AATK_V4.1 is on SourceForge.   If you have a problem that you can't fix on your own, give me an email and I will see what I can do.  I didn't get everything but close!  You can Download it from here:

https://sourceforge.net/projects/uwtoolbox/

Is AATK useful to you?  What functions helped?  What is needed? Can you quantify the productivity it saved you or your company?

1.      Introduction for AutoActive ToolKit

All the functions in the AutoActive ToolKit (AATK) for AutoActive Products, such as Board Station RE, Expedition PCB, those are written outside of product development at Mentor Graphics Systems Design Division and as such are Not Supported utilities.

All the functions in the AutoActive ToolKit (AATK) are written by Automation Layer which is available in AutoActive Products.

For Board Station RE users, Automation Basic is as free, but Expedition PCB users are required to purchase Automation Basic license to run most scripts and Pro license to edit the .efm scripts and run the Engines (Gerber, Drill, PDF...)  Automation Basic checks out a license when the script is launched and releases it when you exit Expedition.  Automation PRO only consumes a license while you are running a PRO script or using the IDF editor.

2.      Production Usage

It is highly suggested that AATK be tested on a non-production design and any scripts found useful be tested and copied to a Company Specific menu.  I try to test and fix these but since I am doing this as a hobby and get a scripts from other sources I can not guarantee they will work with all designs and environments.

Regarding any issues or problems you may run into the source code is included and you are welcome to change them.  As always any comments, suggestions or ideas for AutoActive ToolKit, Please send email to;

kendall_hiles@mentor.com

Sending bribes, trash and trinkets and such will speed up any help that I can give but, try to work though the problems since I am a limited resource and I actually stink at writing code. (i.e. You will probably do a better job than I anyway!)

3.      Product Version and Platform

This AutoActive ToolKit has been designated and tested by current released version of AutoActive products, version 2007.5 on Windows platform with Windows operating system which is supported by AutoActive tools, such as Board Station RE, XE and Expedition PCB. This will work on another platform and operating system which is supported by AutoActive tools, I just didn’t test it.

4.      Install AutoActive ToolKit

Unzip the AATK.zip file to your location. Following is one of examples.

C:/AATK

Setup Environment Variables

You need to define following environment variables in your system.

AATK<Specify the pathname to the AATK directory>

You would need to use the semi colon “;” for path separator. Following is example.

AATK = C:/AATK

Also add it to your WDIR Variable

WDIR = C:/WDIR; C:/AATK  

This allows any tool temp/startup files to go to C:/WDIR but still read the AATK Startup

Setup for Application Startup

By adding the directory to your WDIR the Edit pull-down menu in AutoActive tool will be active.  You can also copy MGCPCBApplicationStartup.vbs into the pathname which is defined by%HOME% environment variable. This startup script adds the menu for open AutoActive ToolKit main form into Edit pull-down menu in AutoActive tool.  You can also just drag the aatk.efm onto Expedition in the Windows environment, in Linux you will have to use the File>Open Script Form… to get it.

Online Help View

In this version, Internet Explore is used as Online Help Viewer. If it is not installed in your system, it is required to install Internet Explorer for viewing Online Help.

5.      Toolkit Highlights

AutoActive ToolKit has several categories for utilities, such as Select, Place, Route, Draw, and Report. The menu for open AutoActive ToolKit main form is located at Edit pull-down menu in AutoActive tool. When each category button is selected from the main form, the sub-form of each category will be open. The actual utilities are located in sub-form.

6.      Function Overview

This section introduces the function overview. Regarding functional details and usage example, please refer Online Help which is existed in each function diagonal form. When you enable the toolkit you will see this reminder:

The above exist to acknowledge the dedicated people who write cool scripts but also as a reminder that this is NOT PRODUCTION code and I don’t want to be responsible if you take out Power Grid in your section of the Planet!

