quantity of available parts has been reduced
significantly based on the search criteria just set.
43
Search and Place
Now lets search for a part with a value of 10K, Pkg_

Type of CC1206 and a Cost of less than .040 (cents).
Select the Query button once more, select the AND
button, select the Condition button, set the 1st field to
Cost, set the 2nd field to <, set the 3rd field to 0.04.
Select the Add button to include this additional search

criteria.
Select the OK button to apply the new search requirements.
The column headers can also be used to sort the results
ascending or descending. In this case we have already
filtered to only four results but we could have used
fewer filters and then sorted the value column to find
the desired part.
Using the LMB select the Part 103-RES. Notice the

entire line is highlighted and both the symbol and decal
preview are shown for the part.
While the LMB is still pressed, drag that symbol onto
the schematic and release your mouse button where
you would like the resistor to be placed. You can also
drag the symbol directly from the Symbol Preview window into the schematic.
44

View and Edit Properties
Click on the Properties icon to open the Properties
window. All the properties are on the symbol. These
properties were added to the generic symbol by the
Access Database when the part was added to the schematic. The user does not have to worry about making
manual errors when adding the properties.
While in the Properties Editor, change the Value property field from 10K to 100K by entering the new value
in the Value column.
With DxDataBook still active and still listing available
resistors, select and drag another schematic symbol
onto the schematic sheet so there are two new ones
displayed. (Follow the instructions in Step 7 in the previous topic: Search and Place.)
Change the Libraries: setting from Resistors to Capacitors.
Now assume you need a decoupling capacitor but have
not decided on what value of decoupling cap to use.
Select on any available capacitor listed in the DxDataBook pane, then click on the Add New Component
with only Common Properties icon to add a generic
component to the schematic.
With the new part active on your cursor, move both the
cursor and the symbol over the working area and select
the LMB to complete the part placement.
Note: If you look at the Properties Editor, you will notice the
capacitor has no Value property not to mention many other
missing properties. DxDataBook can run a complete verification to ensure all parts are compliant with the database.
Note: We made a unique change to a part so the part number no

longer matches the defined power rating. This condition could lead to
a very expensive problem due to the way parts are ordered through a
companys purchasing department. Part numbers that do not match
corresponding properties generally lead to overstocks and delays in
schedule. Both are costly to correct and can be avoided if a DxDataBook configuration is in place. Lets look at how DxDataBook can find
these inconsistencies and resolve them quickly.
45
Verification in DxDataBook
DxDataBook has the ability to run verification on a group of selected items, a single page, or an entire design. The functionality
is similar but for this exercise you will do a verification of the

parts we just placed.
Verification
Select the Filter icon located on the toolbar. Enable only the
Symbol check box.
While using the LMB (or CTRL+LMB) drag a select box around
the three symbols we just added via DxDataBook.
Click on the New Live Verification Window icon located in the

DxDataBook dialog.
Note: This icon is also used for verifying an entire page if no items
are selected when it is activated.
A new window will open showing the three parts color-coded.

If we click on any of the parts, that part is highlighted in the
schematic.
(Yellow) Indicates a component has multiple matches. This is the

generic we added.
(Green) Indicates the properties on the schematic match the database and only one part matches.
(Red) Indicates that there is a conflict between the database and the
schematic and no parts match. This is the part where we changed
the Value so it no longer matches the Part Number.
Fix the problem with the capacitor which is not correctly

specified. Using the LMB, double click on the Yellow Circle.
On the right hand side a search window opens up with the
common properties automatically applied as filters.
Using the LMB, select any part listed in the DxDataBook
dialog.
Using the LMB select the Annotate Component with all Properties to add the correct part information.
Notice the circle changes from yellow to green and the Properties
Editor now shows the capacitor as a completely defined symbol/part.
46

Correcting Database Conflicts
Now we will correct the part that we created the problem on
when we changed the Value to 100K.
Correcting a Database Conflict

Double-click on the part that contains the last remaining red circle.
On the right hand side a window is displayed, scroll
through it and notice the properties in red. Notice the
Value is in red because it does not match the database.
Using the LMB, scroll over to Value property name,
select the RMB then Remove Condition.
The system will search the database and find the part
that matches the previously defined conditions. Notice
that the verify routine has locked onto a single part.
Using the LMB, click on the new part number.

Using the LMB, select the Annotate Component with
Common Properties icon to change to the new part.
We have now corrected the problem of the properties
and the part number not being equal.
Note: The Properties window now shows the resistor has all
the properties of the part you selected.
Select all three parts you placed using the CTRL + LMB
keys.
Hit the DEL keyboard key to delete the added parts.
47
Appendix - ODBC Setup

The acronym ODBC stands for Open Database Connectivity. Most databases developed or upgraded since the 1980s will support this
standard. This standard is the technology DxDataBook uses to connect to databases. DxDataBook can also support a web sever connection utilizing ODBC. In this example, you will set up the ODBC connection for using a Microsoft Access Database format.
Note: Instructions differ for Windows 7, 64 bit.
Establishing ODBC Connectivity - Windows 7, 32bit

Select the Start Menu and then select Settings > Control Panel.
Select System and Security > Administrative Tools, click
Administrative Tools.
Using the LMB, double click on Data Sources (ODBC).

Under the User DSN tab click Add.
Select the Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb) item from the list.
Click Finish.
Type CORPORATE (all capitalized) in the field called Data Source
Name.
Type Database for PADS ES Evaluation for the description.
Click Select (located under Database:)

When prompted, browse to the access database called
Corporate.mdb which will be located in the
C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Libs\ directory.
Select the Corporate.MDB file and then click OK to accept the

selection. You have now successfully set up an ODBC connec-
tion to the Access Database.
Establishing ODBC Connectivity - Windows 7, 64bit

From Windows Explorer, browse to the directory
C:\Windows\SysWOW64.
Double-click odbcad32.exe.
Follow the previous steps 4 through 10 to complete the setup.
48

Review Questions
1 What is the advantage of using DxDataBook?
2 Will DxDataBook work with my existing component database?
3 How complex can I make my search parameters?
4 The component I need isnt in the database. Can I select a similar component; change a few of its
Properties and save it as the new component?
5 Why use Verification in DxDataBook?
Review Answers
1 Sorting through a library of a couple of hundred parts might be tedious, but not impossible. Doing
the same for a library (or libraries) of thousands of parts would be extremely time-consuming
and difficult to manage. Fortunately, DxDataBook allows you the ability to perform very complex
filtering and searches on large databases of components and presents you with a selection of
candidate parts.
2 DxDataBook will work with most ODBC-compliant databases allowing you to access the wealth of
purchasing and engineering data that may already exist within your company. This connectivity
also extends the capability to populate the properties of components in your design directly from
the information in your company database(s).
3 DxDataBook allows you to build very complex searches so that you can quickly narrow a search of
thousands of components down to a select few for consideration in your design. These searches
are cumulative, so you can start out with a broad range of parameters and then add additional
qualifiers until you have found the desired part.
4 Yes, you can select a similar component and place it in your design. Then you can edit the properties of the part and save it as a new symbol using the Symbol Editor. This saves you time and
promotes uniformity across your libraries.
5 When creating a schematic with a large number of symbols, it is sometimes necessary to edit
values and properties as the design evolves. These changes can sometimes elude updating until
later in the design process. Verification allows you to periodically compare your design database
against your component database to resolve any changes or conflicts.
49
Lesson 5: Creating a New Schematic

DxDesigner is a comprehensive schematic entry tool which
combines a feature-rich environment with an easy-to-use GUI.
DxDesigner is simple to navigate; whether you are adding parts,
connections, busses or text
Creating a New Design

Open C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson5\Lesson5.prj
and then the select File > New pull down selection or
select the New icon and then Schematic.
Right click (RMB) on the Schematic sheet name (Schematic1) in the Navigator and rename it to Logic_YourName (ie Logic_JohnSmith)
Note: The schematic shown will be constructed during the following exercises.
50

Adding and Placing a Border
Adding borders into a schematic can be done several ways. The
process can be automatic or manual. You can change borders
at any time to reflect a sheet size modification. We will cover a
few ways to add borders in some of the exercises that follow.
Adding a Border
A border may be added automatically based on Setup
> Settings > Project > Borders and Zones. The border
mapping should be in your companys template project
so that you dont have to change this.
You can also add a border manually by placing the cursor in the working area, select the RMB the selecting
the Insert Border menu selection.
Note: When adding a border using this method it is taking the
symbol defined in Setup > Settings > Project > Borders
Change the sheet size of this new sheet to a C size

sheet. This is done using the Drawing Size drop-down
in the Properties window.
RMB and pick Change Border from the pop-up menu.

Select mentorpageother.1 from the CorporateDemo
library.
Press F8 a few times to Zoom Out or hit the Home
button on your to change the view so it centers on the
format.
51
Placing Parts
Placing Parts into the Schematic (Manually)
Within the Symbol View (Symbols tab) dialog, enter the
symbol filter RES in the filter field directly above the
Symbol column header. Only symbols starting with RES
are shown. Select resistor from the library CorporateDemo.
In the Symbol Viewer, place the cursor over the resistor.1 shape, hold the LMB down and drag the symbol
into the schematic working area. Release the LMB to
drop the part.
Lets add a second symbol. First select Clear Filters.
Then enter capn in the Symbol Filter entry.
The program will automatically display capnonpol.
Place the cursor over the symbol displayed, hold the
LMB and drag the shape into the working area. Release
the LMB to drop the part.
52
Placing Parts

Placing Parts into the Schematic (continued)
Click Clear Filters and then expand the library CorporateDemo by selecting the [+] item. Find and place
145421 using the same method define in step #4.
Find and place symbol 74192 again using same method
as above.
You should now have 4 symbols on your schematic.
Placing Parts
53
Adding Power and Ground Connections

Open the Settings dialog using Setup > Settings.
Navigate to Project > Special Components. Then,

select Power from the dropdown menu and verify that
the PWR.1 symbol is available from the builtin library.
(If available, go to Step 4.)
If not, click the New icon. A new dialog will open and
allow you to browse the libraries for a power symbol.
Select the PWR.1 symbol from the builtin library. Click
OK.
Follow the same process but this time select Ground in

the Special Components dialog. If the symbol GND.1
is available from the builtin library, go to Step 5. If not,
click the New icon and from the builtin library select
GND.1 and select OK.
Select the OK button to exit the Settings dialog.
Now, on your toolbar for DxDesigner you will have the
Power and Ground symbols available from the Special
Components icon. When you place symbols from this
icon, they will default based on your settings from steps
3 and 4.
Click on the Special Components icon. Select the

POWER:builtin:PWR.1 symbol for the available choices.
Note: Notice a Power pin should be on your cursor.
Select the LMB to place the power symbol in the working area. When you have placed it click RMB to release
the command.
Follow the same steps to add a Ground symbol to the
schematic.
54
Placing Parts

Copying Symbols
You are going to need two resistors in this schematic
example. Hold the CTRL key. With the key pressed use
the LMB to select and drag away from the first resistor.
As you drag your mouse, a copy of the resistor will be
on your cursor and ready for placement.

Make sure there is plenty of room next to the capacitor

for 2 copies. If not, move it by selecting the part and
holding down the LMB to drag it to a new location.
Using the previous method (CTRL + LMB drag) add two
more caps.
Using the LMB, hold and drag a select box around the
Power pin completely enclosing it so the entire section
is selected.
With the items still selected, hold down the LMB and
the CTRL key to create another copy. Place the new
power pin next to the original.
Using the same process as the power pin, create a

second GND symbol.
Place it next to the original GND symbol.
Using the LMB, draw a box around the second GND
symbol.
Select the CTRL + C keys to create a new copy and place
it into the Paste Buffer.
Select the CTRL + V keyboard keys to paste the symbol.

Select the LMB to place the new GND pin under the
other two.
Placing Parts
55
Arrays
The Array feature can be used to add components and to add
net labels. It can also be used to add multiple objects.
Using Arrays
Using the LMB, click on a capacitor so it is selected.

Select the Array icon to begin the arraying process.
Fill in the dialogue as seen below: Rows = 3, Columns
= 1.
Select the OK button to complete the action. The parts
are automatically added and as you drag the cursor,
you can expand the array until the parts are spaced as
shown (3 rows and 1 column).
56
Placing Parts

Rotating Symbols
There are three ways within DxDesigner to rotate objects. The
first is to use the Rotate icon. The second way uses the F9 key
on your keyboard during a move. The third way is through the
RMB pulldown menu. Lets review a few examples.
Rotate a Symbol
Using the LMB, select one of the resistors. Select the
Rotate icon and notice the part rotates 90 degrees.
Note: The Rotate icon is located on the Transform toolbar.
If the toolbar is not active, go to View > Toolbars and

select the Transform toolbar.
Using the LMB, select one of the resistors. Hold the

LMB down and move the cursor.
Note: Notice the symbol moves with the cursor.
While the part is moving, hit the F9 key and notice the
part rotates.
Release the LMB to place the rotated resistor.
Using the RMB, select one of the capacitors.
From the RMB pulldown menu, select Rotate
Note: Notice the part rotates at the cursor.
Use the CTRL + Z key combination to undo this rotation.
Placing Parts
57
Moving Components
Arrange the components as seen in the figure shown.
To move components, select and hold the LMB down
while the cursor is over the part you wish to move.
Drag the cursor to the desired location.
Release the LMB to drop the part.
NOTE: The two capacitors located in the lower right can be
deleted by selecting them and hitting the Delete key located
on the keyboard.
You can select and move multiple components simultaneously using the CTRL key + LMB (to execute a multiple select). Hold down the CTRL key while selecting
all desired parts with the LMB.
Release the CTRL key and continue to hold the LMB to
drag the cursor and any selected parts to a new location.
Release the LMB to place the parts.
Close the project when you are done.
58
Placing Parts

Review Questions
1 Can I change the size of a border after I have started creating my schematic?
2 Can I mirror a symbol such as a transistor or logic gate?
3 Am I limited to the PWR and GND symbols that are supplied in the libraries with DxDesigner?
4 When would I want to create an array of components?
5 Do Properties rotate with a symbol?
Review Answers
1 Sometimes it is difficult to predict in advance just how much room your design might consume on
a sheet (or sheets). You can start a design with a specific border size, and at any time during the
design process, change the border to a size that more closely fits the design requirement.
2 You can easily mirror a symbol during placement by using the Mirror icon on the Transform Toolbar, or click the RMB and select the Mirror command from the menu.
3 Though the DxDesigner libraries contain a selection of PWR and GND symbols, you are free to add
any custom symbols to the library that you require in your design.
4 Many designs contain groups of identical components such as switches, LEDs or decoupling capacitors. For example, some designers put all of the decoupling capacitors for a design in a group
arrangement on the last page of the schematic. Using the Array command, you can place large
grouping of these components with a few mouse clicks.
5 Properties do rotate with a symbol, however you must be careful when doing this if you want the
visible properties to maintain a specific visual relationship to the component. In some cases, such
as discrete components (capacitors, resistors, diodes), it is preferable to create a separate symbol
for a horizontal orientation and the vertical orientation. This alleviates the need to make any fine
tuning adjustments to the visible properties after the symbols have been placed.
Placing Parts
59
Lesson 6: Wiring the Schematic
Connecting the Components with Nets

There are a few ways to add nets to components. This section
will experiment with a few different options.
Connecting by Abutment
Open C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson6\Lesson6.prj
and then in the Blocks section, double click the schematic Logic_YourName to open the sheet.
Lets zoom in closer to the ICs. To do this select the
Zoom Area icon and create a frame around those
two symbols. Select one of the two ICs located in the
schematic. Select and hold the LMB, to drag the first
IC over toward the second IC placing the pin edges
directly over each other.
Release the part by releasing the LMB.

Reselect the part again and drag it away from the first
IC. The pins are automatically connected as we drag
the second IC away from the first.
Creating Nets Using Net Mode
Select the Net icon (or enter n using the keyboard) to

put the software in Add Net mode.
Add a connection to Pin 4 of the IC located on the left
hand side. Using the LMB, select the pin and hold the
button down as you drag the connection to the left.
When the net is long enough release the LMB to drop
the connection.
Do the same thing for pins 5, 9, and 6 on the IC located

on the left hand side.
Hit ESC or select the Select icon to exit net mode.
60

Creating Nets Outside of Net Mode
For the IC on the left hand side, select the RMB on the
left side of pin 7.
Move the cursor to the resistor located next to it on its
lower left hand side.
Note: As you move the cursor, a net is added and follows the
cursor location.
Using the RMB, select the resistors upper pin to connect the net to it.
Create the connections as shown on the schematic. Do
not worry about assigning signal names at this point.
You will do that next.
61
Naming Nets and Placing Labels

Naming Nets
Double click on the Net in the lower left hand corner
from pin 13 (bottom of device).
Note: If you have difficulty selecting a net, set the Selection

Filter to Net and Bus
The Properties window will open and wait for you to

enter a name. Enter C/BE3.
Using the LMB, select and drag the net name you just
created.
Place it to the left of the net.
NOTE: If you move the net when attempting to move the
label, then you have the net selected in addition to the label.
Try zooming in closer or using the Selection Filter to limit
selection to the name.
Using the LMB, double click on the connection end of

the signal just above the one we assigned our fist signal
name to. Name this one C/BE2.
Select the LMB to release the signal name and the
selected connection.
Now select the signal name again, hold the LMB and
drag the signal name to its desired location.
62

Adding Names Using the Navigator
In the design view select the net connected to pin 4 of
the IC on the left and it will cross-probe to the Navigator.
In the Navigator use the RMB menu to select Rename.
Then enter the desired name and click Enter. Rename
the net connected to pin 4 to ~CE. Using a ~ will create
an inverted pin name.
Another way to control if the pin name is inverted or

not is using True/False in the Properties window.
Adding Symbols with Named Net Stubs

Another option would have been to add the nets when we
placed the symbols in the schematic.
From the Symbol viewer open the CorporateDemo
library and find 74192.
Before placing the symbol on the schematic check
Add Nets and Add Net Names on the right side of the
Symbol viewer.
Now, place the symbol into the schematic.

Notice that all pins have net stubs connected and they
are all named according to the corresponding to the
pin.
Remove this symbol and its connected net stubs.
63
Setting Properties for Parts

Property Visibility
If its not already open, then open the Properties pane
by selecting the Properties icon or by selecting the
modeless command CTRL-ALT-A.
Using the LMB, select the IC on the left side.
Note: The properties for that component are displayed in the
Property Editor
To make a property type visible you can check the box

next to the Property. Check the box next to PKG_TYPE.
Notice PKG_TYPE is now shown below the symbol.
To make only the value visible check the box next to
SO24L and uncheck the box next to PKG_TYPE. Now
only the value SO24 is visible.
64

Adding New Properties
To add a new property on the schematic the property
must be defined in the Property Definition Editor (Tools
> Property Definition Editor). This helps users standardize on required properties within the company and
also prevents typing mistakes.
Note: After making a change you will have to exit and reinvoke DxDesigner before the properties are available for
assignment.
If the Property window is still open and the IC on the

left is still selected then we will add a property. In the
Property window click in the blank cell at the bottom of
the list and select PART_NUMBER from the list.
Enter 510_5V_IC for Value.

Using the LMB select the IC on the right side of the
schematic.
Enter the following property information:

PART_NUMBER = 506_5V_IC
DATASHEET = C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Datasheets\
CD54HC192.PDF
Note: This last step links the part to a datasheet. A link can be
made to any type of document or website. The document can
be launched directly from the schematic.
Select the symbol and then use the RMB menu and
select Open Hyperlink > DATASHEET.
Note: This process launches Adobe Acrobat with the appropriate datasheet.
Select the Close Window button in the upper right, to

close down Adobe Acrobat.
65
Change/Edit Properties
Select the resistor on the bottom left.
Add or change the following properties:
DEVICE
RESISTOR1206
PART_NUMBER 107-RES
PKG_TYPE
CC1206
VALUE
5.1K
TOLERANCE
1%
POWER
250mW
Select the resistor on the top left.

Add or change the following properties:
DEVICE
RESISTOR1206
PART_NUMBER 101-RES
PKG_TYPE
CC1206
VALUE
10K
TOLERANCE
1%
POWER
250mW
66

Adding Properties to Parts Simultaneously
Using the LMB, select one of the capacitors.
Holding the CTRL key and using LMB, click on each of

the other two capacitors.
Note: All three of the capacitors are selected and their properties are listed in the Property Editor.
In the Properties window click in the blank cell at the

bottom of the list to add a new property.
In the Property field select PART_NUMBER.
In the Value field enter 12301-CAP.
Select Enter to complete the property assignment.
Now if you select each capacitor individually you will
notice they all have the same PART_NUMBER property.
Add the following properties to all three capacitors.

DEVICE
CAPNONPOL
PKG_TYPE
CC1206
VALUE
10U
TOLERANCE
5%
VOLTAGE
16V
When you have finished adding the properties, review
the assignment on each individual part, then close the
schematic sheet.
67
Working with the Bus Model

Creating a Bus
Begin by starting a new schematic: File > New > Schematic.
The new schematic is now found in the Blocks section
on the Project Navigator and it is called Schematic1.
Place 2 instances of the symbol SymbolTest. To accomplish this, select the DxDataBook icon, then select the
Show Library Symbols View icon. Once this is complete expand the CorporateDemo library using the [+]
character and highlight the SymbolTest symbol. At this
point you can click the Place Symbol button to place
them on the schematic.
Note: You could also enter SymbolTest into the search field
above the results display area and let DxDatabook find any
matches in the list of libraries.
Next, zoom in to the left side of the symbols.
Using the Bus icon place a vertical bus labeled

A[15:0] to the left of the symbols.
Note: Label the bus by assigning the A[15:0] value to the
Name property for the bus.
68

Connecting a Bus to Component Nets
There are 2 ways to connect these symbols to this bus. The
first method connects the nets from the bus to the component.
The first step is selecting the bus and using the RMB
> Rip Nets menu pick. Click with the RMB where you
would like the first net to connect (directly across from
the second pin on the leftbelow CLK). This will display
a dialog box allowing the user to select the nets that
are to be used. In this example, we are going to use
A[15:8] from the Rip Nets dialog to connect to the top
symbol.
NOTE: If you do not see the Rip Nets menu pick then you may
need to click into the design view to unselect the bus and
then try again.
Clicking the OK button will place the nets on the bus

starting where you last clicked. When the net lines are
in-line and touching the symbol pins, click the LMB to
connect them.
When you release your mouse the nets will be connected.

NOTE: The yellow properties are the ripped bit indicator.
These indicate which bit of the bus is attached to a particular
net.
69
Connecting Component Nets to a Bus

This is the second way to connect these symbols to this bus.
This method connects the nets from the component to the
bus..
Connect unnamed nets to the component using the
Add Nets icon. Once all nets are added be sure they
are all selected.
Next use the Add Properties Mode icon to invoke the
Add Properties dialog box, and set the following.
Type = Net
Property = Name
Prefix = A
Value Dec= 7 and Delta = -1
This will name all of the nets and allow you to use the
cursor to drag them to connect up to the bus.
When the nets are over the bus, click the LMB to connect them.
70

Review Questions
1 Do I need to connect every net at all points?
2 Why add names to nets?
3 Which properties should I make visible in my designs?
4 When would I add properties to parts simultaneously?
5 Why would I use a bus to represent connectivity of multiple connections?
Review Answers
1 As long as the schematic accurately represents the desired connectivity, it is not necessary to connect
every net to all points. Connectivity can be established by naming the nets, and as long as all net stubs are
identically named, connectivity will exist.
2 In addition to establishing connectivity, net names also help identify signals in very complex designs. Some
designers will name their nets with a convention that represents the source and destination of the net
(such as FPGA_A\S3_A_MEM_A_ADDR0). This makes it easy to identify the purpose and connectivity of a
net just by examining the name.
3 Which properties you choose to make visible is primarily a decision based upon the intent of the document. Most designers choose to have reference designators (REFDES) visible along with component values,
tolerances, wattages and component names. This is a very individual decision and each company may find
it necessary to set their own standard. DxDesigner allows you to set visibility of properties down to the
individual component level.
4 If your design contains a quantity of identical components, it may save a lot of time if you select the group
of components (either in the workspace or through the Navigator) and then assign/change the properties for all of the components simultaneously. This helps to promote uniformity and continuity across the
design. Remember to verify the components with DxDataBook when you have finished the design.
5 Connectivity can be accomplished by using individual nets to connect each point, or by naming each of
the nets. Showing all of the connections on a schematic can make the schematic difficult to read and add
unnecessary visual clutter. An alternative is to use a bus to represent a group of nets (such as an address or
data bus) that connect to a number of points (or sheets). This allows you to show the connections at the
components but represent the group across the design with a single (wide) net line. The bus is identified
with a label that shows all of the signals represented by the bus (such as ADDR_BUS_0:15).
71
Lesson 7: Rules and Constraints

DxDesigner has a built-in constraint system. This constraint
management system allows PCB physical constraints to be
passed with netlist/partlist data into a compatible CAD tool
(PADS Layout). The constraint information can consist of routing
clearance constraints, routing constraints, and high speed constraints. Advanced rules like differential pairs, component and
class rules can also be defined and managed directly from DxDesigner. When you select an object in the schematic, it appears
with currently assigned constraints in the editor. In this editor, constraint modifications are as easy as changing attribute/
properties. Constraint passing is controlled either during netlist
generation or through direct integration with PADS Layout.
Entering Constraints
Switching Projects
Open the Navigator window by selecting the Navigator
icon or by using the CTRL-ALT-T hotkey.
Using the RMB click on Lesson7 (or the active project)

to activate the pop-up menu.
Select Open Project.
Browse back to C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson7
Select the Lesson7.prj file.
Select the Open button to complete the process.
If any files were open, a dialog like the one shown will
pop up. Select Yes.
Click the [+] next to Boards to expand it.

