ChipNDaleMessages1985.tioga
Copyright © 1985 by Xerox Corporation. All rights reserved.
Created by Christian Jacobi
Last edited by Christian Jacobi, February 18, 1987 4:50:41 pm PST
1985
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Date: Tue, 24 Dec 85 15:35:09 PST
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: ColorMaps for DATools 6.0
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa, DAToolsUsers^.pa
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
DF: [DATools]<DATools6.0>Top>ColorMaps2.df
A new package to read or write the contents of the color map to or from files.
ChipNDale CMos and NMos do not load the color map tools any more, but read their color maps from files. Since ColorMaps is independent of ChipNDale, the color map entries can now be included in checkpoints. ChipNDale's interactive color map tools can still be used; however they are loaded on demand only and their use is typically reduced to the creation of new color map files.
The ColorMaps module opens a button which allows interactive selection of registerd colormap files. It further implements the command tool commands
ColorMap filename
to read in a color map from a file.
OutputColorMap filename
to write the current color map onto a file (independent how the color map was created).
Merry Christmas
Christian
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Date: Thu, 19 Dec 85 19:41:19 PST
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale PD plots over night
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa, Diebert
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
Todays hack attack on plotting...
If you want to make a plot over night you can start the plot command and then run the commandfile CDSendPlotToBitBucket.cm (Stored in [DATools]<DATools6.0>top>CDColorPDPlot22.df).
With some luck, and if your machine isn't power'd down too early, this commandfile will send the bits to the device as soon as they are ready...
Edit the command file yourself for your favorite plotter and have fun
Christian
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Date: Mon, 18 Nov 85 19:35:20 PST
From: Beretta.pa
Subject: Gismo for DATools6.0
To: DAToolsUsers^.pa
Cc: DATools Coordinator <Preas.pa>
Reply-to: Beretta.pa
DF: [DATools]<DATools6.0>Top>Gismo22.df
Maintainer: Beretta.pa
A new start for a small collection of small interactive design rule checkers verifying single rules. Use the load file Gismo.Load and use the ChipNDale program menu to apply them interactively.
Currently available: Well tester. This utility enumerates all wells in a set of selected cells. Any well that contains p-diffusion and has not a proper contact is flagged to be in error.
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Date: Tue, 12 Nov 85 12:42:34 PST
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: New modules for ChipNDale 2.2
To: DAToolsImplementors^.pa
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
New modules for ChipNDale 2.2
CDPanelExtras
Allows to specify lambda based int's in the control-panel
(This allows implementation of fractional lambda step moves [ctrl-right-mouse in panel])
CDSymbolicObjects
A unifying module implementing pins, alignment marks and (new) segments.
pins: 2 dimensional
segments: 1 dimensional
marks: 0 dimensional
These objects can be used to define interfaces.
The new module replaces the modules CDPinObjects and CDMarkObjects. The two replaced modules will disappear with version 2.3 (with automatic conversion of objects to the new module).
(user interface: draw empty pins to get segments or marks [;-middle])
3 GFI's saved by collapsing some command modules (if counted after removal of replaced modules)
ChipNSil colors will not be initialized if ChipNSil is not the first technology started (saves 30 seconds). New CDSilBW load file which does not even loads the color module (1 more GFI saved for Lissy).
Thanks to Jeff and Praedip
Christian
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Date: Mon, 4 Nov 85 17:48:35 PST
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale 2.2 released
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa, ChipNDaleDiscussion^.pa, DAToolsUsers^.pa
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
ChipNDale 2.2 released.
Global structure changes
Tioga level structure introduced.
Most definition modules commented.
You wouldn't believe it, but I have removed more than I have introduced.
40 words in mds are saved (20 at some speed cost, 20 for free just by carefull checking)
2 GFI's are saved by mergin modules. (Well, I will not merge modules which do not belong together)
Use of the DATools directory.
The main df file is now called CDCommon22; All ChipNDale df file names have three parts: "CD", the main name, and the version number.