7.      New for 4.1  EZ-Control

New for 4.1  EZ-UserControl

Looks at the Design stackup and creates view for single layers and layer pairs.  Thes may be invalid because you have the layers turned off in Editor Control, just hit continue if the form bombs.

It also lets you set the Grids and route with multiple widths from a form with user input to add your own values.

8.      Key Definitions

Export Display Scheme Scripts

Allows the saved Display Schemes to be activated by key combinations in the Customize Accelerators scripts

Customize Accelerators

Looks at exported Display schemes and all vb code in the WDIR and allows users to assign key combination shortcuts to them.

9.      Select Objects By

Utilities for select function provide the parameterize selection to objects, such as traces, vias, plane shapes and netlines.

Select Netlines (Guides) by Length and Layer

Select netllines by specified minimum and maximum length range values.

Select Netlines By Angle

Specify an angle From low To hi i.e From 30 To 60   or   From -45 To -10

Select Netlines By ZAXIS

Select all the nets that only go to pins on the top or to pins on the bottom or only the nets that have through board connections

Select Traces and Vias By Length/Width/Name

Select traces and vias by specified minimum and maximum length range values and layer for traces, and via name and span for vias.

Select Traces by Length and Width

Select traces by specified minimum and maximum length range values, and minimum and maximum trace width values, and layer.

Select Vias By Name

Select vias by specified via name and span for vias.

Select Plane Shapes By Layer and Net Name

Select plane shapes by specified net name and layer.

10.                                          Place

Export XY Place Selected Parts.

Export XY Place (as known as xyplace.dat) for selected parts only. To import, use pr –file=<file name> from keyin command line. 

New in 4.1 Radial Placement and Fanout of Radial Parts.

Enter your radial Origin and place parts based off that coordinate.  Fanout Radial parts or Wire Bonds easily. 

Clone Schematic

Used with DxDesigner to copy Schematic Placement to Expedition. (i.e. If you have an Analog circuit you can use this to place parts in Expedition relatively the same as they were places in DxDesigner)

New in 4.0  Clusters Report

Users can get a list of the comps in each cluster

New in 4.0  Read BoardStation Comps File

Users can read component placement form a Board Station design.  Great for XE compatibility.

New in 4.0  Java Place

My own creation.  A dynamic placement routine with spring loaded connectivity!  Works outside AutoActive in Java, using the Sun Java spring tutorial. Export should open a Java window move your parts around.  Shift-LMB locks a part down, Ctrl-LMB movees it to the back of the board.  Expedition button writes the output that the Import button reads into AutoActive.  (If you don’t have Java loaded you will need it for this)

11.                                          Route

Replace Vias

Replace existing vias by specified via name and span.

Add Via Array

Add an Array of vias. (Were you looking for a better definition?)

Add Tuning

Adds user specified Tuning and talks to CES.  Note this works in 2004 but is broken in 2005 and 2005SP1.

Diff Bump

Attemps to make up the difference in diff pairs by adding a bump..

Bus Route non-CES

                        For non-CES designs that are privileged enough to use a Bus Route License

Multiple Via Objects

                        Creates the whacky side file for MVO.  It only handles the Master Scheme so if you want more you will have to edit it.

New in 4.0   Delete Duplicate Vias

                        Creates You guessed it for those odddesigns that wind up with duplicates this can help you get rid of them

BGA Breakout        

An attempt to control directional fanout from surface mount parts (There are more versions of this in the vbs/route directory)

BGA Breakout Orig           

Simple form of above.

.

12.                                          Draw

Change Plane Shapes Net

Change net name for selected plane shapes by selected object, such as pin, trace, via, or netline.

Color Net Dx

Changes the color of the net in Dx and Expedition at the same time.  Both tools need to be open to work.  Interestingly this script will run from Dx or Expedition.  I was going to make a side file that saved the net color and changed it the next time the other tool was invoked but I didn’t. 

New in 4.0  Draw Diff Pair Connector

Adds a DiffPair user layer and draws on line on that layer between the differential pairs in each component.  Great for visualizing the pairs so you gan get a handle on how to route out of the devices. 