Double Click LMB on Corporate to open the first sheet
of the schematic.
Select the [+] next to Corporate to see all the schematic
sheets.
72

Review the Constraints Definition
Place the cursor in a vacant part of the schematic working area.
Select the Zoom Area icon and generate a zoom box

around the upper left hand corner of the screen.
To open the Constraint Definition dialog select View >
Other Windows > Constraints.
Note: The Constraints file is part of your project settings in
Setup > Settings > Project dialog.
If you reviewed the Constraint setup dialog in the

previous step, select Cancel button to exit the Setup >
Settings dialog.
Using the LMB click on the CLK_IN net from within the
working area of the schematic.
Note: If you are not able to select the net you may need to
modify your Selection Filter settings. You can do this with the
Selection Filter button.
With the net selected the Constraint Editor now shows

the constraints associated with this net. We can change
constraints just like we changed properties.
73
Changing Constraints
With the CLK_IN net still selected, we will edit the
constraints.
Using the LMB, double click on the constraint value
for Length Min and change it to 1000. Then change
Length Max to 2000.
On the bottom of the Constraints dialog, notice the
Route tab.
Select the Route tab and change the Autoroute setting
to False.
On the bottom of the Constraints window, select the
Clearance tab and change the Trace-to-Trace clearance
from 6 to 4.
74

Creating a Constraints Class
While CLK_IN is still selected click Create New Class
from Settings in the bottom of the Constraints window.
At the prompt enter the new class name CLOCK2.
Select the OK button to add the new class name. If you
see a pop-up asking for permission to overwrite the
existing class pick Yes. Notice the net CLK_IN automatically gets assigned that class name.
Lets reset CLK_IN back to default by selecting the

down arrow to the right of the PCBCLASS property.
Select CLOCKS from the list.
75
Applying a Constraints Class

Use the Home key to zoom full and then using the
Zoom icon, create a box over the upper right hand
corner of the page.
Select the net CLK_3584MEG.
From within the Constraint dialog, select pull down arrow inside the value box next to PCBCLASS.
Select the class called CLOCKS. This will add

CLK_3584MEG net to the class along with other nets
assigned to that class.
76

Creating a Differential Pair
Use the Home key to zoom full and then using the
Zoom icon, create a scroll box over the upper left hand
corner of the page.
Using the LMB double click the signal called BSYNC-.

Open the Properties window if its not open already.
Note: If it was not open already, then it will open near the
Constraints window.
Where Diff Pair is located assign BSYNC+.

While holding down the CTRL key, use the LMB key to
select the BSYNC+ signal.
Note: At this point both BSYNC+ and BSYNC- should be selected and seen in the Constraints window.
Select the Make Differential Pair icon (if not already

selected) in the Constraints window, a new tab named
Differential Pair will appear. Select the Differential
Pair tab to view the constraint options.
77
Creating a Differential Pair
(Continued)
Select the Constraint name Gap in the Differential Pair

tab to first select the entire row.
Then select the cell for BSYNC+ (the left-most net cell)
in the Gap Constraint row.
At the prompt Are you sure you want to edit this cell?
The value will be applied to all 2 selected cells., select
the Yes box.
Set the Gap to 4.0 mils and press Enter. Both values
are changed to the 4.0 mil gap setting.
Note: You may need to adjust the column sizes so you can see
the property values for both nets. To do so, simply place the
cursor over the column edge, hold the LMB and drag to the
appropriate direction.
78

Review Questions
1 Why would I want to use rules and constraints?
2 If constraints are added in the schematic, can they be edited during the layout process?
3 When would I want to use a Constraints Class?
4 Can I assign different constraints to individual differential pairs in my design?
Review Answers
1 Rules and constraints help establish structure in the design. Not all signals in a design can be routed
together without introducing interference and/or crosstalk. Rules and constraints allow you to create specific routing conditions for each signal (or signal type) in the design, each with its own set of
spacing and layer assignment rules. The more complex the design, the more helpful these rules and
constraints will be.
2 Constraints created in the schematic are passed to the Layout environment. Once the design is in Layout, any changes made to the constraints can be back annotated to the schematic to keep the design
data in synchronization.
3 Sometimes you will want to assign the same constraint (spacing, net length, etc.) to a group of similar
nets. Rather than do this individually, you can group these nets into a class and then any constraints
assigned to the class will be automatically assigned to all of the nets in that class. This also simplifies
the process of making edits or changes.
4 The Constraint system in DxDesigner is extremely flexible and will allow the designer to assign rules
and constraints to a large variety of design elements including groups of nets, individual nets, differential pairs (including at the individual pair level) and even down to individual pin pairs. Being able to
exercise this level of control over the design helps the designer to meet the most demanding requirements.
79
Lesson 8: Variant Manager

The Variant Manager is a utility that helps manage PCB subassemblies from the schematic level. The bill of materials is
typically generated here and can represent the entire schematic
or any variant defined in the Variant Manager dialog.
Variant modifications can include Populated Components, Substituted Components and Depopulated Components. Multiple
variants can exist in a single design with the ability to automatically generate schematics and BOMs representing each listed
variant.
Variants defined in DxDesigner can be exported to PADS Layout

so the Assembly Variant utility inside PADS Layout can generate
the necessary assembly drawings based on each variant passed
from DxDesigner. This capability accommodates the passing of
variants from the front end tool all of the way through to the
backend tools so that required documentation can be processed
quickly and easily with accuracy.
Creating New Variants

Variant Manager is used to create a unique BOM for variants
of schematics. For example, you may need to produce designs
which are basically the same except one has an extra bank of
memory installed. Variant Manager will allow you to create a
unique BOM, schematic for documentation, and reports of the
variant differences.
Launching Variant Manager

Start DxDesigner, select File > Open> Project and select
C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson8\Lesson8.prj.
Launch Variant Manager using View > Other Windows
> Variants
A new window will open for Variant Manager. If it
shows No Project Loaded then you simply need to
Click on Corporate in the Navigator to open a schematic sheet.
80
Variant Manager

Reviewing the Variant Manager Settings
Before creating new variants, review the current settings and
familiarize yourself with the available options.
The General Tab

First review the Settings for the Variants you are about
to create by clicking the Settings icon .
There are four tabs in this dialog. First, look at the
General tab. The General Tab will have settings for
the naming of unplaced parts as well as several report
options. The Unplaced keyword will show in the appropriate cell for parts that you choose to Unplace. You
can control the keyword used in this tab of the Settings
dialog.
The CAE Interaction Tab

The CAE Interaction tab provides display options for
variant schematics. You can Delete, Markup or Color
the unplaced symbols in each variant.
Variant Manager
81
The Library Query Setup Tab

The Library Query Setup tab will allow you to define
and edit how the project will interact with the Library
database. In the first section you will point to the correct .dbc file using the browse icon.
The Define Libraries icon will allow you to edit your
DxDataBook configuration. For this lesson the setup is
done for you but you can refer to the Appendix at the
end of this lesson if you are using your own database.
The Query settings section allows you to control the
database search when using the Replace function.
You want to allow enough results to be returned from
each library by setting the Results/library value large
enough. You can use replacement parts from many
libraries but to do so you need to make the Results total number larger than the number of results returned
from each individual library. The Part number property
should be set to DEVICE.
The Output format will also control your database

query results. The Part number feedback line will allow you to display more information about a particular
part. This will be shown later.
The Query results format will control the results shown
for the Replace function. This will control the columns
displayed and filter options to help you choose a replacement part.
Note: Because we have Part Number Property tied to DEVICE
we also want to be sure DEVICE is included in the Query
results format.
82
Variant Manager

The PADS Tab
The last tab is PADS. This allows you to define the
correct property to associate with Part Number for the
output files. In this case use DEVICE.
Creating Variants
As you can see nothing has been defined yet. Start by
selecting the Variant Definition Icon .
From the Variant Definition dialog create two variants

by clicking on the Create New Variant icon twice.
Rename the two variants Variant1 and Variant2 respectively.
Note: Using the LMB, double click the cell to edit.
Fill in the Number and Descriptions as shown.

The Variant Groups Tab in the dialog above is helpful
for sorting or filtering specific variants when there are
many in a single project. The groups you setup here
will be available from the drop-down shown below in
the main window.
Click OK to exit this dialog.
Variant Manager
83
Defining Variants
Now that you have configured Variant Manager and created two
variants you will define the specific variant parameters.
Unplacing Parts
Using the LMB, select in the cell under the Variant1
column, next to C35. Variant Manager allows the
cross-probing from the schematic into a variant and
vise-versa.
Be sure the Transmit and Receive mode icons are both

selected to enable cross-probing.
Select the [-] next to the schematic sheet Analog_
Switch to compress the view.
Note: If you don't see the Analog_Switch [+] icon, make sure
that Flat Design View is unchecked.
Find IOPort1 and Unplace all of the components in that

block. This can be done by selecting the LMB to select
cell next to the IO_Port definition in Variant1, followed
by selecting the RMB to open the pop-up menu. Select
the Unplaced option from this menu to unplace all
parts on this Hier sheet.
84
Variant Manager

Change Multiple Parts Simultaneously
To change a few select parts simultaneously, using the
LMB select C32 first within the Variant1 column. Using
the LMB and holding the CTRL key, select C33 and C34.
Select the RMB while over one of those Ref Des and
select Reset. Notice only those 3 reset and contain no
variant instructions within Variant1 column.
Replacing (Substituting) Parts

Now, instead of unplacing all parts, we will substitute
new parts. For Variant2 select the cell for C16, select
the RMB popup and select Replace.
After selecting Replace you will see a new window of
possible parts for replacement.
Note: The columns come from the settings in a previous lesson. All of the replacement parts have the same PKG_TYPE as
the original part because we set the VM Match to PKG_TYPE
= in our .dbc configuration as shown in the Appendix at the
end of this lesson document.
Variant Manager
85
Sorting Parts
The columns in this window not only provide additional
information but they also act as filters. Select one of
the column headers and notice you can either sort
(ascending or descending) or filter (on available values)
based upon the part you are looking for.
Replace C16 with the smallest value available for a

capacitor. This can be done by selecting the VALUE
column and then sort ascending and double click the
first part available.
Flatten the Design View

Select the check box next to Flat Design View to flatten
the schematic Ref Des list.
Now use the design view to find Sheet 1 and select R8
in the upper right corner. When you select the part in
the design view it will also select in the Variant Manager.
86
Variant Manager

Replacing Parts Across Libraries
We are going to swap this resistor with a capacitor in
Variant2. With R8 highlighted, select the RMB over the
cell contained within the Variant2 column and select
Replace.
Notice that you also have the option to replace parts across
libraries.
Note: Dont forget that you can also filter on Library if you
know what Library your replacement part is in.
Using the LMB, double click the first capacitor in the list
to apply it.
Save your work by clicking the Save icon but do not
Exit.
Variant Manager
87
Generating Variant Outputs

Now that you have created two variants we will need to generate schematics, pass the information to PADS for layout and
create BOMs.
Create Variant/Function Schematics
Close all open schematic sheets but one so that the

Variant Manager will remain active.
Note: Use File > Close or the [X] in the top right of the workspace to close any additional active sheet.
To create the variant schematics simply click to select

the Variant1 column and then click the Create Variant/
Function Schematics icon.
After doing so you will notice a prompt opens in the design view informing you that DxDesigner is in Variant
Manager Mode (All schematics are read only). Variant
name: Variant1
Use the navigator to find Sheet 5 and select IO_port1.
Select the RMB while over IO_Port1 and select Push.
Note: The parts represented in blue are the ones we unplaced in Variant1.
Note: We set a particular color for all unplaced variant parts
(teal). This was setup in a previous lesson.
Note: We also had the option to Markup rather than color

unplaced parts which would have resulted as shown above.
88
Variant Manager
Or, we could have configured the Variant Manager to delete unplaced parts as shown.

Generating the Variant BOM Reports
To generate the BOMs you can click the RMB in the
Variant window and select Report > BOM Reports from
the pop-up menu.
A new dialog opens and you can choose the desired

output file type. Select Microsoft Excel.
Select Variant1 and 2. Define an output location. In
this case we will output to C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson8 and name it Variant_BOM.xls.
Generate a BOM report for the Master and both Variants using the settings shown above.
After clicking OK all three reports are generated in the
C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson8 directory as shown.
Open each report in Excel and observe the differences.
In this graphic notice the file names at the top show
master on the left, then Variant1 middle and Variant2
on the right. A few differences have been highlighted
so you can see that Variant Manager has generated the
BOMs correctly.
From the Report menu you can also generate spreadsheet views of your variants for documentation.
Experiment by creating a report for your variant and
then view the output file. For example, select HTML
Document.
Variant Manager
89
Appendix: Configuring Variant Manager

This appendix contains some of the errors you might see if your
session of Variant Manager is not configured properly.
Configuration
Before creating a variant you will need to set the Variant Match condition in your Databook .dbc file.
Note: This VM Match condition column is only visible from

the configuration within Variant Manager. If you try to edit
the configuration from DxDataBook then you will not see this
column.
Be sure you have the VM Match column in each library

set so PKG_TYPE is =.
If you fail to configure the VM Match condition correctly then you will see multiple package types available for
replacement as shown.
Be sure DEVICE is added to the Query results.

If you fail to do this then you may see an error message
when choosing a replacement part.
Be sure the PADS tab links Part Number to DEVICE. If
you havent done this then the replace menu will be
grayed out and you will not have parts listed in the Part
Number column.
The properties are case sensitive. Check your database configuration for property cases. For example, a
configuration might show the value Device rather than
DEVICE.
If you have a case sensitivity problem then you may see
an error message when replacing a part.
90
Variant Manager

Review Questions
1 When would I want to use variants?
2 Is PADS Layout aware of variants to the BOM that are created in DxDesigner?
3 Can I have more than two variants in a design?
4 How do I get the variant data to Manufacturing and Purchasing?
Review Answers
1 Many products are built around the concept of a core product design and a number of optional
features. DxDesigner supports this type of design through the use of variants. Each variant design can
have specific components installed, uninstalled or substituted. Using the Variant Manager, separate
BOMs can be specified and tracked.
2 The variant data is also forwarded to PADS Layout so that individualized Assembly Drawings can be
created for each design variant.
3 Variant Manager allows you to create as many variants of the design as you need.
4 Variant Manager supports a wide variety of output formats so that you can deliver the information to
downstream users in a suitable configuration. Data can be output in HTML, text, Excel spreadsheet,
CSV files, and other formats so that Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing and others can all share
the same design data.
Variant Manager
91
Lesson 9: Generating the BOM (Bill of Materials)

This exercise will show you how to export BOMs from DxDesigner. There are several optional output formats available but
for this exercise we will focus on creating an HTML output file
format.
Opening the Partlister

Select File > Open> Project to Open C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson9\Lesson9.prj.
From the pull down menu, select Tools > Part Lister.
If a Prompt appears One or more documents are
modified. Save before Running Command? appears,
select the Yes button to save the edits.
A new Part Lister dialog will appear. These options affect the partlist content.
92

Partlister Property Selection
Select the Columns tab.

The list on the left side of the dialog will contain all of
the properties currently in the design. By using the four
icons above the list, you will be able to add, remove
and modify the order of the property columns included
in the output.
Adding An Property
With nothing in the list selected, click the New icon to
add a new property at the end of the list.
Note: To add an property in the middle of the list, click on the
list item directly above the location where you wish to add
the new property. You can also use the Up and Down Arrow
icons to reposition the order of the properties in the list.
Enter the Column Label Name DESCRIPTION.

Note: This dialog is context sensitive. Be sure to use upper
case for Names.
Verify that Property is selected for the Type and for the
Property Name, select DESCRIPTION from the drop
down list to specify the content of the column.
Enter a Column Width of 50.
Enter 0 for the decimal places.

The new attrubute is now complete.
Generating the BOM (Bill of Material)
93
Editing An Property
Double-click the cursor over the Column Label Name
COST. This will allow you to edit the name.
Change the Column Label Name from C0ST to COST.
Note: COST is spelled with a Zero (0) and it should be an O.
You can rename any of the Column Label Names as

your reporting needs change.
Increasing the Page Size

Keep in mind if you add additional properties you may
have to increase the page size. To do this, select the
Advanced tab, check Split into pages and enter the
appropriate values for the numer of lines each. For this
lesson set it to 150.
Specifying the Output Type
Select the General tab.

You can setup the desired output type (Text File, HTML
or EXCEL) by selecting the pull-down located next to
the Output Format parameter. Set this output to Text
File.
94

Run the Partlister
Using the LMB click OK at the bottom of the Part Lister.
This will initiate the generation of the report.
Expand the view of the BOM to fit the full screen.
Note: This is just one example of a BOM. Many different
formats can be created including an HTML version that can be
opened inside a web browser or an Excel version that can be
viewed and edited within Microsoft Excel.
Select File/Exit to close the Notepad file.

Select File/Exit to exit to close DxDesigner.
Generating the BOM (Bill of Material)
95
Review Questions
1 Is a BOM a printed report or a data file?
2 How much detail can be contained in a BOM?
3 Will a BOM show detail for each part or condense the list of identical parts?
4 Can I save a BOM setup for use in a future design?
Review Answers
1 The BOM can be output in a number of different formats to suit the needs of the target audience,
including Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, text files, CSV files and others.
2 A BOM can contain as much or as little detail as you require. During the setup of the BOM, you will be
offered a number of options allowing you to fully customize the report.
3 The BOM can be configured to show both. Typically, you would show a condensed listing that would
have one entry for each different component and a field that indicates all of the REDESs that use that
particular component. Alternately, you can also include a listing that includes one entry for each component in the design.
4 You can save specific BOM configurations in the Reports dialog. These will be stored with the PADS
Layout application configuration and available in future Layout sessions.
96

Lesson 10: DxDesigner Integration with HyperLynx LineSim
Using LineSim Link and Simulation
This exercise will walk you through the process of selecting a net
for simulation, reviewing Simulation Models assigned in DxDesigner, importing a net into HyperLynx, performing an analysis
and saving the results for future use.

DxDesigner LineSim Link can export a net to HyperLynx
LineSim for pre-layout simulation.
Using the MMB zoom around the upper left IC shown

on the memory page.
In DxDesigner Select File > Open > Project and select

C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson10\Lesson10.prj.
Using the LMB select the IC U14. and review the

SIM_MODEL property associated with the IC that
appears in the Properties window.
Using the LMB, double click the schematic called

CORPORATE in the Project Navigator.
Note: You may need to scroll the Properties window to see

this property.
Using the LMB, double click memory in the project

tree.
97
(continued)
Using the LMB select the net DATA_BUS0 starting from

U14.13. When the net highlights, click the RMB and
select LineSim Link from the menu.
In the LineSim Link dialog, select Load Data from

DxDesigner and check the radio button Complete
Schematic (export including interconnections) in the
Schematic Contents section.
Note: In the LineSim dialog the user can change parameters

to the Transmission Line Properties. We will not make any
changes and use the default settings.
In the LineSim Link dialog, select the Schematic Topology tab where we will review the drivers and receivers
for this net. Expand both Electrical Net 1 and DATABUS0 by selecting the [+] next to each of them.
Note: U11 is set as a driver and U14 and U28 as receivers.
In the LineSim Link dialog, switch back to the Options

tab and select Export to HyperLynx. This will create the
HyperLynx LineSim schematic and launch HyperLynx
Select File > Open Schematic and select the
DATA_BUS0.fff file. This net then loads for
simulation and two models are assigned from
DxDesigner.
98

(continued)
In HyperLynx, select the Edit Stackup icon. The cross

section of the future board is defined as a 6 layer board
and we will use it as is.
You will now assign a missing model to U11. Select U11
and RBM to select Assign Models from the menu. In
the Assign Models dialog, click the Select button.
In the Select IC Model dialog that displays, the

xc9500.ibs Library highlights. Scroll down the
Devices column until you can see and select
XC95216_BGA352[SLW=0;VIO=0] and select OK.
99
(continued)
In the Assign Models dialog, the U11.io now highlights.

Select Output in the Buffer settings area and click OK
to apply the assignment and close the dialog.
All models are now assigned and ready for simulation.
In HyperLynx, select the Run Interactive Simulation

----- button and select the Rising Edge radio button.
Make sure different colors are assigned to the probes,
and select Start Simulation. Using the LMB, click two
points in the Oscilloscope window as shown at the top
and bottom of the overshoot of the waveform to review the span of the voltage overshoot. Receivers have
a lot of voltage overshoot (about 2.1V).
100

(continued)
We want to save the results of the simulation for future

use with the routed board. In the Digital Oscilloscope
window, select the Save/Load button, select the
HyperLynx .LIS radio button and then click the Save As
button. Save the file with name
DATA_BUS0_no_termination.lis.
To fix the Signal Integrity problems, we will add RC
Termination to the U28.13 receiver. Select the Add RC
Termination button and position the top of the resistor
so that it touches the left blue dot at the output of TL2 .
101
(continued)
To assign values to the terminators, select the

Run Terminator Wizard ___ _ button.
Select the Apply Tolerance pull down and use the 5%
setting. Select the Apply Values button to assign the
value to the terminators and select the OK button.
Rerun the simulation with RC Termination and the

values assigned. You will notice that we cut down the
overshoot by more than double (about 935mV). We
can continue to refine it to make it better but we will
leave it as is.
Save the results as we did in Step 12 with file name:
DATA_BUS0_terminated.lis.
102

Review Questions
1 When would I want to use HyperLynx LineSim?
2 How does HyperLynx LineSim know how the signal will perform on the printed circuit board?
3 How does HyperLynx LineSim fix signals that dont perform as expected?
4 Does HyperLynx LineSim select the actual components for terminators?
Review Answers
1 HyperLynx LineSim lets you model critical signals in your design and attempts to predict their expected
behavior in the final board design. You can model a signal, use the tool to experiment with corrective
measures and save the simulations for future results comparisons.
2 HyperLynx LineSim uses industry standard component models to predict signal behaviors along with
sophisticated internal algorithms and proprietary technologies.
3 HyperLynx LineSim features Wizards that can suggest possible modifications to your signal chain to
correct aberrations and performance issues. Simply run the Wizard and the system will present you
with suggestions to correct signal integrity issues.
4 HyperLynx LineSim offers suggested values for terminators, not specific part numbers. It is up to the
user to determine which manufacturers part number will meet the required specifications for the
design.
103
Lesson 11: DxDesigner Integration with HyperLynx Analog

This exercise will walk you through the process of simulating
with HyperLynx Analog. Assigning simulation models to components, and running DC, transient, and AC simulations.
Simulating circuits prior to or concurrently with pcb design ensures the circuit works right the first time by eliminating wiring
and polarity errors. HyperLynx Analog is easy to use, fast to

setup and no longer requires library preparation.
For a video demo, using a similar circuit for the features in this lesson
and more, see: http://www.mentor.com/products/pcb-systemdesign/multimedia/better-pcb-analog-design-webinar
HyperLynx Analog Setup

This section will demonstrate how to use the simulation capabilities of HyperLynx Analog.
In DxDesigner, select File > Open > Project and select C:\
PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson11\Lesson11.prj.
Using the DxDesigner menu, turn on the licensing for HyperLynx Analog:
a. Setup > Settings> Licensing, select the check box for
HyperLynx Analog and Press OK.
b. The HyperLynx Analog toolbar should appear. If not use
the DxDesigner Menu, View > Toolbars > HLA Simulation.
Using the LMB, double click on Inst_Amp in the Navigator
Block section.
Click the Testbench Options icon, the leftmost icon on the
HyperLynx Analog toolbar.
In the Testbench Options: Inst_Amp dialog, select the
HyperLynx Analog radio button and OK.
This step is optional for a demo, if you have time constraints, it has
been completed.
The passive components have had SPICE properties added, but

if the properties are not in a library, it is easy to add the SPICE
properties to the capacitors C12 and C9. Select C12, RMB on the
symbol and select Simulation Model Properties to view that a
model is assigned as Built In (SPICE).
While C12 is still selected, select the Capacitors and verify in the
Properties Window that Order=VALUE$ and VALUE=0.22u.
104
Adding SPICE Properties

This step is optional for the evaluation, if you have time constraints, it has been completed.
Add the SPICE properties to the Op Amp. Go to www.analog.com, search for ad8638 spice and download the SPICE
model (a copy AD8638.cir is in the project directory)
Select the DxDesigner menu, Tools > Convert PSPICE libraries, and select the downloaded file. The file AD8638.cir has
been saved in the project directory.
This converts the file to one with an HLA prefix, and .lib suffix.
Select the first OPAMP and click Right Mouse Button to

launch the Simulation Model Properties Dialog and select
ADD.
Continue adding the SPICE properties to the op amp...