CornerStitching is made independant of ChipNDale. A module D2Base serves to define basic data structures common to CornerStitching and ChipNDale.
TerminalIO is version numbered.
(ChipNDale 2.2 requires TerminalIO 2.0, CornerStitching 1.0 and D2Base 1.0)
The documentation df file is version numbered; the actual documentation file names do not contain version numbers anymore.
Definition modules changed
CD
lambda removed, lambda field included into the technology. This will allow increasing lambda if it proves necessary for second sourcing.
ObjectClass.reservedForCDEnvironment removed. The module was CDEnvironment was removed earlier.
InterestSize new proc. Vanilla procedure, but used fairly often.
ContextFilter simpler (saves memory)
DrawInformation
specialFonts,
checkPriority boolean flags; (cleaner)
Properties renamed to PropList (resolves name conflict with new module Properties)
CDAtomicObjects
size is interest rect size. Designers creating designs by program will be thankful.
CDColors
Allows specifying of context filters. Good for ChipNSil.
CDDefaultProcs
CDDefaultProcsExtras merged in.
CDDrawQueue
replaces CDDraw; is simpler (and [not measurable] faster)
CDExtras
ToLambda has lambda parameter.
SelectedBox new procedure.
CDImports
All names and comments beautyfied
Load now has a design-name (previous: design) Not giving the user access to the cached design allows to share it with CDRemote.
CreateImport if necessary loads the design first... If all you want are the defaults, CreateImport the only procedure of this module you need.
CDIO
UseWorkingDirectory removed; Cedar does not allow this without dirty trick
ReadDesign has new working directory parameter
CDIOExtras
New module; all silly simple procedures; but they were coded inline in zillion places before
CDLayers
new module; replaces CDDefaults and CDDefaultsExtras. May now be used by arbitrary clients without invalidating the control panel.
CDMenus
comments made understandable
new procedure ImplementMenuEntryCommand for conveniance
CDObjectProcs
removed; replace it with CDProperties. This module was not used so often that it could not as well be implemented using properties.
CDOrient
Get rid of forgotten 45...
CDPanel
setting and querrying the default layer is removed; use CDLayers directly
panel get the changes if other source cause a change in default layer width
lambda from technology
CDProperties
PropRef: TYPE = REF Properties; --must never be NIL;
this allows to put properties on more types, but to have a smaller (faster) select statement. Important types like Objects and Instances still have direct properties.
Properties: use module Properties instead of Atom; uses substantially less memory and is a little bit faster, at cost of more expensive enumeration of properties.
Properties MUST NOT be enumerated without CDProperties's monitor lock. If you want to enumerate properties in a vanilla program, make a copy first and enumerate the copy. (Otherwise a GetProp from a concurrent process fools your enumeration; [ChipNDale actually doesn't care])
Properties can not contain objects which contain Properties. Would wedge when written to files.
CDRemote
replaces CDGenerateRemote; easier to use
CDTexts
comments removed, (I didn't remember if they were correct or wrong)
MakeFont is only procedure to create a font
CDUtil
usefull stuff for client generation of chipndale objects; replaces old modules CDSimpleCells and CDSimpleCells2 (without changes)
CDValue
new procedure StoreConditional. This allows implementation of arbitrary initializations in an atomic way without introducing monitors. This is specially useful for programs which are already monitored, recursive monitor entry for initialization will not wedge.
Registration has new registrationKey parameter (like CDProperties always had)
CMosObjects
size is interest rect size
CornerStitching
Beautified; The definition module now documents legal conditions to call procedures
Enumerations have split into two procedures with less parameters each.
ChangeTile no more inline, but works for every tile.
TerminalIO
WriteF, WriteF1, WriteRopes, TOS new procedures
time outs for RequestSelection and Confirm
Confirm replaces UserSaysYes
TerminalIOExtras: RequestRope with timeout. This procedure has been introduced into an "Extras" module, because the correctness of its implementation depends on assumptions which have been checked by experiments.