New in 4.1  Find and Replace text

Finds all matching User Layer text in the design and replaces it with new value.

13.                                          Microvias

Dogbones

Let user beef inner layer short nets between vias (dogbones)

Short Nets

Similar to some of the scripts in the select section but as functionality increases it will route net segments.

Calculate Rules

Based on BGA pitch it will help you determine the trace and space rules under your BGA’s.  SWEEEET!

14.                                          Report/DRC

Report Net Length

Report net length for Manhattan vs. routed net length with factor value.

Radius Sweep Angle

This mess will calculate the stuff that the RF propellerhead asks you and you don’t have a clue why.

Current IPC-2221a

This will calculate the IPC-256/2221a current for a given trace segment.

Placement Areas

Originally written for a competitive benchmark, this script will determine if your 10 lbs of $#!? parts will fit on your board.  This is a PRO script which means it uses the MASK engine to do the calculations.

New in 4.0  Nets over Splits

Uses the Analysis>Summary Reports>Nets Over Splits file and puts a GUI on it for interactive editing. I call it 2 degrees from Kevin bacon because if you are more than 2 layers away, the route probably will find another return path for the signal.

New in 4.1  Check Angles

A DRC that will check for odd angle nets.  For those who hand edit in Angle Plow this ma come in handy for Acid Traps.

New in 4.1  Length in Area

If you have a DRC that only allows a certain length of routing at a reduced trace width in a Rule Area.

New in 4.1  Short Traces

There is a DRC for this in the DFF module but this will do it interactively..

15.   Copy Move Paste

Copy Highlighted Objects

User can copy highlighted nets, vias and fills to a file in c:/temp (This was written before the COPY PASTE functionality that is in Expedition)

Paste Objects

Users can paste the previous saved nets, vias, fills into the same or new design.  If the net does not exist watch out it is not handled yet.  Hack the ascii file in c:/temp to fix.  (This was written before the COPY PASTE functionality that is in Expedition)

Move Vias

Grab some vias and use AutoActive to move them. What a concept!

Assign Net Names

This is in the tool, this script just automates the process. (It puts it on an Icon as well)

16.   Microsoft Excel

ExcelCompList

            Straight from the included examples (more examples in the vbs/CopyPaste directory)

Display Control

            Change setting in Excel

ExcelZaxisnets

            Similar to ExcelCompList list but works with nets

17.   Manufacturing

Trace to Pad Exit

Good for manufacturing rules on 0201 gnat poop parts.  Lets the user find traces going into a pad that are larger than a user specified amount.

New in 4.0  2007 User Layer Mapping

Helps add those new user layers.  Only works in 2007+..

New in 4.0  Mfg Out Validation Rpt

Can read the report and interactively find the items.

            Add FAB Text

                        A simple example of adding text.

Move Assembly Ref

This script will move the Assembly Ref text to the center of the part.

New in 4.1  Backdrill

Creates a backdrill file for those thick backplanes.

Add Layer Stack

This script reads the board stackup and adds it to graphical layers in Expedition. (This is as close to AMPLE in Fablink as it gets boys and girls)

            Run Mitron Gencad

                        A cool script that uses the replay option.  Since Automation will not let the user pick from a list the replay.

Export VRML

Lets Engineers see a 3D view of the board without sending to a mechanical tool.  You need to load the VRML viewer in Internet Explorer to get this to work.  If your company will not let you load this, have your manager set up a meeting with me and I will visit you boss personally to see why they are impeding productivity.  (Call you tell that I am anti-IT/Management and pro-user?)

Export POV

I am a POV fan so if you do not know what I am talking about go to http://www.povray.org/ and see what you can do with math!  Andy Tefft, this is for you!