Select SPICE from the dropdown
Select the Model File radio button
Browse to the converted model file, HLA_AD8638.lib
Select AD8638
Press OK, to close Model Properties, but stay in the Simulation Model Properties dialog.
Continue on adding the SPICE properties to the op amp
Select the Pin Mapping tab, and then View Model button,
and arrange it to see the pin numbers.
Press OK when finished.
For the remaining 3 OPAMPS, make assignments for each in
the Spice Model Properties. The pin assignment changes
made for the first opamp will be cached. Simply RMB on
the opamp symbol, select Spice Model Properties and press
OK to attach the model to the symbol.
Select all 4 opamps, and verify the Properties, especially
the Order property . Verify this property: Order=Model$
1. Unselect incorrect
items to create a list
2. Select the correct
pinout from the list
105
Setting Up the Signal Sources

This step is optional for the evaluation, if you have time constraints, it has been completed. Simply open the source dialog
to show how sources can be prepared.
Here we will setup the signal sources; this is done by
activating the Sources icon.
We will add 2 DC sources.
Add VDD as a DC source at 10V with input nodes of

PWR and 0, 0 is the GND node.
Add Offset as a DC source at 5V with input nodes of
NEG_INPUT and 0.
The results appear as shown in the Sources dialog.
Add a third source, this will be a combination source
with DC, AC and Transient properties
The completed Sources dialog should appear as shown.
106

Editing the Simulation Dialog
The final setup step is to edit the Simulation dialog by

pressing the Simulate Design icon.
Review the Simulations information.

Review the DC Analysis information.
Review the Time Domain Analysis information.
Review the Frequency Analysis information.

Review the Operating Point Values information.
Press the Simulate button.
Review the results in the output window
107
Viewing the Results in EZwave

When simulation completes, EZWave opens automatically. It can also be opened with the toolbar.
Select AC to show the waveform names in the lower
left window pane and drag V(amp_out) onto the workspace to view the AC results.
Select TRAN to show the transient waveform results

and drag (Vamp_out) next to Workspace1 to create a
new Transient waveform window.
108

Using the Measurement Tool
Use the Measurement tool, Tools > Measurement to
find the Peak to Peak voltage and the frequency.
Select the Measurement type.
Hint: Select desired waveform and press this icon to assign.
The measurement annotation can be selected and

moved to view.
For more power, EzWave has a tutorial, see
Help >Tutorial!
109
Review Questions
1 What models can be used for HyperLynx Analog simulation?
2 Can HyperLynx Analog simulation results be back annotated to Schematic?
3 Can measurements be performed in ezWave window?
Review Answers
1 Spice models can be used for HyperLynx Analog simulation.
2 Yes, by selecting the 'Show Back Annotation' button, Schematic will be updated.
3 Yes, in ezWave window you can measure different parameters of the wave form. For Example Pick to
Pick voltage or Frequency.
110

Lesson 12: DxDesigner and PADS Layout Integration
This exercise will walk you through the process of connecting
DxDesigner to PADS Layout to exchange design data. In addition, you will see how to save yourself time and effort using a
powerful feature known as cross-probing. This allows you to

easily select parts in DxDesigner and then see those parts ready
for placement in PADS.
Software Integration
This lesson will highlight the basic tasks utilized in Forward Annotation to PADS Layout, dispersing components, cross-probing,
placement and moving components.
111
PCB Forward Annotation Automated Process

The easiest way to pass data into PADS Layout is through DxDesigner Link. This is available within PADS Layout from the menu
Tools > DxDesigner.
Connecting Applications with DxDesigner Link

If DxDesigner is open, close it. Open PADS Layout by
clicking on the PADS Layout icon on the Desktop (or by
selecting it from the Windows Start icon > All Programs > Mentor Graphics SDD > PADS 9.XX > Design
Layout & Routing > PADS Layout).
Note: This location may vary depending on the install directory and version of PADS Layout software. Make the appropriate adjustments based on the installation.
From the PADS Layout pull down menu, select File >
Open.
Browse for C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson12\Lesson12.pcb and select the Open button.
From the PADS Layout pull down menu, select Tools >
DxDesigner
The DxDesigner Link dialog will pop up.

In the DxDesigner Project File field, select the
Browse button and search for the C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson12\Lesson12.prj file. Select the Connect
button to establish the link.
A DxDesigner session will be launched with the specified project loaded. You have now established a bidirectional link between the applications.
Split the screen so you have half the screen with DxDesigner and half the screen with PADS Layout.
Note: Do not close the DxDesigner Link dialog.
112

Forward Annotating the Design to PADS Layout
Select the Browse button in the Forward/Backward
configuration file portion of the dialog. Select the C:\
PADS_ES_Evaluation\Libs\padsNetlist.cfg configuration file.
Note: From this window, you can Forward Annotate a netlist
file to create a new PCB or forward an ECO to update an
existing pcb file. You can also Backward Annotate changes
from the PCB Layout to the Schematic. The last option is to
Compare a schematic with a PCB layout and report the differences.
Select the Forward to PCB button from the DxDesigner

Link dialog.
Set the parameters in the Forward Annotation dialog

as shown.
Select OK to start the netlist passing activity.
Note: The next window should indicate that the events were
successful by placing a check next to each item. If there was a
problem, an X would appear instead of the check. Then, you
could select Show PCB.err or Show Report to see the details
of the problem.
Note: During the Forward Annotation process, PADS Layout

may remove single pin nets from the connectivity list as they
are not candidates for routing. If an error report appears,
read the contents to familiarize yourself with the types of
reports that PADS Layout provides, and then close it
Select Close to exit the Process Indicator window.
Now minimize the DxDesigner Link window by selecting

the Minimize button located in the upper right corner
of the DxDesigner Link dialog.
113
Dispersing Components
From the PADS Layout pull down menu, select Tools >
Disperse Components
At the prompt, select Yes to start dispersing components.
At the prompt, select Yes to allow undo.

Notice the parts disperse around the board outline.
114

Cross Probing
Experiment selecting components and nets in either the schematic or the PCB layout and watch the other program automatically highlight the corresponding item.
Note: The cross probing functionality is supported in the DxDesigner
pane windows as well as the PADS Layout window.
115
Selecting and Placing a Single Part

In DxDesigner, enable the Navigator dialog (if not
already visible). Select the memory sheet in the list of
sheets.
Note: You can use the PGDN keyboard key as well to switch
sheets.
In PADS Layout, select the Design icon located on the

main toolbar, to open the Design Toolbar.
From the Design Toolbar that just opened, select the

Move icon.
From within the DxDesigner memory sheet, select the
component shown.
116 DxDesigner and PADS Layout Integration

Selecting and Placing a Single Part
(continued)
Move your cursor over to PADS Layout and watch the

part come to your cursor. It is ready for placement.
Select the LMB to place the part anywhere within the
board outline. Go back to DxDesigner and select a different component on this page.
Note: If the workspace zooms in on the part when it is

brought into PADS Layout, you can go to the Selection tab in
the DxDesigner Link dialog and select None in the Selection Passing area. This will allow you to keep the view of the
entire board so that you can more easily see where you are
placing the component.
Move your cursor over to PADS Layout a second time

and watch the part come to your cursor again. This
interactive feature improves your placement efficiency
dramatically.
Again, using the LMB, place the second part somewhere on the board.
117
Selecting and Placing Multiple Parts

You can use the following procedure to quickly select and place
all components related to each other on a single page.
Selecting a Different Schematic Page

From within PADS Layout, select the Select Mode icon
from the Design Toolbar. (It is located next to the move
icon you selected previously.)
Go back to DxDesigner. Using the LMB select an empty
area on the screen.
Hit the PAGE DN keyboard key to jump to the next

page.
Setting the Selection Filter

Pick the Selection Filter icon found on the DxDesigner
View toolbar.
Uncheck the All selection.
Check only the Symbol filter.

Select the Close button in the upper right to close the
Selection Filter dialog.
118

Group Selection in DxDesigner
While on the schematic sheet control_buffers, select
all the components associated with the CLK CONTROL
SYSTEM circuit (as shown).
Note: This can be accomplished by pressing and holding the

LMB while dragging to create a selection box which can be
used to surround the entire circuit.
This will select all the equivalent parts inside the PADS
layout via the OLE object linking capability.
Move the cursor into the PADS Layout window
Move Sequential
Select the RMB and select Move Sequential from the popup menu.
At the prompt to "Proceed with next object?", select

Yes to All.
Note: One of the components selected in the schematic

will now warp to your cursor, ready to be placed. Notice the
equivalent part is also selected in DxDesigner.
With the part located at the cursor, and the cursor over
PADS Layout, select the RMB followed by Rotate 90
from the pop-up menu.
Using the mouse, place the component somewhere on

the board. The part can be release from the cursor by
clicking the LMB in the desired placement location.
119
Move Sequential
(continued)
Watch as the next component comes to your cursor.

Place this component somewhere on the board near
the other one.
Note: The order of the parts moving to the cursor may vary
based on selection order in the schematic. You also have the
option to place parts in alphabetical order (this is the default).
The next part snaps to your cursor and is highlighted

in DxDesigner. Select the RMB followed by Flip Side to
move the part to the bottom side of the design.
To complete the placement process on any remaining
parts simply move the cursor to the desired location
followed by selecting the LMB.
From within the PADS Layout application, select File >

Exit to close PADS Layout.
At the prompt Save before quitting, select No.
From within DxDesigner, select the File > Exit to close
out DxDesigner.

Review Questions
1 Why use DxDesigner Link?
2 Why would I want to disperse the components?
3 Why is cross probing bidirectional?
4 When would I want to select multiple components in the schematic?
5 What is the advantage of Move Sequential?
Review Answers
1 When you have finished your schematic, you need to forward the design to PADS Layout for physical design. Instead of
manually sending files back and forth, DxDesigner Link lets you establish a seamless bidirectional link between the applications and automatically pass design data from one application to the other. This simplifies the process and eliminates any
possible problems that might be encountered in a manual data exchange.
2 When you send the design data to PADS Layout, the system places all of the components at the origin of the design. As you
pick parts in DxDesigner and place them in PADS Layout, the components are moved from the origin to the board. Having all
of the components in that one location makes it difficult to visualize how many unplaced components you have left. It also
makes it difficult to manually select a component from the stack. Dispersing the components separates them and places
them in an orderly arrangement around the perimeter of the board. This lets you see each individual component and visualize the unplaced component quantity.
3 Cross probing lets you select a symbol in the schematic and then have it snap to your cursor in PADS Layout ready to place.
Conversely, you can also select a component in PADS Layout and DxDesigner will automatically show you a view of the sheet
that contains the symbol associated with the component. This bidirectional capability allows you to probe individual components as well as groups of components to aid in placement operations.
4 Selecting multiple components in the schematic is a common way of placing a related group of parts. For example, you could
select all of the components in a power supply circuit and then bring your cursor into PADS Layout where all of the components in the group would be attached to the cursor. You could then drag the group to an isolated area of the workspace and
arrange the components into a cluster. Once you have the placement of the components in the cluster optimized, you can
then select the cluster in PADS Layout and move all of the components as a group to the desired area of the board.
5 Move sequential allows you to select a group of components and then move them one at a time as needed. You could select
all of the components in a power supply circuit and then move your cursor into PADS Layout and select the Move Sequential
command. Now the components will appear one at a time at your cursor, and as you place each one, the next one will attach
to the cursor. This allows you to place the components in Layout one at a time until you have completed the placement of
the power supply.
121
Placement & Routing

with PADS Layout
In this section:
Environment
Setting Up a New Design
Creating a New Component
Placement
Interactive Routing
Creating Plane Layers
RF Related Options
Verification
123
Lesson 13: The PADS Layout Environment

This section will walk you through the PADS Layout user interface. You will become familiar with PADS Layouts legendary
Ease of Use design environment. Topics covered include: the
Welcome screen, the use of toolbars, mouse functions, modeless commands and hot-keys. There are many ways to accomplish your design tasks with minimal effort.
Welcome Screen
The PADS Welcome screen is a collection of helpful links that
will help you to become a PADS expert very quickly. This
screen contains tutorial information, videos, help features and
a concepts guide to help minimize the learning curve. This
content will help you to become productive in a very short
time.
Open the PADS Layout software by either clicking on
the PADS Layout icon located on the desktop or by
selecting it from the Start > All Programs > Mentor
Graphics SDD > PADS9.XX > Design Layout & Routing >
PADS Layout pull-down.
Now that PADS Layout is open we can make ourselves
familiar with the working environment. Lets take a
look at the Welcome screen.
NOTE: Do not select Start a New Design or Open a Design item at this time. Just review the content. If you select
either of these items you will need to close and restart PADS
Layout to gain access to this welcome screen again.
Select Help and take note of all of the resources available. From the Help menu select Documentation and
open the InfoHub to see additional documents for all
products in the flow and links to customer support on
SupportNet.
Select Help > Modeless Commands to gain access to
all the modeless keyboard commands available to PADS
Layout. These are quick access tool functions available
from your keyboard.
124 PADS Layout Environment
Explore the Welcome Screen

You can start a new design by selecting the Start a New
Design folder shown at the top of the window.
There is a listing of recently opened designs located in the
Open a Design section of the Welcome screen. This will
provide quick access to designs you have worked on.
You have access to Quick Start Guides and Tutorials from
within this main screen.
PADS Layout and Router Help documents will help answer
any questions you may have on the PADS products.
There is a Concepts Guide to help with advanced questions.
Placement and Routing with PADS Layout

Project
Explorer
Menus
Status Bar
Toolbars
Workspace
Output Window
PADS Layout Environment
125
Toolbars
The Standard Toolbar
Open
Layer
Design ECO BGA

Cycle Toolbar ToolbarToolbar
Project
Explorer
Zoom Board Redraw Window
Properties Drafting Dimensioning Undo Redo

Toolbar
Toolbar
Save
The Drafting Toolbar

Board
Select
Copper Outline &
Import
From Plane Area
Mode Copper Pour Cut Out Text Library Cut Out Hatch DXF File
2D Line Copper Copper Keepout Flood Plane

Auto Add Drafting
Cut Out Pour
Area
Plane New Options
Cut Out
Separate Label
Bottom Output Route

View Window

Toolbars
(continued)
The Design Toolbar

Move
Reference Add Add Sketch Bus Add Test Design
Select Radial
Mode Move Spin Designators Corner Route Route Route Point Options
Move Rotate Swap View Split Dynamic Auto Add Make Like
Part Clusters
Route Route Jumper Reuse
The Dimensioning Toolbar

Select
Aligned
Angular Leader
Mode Horizontal
Auto- Vertical Rotated Arc Dimension

dimension
Options
127
Navigation
Open a Design File for Reviewing Commands
Select the Windows Start > All Programs > Mentor
Graphics SDD > PADS 9.XX > Design Layout and Routing > PADS Layout or double-click the PADS Layout icon
on your desktop.
Select File > Open. Browse to the C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson13\Lesson13.pcb.
This will open a design file so that you can experiment
with some of the PADS Layout navigation commands.
Keyboard Keys
There are several keyboard keys that act as shortcuts. Lets
review just a few.
Select and hold down the Arrow Keys to move the cursor in grid increments.
Click the Page Up and Page Down keys to change the
zoom level.
Click the Home key to zoom around the entire board.
Modeless Commands
Modeless Commands are a more efficient alternative to
menus. Modeless commands are activated by selecting a key
on the keyboard prior to or during an activity. The Modeless
command dialog can be deactivated by selecting the ESC key.
Select the W key and notice the Width modeless command dialog appears.
Select the L key and notice the Layer modeless command dialog appears.
Full lists of Modeless Commands are available. Experiment with the modeless commands available in the
Help > Modeless Commands pull-down.

Mouse Usage
This topic will explain the various ways the mouse can be used
to manipulate PADS. The mouse buttons will activate different
menus depending upon the selection.
The LMB (Left Mouse Button) can be used to select
things by clicking on them. Select the BGA as show
below using the LMB.
The RMB (Right Mouse Button) is used to activate

pop-up menus containing lists of functions available for
the selected object. The content of these menus will
change based on the selected object.
With the BGA selected click the RMB to view the options in the pop-up menu.
Note: When the RMB is activated (without anything selected)
it brings up a selection filter that can be used to filter your
selection criteria.
The MMB (Middle Mouse Button) is used to either

zoom in or zoom out. Click and hold the MMB while
dragging toward the upper left. This creates zoom-in
box around the area which will now be visible.
Click the MMB and hold it to drag the cursor toward

the lower right. This will initiate a zoom out box. The
amount you zoom out is based on the relational size
of the outer box to the inner box that is created during
the zoom out process.
Select the Alt key + Scroll wheel forward/backward to
move the display window in the vertical plane.
Select the Shift key + Scroll wheel forward/ backward
to move the display along the horizontal plane.
When you have finished experimenting with the navigation features and commands, close the design file.
129
Review Questions
1 Is PADS Layout a Placement or a Routing tool?
2 How many shortcut and/or modeless commands are available in PADS Layout?
3 How many ways are there to pan and zoom in PADS Layout?
Review Answers
1 PADS Layout is both a placement and a routing tool. You can use its advanced placement features to
arrange your components as required and then utilize the powerful interactive routing features to
interconnect the components.
2 The PADS Layout environment features a broad array of keyboard shortcuts and modeless command
to perform many of the most common operations. Using these commands will allow you to quickly
execute commands directly from the keyboard and saving you many mouse clicks and panning operations. Take time to familiarize yourself with the power of these commands. A complete list is available
from the Help menu as well as in the documentation on the InfoHub.
3 Like most operations in PADS Layout, there are many ways to perform the same task. PADS Layout supports multiple pan and zoom operations using the function keys, arrow keys, PageUp/PageDn keys, the
mouse scroll wheel and modeless commands. You will find different times in your design methodology
where one method is more appropriate than another. Take the time to review the product documentation and try a variety of the methods to find the ones that work best for you.

Lesson 14: Setting Up a New Design
Creating a board outline for your PCB Layout is critical. PADS
Layout will allow you to create board outlines of any shape
including round, rectangular and irregular polygons.
Cutouts and keep-outs can also be added to help manage more
complex board requirements. Cutouts create void areas in the
board outline while keep-outs are utilized to for placement and
routing requirements.
All shapes (including board

outlines) can be generated using
coordinates entered manually as
well as with the mouse identifying each coordinate.
Drawing the Board Outline
Select File > New to open a new PCB instance.

At the Prompt to Set Start-up File select the System Default Start-up file, followed by the OK button.
Select the Drafting Toolbar icon
Select the Board Outline and Cutout icon
Click the RMB and select the shape you wish to draw
with. For this exercise select Polygon.
Type G <space> 1
Type S <space> 0 <space> 0
(Note: <space> indicates to push the spacebar. This will place
the cursor at the origin of the design.)
Board Outline Coordinates

X Coordinate
Y Coordinate
3300
6133
3300
6133
324
4720
324
4720
2248
2248
324
2175
324
2175
1606
1606
324
590
324
590
Click the Spacebar to drop the first corner at the origin

location.
Type S <space> 0 <space> 3300 for the second corner
location.
Click the Spacebar again to drop the second corner.
Follow the same steps for the remaining corners shown in
the table (you have already entered the first two):
Click the RMB followed by Complete to finish the board
outline. The end result should appear as shown.
Note: To save time, the completed outline can be opened at C:\
PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson14\Lesson14(Board Outline).
131
Modifying the Board Outline

Board outlines can be edited, but in order to do so, the proper
selection filter must be enabled. Once the selection filter is
set for Board Outline, you can then select the board outline
and make the desired modifications.
You can add corners to a board outline, you can add arcs to a
board outline and you can change the width of a board outline all at the snap of a finger.
Click the RMB (with nothing selected).
Select the Select Board Outline entry from the pop-up
menu.
Select any board outline edge and notice it highlights.

Once the edge is select, click the RMB and notice the
editing choices available.
Select Add Corner and notice you can add corners to
the side you edited
Select the ESC key to abort the last command.
Click the RMB again and select Pull Arc. Notice you are
now stretching an arc on one side of the board outline.
Select the ESC key to abort the command.
132 Setting Up a New Design

Review Questions
1 Why do I want to create a board outline?
2 Does the board outline need to be a single continuous polygon?
3 Can I add cutouts to the board outline?
4 Can I add cutouts or slots to the board interior?
5 Can I save a board outline and use it in another future design?
Review Answers
1 The board outline acts as the design boundary. It is an intelligent design object and is a reference
point for many design operations and objects. Components and routing can be setup to maintain a
specific clearance from the board outline. It is used as a reference point for offsetting plane edges. It
also represents the routing (milling) path for producing the final board shape extents.
2 The board outline should always be constructed as a single continuous polygon line so that it maintains its integrity as a design object.
3 Yes, there are icons on the Drafting Toolbar for adding cutouts to the board outline. This will allow you
to edit the board outline to accommodate specific mechanical requirements.
4 PADS Layout supports cutouts and slots in the interior of the board. This allows you to meet any requirements for specific types of voids/openings in the board.
5 Once you have created a specific board outline, you can save the design as a startup file and use it for
future designs. You can also just save a copy of the design and name it appropriately so you can find it
again when you need it for another design.
133
Lesson 15: Creating Component Information

This lesson will walk you through creating a PCB Layout decal
and the associated electrical information that will represent
the part when it is added to the circuit board. It will cover using wizards to create both the physical representation as well
as the electrical part information.
Creating a New Component

Creating components in PADS Layout is quick and easy.
Components can either be created with wizards or manually
depending on the complexity of the device. Devices are made
up of two pieces: the electrical information (Part Type) and
the physical information (Decal). In this exercise we will build
components using the decal wizard and then show how easily
they can be modified.
Select the File > Library pull-down menu.

From the Library dialog select the Decals button.
Click the Pull-down arrow in the Library list (located at
the top of the dialog).
Select the Usr Library.
Click the New button to begin creating a new decal.

Click Close.
Notice the PADS Layout background changes to an empty
view.
134 Creating Component Information

Creating a Decal with the Decal Wizard
There are two types of wizards available in PADS Layout.

The first wizard is for creating PADS Decals. A decal is a part
footprint or the physical description of the part. The following
steps show how easy it is to make a PADS decal.
Select the Drafting icon.
Select the Wizard icon.

Select the Quad tab. Notice the required parameters
are specific to the definition of a Quad Flat Pack device.
Set the parameters to match the settings shown. Use
the Zoom command in your PDF reader if you have having trouble seeing the settings in this graphic.
Select the Wizard Options button.
Use the Decal Wizard Options Global tab to enable or
disable supplemental documentation layers and settings.
Use the Decal Wizard Options Package Types tab to set
the defaults for each of the package types used by the
Decal Calculator.
Select the OK button after all the edits have been
made. Select the OK button to start the Wizard.
Read the Soldermask dialog notification and question

related to the solder mask and select Yes.
Notice how quickly you have created a 400 pin quad flat pack.
Creating Component Information
135
Creating a Decal with the Decal Wizard
(continued)
Select File > Save Decal.
Enter QuadFlatpack+<your initials>.

Note: Do not use any spaces in the filename.
At the prompt "Would you like to create a new Part

Type", click Yes.
Click OK to accept the defaults.
At the prompt to "Save Part Type to Library", select OK
to accept the defaults. (Name the Part Type the same
as the decal.)
Select File > Exit Decal Editor to close the decal.

Modifying Decals and Part Types
Select File > Library to open the Library Manager again.

Click the Decals icon.
Enter Quad* in the Filter section followed by selecting
Apply.
Select the Part type called Quadflatpack<your initials>

followed by clicking the Edit button.
Click Edit Part.
Notice the Electrical information appears for your part

type.
This is where you can set the PCB Decal you would like
to assign using the PCB Decal tab. You can also define
the gate swapping capabilities (GATES Tab), the pin
swapping capabilities (PINS Tab), custom attributes
(ATTRIBUTES Tab) and Alpha numeric pin definitions
(PIN MAPPING Tab).
Open each tab and review the content.
Click OK once you have reviewed each tab and its content. Change information if you like but do not save the
modifications.
Creating Component Information
137
Review Questions
1 What is the Library Manager?
2 What types of components can be created with the Decal Wizard?
3 Where do I get the data to input into the Decal Wizard?
4 How does the Decal Wizard assign the decal to the component in my design?
Review Answers
1 The Library Manager is a utility within the PADS applications that allows you to view and manage all of
your library content. From the Library Manager you can add, delete, edit and move your libraries.
2 The PADS Decal Wizard supports the creation of decals for a large number of component families
including SMT and thru-hole styles. The Wizard can create 2-sided and 4-sided decals including DIPs,
SOICs, Quad Flat Packs, BGAs and polar configurations.
3 You can create a decal in the Wizard by entering the physical dimensions of the recommended land
pattern from the manufacturers component data sheet. You can also use the IPC Land Pattern Calculator to determine the appropriate decal dimensions and then enter that data directly into the Wizard.
4 PADS Layout uses a Part Type as a container for the decal. When this Part Type is referenced by the
symbol in the schematic, PADS Layout will load it into the design and assign the connections specified
in the design database.