Further tools changed
Interpress plot
Font substitution for all scales; different format of font substitution file. Thanks to Don.
PD plot
Supports c150.
Special colors for ChipNSil-stick diagrams on c150
Supports c400.
All the coordinate transform between design and device is rewritten. Removed some rounding errors.
Label generation
New hack to make a flat cell with labels matching all texts in tioga fonts. Handy for plotting. Label generation is still restricted to Tioga fonts.
Cursor tracking
Dandelions use different, faster cursor for drawing vectors.
CMos
The commands use "CMosA" instead of "CMos", this allows to distinguish it from CMosB which will be released soon.
The following df files are available in the release now:
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/ReleasedChipNDale.df
--Read comments in this df file before applying bringover
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDDesign22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDDoc22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDCommon22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDCMos22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDNMos22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/ChipNSil22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDColorPDPlot22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDInterPressPlot22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CSMonitor22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDExtras22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDLabel22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDCifGen22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDMakeProc22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDOverlapRemover22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDRecognizer22.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/D2Basic1.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CornerStitching1.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/GraphicsSubset.df
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/TerminalIO2.df
Browsing shows you some more tools, but released and beeing available does not mean the same thing!
As soon as the additional tools you might need are converted to ChipNDale 2.2 you might switch to ChipNDale 2.2 at your own paste. It is not possible for me to wait with a release until all tools are ready; I do not have the necessary control, nor do I think such tight control would be good.
Please make sure that all files with version numbers < 2.0 are converted. (Files written with 2.1 are safe for some more time to go, but I will soon remove the code which converts from older file versions.)
ChipNDale version 2.1 will be archived; any improvements or bug corrections on 2.1 made after this release will not be added to the archive. I will not delete version 2.1 without previous message to ChipNDaleUsers^.pa unless the next release already happened.
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Date: Thu, 10 Oct 85 09:26:34 PDT
From: jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale now on DATools6.0 directory
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa, ChipNDaleDiscussion^.pa, DAToolsUsers^.pa
Cc: jacobi
Reply-to: jacobi.pa
ChipNDale and it friends for ChipNDale version 2.1 have been moved to the new <DATools6.0> directory. There are no changes, this is not a new release but only a new directory structure.
The <ChipNDale> directory will be used as a private development directory. Do not rely on you files not beeing deleted there.
<DATools6.0> sits on Cyan but is refered as [DATools]<DATools6.0>. Use Iago to add the pseudoserver [DATools]. For a quick test, the PseudoServerAdd command will also be sufficient.
All old members of ChipNDaleUsers^.pa have been included into the new dl DAToolsUsers^.pa. If you need ChipNDale only as illustrator and not as design tool you might consider to remove yourself from DAToolsUsers^.pa.
The ChipNDale umbrella df files are
To get version 2.1
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/CDDesign21.df
To get the current release, what ever it is (currently also 2.1). Don't use this df file without reading its comments first.
/DATools/DATools6.0/Top/ReleasedChipNDale.df
TerminalIO is now available as package independent of ChipNDale; to be compatible with ChipNDale version 2.1 you have to use TerminalIO version 1.0
Christian
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Date: Fri, 30 Aug 85 19:07:43 PDT
From: jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale improvements
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: jacobi.pa
ChipNDale improvements
It might be time to bringover again
bringover /cedar/chipndale/6.0/top/cddesign21
ChipNSil
Texts are displayed faster
Rounding bugs corrected; texts now stay inside its bounding box
Method how to solve the problem "** size of text wrong, probably different font.."
Command file CDGetFonts.cm to get fonts
CD
CDRemote is improved module which will replace CDGenerateRemote
CDInterpressPlot
Versatec plotter works
Other minor bug corrections
Christian
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Date: Fri, 23 Aug 85 13:12:51 PDT
From: Beretta.pa
Subject: Patient died under surgery
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa
Reply-to: Beretta.pa
While Spinifex was languishing in the intensive care station of the VLSI CAD-Tool Group, resting between a two reanimation interventions, his friends decided that his life was no longer worthwhile. Euthanasia, the supreme nurse, was called who turned off the oxygen valves.
