Building Components

The primary purpose of the Graphical Cell Compiler is the creation of new Layout artwork models. But artwork models in themselves do not make a complete component definition. This chapter walks through a simple example of building a complete component using custom artwork defined using the Graphical Cell Compiler.

The premise of this example is the need to create an alternate MLIN component model which we call MLIN2. MLIN2 simulates as a standard MLIN, but has some additional artwork on non-metal layers for production needs.

Starting with the schematic in a new design named MLIN2, simply place a standard MLIN with a port on each end. The MLIN needs to be parameterized so the physical dimensions are changed from constants to variables. To make the example easier to follow, the new component will have a Len and Wid parameter instead of the standard L and W .

Using the command " View/Create/Edit Schematic Symbol " we switch to the symbol view. Now we can create any symbol we want to represent the new MLIN.

Moving on to the layout the standard MLIN artwork is defined on the cond layer. The ports are also added. Then the additional artwork that makes this component different than the standard MLIN is added on non-metallized layers. Finally the construction lines are added for use by the two stretch controls.

The stretch controls for length and width are defined as:

Control:	Stretch
	Direction: Both
	Length: Wid
	Offset: 50.0 mil

Control:	Stretch
	Direction: Positive
	Length: Len
	Offset: 100.0 mil

After the compile, the last thing to check is the Design/Parameters dialog. In the Parameters section initial values are assigned to the two parameters. The General section is similar to this:

This finishes the new MLIN2 component definition. It's a simple hierarchical design that simulates as a simple MLIN but generates custom artwork. The next step is to use MLIN2 in a design.
Open a new design called top . In this design we insert a new MLIN2 component between two standard MLIN components. We add the Termination components, grounds, substrate, and S-Parameter simulation components.

Selecting Layout/Generate/Update Layout creates the physical layout using the new artwork.

And finally, performing a simulation generates the appropriate S11 response that we would expect for this design.

At this point the new component is ready to move to a library for use by designers in creating circuits with the modified artwork. Of course, this process could be applied to any or all of the standard components to make versions with artwork customized to the particular process being use to build the products.