Lesson 16: Placement
This lesson will show you how to place parts in PADS Layout.
Placement can be driven from the schematic or directly within
PADS Layout.
Cross-probing from the schematic is one way to quickly and easily target specific parts for placement. You will select the part
in the schematic and it will automatically snap to the cursor in
PADS Layout allowing you to quickly place parts based on the
their locations defined in the schematic. This is available from
either PADS Logic or DxDesigner.
When placing parts within PADS Layout you may chose a standard select-and-drag method or you may use the Verb mode.
The select-and-drag method allows you to select the desired
part and use the cursor to drag it to a new location. If using the
Verb mode you can select the part and it will automatically snap
to the cursor for placement.
Modeless commands are also available to drive placement in
conjunction with Verb mode. If you enter the Verb mode and
then initiate the modeless command, the specified part will
snap to the cursor ready for placement.
Parts can be rotated, spun, flipped and glued on an individual
basis or as a group. Parts can also be placed at specific coordinates using either a Properties dialog box or via a modeless
command (SS).
Open a Design File for Placement

Select File > Open. Browse to the C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson16\Lesson16A.pcb.
Go to File > Library > Manage Lib List and make sure
C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Libs\Corporate is at the top of
the list. If it is not then you can add it by clicking Add
and browsing C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Libs and select
Corporate. Then use the UP button to move it to the
top of the list.
Select File > Import to import C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\
Lesson16\Corporate.asc. Select the Open button to
complete the process of importing the project netlist.
Note: You have imported your netlist into PADS Layout. Doing so required the parts libraries to be available and now you
can see the decals are at the board origin location (0,0) as
shown in the graphic.
This is not the typical import method used with DxDesigner. For DxDesigner you would use Tools > DxDesigner Link to import your schematic design into PADS.
Placement
139
Manually Place a Component

Manually placing parts can be a lengthy process. Using the
features in PADS Layout to reduce placement time will also
help reduce the overall design time. This exercise will review
many of the options available to help improve placement efficiency.
Select Edit > Find.

Select the Ref Des prefix U followed by the Ref Des U1.
Click the Apply button and notice the part highlights.

Click the RMB and select the Move command from the
pop-up menu.
Notice the part snaps to the cursor.
Click the ESC key to abort the Move command.
Select the CTRL + E hotkey and notice the part again

snaps to the cursor.
With a part moving with the cursor, enter the modeless command S <space> 3000 <space> 3000 <enter>
(where <space>=spacebar and <enter> is the Enter
keyboard key).
Notice the part moves to the X=3000 Y=3000 location.
Click the Spacebar to place the part at that location.

Press ESC to deselect the part. Now you are free to
move the cursor and to place another part.
Select the Cancel button on the Find dialog to close
that dialog.
140 Placement

Disperse the Components
Select Tools > Disperse Components from the menu.
At the prompt OK to start dispersion? click the Yes
button.
At the prompt Do you want to be able to undo this
action click the Yes button.
Note: This will automatically distribute all components in a
uniform pattern outside the board outline making them readily accessible..
Placement
141
Select and Move a Component

Click the Design button from the main toolbar.
Click the Move button to enable the Verb mode command.
Enter SS <space> U1. Notice the part snaps to the cursor and is ready for placement.
Click the LMB to place the part in the desired location.
142 Placement

Group Selection and Placement
Click the Select button.
Group-select the components in the middle right side
by dragging a selection box around them. To do so click
and hold the LMB and drag.
Use CTRL + E and notice they all move with the cursor.
Use the ESC key to abort the move command.
Click the RMB and select Flip Side from the pop-up
menu.
Note: All the parts flip to the bottom side.
Placement
143
Radial Placement
PADS Layout has the ability to place parts in a radial array.
The array can be defined and refined as needed for optimal
placement and routing. The radial array routine has auto
calculators available for Angle Ranges, Delta Angles, required
Start Angles as well as a Maximum number of sites. Any of
these categories can be locked to allow for auto-calculation of
the remaining parameters.
Select File > Open. Open C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson16\Lesson16B.pcb.
RMB and set the filter Select Components.
Area select the components to the right of the board

outline.
RMB > Radial Move.
Notice a radial grid appears and the components snap to it.
RMB > Radial Move Setup
Configure the Radial Move Setup to match the settings

shown.
Stretch the components so they form 3 rows toward
the board outline.
Using the MMB, zoom into a section of the pads while
you are placing. You will notice a finer grid appears
when you zoom in.
Click the LMB when you are ready to set the components down.
144 Placement

Review Questions
1 Can I place components directly in PADS Layout?
2 Can I rotate a component while moving it?
3 How would I utilize group placement?
4 When would I use radial placement?
Review Answers
1 Though cross probing is the most powerful method for selecting components for placement, you can
select the components directly in PADS Layout. Some designers like to begin their placement with the
largest components first. Others prefer to place the connectors and other fixed components first. To
do this, you can disperse the components around the edge of the board and then visually select the
components that you want to manually place. You can still use cross probing to confirm your selections as you place the parts.
2 During placement and move operations, there are many options available that will allow you to rotate,
spin and flip a component. This can be accomplished through the use of toolbar icons, RMB menu
selections and modeless commands.
3 One method used by many designers during placement is to partition a design into functional blocks
before final placement. Rather than placing each component individually directly onto the board, you
can group select all of the parts in a particular circuit and then move them to a clear area in the workspace for placement tweaking. Once you have the group optimally arranged, you can move the entire
group to the desired location on the board. As the layout matures, you can also use the group selection capability to move clusters of components around the design as required. You can even rotate
and flip the group during move operations.
4 Radial placement is useful when you have components that you want to place on an arc or in a radial
array. A IC test fixture board is a common example of a design requiring radial placement. There are
also many modern products that have form-fitting smooth curves in their design that would require
you to place parts in a radial pattern.
Placement
145
Lesson 17: Rules and Constraints

Design Rules are the heart of a design. Without design rules
Designers might waste time on component placement and trace
routing only to have the design not function properly. Design
rules can be net rules, pin-pair rules, class rules, group rules, dif-
ferential pair rules and Item-to-Item or Conditional Rules. Rules

can include clearance rules, special layer rules, trace length and
more. Design rules can be unique for each application. In this
lesson we will investigate how to assign design rules.
Define Default Design Rules

Defining design rules is an essential part of design preparation. Default design rules are used to set proper clearances
that apply to all items in a design. You can also define the
permitted routing layers and vias for the design.
Select File > Open. Browse to and open C:\PADS_ES_

Evaluation\Lesson17\Lesson17.pcb.
Select Setup > Design Rules.
Select the Default icon.
Select the Clearance icon.
Select the All button and set the new design rule clearance to 5 mils.
Notice that all of the items in the Clearance section of the
dialog change to the new setting.
Set the Recommended Trace width to 5 mils as well

Click OK once the design rule changes have been made.
146 Rules and Constraints

Define Default Design Rules
(continued)
Select the Routing button to specify layers for routing.

Select Component Side Layer 1, Routing Layer 2, Routing Layer 5 and Solder Side Layer 6 followed by clicking
the Add button. Doing so will enable these layers for
routing.
Repeat the same steps to enable the STANDARDVIA

and DFTVIA (Testpoint/Design For Test) vias as available vias.
Click OK once you are done.
Close the Default Rules dialog.
147
Creating a Class Rule
Creating class rules is an easy way to apply a common rule

to multiple nets without having to redefine the same design
rules over and over again for each net.
Click the Class icon.
Enter in the Name CLASS1 followed by clicking the Add

button.
From the Nets Available column, select the net called
IMP_D0.
Scroll down until you can see the net IMP_D0. Hold
the Shift key and LMB when you select IMP_D7. Notice
it selects all the nets in a range.
Click the Add button to move them over into the Selected column.
Click the Clearance icon so you can assign custom spacing between CLASS1 and all other items in the design.
Click the All button and assign a custom clearance
requirement of 10 mils.
Set a custom Trace Width of 10 mils to the class as

well.
Click OK on both dialog boxes to exit the Class definition.

Setting Differential Pair Rules
Setting differential pair rules is one of the most common
design constraints being used today. They are becoming more
common due to the popularity of SERDES interfaces for highspeed design.
Select the Differential Pairs icon.
Select the net BSYNC+. Click the Select button in the

upper middle area of the dialog to assign the first net
of the differential pair.
Select the net called BSYNC-. Click the lower Select
button to assign the second net of the differential pair.
Click the ADD button to create the differential pair.
Set the GAP to 5 mils.
Set the Length Min = 5000 and Max = 15000 and click
OK to complete the assignment.
149
Defining Conditional Rules

Conditional Rules take basic rules to the next level. These
rules allow you to assign an item-to-item design rule. That
is you can set rules Net-to-Net, Net-to-Class, Class-to-Class,
Net per Layer, Class per Layer and more. Utilizing this type of
constraint provides a higher level of flexibility often required
for more complex designs.
Select the Conditional Rules icon.
Click the Nets radio button in the Source Rule Object

section and select the CLK_IN signal.
Click the Classes radio button on the Against Rule Objects section and select the Class1 name.
Click the Create button and the rule appears in the
Existing Rule Set section.
Select the rule in the Existing Rule Set section and
enter a value of 15 in the Current Rule Set section of
the dialog.
When you are done, exit out to complete the lesson by
clicking Close.

Review Questions
1 Why use rules and constraints?
2 What are default rules?
3 How would I utilize class rules?
4 How would I apply a conditional rule to a design?
Review Answers
1 Unless you are designing a simple indicator board or connector interface, your design probably contains a lot of complex
circuitry. You must be able to separate your different power supply voltages, keep analog signals away from digital signals,
isolate your high-speed I/O signals and in general, provide adequate spacing between different signal types to prevent crosstalk and improve immunity to interference. Rules and constraints allow you to manage and control how these signals will
behave when being manually routed and/or autorouted. These rules let you specify specific clearances between traces and
design objects as well as set target lengths for critical nets. During routing operations, these rules and constraints are strictly
enforced by the application so that your finished design will perform as expected.
2 Default rules are the baseline rules applied to all signals in the design. As you fine tune your requirements, you will edit and
modify these rules with your own specific requirements. Any edits or new rules that you apply take precedence over the
default rules. During routing, the system uses a rules hierarchy to determine which rules should be enforced; your new or
edited rules will have a higher priority. If no higher level rules are specified, the system will use the default rules.
3 Repetitively assigning rules to individual nets can be time-consuming and difficult to maintain in large designs. By grouping
like signals into classes, you can define your rules at a higher level and assign them to the entire class. This means you only
have to create the rule or constraint once and it is assigned to all of the nets in the class at the same time. Likewise, when
you edit the rule, the changes are instantly applied to all of the nets in the class making management of complex rules sets
much easier to implement.
4 A typical design might have a large number of nets that use a default rule set. You may also have a group of nets (e.g., a data
bus) that has a different set of spacing requirements. Your default rule might state that all nets should maintain a clearance
of 6 mils from each other. The data bus might also have a spacing requirement of 6 mils between each net in the bus, but
you also want to keep all data bus signals 10 mils away from any other signals that are not part of the data bus. This is where
you would use Conditional Rules to add the condition that the data bus signals will maintain the 6 mil spacing from each
other and 10 mils from everything else.
151
Lesson 18: Interactive Routing

PADS Layout offers a number of options for adding trace data to
a PCB. There are manual modes that do not error check during
the routing process, there are manual modes that will error
check and prevent DRC (Design Rule Check) errors, there are
interactive auto modes without DRC and there are fully interactive auto modes that will not allow errors. You can add traces
using an automated method as well as by copying and pasting.
Batch verification is available for checking your work at the end

regardless of whether DRC was on during routing or not. It is
always a good idea to run these checks prior to generating films.
Manually Routing Traces (DRC OFF)
Adding traces to a design is one of the most time consuming

elements in printed circuit board layout. Being able to route
efficiently can make-or-break meeting your project deadline.
This exercise will take you through the routing options available in PADS Layout.
Using the MMB, zoom into the middle right side of the
design where the 4 SOICs are located.
Notice that the connections are offset so that overlapping connections are visible and considered during the
route planning process.
Select the Design Toolbar icon.
Select the Add Route icon.
Using the Modeless command, type S <space> U10.15.
Notice the cursor moves to this location (second pin on
top).
152 Interactive Routing

Manually Routing Traces (DRC OFF)
(continued)
Select pin U10.15 and notice the connection converts to

a trace.
Notice the connection stays at the end of the trace.
Drag the trace over the bottom row of pads and notice
the trace routes right over the pad. Do not add any corners at this point.
Note: This is due to the online DRC being turned off.
Move the cursor back toward U10.15. Click the LMB, to

define vertices. Add several corners in the trace.
Click the ESC key to abort the routing process.
Interactive Routing
153
Manually Adding Traces with DRC ON

This topic will review the benefits provided by online DRC
checks.
Type the modeless command DRP to turn on online

DRC (Design Rule Prevent mode).
Select the Dynamic Route icon.

Select U10.15 again and notice the trace starts routing
again.
Notice the corners are added automatically.
Hold the Shift key + LMB to add a via.

Press the Backspace key to remove the via.
Drag the trace toward the lower row of pads on U10.
Drag the trace through the pads. Notice that the trace
automatically goes between the pads effortlessly.
Drag the trace around and through the pads of U10 in a

serpentine pattern.
Again, notice how easily the trace flows through the
pads. Keep in mind that the trace is being added into
the design, maintaining all the design rules that were
set.
Click the RMB, select End Via Mode and End No Via.
Drag the trace back through the pads until your route
looks like the one shown.
Click CTRL + LMB simultaneously and notice the trace is

released without adding any vias.

Routing Busses
This exercise will show you how quickly multiple traces can be
routed while manipulating just a single trace.
Make sure that DRC is on by using the modeless command DRP.

Use the MMB to zoom in on U14 in the middle center
of the board.
Using the modeless command, type S<space>U14.27.
Note the cursor will move to pin 27 making it easy to visually
locate it.
Click the Bus Route icon.

Select U14 pins 27, 28, 29 and 30 by holding down the
LMB while drawing a selection box around them.

Begin adding traces up and toward the left as shown.

Move the first trace toward the left adding a corner using the LMB, as shown below.
Notice as you add the first corner the other selected
traces catch up.
Drag the first trace a bit further toward the left. Click
the LMB to add another corner.
Notice the other traces catch up again.
Press the Tab key and notice that the lead trace toggles
to the next available trace.
Stop toggling at the top trace so it becomes the leading
trace.
Interactive Routing
155
Routing Busses
(continued)
Move the cursor around the SMD pads just above the
new lead trace.
Click the LMB to add a corner so the following traces
can go around the corner and catch up.
Continue routing the traces vertically, adding corners

with the LMB, as you go.
Move the lead trace toward the right as shown.
Click the LMB + Shift key to add vias to the buss route.
Use the CTRL+Tab key to toggle between different via
patterns.
Press the Backspace key to remove any previously

routed undesired traces.
Use the CTRL key + LMB combination to end the buss
route.

Review Questions
1 What is DRC?
2 Will routing with DRC ON keep me from creating routing errors?
3 When would I want to route with DRC OFF?
4 What is the advantage of using bus routing?
Review Answers
1 DRC is an acronym for Design Rule Checking. When DRC is ON, it is in the background constantly
monitoring and enforcing your design rules. This is powerful technology that helps you to maintain the
integrity of your design during placement and routing operations.
2 There are three modes of operation: Prevent, Warn and Ignore Clearance. If you attempt to create a
routing or placement violation in Prevent mode, the system will not allow you to complete the operation. Similarly, in Warn mode, the system will present a message warning you of the potential violation
and asking permission to complete the task. If Ignore Clearance mode is in effect, you will be allowed
to purposely create clearance violations, but other rules will be enforced.
3 During routing, you may have a rule that specifies a particular clearance for your traces as they transition across the board. When you near the end of the route, the signal must attach to a high density
component such as a connector or BGA and there is not quite enough room to get the trace to its destination pin without creating a spacing violation. You can set up a component rule to allow the trace
through at a smaller spacing, or you can turn off DRC temporarily so that you can complete the traces
now and then edit the required rules later during the verification process.
4 When you have a group of signals that share common traits and are going to follow a similar routing
path, you can route them as a group (or bus). You can select a group of nets and set one of them as
the guide trace. As you route the guide trace from one point to the next, the other traces will follow
along as a group, maintaining proper clearances and hugging the guide trace in a uniform pattern. This
is a quick and easy way to route multiple traces such as address and data lines or a set of communications interface signals.
Interactive Routing
157
Lesson 19: Creating Plane Layers
PADS Layout supports multiple plane types including: positive

image (WYSIWYG) planes, negative image (CAM) planes and
standard pour type planes. Negative image planes were common for many years due to display and memory limitations.
Positive image and poured planes are standard now but PADS
Layout continues to support all three.
Negative Image Planes

Evaluation\Lesson19\Lesson19A.pcb.
Select Setup >, then Layer Definition from the menu.
With the LMB, select the layer called GND Plane Layer
3 from the list that appears in the Layers Setup dialog.
Notice this layer is defined as a CAM Plane layer. (This
represents a Negative Image Plane Layer.)
Click the Assign Nets icon and review the net name assigned to this plane layer.
Notice the GND net is assigned. This automatically
attaches all through hole pads assigned to this net to
the GND Plane Layer 3 layer. All surface mount pads
need to be fanned out to a via so the via can attach to
the inner plane layer.
Using the MMB, zoom in to the row of components
located in the bottom left portion of the design.
Type N <space> GND (or n <space> gnd) followed by
the Enter key.
Notice the GND net highlights showing you which pads
are going to get connected to the GND Layer.
158 Creating Plane Layers

Negative Image Planes
(continued)
Click the RMB, and set the filter mode to Select Anything.
Using the LMB, select any of the highlighted vias, click

the RMB and select Properties.
Notice the check box for Plane Thermal. When this is
checked the pad will get a thermal connection on the
negative image plane.
Select OK to close this dialog.

Select the File > CAM pull-down menu.
Select the Neg Plane Layer 3 (Gnd) entry from the list.
Click the Preview button.

Using the LMB, create a zoom box around the area
where the previously viewed components are located.
The pads that will get thermals when the Gerber data is
generated.
Select the Close button to close the Preview window.

Select the Close button to close the CAM window.
159
Creating a Copper Poured Plane

Positive image plane layers provide a user with the ability
to see plane data prior to generating Gerber files. Positive
planes are known as What You See Is What You Get (WYSYWIG) planes.
The main difference is that you pour the area you wish to fill
with copper so that anything that appears is copper. With
negative planes the blank areas will become copper.
You can turn on and off the pour area visibility by entering
the modeless command PO. This command acts as an On/Off
toggle switch.
Select the modeless command n followed by the Enter

key. This will turn off highlight mode.
Press the Home key to zoom out around the whole
board.
From the keyboard type L <space> 1 to change the active layer to Layer 1.
Click the Drafting icon.
Click the Copper Pour icon.
Click the RMB and select the Rectangle shape type.
Draw a copper pour shape around an area on Layer 1 as
shown in white.
Note: Draw the rectangle by clicking the LMB at the location
of the first corner, releasing the button, and then clicking
again with the LMB at the location of the opposite corner of
the rectangle. (Dragging a rectangle with the LMB will not
work for this operation as the system interprets it as a selection box.)
Scroll down the popup dialog list until you see VDD.
You may type V to jump to nets starting with the letter
V. Select VDD followed by the OK button.

Copper Poured Planes
(continued)
Select the Tools > Pour Manager to bring up the Pour

Manager dialog.
Once the Pour Manager is open, select the Flood tab.
Select the Flood All option followed by the Start button.
At the Prompt to Proceed with flood? Click Yes.
Notice the copper pour polygon fills.
If thermals are not generated for specific pads an error
report will appear. Review the content.
If an error report was displayed, select File > Close to

exit the dialog.
Click the Close button to exit the Pour Manager and
view the flooded area.
Type the modeless command PO to see how to turn off
the pour visibility.
Type PO again to turn it back on and notice the pour
data returns.
161
Creating Split/Mixed Planes (Solid)

Split/mixed plane layers are positive and resemble the copper
pour planes we just created. This layer type also uses the Line
Width and the Hatch Grid to determine how the polygon will
be filled. If you use a hatch grid value larger than the line
width value then you will see the polygon appears hatched
rather than filled. By making the Hatch Grid equal to the Line
Width you will see the polygon as solid.
To control the visibility of the fill data, you will use the modeless command SPO to turn it off and SPD to turn it on. To
show thermal indicators on pads and vias you can use SPI
modeless command to control their visibility.
File > Open to browse to and open C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson19\Lesson19A.pcb.

Type L <space> 4 to change layers so the VDD Split/
Mixed Plane layer is active or select the pull-down arrow shown on the current Layer selection, followed by
selecting the (H) VDD Mixed Plane Layer 4 layer.
Press the HOME key to see the whole board.
With nothing selected RMB and set the selection filter
to Select Board Outline.
Select any side of the board outline and click the RMB
and select Select Shape.
Notice the entire board outline highlights.

Creating Split/Mixed Planes (Solid)
(continued)
Click the RMB followed by selecting Create Plane Area.

Notice an inner outline appears around the inside edge
of the board outline (this represents the plane offset).
Select the VDD net at the prompt followed by clicking
OK.
Select the Tools > Pour Manager pull-down.
Select the Plane Connect Tab.
Click the Start button. Click Yes to "OK to connect?".
Click the Close button to close the Pour Manager
dialog.
Using the MMB, zoom in to the area shown below.
Notice the plane area is solid or filled completely.
Select the Home keyboard key to zoom out around the

entire board.
163
Creating Split/Mixed Planes (Split)

This topic will show you how to create a positive image plane
that is split into multiple voltages. We will place a new voltage plane in the middle of the main plane VDDQ3.3V.
File > Open to browse to and open C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson19\Lesson19B.pcb.

From the keyboard activate the modeless command by
typing: SPO
Note: This will change the plane visibility so it is easier to
determine where to create the split.
Press the Home key to see the entire board.

Type L <space> 4 to change layers so the VDD Split/
Mixed Plane layer is active or select the pull-down arrow shown on the current Layer selection, followed by
selecting the (H) VDD Mixed Plane Layer 4 layer.
We are going to create a plane area that will define the

connections to the VDDQ3.3V net.
Note: To save time, the outline of this shape has been predefined in the design.
From the Project Explorer, expand the Nets object and

select the net VDDQ3.3V from the list.
Notice that the pads associated with the net are highlighted
in the workspace view and the system zooms in to show all of
the connections. You will also notice that a polygon line surrounds all of these connections.
Click the LMB button in a blank area to unselect the

net.
to Select Shapes.
Using the LMB, click on the outline of the VDDQ3.3V
polygon to select it.
Click the RMB and select Flood from the pop-up menu.

Creating Split/Mixed Planes (Split)
(continued)
At the prompt OK to Connect Plane(s)? click the Yes

button.
The polygon will fill with the VDDQ3.3V net color.
to Select Board Outline.
Select any side of the board outline and click the RMB
and select Select Shape.
Notice the entire board outline highlights.
Click the RMB followed by selecting Create Plane Area.
Select the VDD net in theNet Assignment area of the

Add Drafting dialog followed by clicking OK.
Notice an inner outline appears around the inside edge of the
board outline.
With the plane area still selected, click the RMB and
select Flood from the pop-up menu.
At the prompt OK to Connect Plane(s)? Click the Yes
button.
Notice the plane area is solid or filled completely.
Select the Home keyboard key to zoom out and view

the entire board.
When you are finished, close the design.
165
Review Questions
1 What are the different types of planes that PADS Layout supports?
2 How does PADS Layout connect PWR and GND nets to a plane?
3 How do I determine if I should use a solid or hatched fill for a plane?
4 How many different voltages/areas can I have on a split/mixed plane?
Review Answers
1 PADS Layout support three different types of planes: negative image (CAM) planes, copper poured
planes and split/mixed planes. Negative image planes show their data as a negative image and have
certain limitations that must be considered when using them. Copper pour planes and split/mixed
planes a positive images that accurately represent the plane areas as solid objects.
2 PADS Layout allows you to assign a net to each plane or plane area. When you flood or pour the plane,
the system uses either a solid or thermal pad on the plane to attach the signal to the plane. You can
specify the parameters of the attachment pad to control the number of thermal spokes or you can
choose a solid connection.
3 PADS Layout has flexible options available for the fill styles used for plane areas. Typically, you would
use a solid fill to represent a plane area; however there are exceptions you might want to consider.
If your design is going to be flow soldered, it is sometimes useful to use a hatch pattern for the plane
areas on the outside layers of the board to avoid rippling of the plane areas that might be caused by
thermal expansion during the soldering operation.
4 PADS Layout does not impose any set limit on the number of voltages/areas that you can create on
a split/mixed plane. If you have a design that needs to distribute a number of different power supply
voltages on a plane, you can subdivide a plane into dozens of separate areas if required.

Lesson 20: RF Options
RF design requires specialized features for layout. This lab will
introduce you to some of the key features available in PADS to
assist with RF design.
Configuring Stitching Vias

This topic will walk you through the process of adding stitching vias to a copper plane.
File > Open to browse to and open C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson20\Lesson20.pcb.
Configure the via options using Tools > Options > Via
Patterns. Review the When stitching shapes portion
of the dialog to better understand the options available.
Click the Add button located in the When stitching

shapes section of the dialog. This will allow you to control which vias are used for various shapes by assigning
a via type to a net.
In the Nets section select GND. Remember you can
also use the G key to jump to nets starting with G.
Change the via from STANDARDVIA to STITCHVIA.

Notice the default Pattern is set to Fill mode with the
vias set to Aligned.
Set the Via to shape value to 1 to allow vias up to the

edge of the copper area.
Set the Via Spacing to 25 (center to center distance
between vias)
Notice: There are options for locking down (Glue)
stitch vias as well as ignoring via grids.
Click the OK button to complete the assignment.
RF Options
167
Adding Stitching Vias

Using the MMB, zoom into the lower right section of
the board.
Enable the Drafting Toolbar if it is not already open.
Select the Copper icon.
Draw a copper polygon as shown in white.
In the Add Drafting dialog use the following settings:

Width = 10
Layer = Component Side Layer 1
Net = GND
Click the OK button to complete the shape.