The body will rest on /Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/Spinifex21, on the side of interimCore in the ChipNDale subdirectory.
The surgery applied to the late Spinifex since the last medical bulletin include:
~ Corrected handling of well geometry.
~ Added the processing of a property $Crystal for transistors in order to test Crystal.
~ Names of NMos transistors for Thyme have been corrected.
~ Spinifex output for Rosemary is uniformly expressed in l units.
~ An address fault errors when determining ports has been fixed.
~ A confusion between coordinates relative to the bounding box and to the interest rect of a cell has been solved.
~ Fixed several bugs around Quad-CIF trees.
~ Added the processing of a property $Export for wires in order to force a wire in a root cell to be a port.
~ Reimplemented cleanly the usage of Red-Black Trees.
~ Rewrote the analysis of transistors.
~ Added the extraction of Core data structures.
An independent extraction of Core data structures is being implemented for CMos by Bertrand. Other birth anouncements will be published in this DL.
Giordano
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Date: Fri, 16 Aug 85 10:52:22 PDT
From: jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale grid command
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa
Cc: jacobi
Reply-to: jacobi.pa
I got mad about drawing schematics... You get a new little hack.
Move to grid (Use the Special Commands Menu)
Move all the selected objects to the nearest grid point
Christian
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Date: 9 Aug 85 11:39:57 PDT
From: gbier.pa
Subject: Another new tool
To: ChipNdaleUsers^.pa
Cc: gbier
Reply-to: gbier.pa
DF File: /Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/top/CDOverlapRemover21.df
Start program: CMosCifOverlap
Execute: Use the Program menu
CMosCifOverlap finds all wires of type ndif that lie completely on top of wires of type pdif and removes the ndif wire from the design. Its most probable use is after reading in a design using XeroxCmosCif. Currently when reading in a design using XeroxCmosCif, all rects of type pdif in CIF are given a ChipNDale representation of both an ndif and pdif wire. CMosCifOverlap can be used to remove the ndif.
OverlapRemover is a general tool that takes two layers, a keepLayer and a throwAwayLayer, and whenever a wire of type throwAwayLayer is found that lies completely on keepLayer, then the throwAwaLayer wire is thrown away. An example of how to register the layers can be found in /Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/CDOverlapRemover21/CMosCifOverlapImpl.mesa
Several people have asked me about the convenience of the cornerstitching implementation. I think that this program is a good (simple!) example of using cornerstitching. If interested in such take a look at /Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/CDOverlapRemover21/OverlapRemoverImpl.mesa
--George
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Date: Mon, 5 Aug 85 10:45:26 PDT
From: gbier.pa
Subject: A New Tool
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa
Cc: gbier
Reply-to: gbier.pa
A New Tool: Recognizer
DF File: /Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/top/CDRecognizer21.df
Start program: CMosRecognizer
NMosRecognizer
Execute: Use the Program menu
Recognizer will replace drawn transistors and contacts with the corresponding ChipNDale primitive. It is particularly useful for ReadCif designs since ReadCif does not know about ChipNDale transistors etc. From the program menu two choices for invocation of the command exist: "Recognize All" which will traverse the hiearchy of the design finding transistors throughout the whole design and "Recognize Top" which will only search the top level of the design.
Any comments or suggestions (but no complaints) direct to GBier.pa
Enjoy
--George
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Date: 1 Aug 85 14:35:22 PDT
From: serlet.pa
Subject: Alps21 Released
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa
Cc: serlet
Reply-to: serlet.pa
DF file: [Cedar]<ChipNDale>6.0>Top>Alps21.df
User Manual: [Cedar]<ChipNDale>6.0>Alps21>PWAlpsDoc.tioga
How it works: [Cedar]<ChipNDale>6.0>Alps21>AlpsDoc.tioga (still rough)
PWAlps is a PLA-like generator, looking a lot like PWPLA for its input, but generating a completely different layout.