18.   New in 4.0 Design For Test

New in 4.0  Testpoint Flow

A flow guide for testpoints.  Everything in green just fires up an existing form to fill out.  The Yellow is actual automation to help in inserting or reading Test Points.   This can alos read the fixture Data from an existing BoardStation or Expedition design.  Could be modified to read any netlist.

New in 4.0  Insert TP’s

Stand alone Insert TP’s form from the above flow.

19.   New in 4.0 IDF

New in 4.0  IDF Import

Imports portions of the IDF file that the standard AutoActive EDF Import misses.

New in 4.0  IDF Export

Exports portions of the IDF file that the standard AutoActive EDF Export misses.

New in 4.0  IDF Layer Detail

Allows for some layer mapping of the IDF layers..

20.   PRO Engines

Export PDF

Stand alone PRO engine that allows users to set up a common script to output PDF from all stackups.

Export Gerber

Stand alone PRO engine that allows users to set up a common script to output Gerber from all stackups.

21.   Example Fab Flow

Hit GO or click on any of the icons on the right.  For most BoardStation Users, this would be a good start to switch their Fablink Automation to Expedition. 

Drawing Editor is a new tool for documentation of Expedition/ Fablink PRO designs.  Drawing Editor will be released shortly so you may want to wait for it

before you go nuts with Automation in Expedition like I have done with this example.

22.   Flip Chip

New in 4.1  Flip Chip/Advanced Design Support

Allows for some layer mapping of the IDF layers

1.    Create New Package from Template

a.    Some editing need but a simplified Netlist Flow Create design from Template.

2.    Route

a.    Find Diff Pairs based off Pins or Vias.  Creates user layer with a line between the pairs to help in planning.

b.    Die Breakout similar to BGA breakout but simplified

c.    Delete Duplicate Via needed for reading in re-use circuits or data from other vendors

3.    DRC

a.    Angles, Neck Length in rule area, short traces and a Return Via Check.

4.    Test Vehicles

a.    Crossprobe between Excel and Expedition

                                                                                                   i.    Nets (with color option to color the cell in Excel and the net at the same time)

                                                                                                 ii.    Pins

                                                                                                iii.    Vendor DRC report (X,Y’s)

b.    Add User Layer test to selected Pins

c.    Change Width on a GUI

d.    Layout Driven Netlist

                                                                          i.    Create/delete Nets on the fly and write a new keyin netlist

e.    Offset via creation

f.     Create Heater patterns (serpantines).

5.    Manufacturing

a.    Length report by width/length/layer with number of squares calculation(less the vias, I can’t figure that out)

6.    Design Review

a.    Report pins of selected net or DXF chain

7.    Drawings

a.    Will need specifics for your flow but create Assembly and Manufacturing Drawing Sheets on the Fly.

23.   Online Help

Some of the functions have Online Help document inside form. Please refer Online Help regarding functional details and usage examples.

24.   Menu Bar Additions

There are 5 new Route Menu Bar additions, these examples execute the following tasks:

v  Dyno Filter

o    Select nets and hit Dyno Filter the nets are automagically your filtered nets.

o    Mash it again and you are back to selecting all nets

v  Copy Highlighted to a File

o    Highlight Nets, Vias Fills and it will write a file to C:/temp, you can hand edit this and use the paste below with or without an offset.

v  Paste from the file

v  Rename Nets

o    Great for Flex or changing copper names.  The net can not be hooked to a pin.

v  Flip Chip Menu Form

v  AATK Menu Form

25.   User Community/Training

There is a MUG forum on Automation that you can ask others questions on scripting.  Mentor Graphics also has a training course available to get you started.  If you are one of my Global Accounts customers, give me a call and I will be happy to talk to you about your scripts.

  -kendall

Kendall HilesCID
Global Applications Engineer Consultant
Mentor Graphics 2530 Meridian Pky
Durham, NC 27713  USA

Hi, Started trying to use DxPDF export instead of printing to PDF to use some of the additional features like imbedded URL's.  Had to change our DxDatabook entries for Datasheet to use / and not \,  that works fine still in Dx.