Select the Select Mode icon (if not already enabled).
Use ESC to exit the Create Copper mode.
RMB, and enable the Select Shapes filter mode.

Select the copper shape you just created in the lower
right part of the board.
RMB and select the Via Stitch option from the pop-up
menu.
Note: If a DRC error message appears, click Yes to continue.
Vias are placed within the copper polygon maintaining

the 25 mil center to center setting from the Via Patterns tab.
Note: If plane thermals are visible and make it difficult to see
the details of the via pattern, select Tools > Options > Thermals and uncheck Show general plane indicators.
168 RF Options

Adding Via Shields
This topic will show you how to add a via shield around key
traces in your delicate high speed designs. Via shields can be
created based on pin pairs as well as entire nets. The stitch
mode is determined by what is selected in the design.
Via shields can be placed around copper paths or geometries as
well as trace data. If your design includes metal objects requiring shielding, you can add via shields quickly and accurately.
Click the Home keyboard key to view the entire design.
Select Tools > Options > Via Pattern.

In the When shielding section of the dialog, set the Add
via from net to Gnd.
Set the Via type to STITCHVIA.
The Via Spacing option controls the spacing between the
vias placed as a shield. Change the value to 30.
Click OK to complete the setup.

Using the MMB, zoom in to the area located in the center
left portion of the board, more specifically U13.
Notice the yellow vertical trace.

Using the RMB menu, set the filter to Select Pin Pairs.
Select the yellow vertical trace; it highlights in white.
Click the RMB followed by Add Via Shield.
Note: If a DRC error message appears, click Yes to continue.
Vias are now placed on each side of the trace.

Note: If plane thermals are visible, select Tools > Options >
Thermals and uncheck Show general plane indicators.
Press the ESC key to release the trace.

Click the RMB, set the filter mode to Select Anything.
Select one of the newly added stitch vias and notice it is
tied to the net assigned per the Via Patterns dialog (GND
signal) and that the via type is STITCHVIA.
RF Options
169
Review Questions
1 What are RF Options?
2 How would I use stitching vias?
3 How would I use via shields?
Review Answers
1 Designing RF boards presents an entire set of unique requirements to the designer. In addition to the
requirement for highly-specialized component shapes, RF designs incorporate extensive shielding
techniques to isolate, steer and control signals in various sections of a design. The RF Options in PADS
Layout offers the designer an array of specialized features to help you achieve your RF design goals.
2 Stitching vias are used to connect plane areas and guard traces that act as shields for RF signals. It is a
common practice to connect copper poured areas and planes on an RF design with large arrays of vias
to stitch these areas together through various layers of a design. This allows the designer to create
individually shielded cages around critical signals. PADS Layout offers a comprehensive selection of
features to aid the designer in creating these design elements. The designer has complete control of
the size, spacing and fill patterns used for stitching vias.
3 Via shields are similar in effect to stitching vias; however they are typically used to shield an individual
trace in a design. The via shield options allows the designer to place a linear grouping of shielding vias
along the edges of a trace to shield it from other nearby signals. The user is given complete control
over the size, spacing and distance of these shielding vias from the target signal trace.
170 RF Options

Lesson 21: Verification
This section will show how to verify clearance requirements,
connectivity requirements and CAM Plane requirements. The
verification routine will allow you to search for any violations
and identify their locations for resolution
Clearance Verification
This topic will show you how to validate your design rule
constraints. The verify routine will review class rules, default
rules, conditional rules, Pin-Pair rules and Group Rules to
ensure compliance within the design.

Select Tools > Verify Design
In the dialog select the Clearance radio button.
Click the Setup button and review the verification options available.
In this example you will only enable the Net to All

check. Then select the OK button to close the dialog.
Uncheck the Disable Panning check box.

Click the Start button to begin the verification.
Note: Unless otherwise selected, verification is run on all
objects visible in the workspace view. Before running verification, size the workspace to allow just the board to be visible
(not the text labels below the board). This will prevent the
system from reporting unexpected errors related to text and
other off-board objects.
Verification
171
Clearance Verification
(continued)
The verification routine returns with 4 errors.
Click the OK button to continue with the verification

process.
The 4 errors are updated in the verify design dialog.
Select one of the errors in the dialog and notice the
screen adjusts automatically to center the selected error location in the working area.
If you are unable to see the error, place the cursor over
the error dialog and while holding the LMB drag the
Verify dialog off to the side. Also, the MMB zoom feature will allow you to zoom into any area of the design
(working area) to better see the violations.
Select one of the errors located in the verify dialog and

you will notice the screen will bring the error to the
middle of the display so you can view it, hence making
resolving the issue much easier.
172 Verification

Continuity Checks
This exercise will show you how to ensure all design connections are routed or interconnected with some type of copper
data. The Verify > Connectivity option will ensure you have
either trace data, copper data or copper pour data connecting
all pads that have a net assigned to it. If there are any connections missing they will be reported so you can make the
appropriate modifications.
Make sure that the planes nets are connected by selecting Tools > Pour Manager > Plane Connect > Start.
Keep the Verify Design dialog open.

Select the Connectivity radio button.
Click the Start button to begin the verification.

At the prompt Number of Errors Found click the OK
button.
The continuity errors found in the design are listed.
If the Disable Panning checkbox is checked uncheck it.

Using the MMB, zoom in several times so when you
select an error it will be easy to see.
Note: If the planes are solid filled, use the SPO modeless
command to turn them so that the errors are more visible.
Select one of the errors from the Verify Design dialog.

The view changes and centers the error in the working
area.
Note: If you do not see any errors you may need to move the
verify design dialog to the far right, far left, top or bottom
since the error will move to the center of the screen.
Verification
173
Review Questions
1 What is Verification?
2 What types of clearance violations does Verification check?
3 What types of continuity checks does Verification perform?
4 What other types of verification checks are available?
Review Answers
1 When you have completed your routing, you will want to check your design for any possible rules and
constraints violations. The Verification capabilities in PADS Layout allow you to check your design for
clearance violations, continuity and many other fabrication-related issues prior to generating your
final outputs.
2 PADS Layout Verification can check your design against all of your clearance rules and present you
with a report showing any violations found. Clicking on any violation in the report will give you specific
details about the violation and highlight it in the workspace so that you can easily examine it.
3 The PADS Layout Verification continuity checks will verify that all signal and plane nets are properly
connected and that there are no unconnected signals in the design.
4 In addition to clearance and continuity checks, PADS Layout Verification checks your design for a variety of fabrication issues such as acid traps, slivers, starved thermals, drill spacing and other manufacturing issues.
174 Verification
High Speed Routing

& Autorouting with
PADS Router
In this section:
Environment
Component Placement
Interactive Routing
High Speed Interactive Routing
Setting up a Design for Autorouting
Verification (in Router)
175
Lesson 22: The PADS Router

This section will walk you through the PADS Router user interface. You will become familiar with PADS Routers exceptional
Ease of Use design environment. Topics covered include: the
Welcome screen, the use of toolbars, mouse functions, modeless commands and hot-keys. There are many ways to accomplish your design tasks with minimal effort.
Welcome Screen
The PADS Welcome screen is a collection of helpful links that
will help you to become a PADS expert very quickly. This
screen contains tutorial information, videos, help features and
a concepts guide to help minimize the learning curve. This
content will help you to become productive in a very short
time.
Open the PADS Router software by either clicking on
the PADS Router icon located on the desktop or by
selecting it from the Start > All Programs > Mentor
Graphics SDD > PADS9.XX > Design Layout & Routing >
PADS Router pull-down.
Now that PADS Router is open we can make ourselves
familiar with the working environment. Lets take a
look at the Welcome screen.
NOTE: Do not select Start a New Design or Open a Design item at this time. Just review the content. If you select
either of these items you will need to close and restart PADS
Router to gain access to this welcome screen again.
Select Help and take note of all of the resources available. From the Help menu select Documentation and
open the InfoHub to see additional documents for all
products in the flow and links to customer support on
SupportNet.
Modeless keyboard commands are also available within
the PADS Router. These are quick access tool functions
available from your keyboard. See the product Help for
available shortcut keys and modeless commands.
176 PADS Router Environment
Explore the Welcome Screen

You can start a new design by selecting the Start a New
Design folder shown at the top of the window.
There is a listing of recently opened designs located in the
Open a Design section of the Welcome screen. This will
provide quick access to designs you have worked on.
You have access to Quick Start Guides and Tutorials from
within this main screen.
PADS Layout and Router Help documents will help answer
any questions you may have on the PADS products.
There is a Concepts Guide to help with advanced questions.

Project
Explorer
Status Bar
Menus
Toolbars
Output Window
Workspace
Spreadsheet Window
Navigation Window
PADS Router Environment
177
Toolbars
The Standard Toolbar
Open
Layer
Print
Options
Cycle
DRC
Filter Placement Routing Undo
Properties In-Place Selection Suspend Design Route

Verification Editing
Query
Filter
Save
The Selection Filter Toolbar

Anything
Select
All
Pins
Redo
Zoom Output Navigation Shortcut

Window Window Dialog
The Placement Toolbar
Pin
Pairs
Nothing Components Nets
View Project
Layout
Board Explorer Spreadsheet
Cycle
Unroutes Coppers Keepouts Errors
Traces
Vias
Pours
Path
Text Segments
and Corners
Layers
Cycle
Select
Mode
Rotate
90
Move
Component
Flip
Spin

Toolbars
(continued)
The Route Editing Toolbar

Select
Mode
Quick
Route
Interactive
Route
Stretch
Move
The Routing Toolbar
Split
Add Test
Protect Point Reschedule
Add Smooth Unprotect Unroute

Corner
The DRC Filter Toolbar
Resume
Stop
Route Optimize Center
Autorouting Autorouting
The Design Verification Toolbar
Trace
DRC
Select
DRC
On/Off None DRC Width Placement Settings
Enable Clearance Same

Net
All DRC
Pause Select
Start
Autorouting Autorouting Mode Fanout Tune
Length
Design Verification
Scheme
The Suspend Toolbar
Clear
Errors
Verify Display
Design Ignored
Errors
Go
Back
Continue
With Errors
Explain
179
The PADS Router Workspace

The PADS Router is a true Windows-compliant tool. It supports
pulldown menus, hot keys, drag-rights, toolbars, tool boxes, as
well as toolbar tooltips.
We have maintained many of these Microsoft-supported user
interface features across the entire PADS ES Suite environment.
Things like similar icons, similar hot keys and similar pulldown
names are all supported and help to minimize the transition
time between the products.
Project Explorer
The Project Explorer pane allows you to leverage typical Microsoft Explorer style technology for an added increase in ease of
use. Since most Windows users work with Windows Explorer
everyday, it becomes very natural to use the similar features
integral to the PADS Router environment.
Opening the Project Explorer

This dialog allows you real-time access to database information found inside the design with a single mouse click. You
can quickly realize the power that the PADS Router environment brings just by utilizing this single feature.
Select File > Open. Browse to the C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson22 directory and select Lesson22A.pcb.
The Project Explorer pane can be activated and
deactivated by selecting the icon located on the tools
Standard Toolbar.
The Navigation Window, Spreadsheet and Output
Window can also be activated and deactivated by toggling the corresponding icons.
You can select any of these windows to view their contents. Feel free to investigate.
Output Navigation
Window Window
Project SpreadExplorer sheet

Project Explorer Interface Behaviors
The Project Explorer window is dockable or undockable, like all
other windows within PADS Router. This provides you with the
ability to further customize your working environment. It allows
you to pick up the dialog box and move it to a more desirable
location. You can resize and reshape the dialog box as you like
thereby providing you complete flexibility. The windows can
even be placed on a second monitor if you are using a dual
monitor environment. Once the panes are arranged, you can
Resizing the Project Explorer

If the Output Window pane is not enabled, enable it by
selecting the Output Window icon located on the main
toolbar.
view layer information, net information, design rule information, and intricate details of the design such as pin pair data.
You can use the Expandable/Collapsible topics to view additional information defined in the database. You can create design
rules constraints by simply dragging and dropping data into the
appropriate areas. The design rule creation will be covered in a
future lesson.
Output
Window
With the LMB, select and drag the right edge of the
Project Explorer window and move it toward the right
making the pane wider. Once at the desired width
simply let go of the LMB.
Select the bottom edge of the Project Explorer (or top
of the Output Window pane) while holding the LMB.
Drag the Explorer pane toward the bottom side of the
PADS Router window. Release the LMB to drop the
pane. This will make the Explorer Window larger and
the Output Window smaller.
Now that you have experienced how to modify a window pane, follow the same steps defined above, in the
reverse direction, to restore the Project Explorer back
to its original settings.
181
Concurrent Database Selection

The Interaction with design view is also in real time. As you
select data in the Project Explorer pane, the data updates in the
design. This process also works in the reverse direction, hence
giving you a type of bi-directional communication capability better knows as Concurrent Database Selection capabilities.
Scroll through the design database viewing each part of the design via this single pane. Notice that you can select key pieces
of the database allowing quick identification and modification

of the design. The Project Explorer can be expanded to view
content down to an individual pin-pair for greater detail. A key
feature of PADS Router is its ability to edit multiple data types
from within same dialog. It is features like these that contribute
to the overall ease of use of the product.
Selecting and Moving a Component

Expand Components by selecting the plus [+]on its left.
Now select different components with a single click
and notice that they become highlighted in the working
area.
Select the Placement Toolbar to provide access to the

placement icon group.
Select the Move icon to enable the Move verb mode.
With the LMB, single click on a component from the
Project Explorer pane and then move your cursor over
to the working area. Notice the component will snap to
your cursor so it can be precisely placed.
To complete the placement, click the LMB when the

component is in its final destination.

Selecting Pin Pairs in the Project Explorer
Select the Select icon.
From within the Project Explorer dialog, select the
scroll bar, sliding it down until U1 is within sight.
Note: On some 3-button mice, you can use the middle scroll
wheel to also scroll down through the dialog.
Select the plus [+] located to the left of U1 to expand

the data associated with that device. (Notice the nets
attached to U1 are displayed)
Try selecting several Pin Pairs and notice that they highlight in the working area.
Close the Components database section by selecting

the minus [-] located to the left of the word
Components.
Selecting Nets in the Project Explorer

Select and expand the Net Objects database section by
select the plus [+] to the left of the word Net Objects.
Next select the [+] beside the Nets selection as well
from the list.
While the nets are displayed, net cross probing can be
activated from within the dialog as well. Lets try selecting several nets now from within the Project Explorer
pane and notice they highlight in the working area.
Using the scroll wheel again, lets scroll until the net
ADDR_BUS1 is visible in the Project Explorer pane.
To expand the content of bus ADDR_BUS1, select the

plus [+] on its left. All the pin pairs will be displayed.
(Note: Cross probing to pin pairs is also available from
this pane by simply selecting them).
183
Viewing Classes in the Project Explorer
To view the content of the classes in our design and to review their constraints, select the plus [+] located to the left
of the database category called Net Classes.
With the cursor placed over the class called MATCHTRACK,
select the RMB followed by selecting Properties from the
pulldown menu.
Select the Length Tab to view the Length Constraints assigned to this class. The hand /paper/red circle graphic to
the left of any tab indicates the assignment of a constraint
unique from the default constraints.
Notice that the restricted length min, and max are in yellow. The
yellow tells the user that those particular items have been modified making them different from the defaults level constraints.
Select the Cancel button after reviewing the content, to

close the dialog.
Select the [+] located to the left of the net MATCHTRACK to
expand the class and view the nets assigned to this class.
You can expand the pin pairs associated with each net by
simply selecting the [+] symbol to the left of any net.
Creating a Class in the Project Explorer

To create a class from multiple nets, go back to the Nets
category, select the net ADDR_BUS1 as your starting net.
Hold the SHIFT key down and move the cursor over to
ADDR_BUS19. Select it and notice all nets in between are
selected include the first and last nets selected.
Notice the nets are highlighted in the working area.
Select the RMB (from within the working area) and notice
there is a Make Class item on the pulldown menu. Click to
create a new class called Class1. Select the new class name,
RMB and Rename to change the name to ADDR_BUS.
Click on the Project Explorer icon to close the Explorer.

Modeless Keyboard Commands & Shortcut Keys
PADS Router has both Modeless commands and Shortcut Keys
similar to PADS Layout. Some of the most commonly used
commands are shown in the table to the right.
We will try a few of the Modeless Commands to get familiar
with how some of these commands function.
Command
Modeless Command Descriptions
G <x> {<y>}
All grids set, except the display grid.
GD <x> {<y>}
Display grid setting.
H {<net>}
Net highlighting on or off.
L <n>
Layer, set current layer to the number or name
S <x> <y>
Search absolute. Moves pointer to the specified X and Y

coordinates.
Hold down CTRL + E at the same time. This will put U1

in move mode.
S <s>
Search string. Moves pointer to the named object
SR <x> <y>
Search relative. Moves pointer by the specified X and Y offset
Type S <space> 400 <space> 3350 and select Enter. This

will move U1 to the coordinate 400, 3350.
SS <s>
Search and select. Moves the pointer to the named object
Click the LMB to place the part at the designated x/y

location.
W<n>
Trace width
Backspace
Unroute or backup.
Delete
Unroute selected object.
Home
Zooms to board.
PageDown
Zooms out at pointer.
PageUp
Zooms in at pointer.
Within the working area, type SS <space> U1 and select

Enter. This will search and select U1.
Feel free to try some of the other commands listed in

the table.
Command
Shortcut Key Descriptions
Distinguish protected objects on and off.
CTRL+B
Zoom to board. Fits the board outline into the workspace.
CTRL+E
Move component
CTRL+I
Spins component
CTRL+N
New file.
CTRL+O
Open file.
CTRL+P
Print file.
CTRL+R
Rotates component 90 degrees.
CTRL+S
Save file
Shift+A
Accordion beginning, interactive routing mode.
Shift+F
Flips component.
Shift+click
Adds via, interactive routing.
185
Toolbars
You can dock and undock toolbars allowing you to customize
your work environment. You can display descriptive text and/
or icons on toolbars to help learn the interface quicker. You
can view Tooltips to help identify interface items as you use the
tool. You can utilize large icons to make it easier to determine
functionality. You create new toolbars with drag and drop to
help optimize your working environment. Most of the items in
Reviewing the Toolbars

Select the Placement icon to enable the Placement
toolbar. The Placement toolbar allows you to move,
spin, flip, or rotate components. Select the Placement
icon again to close the Placement toolbar.
the toolbars can also be accessed by keyboard commands, pull

downs, and the right click menus.
We will practice using some of the toolbar features to get familiar with the working environment. Notice the icon groups that
appear when you go into each main toolbar utility. Remember
to place your cursor over each icon to see the individual functions.
DRC
Filter Placement Routing
Select the Selection Filter icon to enable the Selection

Filter toolbar. This toolbar allows the user to specify
what objects can be selected. Select the Selection Filter
icon again to close the Selection Filter toolbar.
Select the DRC Filter icon to enable the DRC Filter toolbar. The DRC Filter toolbar allows the user to specify
which DRC settings are enabled or disabled. Select the
DRC Filter icon again close the toolbar.
Select the Design Verification icon to enable the Design
Verification toolbar. The Design Verification Toolbar
allows the user to run different design verification
schemes. When finished, close the toolbar.
Select the Routing icon to enable the Routing toolbar.
The Routing toolbar allows the user to run full autorouting or a single autorouting pass. Select the Routing
icon again to disable the Routing toolbar.
Select the Route Editing icon to enable the Route
Editing toolbar. The Route Editing toolbar contains the
different manual and interactive routing options. Close
the Route Editing toolbar when finished.
Selection Suspend Design Route

Verification Editing
Filter
Note: Place the cursor to the extreme left of the toolbar.

Hold the LMB down and drag the toolbar to the right hand
side of the working area. Release the mouse to release the
entire toolbar. This is how a toolbar can be moved. All of
the toolbars can be moved in a similar fashion. The tool
remembers where the toolbar was last.

The Navigation Window
PADS Router allows you to view specific PCB data without disturbing the main display. To utilize this feature you simply need
to enable the Navigation Window, then move the mouse over
areas you wish to view.
You can zoom in and zoom out depending on the information
you are trying to evaluate. This window will also display feedback when routing such as showing color feedback for matched
length pairs. This functionality will be demonstrated in a future
lesson.
Viewing the Design in the Navigation Window
Select File > Open. Select the Lesson22B.pcb located at

C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson22 directory.
Click on the Navigation Window icon located on the
main toolbar at the top.
Move the cursor around the main window. The Navigation Window will show another view of the window.
Place the cursor in the working area and select F5
(Zoom In) and F6 (Zoom Out) a few times. Notice the
Navigation Window zooms in where the cursor is
located in the main window.
You can zoom in to an area in the working pane by
holding down the MMB and dragging toward the upper left, or zoom out by holding down the MMB and
dragging toward the lower right. As you do so, notice
the changes in the Navigation Window. The amount
dragged determines the amount to zoom in or out for
the Navigation Window as well.
187
Viewing Design Objects in the Navigation Window

To clear any previous selections move the cursor into
an open area and select the LMB.
Select the RMB in an empty area and from the pulldown menu select the filter item Select Components.
Use the LMB to manually select different single components. Notice how the Navigation Window adjusts
based on the part selected. Notice it zooms as well so
the part can be inspected.
There is a special Navigation Window Toolbar available
that allows the user to decide what elements are viewable in the Navigation Window area.
To view the choices, place your cursor above each icon

and the tool tip will appear illustrating the use for each
available icon.
Experiment with these icons. For example, the Show All
Layers icon allows all layers or only the active layer to
be viewed. The active layer can be changed by switching the layer in the Layers pulldown located on the
Main menu toolbar. Try enabling/disabling each of the
icons to see the differences in the views contained in
the Navigation Window pane.
Select the Navigation Window icon again to close the
Navigation Window.

The Spreadsheet Window
The PADS Router Spreadsheet pane allows component information, net information, constraint information and error information to be viewed quickly in a spreadsheet format that can be
sorted by columns and exported to a report file (HTML). (Note:
The error features will be reviewed in a future lesson.)
Viewing Design Data In the Spreadsheet Window

The Spreadsheet pane is a fully customizable dialog that allows users to modify the display of columns of design information. This allows the user to quickly view, edit, delete or save
the data. Most relevant data can be edited directly from the
Spreadsheet and copied/pasted to and from Microsoft Excel.
The following example illustrates some of these capabilities:

Click on the Spreadsheet icon located on the main toolbar to open the pane and view the toolbars.
From within the Spreadsheet view, select Net on the

right pull down, and then select Net Length Monitor on
the left pull down, as shown.
The results display all the nets in the PCB file with
restricted length. Since the nets are already routed,
Unrouted Lengths are all listed as zeros. The Estimated
Length displays "rats nest" length, and displays a color
based on whether it is below the defined constraint
(yellow), within the defined constraint (green), or
above the defined constraint (red).
Note: This is very useful to check initial placement. When
the nets are unrouted, the visual feedback is very useful for
determining optimal placement locations.
There are many other categories of data we can view in

this Spreadsheet Window pane (see the dropdown list).
Click on the Spreadsheet icon close the window.
189
Properties
With any object selected you can open and show rules to see
what special properties were set. These properties can quickly
be reviewed, edited, or set directly by just selecting the object.
This allows you to be more efficient when working with data
inside your design. The Properties dialog will also allow you to
view graphical data as well. If you select a via, you can actually view the layer breakdown of the pad stack. Along with
via graphics you can also see Component data. A Component

preview dialog shows you a graphical representation of the
part selected. It can be of the component itself or the pins of a
component.
You also can view Design Property information as graphical data
as well as Parts and Vias data. The layer stack for the design can
be displayed both graphically as well as numerically.
Viewing Net Properties

Select File > Open or the Open icon. Select the Lesson22C.pcb located at C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson22 directory.
If not already opened, click on the Project Explorer icon
to open the Project Explorer.
Expand Net Objects > Nets and note the net CLK_IN.
The red star means that it has properties different from
the defaults.
Using the mouse, place the cursor over the net CLK_IN,
select the RMB then Properties from the pull-down
menu. A symbol notifies the user which tabs have the
properties different from the defaults.
Select the three tabs and notice that many items are in
yellow. These are the items that are different from the
defaults.
Flip through the different tabs to see what properties
nets have assigned.
Select the Routing tab. Set the Minimum, Recommended and Maximum widths to 6.
Select the Apply button and notice the white boxes
turn yellow and the icon that appears on the routing
tab has a red circle on it now.

