EGS Generate Files

The EGS Generate format is an ASCII text format representing a single, flat design. It is a subset of the EGS Archive format that contains only the shape information. If an hierarchical design is exported, it is automatically flattened during the export process.

Originating from a former Hewlett-Packard product called the Engineering Graphics System (EGS), the EGS Generate format is useful as an intermediate file for transferring input/output to various third-party translators. Also, the EGS Archive format is easy to parse and read, so if you have created your own software tools, this is a very useful format for transferring graphics shapes into these tools.

When importing an EGS Generate file into the Advanced Design System, you may specify a Layers File Name for the creation of a layers definition file (the Layers File Name field is located in the Import dialog box). This file will be automatically created and will contain the layer information from the EGS Generate file, as well as layers automatically added as necessary during import. All designs created during import reference this layers file.

Oval or hatch shapes of the EGS Generate format are not supported in the Advanced Design System.

Importing EGS Generate Files

The procedure for importing each format is generally the same, however the available options differ. For a step-by-step tutorial on importing a layout file, refer to Importing a Layout. For specific import options related to importing EGS Generate Files, refer to Import EGS Generate Options. For information on mapping from EGS Generate files to an ADS layout, refer to Mapping EGS Generate to ADS.

Import EGS Generate Options

File > Import > EGS Generate Format > More Options

Other than layer characteristics, there are no definable options available for importing files in the EGS Generate format.

The Define Layers button invokes the Layer Editor. For Layer Editor options, see Defining Layers.

Note ADS does not support the character `$' in layer names. Translation will fail if the import file contains this character in the layer names.

Mapping EGS Generate to ADS

The table below represents the layout mapping from EGS Generate format to Advanced Design System layout.

EGS Generate Object	Advanced Design System Layout Equivalent
Line with width = 0	Polyline
Line with width > 0	Path
Polygon with width = 0	Polygon
Polygon with width > 0	Polygon with cutline on longest segment
Rectangle with width = 0	Rectangle
Rectangle with width > 0	Polygon with cutline on longest segment
Circle with width = 0	Circle
Circle with width > 0	Polygon with cutline to the right
Arc with width = 0	Polyline
Arc with width > 0	Polygon

Exporting EGS Generate Files

The procedure for exporting each format is generally the same, however the available options differ. For a step-by-step tutorial on exporting a layout file, refer to Exporting a Layout. For specific export options related to exporting EGS Generate Files, refer to Export EGS Generate Options. For information on mapping ADS to EGS Generate files, refer to Mapping ADS to EGS Generate.

Export EGS Generate Options

File > Export > EGS Generate Format > More Options

Include Mask Layers

When this option is selected, a list of mask layers is included with the translated design. This option is selected as the default.

Paths As Polygons

When Paths As Polygons is selected, the design paths or traces are exported as polygons. This should be selected for the following conditions:

• Paths or traces have mitered or curved corners that need to be preserved in the translation.
• The EGS Generate file has paths with endpoint types other than flush that need to be preserved in the program database.

This option is deselected as the default.

Holes As Polygons

When this is selected, holes are converted to polygons. When Holes As Polygons is not selected (this is the default), polygons with holes are translated as single-segment polygons, the false edge segment becoming part of the polygon. Some systems may not be able to tolerate this type of complex polygon. For these systems, select Holes As Polygons.
This option is deselected as the default.

All Filled

When this is selected, all data is transferred as filled. This option is deselected as the default.

Auto Merge

When Auto Merge is selected, all shapes for every mask layer that intersect or overlap are merged. This option is deselected as the default.

Layers To Exclude

Layers can be excluded from the EGS Archive export by entering the layer IDs. Multiple IDs can be entered using space or comma delimiter.

Define Layers

The Define Layers button invokes the Layer Editor. For Layer Editor options, see Defining Layers.

Mapping ADS to EGS Generate

The table below represents the layout mapping from Advanced Design System layout to EGS Generate format.

Advanced Design System Layout Object	EGS Generate Equivalent
Polyline	Line
Path with PathsAsPolygons	Polygon
Path without PathsAsPolygons	Line
Circle	Circle
Rectangle	Rectangle
Polygon	Polygon
Wire	Line