And cannot get to see URL in the PDF, issue is there seems no way to control the property going into the PDF, it's appears remote from the symbol shown as Datasheet.  I always thought it would be a pop-up.

I get a pop-up for symbol and properties when selecting the component, but the URL in the properties does not link, my only link is accessable when the option of visible component/net hyperlink is selected which as stated makes a mess of the schematic.

Is there a way to add a pop-up for the datasheet URL.

Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks, Ian

Hi,

I am trying to keep the unused PADS in all signal layer for specific region in the board. I know there is an global option in PADS to turn on or off the unused PADS but I couldn't find that for specific or certain region wise. Let me know if anyone try this option.

Thx.

Hi All ,

I have a problem with RunGerber.vbs that you all have in ... \SDD_HOME\standard\examples\pcb\Automation\AutoProEngines\

i am trying to use it(the script) as is .

See figure below :

i checked what GerberD-Codes.dac on right place more over in Gerber Setup file (.gpf) the path of GerberD-Codes.dac is also on right .

i think that the problem are in something else .

1.What it can be ?

Please compare :

oGerberEngine.SetupFileName = jobConfigPath + "Gerber_4_layers.gpf"

oGerberEngine.GerberPlotSetupFile = jobConfigPath + "Gerber_4_layers.gpf"

2.What the diff ?

GerberPlotSetupFile mentioned in :

This method doesn't exist !

Please suggest !

*** i read all post about it and i didn't saw any correct solution .

Hi ,

What should be the maximum trace resistance allowed ?

Is there any standard value allowable for trace resistance ?

--

Best Regards ,
Parth Sutariya
Hardware CAD Engineer
MATRIX COMSEC
Vadodara , Gujarat
INDIA

When generating the output, I have to click through all three separately every time, wonder if I can create a shortcut that can do all in one mouse click?

Throw in the Batch DRC too would be great too.

Hi,

I am trying to perform distance checks on Primary (top-level) text objects (Calibre DRC); power/ground are exempt. Dealing with designs whose top cell (no text) --> only an instance of the actual layout.

Effectively, text objects I need to work with are in Text Depth 1. How do I perform With Text & Expand Text operations on them, when Text depth does not effect these? I see Port depth but, it is not for DRC operations.

Thank you.

Hi all,

I am using EE2007.9.4. I have FBGA and 4 DDR3's in my design. So address signals are shared from FBGA to all DDR3's.

When i taking Time of Flight report from Report writer, those shared address signals are not came in report.

What could be problem and the solution?

Thanks & Regards,

Murali Bala

Dear All,

We have created an insulation linestyle that represents a text string and gets repeated all the way down the entire bundle.

When we select the bundle and apply the insulation on it, the text is always the right way so that it can be read.

But then if we need to rotate the bundle the text might turn upside down with it.

If we remove the insulation and put it back again on the bundle, the text direction will appear the right way again.

Is this the right way we display text on insulations?

Is there a configuration setting that makes sure the text is always in the right direction?

Thank you in advance,

Peter

Hi,

How do I generate NC drill with partial via's data?

I have partial via in my design but in the NC drill option, the Partial Vias check box is grayed out.

What am I missing ? attachment is the menu regarding this setup:

Thanks,

Bobby

Hello All ,

At library level , is it possible to add a placement restriction keepout ?

I tried but placement restriction check box remains inactive in Drafting Toolbar dialog box for keepout at library level .

Best Regards ,

Parth Sutariya

Hardware CAD Engineer

MATRIX COMSEC

Vadodara , Gujarat

INDIA

Good day folks,

I reviewed the info at the Technote MG583318 and found it quite helpful, especially the videos.  I am using the DxDesigner with PADS 9.5 (the ES setup).

But, I am still not really sure when to set up a Hetero Type 2 part instead of using the Multi-Slot technique.