Bertrand
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Date: 29 Jul 85 15:53:45 PDT
From: jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale's make proc command
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: jacobi.pa
Generating Program Text
DF File: /Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CDMakeProc21.DF
Start program: CDMakeProc
Commands: Use the program menu and select "make text"
The command generates a file (and a viewer) with a program text. This program will generate the selected object... Of course you have to compile and run the program first.
There is no guarantee that the generated program will run with any other ChipNDale version than the one used to generate it. It might be more work to transfer source text to a newer ChipNDale version, than to transfer the .dale file.
Not all ChipNDale features are handled for the program; Give it a try, look if the command generates a program powerful enough, or, if not, you have bad luck.
I do not intend to do any AI to get an optimal program...
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Date: 12 Jul 85 19:30:18 PDT
From: jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale 2.1 released
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa, ChipNDaleDiscussion^.pa
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
ChipNDale 2.1 released.
Very difficult naming issue resolved. We can't go on for ever with naming ChipNDale versions 0.xx. ChipNDale is no more so experimental to bear a number starting with 0. But what's a good number?
1.0 is missleading because it sounds so important. I really don't know which version deserves this great change in numbering. The new version (internally named 0.21 before) is a nice improvment, but its difference with the predecessor version is not much bigger than for any other version.
1.2: simply skipping the 1.0... how boring
21 instead a 0.21? It corresponds more with the truth but there is not enough structure..
6.0 or 6.1 in association with Cedar 6; this would create confusion later because the ChipNDale version number would increase faster as the Cedar version number.
2.1: its a decimal left shift... It would also be a fine number for normal people who start counting with one... (furthermore, I don't have to change any subdirectory names...)
Release means: Definition modules will not be recompiled; This does not mean that all tools are already converted to the new release. (Spinifex is not yet ready)
Version 0.19 will be destroyed in about a week (without archive). For deleting version 0.20 I will wait until 3 seconds after all the Dragon designers did their conversion to Cedar 6 and an archive is made.
Please, after switching to version 2.1 of ChipNDale, convert all designs to this version. To convert a file: read it in and write it out. It will automatically be written in the newest file format version. Version 2.2 might no more be able to read in files written with any ChipNDale version 0.x.
Principal changes
Great renaming
ObPtr -> Object
ApplicationPtr -> Instance
...
A file exist which helps you setting up the edit-tool
(temporarily stored on /Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/CD21/Replace.tioga)
Port to Cedar 6.0
Graphics replaced by Imager
CDConditions, CDEnvironment removed and replaced by Object generation environment
(Objects must not depend on environment anymore)
ChipNDale is now substantially simpler!!! (but not smaller)
Definition module changes
CDX is split:
IncludeOb, RemoveApp goes into CDCells
SimpleGetOrigin, SimpleSetOrigin goes into new private module
all the rest stays in CDX; this module is no more loaded automaticaly with ChipNDale. Tell me any use; otherwise it might disappear.
CDGenerate, CDGenerateBackdoor
new modules implementing a new object generating environment
CDGenerateImports, CDGenerateRemote
modules using the generating environment
CDCells
new procedure IsPushedIn,
stuff moved from CDX
changed procedure for push
CDTexts
re-done, using Imager fonts
CDDefaultProcs
new internal module implementing default procedures
CDDirectory
Include substantially faster!
CDDirectoryOps
new module
Procedures to clean up the directory, Rename objects...
CDExtras
procedures MergeIn, MergeInObjects removed; I think they caused more troubles than they are worth.
new procedures ToRope, GetTechnology
CDColors
Some new bits per pixel modes. 1 b/p in color is now different from bw. (This in preparation for some changes in the Cedar color device handling)
CD
saveRect mechanism removed
procedure HitRect with object instead of instance
new procedure to enumerate technologies
CDBasics
procedure IsPushedIn removed
CDInstances
new procedure HitInstance
CDProperties
Copy has purpose parameter... Defaults right for most purpose's
CDSequencer
new procedure QuitCommand
CDMarks
now easier to use, harder to missuse
CDViewHighlight
New module; allows implementation of independent highlight mechanisms;
Thought for HighlightNode and similar uses.
