SymXpert^TM is a powerful symbol creation tool that automates the symbol creation process by eliminating manual data entry, simplifying pin data validation, and standardizing symbol generation through the use of ECAD-neutral templates. SymXpert's intelligent content extraction technology speeds up the symbol creation process by a factor of 8 - 24 times, reduces design bottlenecks, eliminates opportunities for errors that can cause downstream manufacturing problems, and frees up design resources for more critical design tasks.

As large-pin-count components are more frequently used in PCB designs, the creation of schematic symbols for new parts has become increasingly time consuming and error prone. Data for hundreds or even thousands of pins must be manually entered into a schematic capture program, painstakingly checked for errors against the original datasheet, and then partitioned into sections and formatted to meet company standards. And this process must sometimes be repeated several times for programmable devices or ASICs that go through multiple design revisions. SymXpert eliminates manual data entry, automatically checks for errors, and systematically partitions and formats symbols for use in all major ECAD applications.


MAJOR PRODUCT FEATURES

SymXpert accomplishes the dramatic speed up in symbol creation through the following features:

Automated PDF Data Extraction: Automatically extracts pin information from PDF datasheets without re-keying. Extracts data from all common forms of pin data documentation, including symbol graphics, pin function and pin attribute tables. Identifies negated signals in symbol graphics and text. Recognizes and expands all common forms of bus notation.

Imports Symbol Data from Multiple Sources: Imports symbol data from Adobe Acrobat PDF, Altera and Xilinx FPGA files, Microsoft Excel, Comma Separated Values (CSV), and leading CAD specific formats.

Automatic Error Checking: Identifies errors, missing pin numbers, duplicated pin numbers, typographical errors, and inconsistencies between data extracted from different sections of a datasheet.

Rule Based Pin Arrangement: Partitions large-pin-count symbols into multiple sections according to user-defined preferences for functional grouping and pin ordering.

Template-Based Symbol Annotation and Formatting: Applies user-defined templates to standardize symbol properties, pin properties, and symbol graphics. Templates ensure symbols are created consistently to the same design standard.

ECAD-Neutral Symbol Storage: Enables master symbol data to be stored in an ECAD-independent format and later exported to ECAD-specific environments.

ECAD-Specific Symbol Export: Generates symbols in a variety of leading EDA formats including:

• Mentor Graphics Design Architect
• Mentor Graphics DxDesigner
• Mentor Graphics Design Capture
• Cadence Concept HDL
• Cadence Concept SCALD
• OrCAD Capture
• ECPinPak
• CSV