Programmable Netlist Library: A Quick Way To Custom Netlisters

The CapFast extraction programs produce either flat or hierarchical netlist files, depending on the requirements of the auxiliary tool. Some of the extractors for simulators even support both. These programs are fast and easy to operate; when you have completed your schematic, you are ready to extract.

One of CapFast's advantages is the total programmability of the extraction interface.. Extraction is prpoerty driven; that is, many aspects of the extraction process are controlled by the properties in the schematics. Furthermore, properties are under your full control; you may edit the properties of any object in the schematic at any time, or you may add new properties.

Properties may appear on anything in the schematic, including symbols, ports and nodes (wires). Default values for the properties can be provided in the symbol libraries; you have the option to specify as "read only", the properties essential to the integrity of your design. This keeps them from being modified in the schematic.

The CapFast extraction tools are written using the Programmable Netlist Library (PNL). PNL provides most of the functionality required for writing new netlists in the "C" programming language. All that is left to do id to output the design in the desired format. This greatly reduces the complexity and the time required to produce new extraction tools. PNL supports many different types of designs:

• Multi-page designs
• Hierarchical designs (no limit on number of levels)
• Flattened designs
• Multiple power planes
• Automatic packaging by reference designator for PCB's
• Wired-AND/wired-OR gates
• Schematic and symbol back-annotation

PNL provides "qualified properties" that allow the same schematic, without modification, to be extracted for different tools. Even the level of extraction can be controlled. For example, a complex part might be extracted as a single primitive device for one tool, but represented by a sub-schematic for another tool. Even the gates can likewise be qualified for particular tools. For example, wired-OR gates may appear as gates for a simulator that rewires them, but as wiring for other purposes. This extreme programmability increases your options for "downstream" design processing.

Phase Three Logic recognizes that many customers have special requirements for netlisters. CapFast satisfies these needs in two ways:

• PNL may be purchased to provide customer support and interfaces for in-house simulators and other post-processing tools.
• Custom interfaces for your requirements can be developed by Phase Three Logic or affiliates with turnaround times of just a few weeks.