CDSimpleRules
Improved from RoutingTechnology. Implemented for nmos and cmos
New object generation environment
Registration mechanism to implement patchwork or other module generators.
Calling generators from programs is possible.
Supports cacheing of generated objects.
Indirect calls (Generator may be called recursively).
Calls from command interpreter.
Intercepting calls at each level in the hierarchy of a generated object.
Multiple instances (name spaces) of generators. Each project (chip) may have a generator name space of its own. In addition, there are several tool name spaces.
Different Generators built on top of the new registration mechanism.
User defined...
Use of directory.
Include from other design.
Import from other design.
(Auto-regenerated on top of user defined).
Supporting the possibility to call generators from programs and NOT supporting any hidden environment informations it will lead to: Any new, great generation feature will be callable from the generator. But since there will be no generator magic, the program will as easy be callable using standard Cedar imports. As a consequence every generator will be able to call every other generator, (Even if made by a programmer who didn't care).
Related modules
PopUpMenu
24 bit mode, position parameter...
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/top/GraphicsSubset.df
New package to simulate the graphics clipper of Cedar5.2.
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/top/CDExtras21.df
New df file contains stuff which might be useful but is not bound into ChipNDale
Contains module(s):
CDSimpleCells: new, utility for object generators
CDFeedBack: moved from cd21.df
CDX: moved from cd21.df
Black and white Versatec plot
Not yet ported to ChipNDale 2.1; I don't know yet how to handle stipples with the Imager
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CDInterpressPlot21.df
New package; Black and white only, no stipples. Good for ChipNSil.
Chipmonk compatibility
Busses on Chipmonk read
Is no more an object class, but simply cells are created
Colors
The 4 bit per pixel color mode is no more compatible with Chipmonk's colors.
CMos
Data structure for P—Well simmilar to N—Well (but not commands)
Atomic objects are now implemented using CDAtomicObs
Writing a Chipmonk file is not (yet?) available for 0.21
NMos
all the (n, p) well layers and features removed
Commands and behavior
Viewing
Drawing stops immediately when the scale changes, new scheduling of viewer painting
Transform to cell command
no more necessary; removed
Debug command (^-middle)
Improved, allows inclusion of object...
Push command
Can do an expand if necesary
Save command
new, gets also an entry on panel
ChipNSil fonts
try the difference between TiogaFonts and PressFonts; they work both
User profile has scaling entry (use for PressFonts).
Generate command
U-middle: Generate an object
U-Space: Generator menu. (Set up generators... but NOT generate object)
Selected generator environment (name space) is displayed on panel.
The following tools are available now:
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CDDesign21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CD21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CDCMos21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CDNMos21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/Chipnsil21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CDColorPDPlot21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CDPressPlot21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CDInterPressPlot21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CSMonitor21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CDExtras21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CDLabel21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/GraphicsSubset.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CDCifGen21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/CDChipmonkColors21.df
/Cedar/ChipNDale/6.0/Top/TerminalIO.df
Enjoy
Christian
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Date: 3 Jul 85 14:38:13 PDT
From: serlet.pa
Subject: PadFrame router Released
To: Chipndaleusers^.pa
Cc: serlet
Reply-to: serlet.pa
DF file: [indigo]<chipndale>5.2>top>Onion20.df
Onion is a simple PadFrame router. I have a copy of the paper from which I stole the algorithm, for those who are interested. The interface (Onion.mesa) is not very clean, just enough for Louis', Rick' and Pradeep' chips; don't hesitate to bug me about it.
To start it, just type "Onion".
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Date: 1 Jul 85 16:30:13 PDT
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale, cmos and mask..