Let me take a simple example.  Let's say I've got a SN74LVC2G14DCKR (Dual Schmitt Trigger Inverter) and I would like to have two ways to use this device in a schematic.  One way I may want to use it (if, for example, the circuit is simple and I want to keep the gates and Power / GND pins together) is to make a symbol like this (the PKG_TYPE Property is set to TI_DCK for me when I go to layout with PADS):

In this first case the issue of HETERO or Multi-Slot is not a concern.  But, now let's say for the second kind of usage I want to split the gates into two pieces.  And whether I implement the first kind of usage or the second I want the Symbol(s) to reference the same PKG_TYPE going into PADS Layout.

Is it better to follow the Hetero Type 2 method, or the Multi-Slot method?  Why would I choose one over the other?

In any case, I want the ability to have the PADS 'forwarding' interface assign as many packages (physical parts) as needed and I would like to preserve the ability to swap pins and gates as necesary to make the layout as clean as possible.  Also, I would want to be able to make sure Power and Ground connections are assigned for each part package.  And, of course, I need to be able to overrride those pins with the specific Power Supply I am using (might be 5 VDC in one place on the circuit and 3.3 VDC at another place althoug it is is clear to me that the Designer will need to not mix those).

Many thanks for any advice and info!  Best, 
Eric

Hi everyone,

Let me explain any one how to control the decimal place in PADS Layout.For example (100.00mil or 2.540mm) maintain in allegro (mil or MM ) but i worked across the pads l never seen like that even i worked lot of boards some time decimal units varying

i need to maintain same decimal (Trailing )units in all the board should be same

Hi all,

I need to export DxDesigner schematic project (version flow Id: IND 7.9) into Altium suite because PCB designer guy doesn't have Mentor suite for pcb.

Using our current DxDesigner project, Altium cannot generate schematic (sheet is empty), while using an "old" DxD project (pre-iCDB project made with DxDesigner 2005) is correctly imported into Altium suite.

One difference between project folder structure is the subfolder [SCH] : into "old" DxD project there is a file (example.1) which is referred to schematic sheet, while into the project made with DxD of suite IND 7.9 there is only a file with extension .OAT. Another difference between the structures of 2 Dxd projects is the subfolder [database], which is not present in the "old" DxD project. I think that DxD stores informations of schematic in the database file.

Anyone has experience about migration into Altium  ?

Best regards.

Massimo.

Hello All ,

Please let me know the use of Accordions Keepout ?

How is it useful in layout design ?

Best Regards ,

Parth Sutariya

Hardware CAD Engineer

MATRIX COMSEC

Vadodara , Gujarat

INDIA

Hi,

I am using xPCB for a high speed PCB design. I want to make PCB traces to have circular turns without having 45 degree turns. How can I do this in xPCB?

Hello ,

Unwanted lines are found in inner layers for the components translated from CADSTAR to PADS .

No lines are found in inner layers for the components in CAD @library .

What could be the reason for such unwanted lines ?

Can we get rid of such lines in layout design ?

--

Best Regards ,
Parth Sutariya
Hardware CAD Engineer
MATRIX COMSEC
Vadodara , Gujarat
INDIA

Hi, I would like to write a script to extract all parts of schematic (RefDes, Part Name, etc.) and also the Nets connected to this part? Any pointers on how to do this?

I have read the threads in this space and it is very difficult to find tutorials and help. Links that are hosted by mentor graphics seem to be depricated (page not found and such). The examples in the help of DxDatabook are not helping me with what I'm looking to achieve.

Finally, I downloaded AATK sources, but couldn't find what I need in there. Maybe I missed something because I am looking at the scripts with Notepad++ because I failed to find a way to edit scripts using DxDesigner. Open only seems to let you run an efm, not edit it.

Thanks in advance for helping me!

Hi everyone,

Right now i am working on complexity board.i need to support another person to support placement and Routing ?? i heard about reuse method so it will help for this project.can any body please share ideas which will helps to complete the board with in the time.

Please explain Reuse Method any one clearly

Or only DxD?