Viewing Component Properties
Using the cursor, drag the Net Properties dialog box to
the left side of the screen so the Project Explorer pane
is clearly in sight.
Minimize the Nets list by selecting the minus next to
Nets data type.
Select the [+] to the left of Components and scroll
down until you can see C1.
Select C1 and notice the Property box changes to show

C1 properties instead.
Hold down the Shift key and select C10. The properties
box now displays all the items that are similar between
these 10 capacitors. If one wanted to, they could
change something for all these items at once.
Click on the Project Explorer icon to close the Project
Explorer.
Viewing the Default Properties

Press the "ESC" on your keyboard to ensure no items
are selected. Place your cursor in the design window
and use the RMB to choose Select Components from
the selection filter.
Now select any component. Notice how the properties again change to accommodate the new selection
without ever having to close the dialog.
Place the cursor in an open area within the working
area and hit the LMB to select. The Properties will now
display the Default Properties.
Note: Alternatively, press the "ESC" on your keyboard to ensure no items are selected then RMB click on an empty area
and select Properties to view the default properties.
Select any object and use the RMB menu or the Properties icon to view the Properties .
Flip through the different tabs to view the default Properties values.
191
Options
There are numerous options within PADS Router. PADS Router
has the option to set the design units from within the tool.
You can set the Pick Radius and also the Backup Number and
Instance. You can set the working directories as well.
You have the ability to set custom colors for different information in the layout. You have a palette that will support up to 32
Exploring the Options Tabs

Select the Options icon or go to the Tools > Options
pulldown menu (or use the CTRL + Enter keyboard
shortcut). All of these items will open the Options
window pane.
Flip through the different tree view options to see
all the different options in PADS Router. Familiarize
yourself with some of the important options so you will
know which dialog to go to if a modification is required.
The mostly commonly used tabs you will work with are:
General (basic usability settings),
Display (used to set up colors in the design),
Routing (sets software parameters that affect routing activities)
Strategy (sets up the routing sequence for autorouting a printed circuit board)
Spend a few minutes reviewing these dialogs making
yourself familiar with their contents.
Change colors.
Change Routing and Placement Options.
Turn on and off the Guard bands option setting.
Set different Highlight modes.
different colors. You can copy layer colors and apply them to
other layers.
You have a choice over some of the route biasing. As you
change the settings you can preview what the results will be
like. Along with setting the Routing Biasing, you also can set the
Fanout patterns enabling and disabling various options.

Review Questions
1 What is PADS Router?
2 What types of information can I view in the Project Explorer?
3 How extensive are the keyboard/modeless commands in PADS Router?
4 What are the benefits offered by the Spreadsheet Window?
5 How does the Properties Window show me rules that I have changed?
6 What are some of the Options that I should be aware of?
Review Answers
1 PADS Router is a very powerful interactive routing and autorouting environment that allows you to accomplish your board
routing tasks with ease and accuracy. It offers a large selection of capabilities that are complementary to those in PADS Layout, but also provides additional high speed routing technologies.
2 Project Explorer offers you the ability to examine all aspects of your design data including detailed information about your
components, nets, net classes, groups, decals, vias and other design details. From this single window, you can select and
examine just about any aspect of your design. Cross probing between the Project Explorer and the design workspace allows
you to quickly query and examine data with just a few clicks.
3 PADS Router supports an extensive selection of keyboard shortcuts and modeless commands to assist the designer in accomplishing many design tasks quickly and easily. There is a detailed list available from the Help menu as well as complete
command descriptions accessible through the documentation on the InfoHub.
4 In addition to the information on design objects available through the Project Navigator, the Spreadsheet View presents
you with a wealth of choices for examining specific design details such as net lengths, component positions, differential pair
assignments, matched length group routing results, and countless other design details. The Spreadsheet View is a valuable
resource for viewing and locating the most intricate details of your design.
5 The Properties window allows you to view the properties of all of your design objects. As an additional aid to understanding
these parameters, the Properties window will add a special symbol on the tab of any item that is different from the default
settings. If you select a tab in the Properties window that displays this symbol, any properties that differ from the defaults
will be displayed with a yellow background making it easy to visually distinguish them.
6 PADS Router offers an extensive array of Options to allow you precise control over every aspect of the design process. In
addition to being able to specify behaviors during placement and routing operations, there are Options available for setting
your display colors, setting up your autorouting strategy, specifying your fabrication rules, adding test points and running
comprehensive verification checks on your design. Consult the product documentation for complete descriptions.
193
Lesson 23: Component Placement

Users can easily move components within the routing environment using the Windows move functionality know as Select
and Drag or by using the traditional PADS Router format known
as the verb mode method.
Performing placement alterations in a routed area can automatically update existing traces and vias based on the design
constraints set. PADS Router can be set to adjust traces and vias
in real-time during moving, after a component is released, or

not at all.
PADS Router can determine placement violations using visible
real-time feedback through the use of errors markers or by
cross-hatching violating parts. The autorouting environment
makes it easy to spin, rotate, and flip components using standard RMB selections or though the use of verb mode.
Move Components with Drag and Drop Mode
Select File > Open. Select the Lesson23A.pcb located at

Using the RMB, select on an empty area followed by
selecting the Select Components filter.
Place the cursor over any component. While over the

component select the LMB.
With the part highlighted, select and hold the LMB.
Notice the part moves with the cursor. Place the part
anywhere within the board outline. Release it by selecting the LMB a third time.
194 Component Placement
Moving a Component Using Verb Mode

You can also move components using a Verb Mode
process.
Note: If the Placement Toolbar is not enabled, turn it on by

selecting the Placement icon.
Select the Move Component icon.

Select a component in the design and notice the component warps directly to the cursor.
You can use the SS modeless command to call a part

out as well so it moves to the cursor, ready for final
placement. Type SS <space> U1 to simulate this capability.
Select the LMB to place the part down (or hit the ESC
key to release).
Select any single part again, hit the RMB and notice
you can Rotate, Spin and Flip parts as well. Hit ESC to
release the parts as they were.
Hold down the LMB down and drag a select box around
a group of components. Notice they highlight and
move with the cursor.
Continue trying out all of the various placement options. Use the mode that you prefer, whichever provides the highest level of productivity.
Component Placement
195
Rotating a Component in Verb Mode
Select the Select Mode icon from the Placement toolbar.

Select multiple components (one at a time) by holding
down the CTRL key while selecting.
Select the Rotate 90 icon on the Placement toolbar.
The selected components will automatically be rotated
90 degrees.
While parts are selected, hit the RMB menu. Notice
the options that are available.
Using the LMB select Rotate 90.
You can also use the Flip command as well to flip a part
to the opposite side of the board.
Spin is another option available when you select a part
and hit the RMB. This command allows the user to spin
the component to any angle. The Rotate, Flip, and Spin
commands can also be used in verb mode using the appropriate icon located on the Placement Toolbar.
There is also an option to use DRC (Design Rule Checking) during a move. This would perform a DRC check
before allowing you to place the component. If there
was a violation, the part would not be able to be
placed. This option will automatically be enabled if you
have Design Rule Checking already on. To turn DRC
on/off, type the modeless command DRC (Design Rule
Checking) on your keyboard.

Moving a Component with a Fanout
Type the modeless command DRC followed by hitting

the Enter key to turn on Design Rule Checking, then
select the Enable All DRC icon on the DRC toolbar to
activate full checking of all DRC rules.
Select the Tools > Options pulldown. Select the Placement Tab.
Enable the Move Component with Fanout check box (if
not already selected).
Select the OK button to complete and close the dialog.
Use keyboard command SS <space> U8 to search and
select U8.
Select the RMB followed by Move from the pulldown

menu.
Move the component around. Notice how the fanout
moves with the component. This is an option which can
be disabled or enabled via the Tools >Options > Routing Tab dialog as instructed in step #4.
Try to place the part over another part. Yellow circles

will appear over the overlap. This occurs because the
Design Rule Checking Prevent mode was enabled.
Component Placement
197
Review Questions
1 How do I place components without creating spacing violations?
2 Why would I use verb mode for moving components?
3 What additional types of manipulation can be performed while moving a component?
4 When would I want to move a component with a fanout?
Review Answers
1 PADS Router offers extensive support for checking spacing violations during placement and routing
operations using DRC (Design Rule Checking) mode. If you enable DRC while placing parts, the system
will enforce all spacing rules for pads and traces, and not allow you to place a part if it violates any of
the rules. This will prevent you from putting components too close together and help prevent manufacturing issues later in the process.
2 In normal placement operations, you execute commands one at a time; when you finish the command, you must select your next command. Verb mode allows you to select a command and repeat
it. The system determines that upon completion of a command that you want to perform the same
operation again. This will stay in effect until you cancel verb mode.
3 PADS Router offers you many choices during a move operation including the ability to rotate a part in
90 degree increments, spin a part to any desired angle, or flip a part to the opposite side of the board.
4 After you have placed all of your components, you would typically fanout all of the pins on the component so that signals have a way of making connections to the inner routing layers. Sometimes these
fanout patterns are quite intricate and take considerable time to create. If later in the design process
you need to move the component to make room for another, it would be helpful if you could move
the component and the fanout pattern together as a group so that you would not have to recreate the
fanout pattern at the new component location. PADS Router allows you to move a component with its
fanout in a single operation, thus saving you time and effort. DRC can be enforced during this operation to assure that you dont create any violations during the move.

Lesson 24: Design Rules and Constraints
The PADS Router Design Properties were reviewed in the previous lesson. For review, when nothing is selected and the Properties dialog is activated, the Design Properties window displays
the global setting or defaults. When an object is selected and
the Properties dialog enabled, the design properties for that
object is queried and displayed. The Design Properties dialog
box can also be used to display all the different rules that PADS
Router allows as well. Some example tabs include:
The Clearance tab is used to set minimum clearance rules
for the design.
The Routing tab is used to set minimum, recommended
and maximum trace widths for the design.
The Via Biasing tab is used to allow or disallow vias from
being used during routing.
The Test Points tab is used to set the minimum clearance
between probes and objects.
The Fanout tab is used to define how devices are interconnected to internal layers.
The Pad Entry tab is used to set how traces can enter and
exit a pad (side, corner, or any angle).
The Topology tab is used to determine the order the pinpairs will reconnect during the length minimization process.
The Layers/Layer Biasing tabs are used to enable or disable
layers from routing. Also, it is used to set layer directions
for autorouting.
The Same Net tab is used to help control the quality of
routing both entering a pad/via and exiting a pad/via. Values are constraints to help control routing.
Generally users will set up their design rules before they begin
placement or routing. The design rules checking, verification
routines, and autorouter can follow most of these rules.
Design Rules and Constraints
199
Defining a Net Constraint

Select File > Open. Select the Lesson24.pcb located at
Click the Project Explorer icon to open the window.

Select RMB over the Project Explorer window and
select Horizontal Split.
Note: This will create a second version of the Project Explorer.
These two windows can be utilized together.
In the top pane, select the [+] located to the left of Net
Objects. This will open up all the categories available
for constraint assignment.
Select [+] to the left of Nets to expand the list of nets
contained in this design.
While using the cursor, select the net called BACKDR,

followed by hitting the RMB and selecting Properties.
This will open the Properties dialog so a constraint can
be assigned to this net.
If not already viewable, select the Clearance Tab located at the top of the dialog.
Select the All button to enable the capability of setting
all clearances to a specific value.
When the Clearance Value dialog appears, enter the

value 10.
Note: This will set all a 10 mil clearance for objects of the
selected net against other objects in the design.
Click OK to apply the new clearance value. Then click

Apply in the Design Properties dialog.
Next, select the Routing tab.
Set the Minimum Trace width to 10, set the Recommended to 10 and the Maximum Trace width to 10.
Click OK to complete the constraint assignment.
200 Design Rules and Constraints

Defining a Net Class
Net classes are created to set rules different from the default
settings for a group of nets. They are one of the most efficient
ways to apply a single constraint to multiple nets. You can
set width requirements, clearance requirements and other
important constraints.
In the upper pane of the Project Explorer window,

select the [+] to the left of Net Objects and Net Classes
to expand those categories.
Place the cursor over Net Classes and select the RMB,
then New to create a new net class. Type in a name
ADDR_BUS at the prompt for the new net class.
In the lower pane of the Explorer window, select the

[+] next to the Net Objects and Nets sections to expand
this category.
Using the LMB, select the net ADDR_BUS1. While hold
down the SHIFT key, select ADDR_BUS19 as well.
With the cursor over the highlighted nets, select and
hold the LMB to drag the group of nets over to the Net
Class called ADDR_BUS. Release the LMB once the
nets are over the new class. This will add them to the
class.
Using the RMB, select the ADDR_BUS Net Class followed by selecting Properties. The Net Class Properties
menu is used to enter the desired rules for each Net
Class.
Select the Routing tab and change the Minimum from
1 to 5, Recommended from 6 to 10 and Maximums to
50 to 15.
Select the OK button to complete the definition.

Click the minus [-]next to the Net Classes on the top
Project Explorer to close the expanded view.
201
Defining a Differential Pair

Differential pair rules assign length, gap parameters, layer
assignment and obstacle handling to selected pairs of nets,
associated nets or pin pairs. A user can pair two nets (two
associated nets or or two pin pairs and define rules related to
the pair to help guide them through the routing phase of the
design.
Place the cursor over the Project Explorer pane and
select the RMB, followed by selecting Vertical Split.
Select the [+] next to Net Objects (on both sides of the
dialog) to expand the content. On the right side split,
select the [+] next to the Nets category.
On the left side of the Explorer pane, select the [+] Differential Pair category.
On the right side Explorer pane, with the Net Objects

> Nets expanded, scroll down to the nets DIFF3 and
DIFF4.
Using the LMB, select the DIFF3 net name.
Press the CTRL key and select the LMB over the net
DIFF4 so it adds to your previously selected items
(DIFF3).
Hold the LMB while over one of the selected nets.
Drag the pair of nets toward the left side Project Explorer dialog. Once over the Differential Pairs constraint
category release the nets by releasing the LMB. This
will deposit the two nets as a differential pair and create a new constraint called DIFF3<->DIFF4.
Select the [+] next to the new diff pair to expand the
list of nets in that diff pair.
Place the cursor over the diff pair called DIFF3<->DIFF4.

Defining a Differential Pair
(continued)
Select the RMB followed by selecting the Properties

menu selection from the pull down menu.
From within the Differential Pair Properties dialog,

select the Add button twice to add 2 additional parameter fields under the Set trace width and gap for the
pair in the layer section of the dialog.
Enter the parameters shown followed by selecting the
OK button. This will complete the constraint assignment for our differential pair.
203
Creating a Matched Length Group

Matched length constraints are usually defined as two or more
nets (or associated nets, or pin pairs) having equal total length.
Matched length nets are typically specified with a tolerance to allow the trace routing some flexibility while still being able to meet
the desired timing requirements.
Using the RMB, select the Matched Length Net Groups on

the left Project Explorer. Select the New button on the Project Explorer toolbar or RMB > New to create a new group.
Enter the name BUSBARS for the Matched Length Group.

Using the LMB, expand the Net Objects > Nets sections of
the right Explorer dialog (if not already done).
Scroll down to the net called BUSBAR0.
Select BUSBAR0 with the LMB so it highlighted.

Hold down the SHIFT key and select BUSBAR8.
Note: This will highlight all the nets in between Busbar0 and
Busbar8.
Holding the LMB over the nets, drag the group to the
Matched Length Net Groups called BUSBARS.
Let go of the LMB once over the constraint so the nets can
be added to the new constraint.
Select the RMB while over the BUSBARS Matched Length
Net Groups. Select the Properties pulldown and notice the
constraint information that can added as a design rule.
Click Cancel to abort the constraint creation.
Click the minus [-] next to the Match Length Group on the
left Project Explorer pane.
In the right Project Explorer, click the minus [-] next to Nets.
A matched length pin pair group contains pin pairs either
from the same net or from different nets. A matched length
net group can contain associated nets or a mixture of nets
and associated nets.

Conditional Rules
Conditional rules provide more control over complex designs.
For example, you can set a conditional rule for the width of a
net on a particular layer.
Select the [+] next to Layers to expand this entry. Do

the same for Electrical Layers.
Select Component Side Layer 1.
Select the [+] next to the Nets section to expand this

entry from within the same left side Explorer dialog.
Scroll down until you see the net called BACKDR.
With the Component Side Layer 1 still selected use the
CTRL key plus the LMB to select the net called BACKDR.
With both items still selected, use the LMB to drag the
two objects over to Conditional Rules entry located in
the right Project Explorer.
Notice a [+] sign appears indicating an entry was added
under the conditional rules.
Select the [+] next to Condition Rules to see the new
item that was added.
To change the properties of the Conditional Rule, click
RMB while the cursor is over the new conditional Rule
and select Properties.
Note the content.
Select the OK button once you have had a chance to

review the variety of constraints that can be set on an
item on a given layer.
Click on the Project Explorer icon to close.
205
Associate Nets
You can combine an array of nets joined by discrete components, creating an associated net, to which you can apply high
speed rules as you would to a single net. The length of an as
sociated net is the combined lengths of the nets and discrete
components of which it is composed.
There are three ways to create and modify your associated
nets:
By Net - Select nets and associate them, either by settings
in the Net Properties dialog box or by popup commands.
Manually By Component - Select discrete components
and associate their attached nets, either by settings in the
Component Properties dialog box or by popup commands.
Automatically by RefDes Prefix - Specify the refdes prefixes of the components whose nets you want to associate in
the Associated Nets dialog box.

Zoom on the lower left corner of the board in the area
of LEDs.
RMB and select Nets from the drop down menu.
Click both nets coming from R24 component using the
CTRL key on your keyboard to select both Nets. RMB
and select Associate Nets.
Expand Associated Nets in the Project Explorer by clicking the [+]. You will see two nets combined into one
Associated Net. Both net names are separated by *.

Associate Nets (continued)
Place your mouse over the Associated group. Select
the group, RMB and select Properties from the drop
down dialog. The Associate Net Properties dialog
displays.
Select the Length tab in the dialog. Check the

Restricted length and specify Minimum/Maximum
length to be 8500/10000.
Click OK to apply the settings and close the dialog.
Note: You can also create Matched length groups for Diff
Pairs.
207
Virtual Pin
Virtual Pin is an essential element for balanced topology
routing. By adding the Virtual Pin (VP), the user can create
Pin Pairs from the VP point and assign length for balancing
multiple loads and ensure same length (propagation delay) for
each load.
Zoom on the P2 finger edge connector.
Search for P2 pin 27

(use modeless command S P2.27).
RMB and then Select Nets from menu and select net
DIPSW4 starting from P2.27
RMB and then select Add Virtual Pin from the menu.
Place the Virtual Pin in the center between the P2.27
pin and the C38 silkscreen as shown. Use the ESC key
on your keyboard after placing the Virtual Pin.
Virtual Pin (continued)

In the right column of the Project Explorer under Nets,
find the DIPSW4 net. It will have red marker next to it.
Expand this net by clicking the [+]. You will see that this
net has Pin Pairs created from the added Virtual Pin
VP1.
Select 3 Pin Pairs with VP1 excluding P2.27-VP1 and
drag into left column of Project explorer and drop it on
top of Matched Length Pin Pair Groups.
209
Review Questions
1 Does PADS Router share Rules and Constraints with PADS Layout and DxDesigner?
2 How easy is it to define a differential pair in PADS Router?
3 What are Matched Length Groups?
Review Answers
1 The PADS design environment enforces rules and constraints throughout the entire process, from
schematic design to placement, routing, autorouting and CAM.
2 Defining a differential pair in PADS Router can be as simple as selecting a pair of nets and then dragging and dropping them on the Differential Pairs object in the Project Explorer. As with most everything else in the PADS environment, there are other methods of performing the same task using the
RMB menu commands while selecting a pair of nets in the workspace.
3 Matched Length Groups are a set of nets (or associated nets or pin pairs) that have a specific requirement for a minimum length, maximum length or a target range. This means that all nets in the group
should be routed to match the target length within a specified tolerance. You have the option to
specify that all nets must be at least (x) long, no longer than (x), or fall within a defined min/max range
of values. The Router will add length with accordions during routing if addition length is required.

Lesson 25: Interactive Routing
PCB Layout Engineers all have their own style when laying out
their boards. The PADS Router environment allows designers
to either manually route critical nets or use other options as
well. PADS Router gives the designer full control over the route
topology. The Automatic Interactive Routing modes provide the
ability to Fanout, Autoroute, or Optimize right at the designer's
fingertips.
The Autoroute and Optimizing Nets/Components features can
help to reduce the amount of manual work the designer has to
complete. Many designers use the interactive routing capabilities to help complete traces through sensitive areas while using
the autorouter to finish the remaining portions.
Interactive and Manual Route
When using the PADS Router Autoroute routine, the software

maintains design rules during routing that include setting trace
widths, clearance rules, layer rules and via rules so the designer
can concentrate on routing rather than monitoring the enforcement of the rules.
The Route Monitor provides trace length information as routing data is added. The Push and Shove capability allows trace
segments to be pushed around obstacles while simultaneously
preventing other traces from routing through specified areas, all
the time maintaining design rules. This will allow quick additions
to the design while still maintaining design constraints. All the
options that will affect interactive routing can be set using the
Routing tab of the Options window.
Select File > Open. Select the Lesson25A.pcb located at

Note: Make sure DRC is ON and Enable All before proceeding.
Select the RMB and set the filter mode to Select

Traces/Pins/Unroutes.
Type S <space> P2.8. This command will automatically
move the cursor to P2 and point out where the 8th pin
of that device is located.
Using the LMB, click on that pin. This will select the pin.
Using the MMB, zoom in on the area where the pin is

by holding down the middle mouse button and dragging the mouse toward the upper left.
With the pin still selected, hit the RMB and select Interactive Route.
Start moving the cursor. Notice how the trace follows

the cursor. This is called interactive routing.
Interactive Routing
211
Interactive and Manual Route
(continued)
Start moving the cursor up. Notice how the cursor reads
RT=<some number> and ET=<some number>. The number
next to RT stands for the actual current routed length. As
you move the cursor, notice the routed length increases. ET
stands for the estimated length if the route were completed
from where it is to the ending pin on that pin pair using the
shortest path.
Continue moving the trace to the right. Make sure to move
the trace toward the closest trace located on its right side.
Notice how that trace forces the adjacent trace over. This
push and shove technology will allow objects to be pushed
as long as they are not protected or the movement will not
cause some type of constraints violations (e.g., trace widths,
clearance, layer constraints, or via violations).
Move the cursor/trace back toward P2.8. If you have added

corners use the Backspace keyboard key to remove any
previously locked routing corners.
Place a via, toggling to the solder side layer by selecting the

Shift key + LMB.
Note: Before proceeding to the next step, make sure that the
Check Clearance tab is checked. This tab can be accessed by clicking the RMB while routing.
Using the LMB, click while routing to add a fixed corner. This
creates a fixed route corner and keeps all the routing before
it from changing. Hit the Backspace button again on the
keyboard to remove this corner.
Drag the mouse following alongside the adjacent trace and
up through the board.
Notice how adjacent traces move away from trace being added.
Traces are separated in real-time, based on the design constraints
set in the design. Without this capability, a user would have to
hand move every object to make room for the trace to get by.

Routing Options
When selecting an object for routing, the RMB pulldown provides
many options available to help users place traces into a design
with minimal effort. This topic will allow you to experiment with
some of the options.
There are several plowing options for the interactive router.
The current setting is Plow with pointer.
This means as the pointer moves the plowing occurs. On
the right click menu there is the ability to use No plowing,
Plow after click, and Rip up obstructing traces.
Try out these different plowing techniques. To do so, simply select
your preference from the pulldown menu and drag the trace
through the design. Behavior of the different plow mechanisms
will depend on which one has been enabled. Experiment freely.
Select a connection you wish to route. Select the RMB

while routing and deselect the Check Clearance option.
Now drag the cursor around and notice how the system no
longer prevents the trace from going into areas that would
normally create a violation.
Route a portion of the trace over another trace. Select the

LMB to add a corner. Notice an error appears at the intersect point of the two traces.
Select the Backspace keyboard key to remove the violating

corner.
While still routing a trace, hit the RMB, select the Check
Clearance option from the pulldown to re-enable it.
With the trace still moving with the cursor, select the RMB
and deselect the Dynamic Route option. Now drag the cursor around.
Notice that the system moves in only one direction at a time but
still pushes and shoves traces out of the way. Each time the user
clicks it places an anchor point and allows the users to change
directions.
Interactive Routing
213
Routing Options
(continued)
While the trace is still being routed select the RMB and
select the Dynamic Route check mark to re-enable it.
To change the width of a trace you can select the RMB
(while routing), select the Width pull-right arrow and
select the desired width from a menu.
You can also use a keyboard modeless command to accomplish the same results. Type W <space> 8 and then
hit Enter. The trace width will change to 8 mils from
the last corner point.
To change layers, click to add a corner where you would
like to place a via and type the modeless command L
<space> 2 (make sure you are currently not on Layer 2).
Make sure you hit the OK button (or the Enter Key) to
execute the modeless command.
Notice: You are now routing on Layer 2 and a via was
added at the location of the last corner prior to initiating the modeless command.
To complete the trace you can hit the RMB and select
Complete, you can double click the LMB or you can
place the cursor over the terminating pad and select it
using the LMB. All of these styles are available for you
to choose from.

Route and Fanout
Select the RMB and set your filter mode to Select

Components.
Using the LMB select U8. Select the RMB and select
Fanout from the pulldown menu. Notice how the
fanouts for the selected component automatically appear.
Note: The Fanout style can be set using the Default Properties for global application (with nothing selected hit RMB
then Properties/Fanout) or from Component Properties for
individual fanout applications (select Component then hit
RMB then Properties/Fanout).
Using the LMB select U6.