To: ChipNDaleUsers^
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
ChipNDale, cmos and masks or CIF
Warning: Whoever wants to create masks for cmos should be aware that well contacts should not be close to any other diffusion. (Problem because of the shrink of the nwell for CIF generation).
Contact me or Ed
Christian
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Date: 14 Jun 85 15:41:42 PDT
From: serlet.pa
Subject: Alps20 Released
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa, ChipndaleDiscussion^.pa
Reply-to: Bertrand <Serlet.pa>
Cc: Serlet
DF file: [indigo]<chipndale>5.2>top>Alps20.df
Documentation: [indigo]<chipndale>5.2>Alps20>PWAlpsDoc.tioga
PWAlps is a PLA-like generator, looking a lot like PWPLA for its input, but generating a completely different layout. Documentation is still rough, it is only a brief manual how to use PWAlps, but very soon a paper on Alps principle itself should come. This version should be able to generate big Alps structures.
Knowing how to use PWPLA is a good way for starting use of PWAlps. For further problems come and see me.
Bertrand
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Date: 10 Jun 85 15:34:12 PDT
From: serlet.pa
Subject: Extras for CD and PW code writers
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa, ChipndaleDiscussion^.pa
Reply-to: Bertrand <Serlet.pa>
Cc: Serlet, ChipndaleImplementors^.pa
In /indigo/chipndale/5.2/top/CDE20.df (CDE like CDExtras), 3 small interfaces:
- CDExpr (already used by PWPLA and Alps) for reading interpreted parameters
- CDAbuts (low-weight abuts internally used by PW20)
- PWPins for manipulating easily pins (it is conceptually a complement to CDPinObjects, part of CD)
I maintain those packages.
Bertrand
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Date: 14 May 85 17:55:54 PDT
From: jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale Chipmonk compatibility and Colors
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa
Cc: jacobi
Reply-to: jacobi.pa
ChipNDale Chipmonk compatibility and Colors
ChipNDale does no more load the Chipmonk compatibility package by default. When you want to read or write Chipmonk files you have to load the appropriate program. See the documentation file ChipndaleTools20.tioga.
The 4 bit per pixel mode is no more loaded by default; If you want 4 bit per pixel colors, you have to load it yourself. (See the documentation)
The cmos 8 bit per pixel tool is improved and a button on the screen top allows you to reset cmos 8 bit colors completely.
Christian
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Date: 9 May 85 11:50:02 PDT
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale measure command
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
New measure command
I tried to draw a rectangle of exact length 630 lambda yesterday !?@3#...
Now I do it the following way:
I set an arrow mark at the beginning (A-middle). Using the statistic command (CTRL-middle quick) I search for the position of the endpoint. Then I draw the rectangle backwards from the endpoint to the arrow mark. Finally I remove the arrow mark with (ESC-A) and check if the size of the rectangle is right (again statistic command).
Measure, statistic, grid, ticks, control panel now use all the same length units... (lambda's)
Christian
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Date: 8 May 85 18:02:46 PDT
From: Gasbarro.pa
Subject: ReadCif for Chipndale20
To: ChipndaleUsers^.pa
Reply-To: Gasbarro
ReadCif, the cif file reader for Chipndale is now available for Chipndale20. New features include the ability to read non-rectilinear polygons, wires and flashes. Chipndale20 allows these features to be displayed and plotted (they don't DRC). New technology files for XeroxNmosCif, XeroxCmosCif, MosisCmosCif, and StanfordCmosCif. Full documentation on [Indigo]<Chipndale>Documentation>ChipndaleTools20.tioga.
--Jim
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Date: 7 May 85 18:51:13 PDT
From: serlet.pa
Subject: PW20 and PWPLA20 released
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa, ChipndaleDiscussion^.pa
Reply-to: Bertrand <Serlet.pa>
Cc: Serlet, Monier, ChipndaleImplementors^.pa
Both packages are in the standard place, /indigo/chipndale/5.2/top/PW20.df and /indigo/chipndale/5.2/top/PWPLA20.df
While Louis is concentrating on the EU, until July, I'll assume the maintenance of these two packages. They have been adapted for CD20. For the user, it probably means no difference, other than slightly different messages on CD typescript. The big internal difference is the use of the Expand mechanism and the definition of a new class of CD objects (Abuts).