Select the RMB followed by Route. Notice how the nets
connected to any of the component pins get routed
automatically.
Interactive Routing
215
Review Questions
1 Must I have a clear routing path for a trace when routing interactively?
2 What is the plower?
3 Will the interactive router prevent me from placing a via in the wrong place?
4 Can I temporarily end a trace without going all the way to its destination pin?
5 What if I dont like the fanout pattern that PADS Router puts on a particular component?
Review Answers
1 PADS Router incorporates sophisticated push and shove routing capabilities that allow you to move
obstructing traces and vias in real time while you are routing. You have complete control over how the
router responds to various obstacles.
2 The plower allows you to push obstructions out of the way as you interactively route traces. You can
control the operation and intensity of the plower as well as specify when the plower will respond as
you move your cursor in the design.
3 The Interactive Router fully supports DRC modes while routing. If you have specified detailed clearance rules for vias and a specific via grid, then the Router will only let you place vias on grid and with
proper clearances. This allows you complete control over where vias can be placed in the design.
4 Using the End Via Mode options, you can elect to end a trace anywhere in the design without having
to route it all the way to its destination. This is allows you to route escape traces on large components
and temporarily end the traces at a convenient location outside the perimeter of the component. You
can then come back at some later point in time to complete the traces. This is especially useful if you
are experimenting with different routing patterns or fanout strategies in congested areas of a design.
5 PADS Router offers a large selection of fanout patterns that you can set with the Fanout tab in the
Properties dialog. The pattern that you choose will remain as the default for a particular component
type until you change it. If after fanning out a component, you dont like the pattern, simply delete it
and set another choice in Properties. This is one area of the application where you should spend some
time experimenting and familiarizing yourself with the broad choice of fanout pattern options.

Lesson 26: PADS Interactive High Speed Routing and Autorouting
The PADS Interactive HSD manual routing features allow interactive routing of trace lengths based on constraints like Matched
Length, Min/Max Length, and Differential Pair constraints sets.
During interactive routing the system gives real-time feedback
on length constraints assigned to those nets. Length-based Constraints are recognized in real-time to allow accurate and timely
routing of critical nets.
The Length Monitor can identify when a trace is within the
defined length constraint by changing the color of the monitor.
The color coding on the monitor also helps users to determine
when they are close, within or have exceeded the length constraint defined on the net, while they are adding the trace data.
The HSD option also allows for routing using accordions. Users
can add accordions quickly based on default parameters or by
re-defining the shape on the fly.
The Spreadsheet window provides real-time feedback on trace
lengths as they are routed in the design. You can also receive
real-time color codes on nets that fall short, fall within and
exceed length limits set via rules right from within the Spread-
sheet view.
Differential Pair routing can be completed quickly and accurately
by selecting one of the two nets defined. The second net automatically couples to the first maintaining the set spacing defined
in the design rules. Accordion style routing can be applied to
differential pair traces as well allowing you to maximize your
trace length in minimum space.
Tuning differential pair traces can also be done so the two
lengths of the differential pair are identical in length.
Traces that require special length considerations can be selected
and routed prior to all others using interactive mode, saving
time and increasing accuracy. Tune will adjust nets to their
defined lengths. This can be done to individual nets selected interactively. These features further help designers to meet their
design constraints with efficiency.
Autorouting is also available for batch routing of all nets making
it even easier to complete your routing requirements using an
automated format.
Interactive High Speed Routing and Autorouting
217
Tuning Nets with Accordions

Zoom In on the orange net on the bottom center of the
board using the MMB.
With nothing selected hit the RMB and set the select
mode to Select Unroute/Pins.
Now select the orange rats net with the LMB.

Open up the Navigation window by selecting Project
Navigator icon.
Press F3 on your keyboard (or right click on layout and
select Interactive Route) to start interactively routing.
Notice how the Navigation windows adjusts the color of
the net (Yellow, Green, Red) as you route with different
lengths. The yellow stands for the fact that the route
is under the rule minimum length, the green is within
limits and the red means you have exceeded the limit.
Look at the Status bar in the lower left hand corner and
review the contents.
This shows the user the routed length, estimated length
if trace was completed, min and max length rule.
Using the modeless command, type AO. This will put
the interactive router in an orthogonal route angle
mode forcing all corners into a 90 degree corner mode.
Start routing to the right as shown.
Select the RMB (while routing), followed by selecting
Add Accordion (or hit the SHIFT + A at the same time).
This will put you in Accordion mode so that you can
add an accordion to add length to the net.
218 Interactive High Speed Routing and Autorouting

Tuning Nets with Accordions
(continued)
Drag the cursor to the right and notice an accordion

starts drawing.
Move the cursor back to where the accordion started.
Start moving the mouse down until it is close to the

connector pads. Once there select the LMB to set one
side of the accordion amplitude.
Start moving the mouse up until it is close to row of
component pads (on U26) and select the LMB a second
time. This will reset the total accordion amplitude.
Now drag your cursor to the right and watch the program automatically add a new accordion using the new
values.
Drag the cursor slowly and watch the Project Navigation window change the trace color to green and then
red. The green informs the user the length is within the
design rule constraint range and the red tells the user it
is longer than the maximum design rule.
Press the ESC key twice to exit the routing.
Select the Navigation Window icon to close the navigator window.
219
Routing Differential Pairs

Select the HOME keyboard key or the Zoom to Board
icon to zoom up around the entire board outline.
Find the bright blue nets located on the left side of the
edge connector
Zoom in (using MMB) on the diff pair nets. Remember,

you can use the PageUp key as well to zoom in.
Change the angle mode again to diagonal using the
modeless command AD.
Select the Interactive Route icon from the Route Editing Tool bar.
Select one of the two blue nets with the LMB. Notice
how the routing environment automatically recognizes
that the net is part of a differential pair based on the
rule and begins routing both nets as a Diff Pair.
Notice how the program automatically brings the differential pair traces together matching the preset GAP
distances. When the routing seems to neck out of the
pads appropriately, select the LMB to lock down the
traces exiting the pads.
Select the Backspace key to remove previous corners
whenever you wish to change the routing pattern.
With the two traces still coupled together, continue

routing the differential pair as you would a single net.
Notice how the program maintains the gap even when
moving at an angle.
Move the differential pair past the pads from the component above it and watch the pair automatically split
around the pad.
NOTE: This will only occur if a corner has not been added
prior to coming in contact with objects that will force the
separation of the diff pair.

Routing Differential Pairs
(continued)
Move the cursor below the pad to remove the section of trace
that separated due to the obstacles. Select the LMB to add a
corner and route up toward the terminating pad.
The user also has the ability to route part of the differential
pair separately. While still routing the diff pair, select the RMB
and select Route Separately.
Route the first trace around one of the pads as shown. Click
the LMB to add a corner to anchor the trace.
Select the RMB again and select Switch Trace (or Tab Key) to
toggle to the second of the two diff pair traces. Route this
one around an obstacle as well.
Once completed, select the LMB again followed by the Route

Separately command (or Shift + Z) to rejoin the pair together.
Note: This will only work if the vias and traces are unprotected. Go to
Tools>Options>Routing Tab and under the Interactive Routing section, uncheck Protect Traces and Vias when creating segments.
Now hold down SHIFT and LMB. This will place vias on the
differential pair.
Note: Make sure that the Layer Pair is chosen correctly (choose one
of the Routing Layers as the Second Layer) or else routing might not
continue from the vias dropped to the VDD or GND planes due to
restrictions on the particular differential pairs.
Select the CTRL + Tab key to toggle between the different

available via patterns that can be added to the selected differential pair.
Select the Backspace key to remove the other corners just in

case you need to change direction.
You can add accordions to the differential pair as well. While
routing the diff pair select the RMB followed by selecting the
Add Accordion entry from the pulldown menu (or select the
Shift + A key).
Continue experimenting with routing differential pairs.
221
Routing Matched Length Traces

Note: This section of this lesson presents advanced routing functionality that requires the (optional) HSD license to operate. If your
installation doesn't have this license feature, you can still review the
content to understand the capabilities of the functionality.
Select the HOME key or the Zoom to Board icon to

zoom full board.
Open up the Project Explorer pane by selecting the
Project Explorer icon.
Select the [+] sign next to Net Objects to expand that
design category.
Select the [+] sign next to the Matched Length Net
Groups to expand that as well.
Select the [+] sign one more time expand the MLNetGroup1 design item.
Select the [+] sign next to MatchTrack and notice there
are two nets that lie beneath this group. Notice when
you select the nets in the Explorer pane, the items are
selected on the bottom of the board.
With the nets highlighted, place the cursor in the working area, hit the RMB and select Route.
Select the Modeless command U to turn off connections.
Note: To enable the display of connections again just enable
the modeless command U a second time.
Click on MLNetGroup1 in the Project Explorer pane.

Notice it highlights even when routed.
Using the cursor from within the Explorer Pane, select
ASYNC- net.

Routing Matched Length Traces
(continued)
From the same pane, select ASYNC+ using the CTRL +

LMB.
Close the Project Explorer window by selecting the
Project Explorer icon.
Open up the Spreadsheet window by selecting the

Spreadsheet icon.
Select the Object Type called Net.
Select the Net Length Monitor from the right pull
down. Notice how the Routed Length of both traces is
the same.
Also notice how the value is equivalent to the minimum
length rule. PADS Autorouter always tries to route to
the minimum length. The accordions were added to
create this length.
223
Routing and Tuning Associated Nets

In the Spreadsheet window, select the Associated Net
Length Monitor tab.
Select the Associated Net in the Name column called
CLK_3584MEG*$4N138 (name appears in blue color).
This Associated Net will get highlighted with white
color and will fit into workspace window.
Note: An asterisk (star) in the Associated Net name is a
separator of two different nets that are combined.

Routing and Tuning Associated Nets (continued)
Route the Associated Nets as you usually route traces.
You can add accordions as you route. If you just route
this net without paying attention to length, select it
after routing as you did in Step 2 above. Move your
mouse into the Workspace window and from the RMB
menu select Tune.
225
Routing and Tuning with Virtual Pins

Select the Project Explorer icon. The Project Explorer
displays as shown.
Expand Net Objects by clicking the [+] next to it.
Expand the Matched Length Pin Pair Groups by clicking
the [+} next to it and select MLPinPairGroup1.
This highlights the pin Pairs from Virtual Pin 1 (VP1).
Note: We turned off other nets for ease of viewing of VP1 Pin
Pairs.

Routing and Tuning with Virtual Pins (continued)
Route traces from VP1. You can add accordions as you route. If you just route these Pin Pairs without paying attention
to length, select each Pin Pair starting from VP1 and select Tune from the RMB menu. Your routing may look different
than our example.
Note: Only 3 pin pairs belong to the matched length group. For the forth pin pair, which also starts from the virtual pin, Tune will not
work as there is nothing to tune.
227
Review Questions
1 What features does the Interactive HSD Router provide?
2 Are accordions always symmetrical in construction?
3 How do I know when the length of my accordion is long enough?
4 When would I use route separately to route a differential pair?
5 How do I determine that a Matched Length Group has been routed to the specified length?
Review Answers
1 The Interactive HSD Router provides you with a number of advanced routing features including the
ability to interactively route differential pairs and length controlled nets. This includes that ability to
tune nets interactively with accordions.
2 PADS Router HSD allows you to interactively create accordions. You have complete control of the
shape, amplitude and length of the accordion in real time while you are routing. Flexible options allow
you to control how the accordion is created and decide if you want to set the amplitude of each element of the accordion or make it symmetrical.
3 The Trace Length Monitor presents an easy to understand color-coded display that allows you to visually see when a trace is routed to a required length. The display shows you when the trace is below, at,
or above the desired length. The monitor does this in real time as you are routing the trace.
4 PADS Router allows you to easily route differential pairs together as though they were a single trace.
However, there are situations where you might want to split the pair and route each pair member as a
separate entity (such as when you need to connect them to pins of a component where only one trace
is allowed between pins). Using the route separately command, you can temporarily split the pair
and route each pair member as an individual trace, and then bring them back together as a pair when
required.
5 In addition to the Trace Length Monitor, PADS Router will let you visually examine the routed lengths
of a Matched Length Group by using the Spreadsheet View. This window will allow you to show the
data for all of the nets in the group and view a color-coded report of their routed lengths in an easyto-understand visual report. Select the matched length group in Project Explorer. It will be shown in
the Navigation Window. If it is shown "all green", then it is routed to the specified length.

Lesson 27: Setting Up a Design for Autorouting
Autorouter Strategy Setup

Select the Tools > Options pull down menu.
Select the Routing tab.
Toggle through the different Routing Angles (Orthogonal, Diagonal, Any Angle).
Notice the Preview image changes to present a visual
image of your selection.
Select the Strategy tab. Notice the Pass Names:

(Fanout, Patterns, Route, Optimize, Center, Test point,
Tune and Miters).
Notice the column options:

(Pass, Protect, Pause, and Intensity).
Using the cursor, double click on top of the word
Components. Notice all the parts in the design become
displayed.
Select the [-] sign to minimize the Components.
Using the cursor, double click on top of Net Objects to
expand that portion of the dialog.
Double click over the Nets item and notice a list of nets
that are contained in the design appears.
Place the cursor directly over the Pass Type named

Route and select it with the LMB. Notice all the items
associated with the pass highlight.
Setting Up a Design for Autorouting
229
Autorouter Strategy Setup
(continued)
From the list of nets scroll down to the net called

ADDR_BUS2. Select it so it is highlighted.
Click the Selected button so the net moves over to the
Routing Order list. The routing order is the order that
the Autorouter is going to follow when you start the
autorouting routine. (Keep in mind the pass must be
enabled of course.)
You should notice that as you select the parts and nets
from this menu, they highlight in the working area. The
same would hold true if you selected the parts from
within the working area first.
This is better know as Concurrent Database Selection.
When utilizing this feature you can highlight a net in
the working area which will then highlight in the Strategy dialog so you can immediately click the Selected
button to add them to the Routing Order.
Use the Down Arrow button you can move the ADDR_
BUS2 net up or down through the list. Setting up the
Route Order for other passes works similarly.
Click the OK button to close the Options Dialog.
Select Tools > Autoroute > Start (or F9) to begin the
autorouter.
Note: PADS Autoroute pops up the Output Window and
shows the pre-route analysis and the progress of the design.
Watch the board complete routing.

Examine the results.
230 Setting Up a Design for Autorouting

Review Questions
1 Why not autoroute every design?
2 Can I autoroute only specific objects and nets in my design?
3 Can I specify that PADS Autorouter route certain nets only on specific layers?
4 Will PADS Autorouter route my design 100%?
Review Answers
1 Not every design is a candidate for autorouting. Though an autorouter is a powerful aid in quickly
routing a large number of nets, it also requires careful setup and a good understanding of the underlying design rules and constraints. Sometimes it is a better choice to hand-route a design. It is often a
good practice to manually route critical signals and then autoroute the balance of the nets when you
are satisfied with routing of the critical traces.
2 Yes, a common strategy is to partition the autorouting in stages. Determine which nets you want to
manually route, then divide the remaining components and/or nets into groups and autoroute each
group sequentially, protecting the results at specific intervals. This allows you to incrementally route
the design and review the results periodically during the process.
3 One of the advanced features of PADS Autorouter is the flexibility that it gives you during the routing
strategy setup stage. You can easily assign certain nets (or classes) to specific routing layers. This helps
you maintain crosstalk control and manage impedance requirements.
4 A lot of factors determine the success rate of any routing strategy; it is a delicate balance between
rules definitions, component density, layer stackup and a myriad of other factors. Many times you will
find that it is a good practice to run a series of test routes before running you final passes. This will
allow you an opportunity to examine the results and modify your setting to optimize the autorouter
behavior. With proper attention to the rules definitions and strategy settings, PADS Autorouter can
provide exceptional performance and help you achieve maximum results.
Setting Up a Design for Autorouting
231
Lesson 28: Verification

Verifying constraints, connectivity and high speed requirements
is easily accomplished with complete accuracy. Activating all
types of checks is available through one simple dialog that provides custom reports that can be exported and reviewed.
Clearance checking quickly ensures all spacing requirements
have been made in the entire design. The Connectivity check
ensures all interconnects are created with some type of conductive data.
In cases where traces were mistakenly forgotten, reports help
to identify those quickly so additions can be made to account
for those interconnects. High Speed checks verify all high speed
constraints have been taken into consideration during routing.
Fabrication checks verify that manufacturing considerations
have been accounted for during routing. Testpoint checks ensure proper clearances were maintained while testpoints were
added or their locations modified.
232 Design Verification

Verification Setup
Select File > Open. Select the Lesson28.pcb located at C:\
PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson28 directory.
Select the Options icon.

Select the Fabrication tab to view the Fabrication Options
that can be set.
Select the Design Verification tab.
The Design Verification Scheme area allows you to select

pre-created verification checks.
Select the Clearance entry from the pulldown arrow.

Review the list of options that can be enabled that correlate
to items that can be clearance checked.
You can select different categories of items to check. For
example, select Fabrication as an entry available from the
Check Design For section of the dialog.
Design verification schemes can be saved by selecting the

items you wish to enable, followed by selecting the Save
As option. You can enter the name of the Manufacturer
that has special clearance requirements to ensure you meet
their manufacturing requirements.
The Conduct checks area of the dialog allows a user to
describe what data will be considered during the checking
analysis. These settings can effectively disable or enable
information from being checked when is not displayed.
Select On visible objects and layers only as the mode for
checking.
Design Verification
233
Running Verification
Select the object type Clearance in the Design Verification Scheme area.
Click OK in the dialog box to close the Options dialog.

Select the Design Verification icon.
This will enable the Verification toolbar.
The Clearance verification scheme should be showing.
Select the Verify icon to enable the Verify Clearance

check.
Notice the violations that appear on the left side of the
design and on the edge connector located at the bottom as well.
Enable the Spreadsheet pane by selecting the Spreadsheet icon.
Select the Error category from the spreadsheet pane.

Running Verification
(continued)
Notice a list of errors appear in the spreadsheet window. To expand the list hit the [+] sign next to the error
of interest.
If you select on the error listed under the Type column

the software will adjust the window to display the error in the middle of the screen helping you to identify
where the error is located.
Design Verification
235
Understanding Verification Issues

Select the Selection Filter icon to open up the Selection
Filter toolbar.
Disable all selection criteria by clicking on the Nothing
icon.
Enable the selection of errors by selecting the Error
icon.
Select the Selection Filter icon to close up the Selection

Filter toolbar.
Now select any one of the error markers in the working
area.
Select the RMB with the error selected followed by
Properties.
Notice how the error message explains what the problem is and where it is located.
You can also select the Ignore error during verification
operations feature if you would prefer to disable an error from being seen during any future verification.
Select the OK button to close dialog box.

Now that the clearance problems have been identified,
resolving the issues should be much easier.

Review Questions
1 When should I verify my design?
2 Which verification checks should I run?
3 Are there verification checks in PADS Router that are not available in PADS Layout?
4 What are fabrication checks?
5 How do I find the verification errors?
Review Answers
1 A printed circuit board design can be a very complex project that brings together thousands of design
details into the finished product. Managing all of these details can be a formidable task and it is always
possible for unexpected things to occur. Verification allows you to examine the details of your design
and presents an opportunity to correct errors and inconsistencies prior to generating your manufacturing outputs.
2 Depending upon the design, you will probably want to run a clearance check and a continuity check to
verify the integrity of your design. Additionally, you may choose to run fabrication checks, test point
checks (if applicable to your design) and other verifications such as differential pair and net length
checks. Because each design is different, PADS Router provides a full set of verification checks for you
to choose from.
3 PADS Router includes a few verification checks (such as differential pairs) that are not available directly
in PADS Layout. However, PADS Layout will run its verifications checks and then automatically pass the
design to PADS Router for these additional checks. This allows you to run the full set of checks from a
single environment.
4 In addition to clearance and continuity checks, fabrication checks look for issues that might affect your
design at board manufacture such as acid traps, copper slivers, drill clearance violations and silkscreen
on pads. It is good practice to run a fabrication check on your design each time you generate you
manufacturing documents.
5 The verification routine produces an on-screen report that describes each error that is found. This
report is displayed in the Spreadsheet view where you can examine all of the details of each error.
When you click on an error, it is automatically highlighted and centered in the workspace so that you
can further examine the details and take corrective action.
Design Verification
237
238
Simulation with
HyperLynx BoardSim
& HyperLynx Thermal
In this section:
Simulation with HyperLynx BoardSim
Thermal Analysis with HyperLynx Thermal
239
Lesson 29: HyperLynx BoardSim Simulation

This exercise will walk you through the process of sending a
finished design from PADS Layout to HyperLynx BoardSim and
selecting a net for simulation. We will also compare the simulation results with the pre-layout stage that we prepared earlier in
LineSim.
HyperLynx BoardSim
In PADS Layout, select File > Open and open
C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson29\Lesson29.pcb.
Select Tools > Analysis > Signal/Power Integrity
In the BoardSim dialog, select the check box next to the
.REF IC Automapping file, then select the radio button
next to Export pour and plane outlines and finally select the OK button. This will extract all of the data and
load the design into HyperLynx. In the Missing Height

dialog, activate (check) the For All Parts checkbox and
click OK.
In HyperLynx BoardSim select the NET button.
240 HyperLynx BoardSim Simulation

HyperLynx BoardSim
(continued)
In the Select Net by Name dialog, scroll down and select DATA_BUS0 net and then click the OK button. This
will only show that specific net routed on the board.
The U11 model is not assigned and Error dialog is
opened. Select OK to continue.
HyperLynx BoardSim Simulation
241
(continued)
Select the COMP icon.

A warning for U11 pin M26 displays. Select OK.
In the Assign Models dialog, click Select.
In the Select IC Model dialog, the xc9500.ibs
Library will be highlighted. Scroll down the
In Devices column until you can see and select
XC95216_BGA352[SLW=0;VIO=0] and select OK.
In the Assign Models dialog for U11.io, select the
Output (radio button) option in the Buffer settings
area and select OK. In the Assign Models dialog for
U11.M26, select the Output (radio button) option in
the Buffer settings area and select OK.
All models are now assigned and ready for simulation.

(continued)
Select Run Interactive Simulation icon.

In the Digital Oscilloscope dialog, select the radio button next to Rising edge. Make sure you have a probe
color assigned to pins and select the Start Simulation
button. Using the LMB, click two points in the Oscilloscope window as shown on the top and bottom of
the overshoot of the waveform to review the span of
the voltage overshoot. Receivers have a lot of voltage
overshoot (about 2.042V, in LineSim we had 2.104V).
243
(continued)
Now we want to compare the pre-layout simulation

results from LineSim with the BoardSim results that we
just observed. In the Digital Oscilloscope dialog, select
the Save/Load button and then select the
HyperLynx .LIS radio button. Select the Load button
and browse to the location where you have saved the
file DATA_BUS0_no_termination.lis (from Lesson 10).
You can toggle to see both the pre-layout and post layout simulation results by checking the Loaded results
check box.
Note: Differences between pre and post-layout simulation

results for receiver propagation delay (Green and Carrot color
wave forms) are due to topology and trace length differences.
However, the overshoot is almost the same (2.042V versa
2.104V)
To fix the Signal Integrity problem, select the

Termination Wizard icon.
The Termination Wizard dialog suggests using AC termination at the U28.13 receiver pin. Select the Apply
tolerance pull down and use the Exact value setting.
Selecting the Apply Values button will assign the terminator and its value. Lastly, select the OK button.

(continued)
Rerun the simulation with the AC Termination in place.

You will notice that we removed almost all of the Signal
Integrity problems related to overshoot.
Now we want to compare pre-layout simulation results

from LineSim with BoardSim results after termination.
In the Digital Oscilloscope, dialog select the Save/Load
button and then select the HyperLynx .LIS radio button. Select the Load button and browse to the location
where you have saved the file
DATA_BUS0 _termination.lis.
You can toggle to see both the
pre-layout and post-layout results
of the simulation by checking
Loaded results.
Note: Differences between
pre and post-layout simulation
results with Termination in
place for receiver propagation
delay are due to topology and
trace length differences.
245
Review Questions
1 When would I want to use HyperLynx BoardSim?
2 Do I need a special license to run HyperLynx BoardSim?
3 Can I compare HyperLynx BoardSim results with those from HyperLynx LineSim?
4 What do I do with the results?
Review Answers
1 Early in the design process, you can use HyperLynx LineSim to model the behavior of specific signals
and/or specify terminations that might be required. HyperLynx BoardSim then lets you model the
actual physical trace on the board to see if the physical implementation of the signal performs as
expected against the earlier simulation.
2 No additional licensing is required. HyperLynx BoardSim is a licensed feature included in the PADS
Suite.
3 HyperLynx BoardSim lets you run simulations on specific signals and also lets you compare the simulation results with previous simulations created in HyperLynx LineSim. This capability lets you carefully
examine the projected performance against the actual layout to determine if any tweaking is required.
4 The results provided by HyperLynx BoardSim help you determine if any additional components need
to be added to the design or if values of current components need to be adjusted. Any changes can be
incorporated into the design at the schematic level and forwarded to Layout.

Lesson 30: HyperLynx Thermal Analysis
This exercise will walk you through the process of sending a
finished design from PADS Layout to HyperLynx Thermal for
evaluating any possible heat problems and possible solutions to
eliminate excessive heat areas. This exercise does not cover all
of the aspects of the HyperLynx Thermal software but highlights
a few important features.
HyperLynx Thermal Analysis

This section will demonstrate how to perform a HyperLynx
Thermal simulation.
In PADS Layout, select File > Open and select C:\PADS_
ES_Evaluation\Lesson30\Lesson30.pcb.
We need to pour Copper and Split/Mixed planes before
we transfer the design to HyperLynx Thermal. Select
Tools > Pour Manager and in the Flood tab, select
Flood All. Then click the Start button. Now select the
Plane Connect tab and click the Start button (if any
warning messages about missing thermal connections
come up, please ignore).
Select Tools > Analysis > Thermal Analysis.

In the Missing Height dialog, enable the check box For
All Parts, then select the OK button. This will extract all
of the data and load design into HyperLynx Thermal.
In HyperLynx Thermal, select the Run Analysis icon.
Note: Some components are running hot at 113degC. We will

try to resolve two component problems.
247
(continued)
First, we will create a screw component in the Master Library. Select Library\Master. In the Edit Master
Library dialog highlight the first component and select
the Copy Part button., Type in the name for the new
part Screw_#6 and select the OK button.
Scroll down in the Edit Master Library dialog, select the

Screw_#6 part and select the Edit part button.
In the Edit part dialog, change the parameters for this
screw as shown and select the OK button.
248 HyperLynx Thermal Analysis

(continued)
In the Edit Master Library dialog, select Save to disk

and click the Close button.
Now we will need to copy the Screw_#6 part from the
Master Library to the Working Library to be used in
this design. Select Library > Working.
In the Edit Working Library dialog (in the left-hand window) Master library: scroll down and select Screw_#6,
then select the >> button to copy it to Working
Library: window and select the Close button.
Select Placement > Screw and the part will get attached to your cursor. Place it the layout approximately
in the two locations as shown (see next page). For the
Component properties dialog, select the OK button for
both screws
249
(continued)
Rerun the analysis by selecting the Run Analysis icon.

Note: After we added screws around the lower right
components, the temperature decreased from 113degC to
66degC. Overall temperature for the board also lowered from
113degC to 102degC. One component in the upper left corner
is still hot and we will try a different technique below
Select the Specify environment properties button and

in the Environment Condition Definition dialog, change
Incoming air velocity to 250 ft/m for Front and Back
sides and select the OK button.
Rerun the analysis by selecting the Run Analysis icon
after changing the airflow velocity.
Note: After we changed the airflow velocity, the component
and overall board temperature lowered to 93.3degC from
102degC.
250 HyperLynx Thermal Analysis

Review Questions
1 When would I use HyperLynx Thermal?
2 How does HyperLynx Thermal compute the temperature of areas of the board?
3 Can I add my own custom heat sinks and mechanical components to HyperLynx Thermal?
4 How do I utilize the results?
Review Answers
1 Many designs can be temperature sensitive depending upon their application. You can use HyperLynx
Thermal to create a thermal model of your design and determine if you will need to add heat sinking
components or adjust your system cooling and air flow specifications to guarantee proper performance.
2 HyperLynx Thermal uses an extensive library of thermally modeled components and air velocity statistics to create a sophisticated model of the thermal behavior of your design. Through careful monitoring and adjustment of these parameters, the system can show you what changes you need to consider
in order to bring your design into an acceptable window of thermal performance.
3 You can add additional models to HyperLynx Thermal to represent specific components that you might
add to your design to improve thermal performance. Careful attention must be given to the creation
of these models so that the application can properly interpret their thermal characteristics.
4 Once you problem areas have been identified and you have been presented with possible solutions,
you can incorporate the necessary changes into your design and rerun additional simulations to confirm the adjusted behavior of your design.
251
252
Completing the
Design
In this section:
DFM Analysis
Generating Manufacturing Outputs (CAM)
3D Layout View
Creating PDFs
253
Lesson 31: DFM Analysis

Studies have shown that the design phase of a project can yield
the largest overall cost savings if manufacturing problems are
detected and corrected early. Undetected manufacturing issues
can result in expensive rework, scrapped inventory, missed
schedules, and even failed products, especially if the problems
make it into the final product.
The PADS ES Suite features a full array of design checking tools
including (optional) extensive Design For Manufacturing (DFM)
Analysis routines. This allows you to run advanced manufacturing analysis checks on your design prior to sending it out to your
board vendor for fabrication. These are not just simple clearance and continuity checks, but an extensive analysis of all of
the design objects including pads, vias, line widths, mounting
and tooling holes, solder mask openings, internal layer registrations, coppers, drills, solder slivers, acid traps and much more.
This gives you the power and flexibility to catch potential manufacturing and design quality issues early in the process where
you can realize the greatest gains in the product lifecycle.
In this exercise, you will learn how to start the design analysis
and then review the results in a very flexible and powerful
graphical viewer.
Note: This lesson presents advanced design analysis functionality that
requires the (optional) DFM license to operate. If your installation
doesn't have this license feature, you can still review the content to
understand the capabilities of the functionality.
Running DFM Analysis on a Design

In PADS Layout, select File > Open. Browse to and open
C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson31\ Lesson31.PCB.
Select Tools > DFM Analysis > Start Analysis to begin the
process. Note: Error displayed in "therm.err" report can
be ignored for this lesson.
Use the DFMA Constraints dialog to scroll through the list

of DFMA Constraints defined in the design. Notice that
there is an extensive array of checks that will be
performed on the design.
Note: It may take a few minutes for this display.
When you have finished reviewing the Constraints, click

the Continue button in the message box to begin the
analysis.
A series of messages and progress indicators will sequentially appear on the screen as the system performs extensive checks on each of the layers and design objects.
When the analysis is completed, the system will open a
new window called the Results Viewer.
254 DFM Analysis

Reviewing the Analysis Results
After the analysis has been performed on the design, you can review the results sequentially to determine any corrective actions
that you might want to take.
The DFM Results Viewer contains various layer selection and
navigation elements, a toolbar and a group of display areas that

allow you to query and display the results data.
From the Results area of the viewer, select Slivers. This

will enable you to select and navigate through any solder
slivers that might exist in the design.
Click the Next Result icon on the toolbar to display the
next instance of a sliver.
The Display area will show the selected item and the
category window will contain a detailed explanation of
the violation.
Each time you click the Next Result icon, the system will
advance to the next item in the Results Tree. After stepping through all of the solder slivers, the system will move
to the next topic in succession. Using this technique, you
can systematically step through all of the potential DFM
violations in the design.
Next, we will look at how to synchronize the Results Viewer with PADS Layout so that you can cross probe directly
to each violation in PADS Layout.
DFM Analysis
255
Using EDA Sync Mode

Though you can view the DFM Analysis results in the Results
Viewer, you may want to synchronize your session directly to
PADS Layout so that you can view and/or correct the violations directly in the Layout environment.
From the Tools Menu in the Results Viewer, select EDA

Sync Mode and make sure that Automatic is selected.
Select the Next Result icon on the toolbar.
The DFM Results Viewer will display the next violation
and PADS Layout will automatically cross probe to the
same area. This makes it easy to navigate to manufacturing errors within PADS Layout so that you can then
determine your course of action to correct them.
Experiment with the various selections available in the
viewer.
When you are finished reviewing the DFM errors, close
the viewer.
Close the PADS Layout session.
256 DFM Analysis

Review Questions
1 Why is it important to uncover manufacturing problems during the design process?
2 Can I save and recall the DFM Constraints setup for use on another design?
3 Is there an easy way to locate a DFMA error in PADS Layout?
4 When should I run the DFM Analysis checks?
Review Answers
1 Identifying and correcting manufacturing issues early in the design cycle saves time, money and helps
to improve overall product quality. Improved manufacturing yields, less rework and fewer failures all
result in measurable benefits to any project.
2 Yes, you can save your DFM setups and use them with other designs. You can also save unique versions for design variants and for application with specific manufacturing lines and processes.
3 Use EDA Sync Mode to set up a direct link between the DFM Results Viewer and your PADS Layout
session. This enables you to cross probe between DFM and Layout, increasing your productivity and
allowing you to make edits directly in the design database.
4 Typically, you should run DFM Analysis prior to generating you output files. This gives you the opportunity to edit and correct any errors prior to final output. You should also run DFM Analysis after you
make any substantial changes to the design to make sure you have not introduced any new unknown
issues.
DFM Analysis
257
Lesson 32: Generating Manufacturing Outputs
This section will step you through the process of creating Gerber
outputs. Gerber outputs are usually required to fabricate a PCB.
Gerber files contain design information for each layer. There are
also other critical outputs such as Drill Files and Drill Drawings.
In this exercise, you will learn how to generate several types of
design output files using the powerful manufacturing documentation features in PADS Layout .
Creating Routing Layers (Gerbers or Laser Prints)
In PADS Layout, select File > Open. Browse to and open

C:\PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson32\ Lesson32.PCB.
Note: Prior to running this lesson you need to Hatch Copper
for the plane areas. Go to Tools > Pour Manager and select the
Hatch tab, select the Fast Hatch radio button and click Start.
Use the menu File > CAM to open the dialog for defining
output documents.
From the dialog shown below scroll through the list of
Gerber files that are pre-defined.
You will review the outputs for the Top Routing layer, the
Neg Plane Layer 3 (Gnd) and the Silkscreen Top layer.
In the CAM Documents area, select Route Layer 1and
then click the Edit button located on the main CAM
dialog.
This will bring up a second dialog where you can review
the plot name, plot type, and set the Size/Scale and
Offsets.
Review the setting for Route Layer 1 and make sure they
match the following:
Document Name = Route Layer 1
Document Type = Routing/Split Plane
Layer Association = Component Side Layer 1
258 Creating CAM Outputs

Creating Routing Layers
(continued)
Notice the Summary includes default settings which

can be edited.
Select the Layers icon located in the Customize Document section of the dialog.
Verify that the Board Outline check box is checked so it
can be included in the output.
Note: You will see the Items on Primary become selectable

when you select a layer listed in the Selected section of this
dialog.
Select the Preview button to see what the Gerber file

would contain with the current settings.
To zoom in on the display, select and hold the LMB to

drag a frame around the area you want to zoom into.
You can also click the Board button to zoom around the
board.
Click the Close button to close the Preview dialog.
Click OK to close the Layer dialog which will place you
at the Edit Document dialog.
259
CAM Options and Setup Information
Click the Options icon to review the available Plot Options.

Note: For this exercise you will not change anything. However,
if you decide to make changes later you can see the effects in
the Preview window on the right hand side.
Click OK to close the Plot Options dialog.

The Device Setup button will allow you to choose your
desired output.
This option is used to set up laser printers, pen plotters,
and Gerber output settings. The following dialog will
change based on the desired target device.
PRINT (Print Manager)
PEN (Penplotter)
PHOTO (Gerber Output)
Click the Print icon then Device Setup. Notice the content. It works just like Print Manger.
Click the OK button to close the dialog.

Click the Pen button then Device Setup. This allows you
to set your penplot options.
Click the OK button to close the dialog.
Click the Photo button then Device Setup. This allows
you to set the options for generating Gerber output for
each layer.
Click the Advanced button. Notice this sets many of your
Gerber output preferences like RS-274X vs. RS-274D.
For this exercise we will leave this dialog as it is. Click OK
to close this dialog.
Click OK to close the Photoplotter setup dialog.
Leave the Output Device set to PHOTO and click OK to
complete the review of Route Layer 1.

Creating Negative Image Plane Layers
In this exercise you learn what is required to create outputs
for negative plane layers. Positive image plane layers use the
Route/Split Mixed plot types while Negative Image planes
require special handling.
If you closed out then use File > CAM , select Neg
Plane Layer 3 (gnd) from the documents list and click
the Edit button again. Verify that the Document Type
= CAM Plane and Associated Fabrication Layer = Gnd
Plane Layer 3.
Click the Layers icon and verify that the settings are in
agreement with those shown.
Click the Preview button located on the right side of
this dialog.
Review the content of the negative image layer. When

you are done close all windows until you return to the
Define CAM Documents dialog.
Note: Everywhere that is black will actually be void of conductive material. Anywhere within the board that is white
will be conductive material. Think in reverse when viewing
this area. Also note the thermal reliefs are clearly seen.
261
Creating Silkscreen Top

This exercise will show you how to create documentation outputs like Silkscreen top and bottom views, Soldermask top and
bottom views, Pastemask top and bottom views and Assembly
Drawing top and bottom views. In this lesson you will only
review one but the methodology for creating the others is the
same.
In the Define CAM Documents dialog, select Silkscreen

Component Side from the list and the Edit button again.
Verify that the options are set to: Document Name = Silkscreen Component Side, Document Type = Silkscreen and
Layer Association = Component Side Layer 1.
If the Layer Association has not been defined, click Silkscreen in the Document type and then pick the Component Side Layer 1 selection.
Click the OK button once the Layer is selected.
Click the Layers button.

Select the Board Outline check box.
Notice there are two layers listed in the Selected section of the
dialog. More than one layer can be included in one output plot.
By selecting each layer independently you can enable different
items on each layer.
Select Component Side Layer 1 in the Selected section.

(Notice the items selected in the Items on Primary section of dialog).
Select the Silkscreen Top layer in the Selected section.
(Notice the items selected in the Items on Primary section of the dialog).
Click the Preview button and review the contents.
Notice the contents are not desirable. The silkscreen RefDes
names are not present. This is one of the main benefits of previewing the output prior to generating the Gerber output.
Click the Close button to exit the preview window.

Creating Silkscreen Top
(continued)
Select the Component Side Layer 1 entry in the Selected section.

Uncheck Ref Des and Part Type from the Items on
Primary section.
Select the Silkscreen Top item in the Selected section.
Check the Ref Des entry to add it to the list of outputs.

Click the Preview button and review the results.
Select Close to close the Preview dialog.
Select OK to close the Selected Items dialog.
Select OK to close the Edit Document dialog.
263
Executing Output
This exercise will show you how to output the required Gerber
files using the CAM routing. The same method for exporting
multiple documents also works for single documents.
Select the first document listed in the CAM dialog.

Scroll down through the list using the right side scroll
bar.
Hold the Shift key and select the last document in the
list using the LMB.
Notice all documents are selected.
Click the Run button.
At the Prompt: "Do you wish to generate the following
outputs?", click Yes.
Note: If any other dialogs appear asking for permissions, click
Yes to accept.
The outputs will be generated and placed in the default

directory (C:\PADS Projects\CAM\Default).
Note: Most of the outputs are Gerber photoplot files, so
you will need access to a Gerber viewing program (such as
CAM350) to view them.

Review Questions
1 What are CAM documents?
2 Can I see my outputs before I send them to manufacturing?
3 How many types of outputs does PADS Layout CAM support?
4 Once I have defined all of my CAM documents, how easy is it to edit them?
5 How difficult is it to generate the final CAM outputs?
6 Can I save my CAM setup and use it on another design?
Review Answers
1 CAM (Computer Automated Manufacturing) documents are a set of manufacturing files and documents that are used to
fabricate your design. They include Gerber files for manufacturing the bare board, silkscreen artworks, paste stencils, fabrication drawings, drill files, assembly drawings and other information that is passed on to your manufacturing and assembly
personnel.
2 PADS Layout CAM offers you the ability to view all of your output files prior to generating the final outputs. This allows you
to visually inspect the data before generating your final deliverables.
3 PADS Layout CAM supports a number of different output formats including laser prints, pen plots, photoplots, drill files and
other data files types. This gives you a broad selection to choose from to meet the specific format requirements of your
vendors and internal personnel.
4 Once you have defined all of your CAM documents, you can easily edit them. Just open the existing document definition,
edit it and save it.
5 Setting up the CAM document definitions is where the time is spent. Generating the outputs is a simple as selecting the
documents you want to generate from a list and then clicking the Run button. Thats it, one click and youre done.
6 Once you have defined your CAM documents, you will probably want to reuse these setups on a future design. PADS Layout
CAM provides an Export command that will let you save your CAM document definitions and import them into your future
designs.
265
Lesson 33: Additional Views

There are two additional viewing options which may be useful
for PCB designers and design reviewers. One option is the ability to generate a 3D view of the board and any components on
the board. The 3D view can be generated with 3D component
models or by simple part extrusion. The other option which

can be helpful is a PDF view of the board. By creating a PDF the
design is easy to email to other designers and can also be used
as part of the documentation process.
3D Layout View
This exercise will demonstrate the 3D viewer available within
PADS Layout. The 3-dimensional view will provide a realistic
representation of what the board will look like after fabrication. This is an easy way to visually analyze the extents of the
board and its components to determine if you will need to be
concerned about collisions.
Close all windows and open Lesson33.pcb in the C:\

PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson33 directory.
Select View > 3D View > Dynamic View.
Select File > Batch Import 3D Cells. Browse to the C:\
PADS_ES_Evaluation\Lesson33 directory and select the
3D Cells folder.
The 3D Viewer will appear. Take time to review the visibility options.
If the board appears too small to view, simply click the
fit all icon to bring it into better view.
Note: Review the Toolbar icons to get an overview of the
available functionality.
LMB and hold the mouse on any part of the board and
then drag and release in any direction to rotate the image. Using the mouse scroll wheel will allow for zooming in and out of the display.
Note: The display will stop moving if the mouse is removed
from the display window, and it will continue once again
when the mouse is placed back in the view.
266 PADS 3D View

Review Questions
1 What is 3D Layout View?
2 What level of details can I view?
3 How would I use the data in the 3D view?
4 Can the 3D view be exported to a mechanical CAD application?
Review Answers
1 3D Layout View is an advanced 3D modeler that can display a realistic solid model view of your design.
This is especially useful for visualizing design details and determining if the physical design meets the
spatial design requirements.
2 Depending upon the setup of the application, you can display a simple view with extruded shapes of
the components, or you can utilize a library of realistic component models to accurately represent
your design details.
3 You can use the 3D view to convey design intent to reviewers, vendors, engineers or anyone else that
might have an interest in the physical model of the board.
4 The 3D view can be exported to 3D mechanical solid modeling programs so that you can run interference checks against enclosure models or other related design elements.
PADS 3D View
267
Lesson 34: Creating PDFs

The PADS PDF utility allows you to communicate very effectively
through an advanced PDF document which can be opened
and viewed by anyone using Adobe Acrobat. By generating
an advanced PDF file, you can send single files to teammates,
providing them with the ability to perform design reviews using
a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader as the viewer. The PDF
file created by PADS PDF not only contains the graphical data of
the layout, but it also contains Components and Nets information. This functionality allows you to easily locate nets or parts
using search in the PDF file. These advanced features include

the ability to jump automatically to a subsequent instance of
the net by simply selecting the first instance. The PADS PDF file
also contains net and part information including a complete list
of property names and values assigned. Properties can be reviewed by placing the cursor over a part, clicking the left mouse
button and selecting the pop-up with a list of attributes for the
part.
Creating a PDF Document

Evaluation\Lesson34\ Lesson34.pcb.
Select File > Create PDF
The PDF Configuration dialog box displays its controls
in two views--a document view and a page view.
The document view appears when the root item (PDF
Document) is selected in the page list at the top left of
the dialog box. Settings made in the Document view
affect all pages in the document.
Note: For detailed information about the functionality of the

various controls on these dialogs, please refer to the Help
system and the documentation in the InfoHub.
268 Creating PDFs

Creating PDFs
(continued)
The Page view appears when a single page is selected

in the page list. Now the settings will only affect the
selected page.
Click Create PDF
Save Lesson 34.pdf
When Adobe Acrobat Reader launches you should see
the first Component Side Layer 1 layer of the design
on the right and a list of all the layers on the left.
Try clicking different Layers on the left side and watch

Adobe Acrobat jump to the corresponding layers.
Select Component Side Layer 1 to jump to Layer 1.

Expand Component Side Layer 1 by clicking the plus [+]
next to the name in the navigator to expose Components and Nets.
Expand Components and select C1. Notice how the
screen zooms into C1.
Using the LMB select the component in the design area
and you will see a list of attributes associated with C1.
Creating PDFs
269
Review Questions
1 Can I create PDFs of the PADS design data?
2 What distinguishes the PADS PDFs from standard PDFs?
3 How much flexibility is there in choosing what gets displayed in the PDF?
4 Do I need a special viewer to see the advanced data in the PADS PDF files?
Review Answers
1 PADS Layout lets you create comprehensive PDF files of the design data. This allows you the ability to
easily share your design with interested parties such as manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, assembly personnel and others without disclosing your proprietary source data.
2 The PADS PDF files contain detailed information related to your design. Reviewers can easily browse
through multiple pages of design data that show each layer of the design. You can also click on design
elements such as components and get detailed information about the object. This works for components and nets as well as other design objects.
3 The PDF generator lets you choose from a large selection of design elements on a layer by layer basis
so that you can have full control over what appears in the final document. This level of specification
lets you create targeted PDF files containing only the information that you want to convey.
4 You do not need a special viewer to work with these documents, only a copy of the standard Adobe
Acrobat Reader. No special features or capabilities are needed to see all of the data within these PDF
documents.
270 Creating PDFs

Lesson 35: Archive Navigator
The Archive Navigator provides a quick and easy method of
automatically creating and restoring archives of your PADS Projects. Archives will be stored in a local vault and properties such
as the archive name, when and who created the archive, along
with a user-defined description will assist you in identifying and
restoring the required archive.
You can organize your archive navigator storage to suit your situation. If you only have a few projects, you can store them at the
top level of the vault. If you have a larger number of projects,
you may want to create folders within your vault to organize
them. If you have very many projects, you may want to create
multiple vaults, each containing multiple folders containing
multiple projects.
Creating an Archive Navigator Vault

To begin using the Archive Navigator you must:
Create one or more vaults
Optionally create one or more folders within the vault
Create empty projects
Evaluation\Lesson35\ Lesson35.pcb.
From the Tools menu, select Archive Navigator.

In the Vault section of the Archive Navigator dialog, click
the Select Vault icon.
When the Select Vault dialog opens, click the Create New
Vault icon.
We must now select a location for our new vault. In the
directory view of your system, browse to the desired location on your system drive where you wish to place the
archive, in this example: Computer > Local Disk (C:)
Click the Make New Folder button to create a new folder
at the selected location on your disk. Name the folder
PADS-Design-Vault and click the OK button to confirm.
A message box will appear confirming the creation of the
vault and asking if you would like use it now. Click Yes.
The Select Vault dialog will now show the path to the new
vault. Click OK to accept the selection.
Archive Navigator
271
Adding a PCB Project to the Vault

You will now add a PCB project to the new vault that you just
created.
In the Vault view of the Archive Navigator, right-click

on the name of the new vault and click Create Empty
Project...
In the Create Empty Project dialog box, type a name and

description for the new project.
Click the OK button to accept the settings.
A message will appear asking if you would like to set the

working folder to the current project folder. Click Yes to
accept this assignment.
The Working Folder view in the Archive Navigator will
now display the location of the working folder and its
contents.
You have completed the creation of your new vault. Below are examples of more complex configurations.
272 Archive Navigator
Conclusion
This Evaluation Guide has introduced you to some of the power and flexibility available in the PADS ES Suite,
but that is just a beginning. Obviously, this evaluation has only scratched the surface and presented you with
an abbreviated view into the full spectrum of the design capabilities of the products. If you would like to learn
more about the many features and functions of these applications, there is a wealth of knowledge to experience and discover in the extensive resources that are available.
Additional resources Include:
Tutorials
Concepts Guides
Extensive Help files
User Manuals
The InfoHub
On-line video presentations
For more information or to find your local sales representative, please visit:
http://www.mentor.com/products/pcb-system-design/design-flows/pads/
273
Mentor Graphics Corporation

8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777.
Telephone: 503.685.7000
Toll-Free Telephone: 800.592.2210
Website: www.mentor.com

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PADS ES Suite

Design Capture with DxDesigner

About This Evaluation.................................................................................................. 10

PC Board Placement and Routing with PADS Layout................................... 123

Lesson 13: PADS Layout Environment....................................................................... 124

High Speed Routing and Autorouting with PADS Router

Lesson 22: PADS Router Environment....................................................................... 176

Simulation with HyperLynx BoardSim & HyperLynx Thermal

Completing the Design

Lesson 29: Simulation with HyperLynx BoardSim...................................................... 240

Lesson 31: DFM Analysis........................................................................................... 254

Figure 1: Design Process Steps...................................................................................... 4

Table 1: PADS Router Table of Common Keyboard Commands................................. 185

List of Reference Tables

elcome to the PADS ES Suite Evaluation Guide. Our goal

Seamless integration between the applications allows the

Introduction to the PADS ES Suite

The PADS ES Suite is a complete design solution that lets todays

This attention to workflow means that we will also show you

Purpose of This Guide

Design Process Overview

Steps In the Design Process

Taking a new design from concept to completion requires a

Though there are hundreds of operations you must perform to

The Design Process

Creating a Design Project

Performing Design Capture

Performing Layout Design

Creating Documentation and

Introduction to the PADS ES Suite

PADS ES Suite Highlights

A PADS Suite for Everyone

Design Without Compromise

Introduction to the PADS ES Suite

HyperLynx Analog with EZwave is a board-level simulation

Signal Integrity Analysis

Interactive & Automatic Routing

End of section. This page intentionally left blank.

Installation and Setup

About This Evaluation

Lesson 1: DxDesigner Workspace

DxDesigner follows Windows navigation standards. It supports

DxDesigner Environment and Workspace

Design Capture with DxDesigner

DxDesigner Environment and Workspace

The Main Toolbar

The View Toolbar

DxDesigner Environment and Workspace

Design Capture with DxDesigner

The Add Toolbar

The Grid Toolbar

The Transform Toolbar

DxDesigner Environment and Workspace

Navigator Tree Pane

beneficial in a dual monitor configuration.

The Navigator Tree Pane

Note: The tree should be expanded to look similar to this

DxDesigner Environment and Workspace

Design Capture with DxDesigner

Double click over Sheet 4 and watch the main screen

Select the [+] item to expand one of the sheets in the

DxDesigner Environment and Workspace

Open the Project Settings by using the pulldown menu

Place your cursor over any net to view the netname