Bertrand
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Date: 7 May 85 15:17:16 PDT
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale 0.20 released
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa, ChipndaleDiscussion^.pa
Cc: Jacobi, ChipndaleImplementors^.pa
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
ChipNDale 0.20 Release
There is no backward compatibility from version 0.20 to Version 0.19.
Use /indigo/chipndale/5.2/top/CDDesign20.df to get to the version 0.20 df files.
Version 0.18 will be deleted.
Version 0.19 will not be deleted before the next release or a message
General changes
Drawing into a Graphics context has new mechanism.
Constructing cells by program is much faster. (Speeds up Patchwork, reading a design from a file...)
Level is renamed to Layer. Please don't complain, I have changed hundreds of files.
New expand mechanism.
(Arbitrary angled Polygons can be plotted on the color versatec plotter; However, with Cedar 6, this might be no more possible; try to avoid this features until we know if it can be supported or not)
Pins and Marks are called symbolic objects; drawing of symbolic objects is made optional.
I will not support Parquet and its application anymore, since Patchwork is available.
Changes in definition modules
CD
InterestRect new feature
insideRect feature removed
oldInsideRect feature temporary introduced; will disappear with the next release again.
New convention: Objects must either not have children or not call the context draw proc
ObjectsProcs
description: ROPE
describeProc with application
symbolic: BOOL
DrawInformation
environment: BOOL
symbolics: BOOL
CDAtomicObjects
is a new mechanism which will be used to replace the implementation of contacts and transistors in a future release; This mechanism is used already for the implementation of cmos buried contacts.
D2Basic
renamed from old PlanarBaseTypes
CDCells
IsCell: PROC [ob: CD.ObPtr] RETURNS [BOOL]
PushInCellPointed removed
IncludeApplication, RemoveApplication removed; use CDX instead
CDDirectory
EnumerateChildObjects has default for x
Rename has new fiddlename parameter
Include, Remove and Rename will call back class implementor
new Expand mechanism
CDSimpleOps
renamed from old CDCommands
FlushDeletedCache: PROC [design: CD.Design];
DeletePointed, CopyPointed, TransformPointed removed
CDCommandOps
IsPushedIn: PROC [d: CD.Design] RETURNS [BOOL]
CornerStitching
Tesselation has client data and stopFlag
CDImports
HasUnloadedImports: PROC [d: CD.Design] RETURNS [BOOL]
CDMarks
Checks for concurrency errors included
CDMark
module removed; it is no more possible to implement a Chipmonk-like tip table
CDEnvironment
SomeChildPropagates: PROC [ob: CD.ObPtr] RETURNS [BOOL]
CDConditions
Commands of this modules are disabled (unless your a priviledged user). CDConditions might disapear in a future version.
CDIO
MakeShortName: PROC [design: CD.Design] RETURNS [name: Rope.ROPE];
CDPinObjects
The old, never released, pin package on /ivy/jacobi/top/CDPins19.DF will get absolutely no support anymore. The df file is already deleted.
CDPolygons
IsPolygon: PROC [ob: CD.ObPtr] RETURNS [BOOL];
CDRepetitions
IsRepetition: PROC [ob: CD.ObPtr] RETURNS [BOOL];
CreateRepetitionCell removed; use the Expand proc instead
CDInterestrects
Module removed; it is now the object class implementor who provides the interest-rect feature
CDSequencer
type Command changed
procedure ExecuteCommand changed
new procedure ExecuteProc
CDViewer
CDViewerExtras merged in
procedure DesignOf changed
new procedure VisibleRect
CDX
The origin feature simplified: Object class implementor has to completely provide implementation of SetOrigin himself if the class is supposed to have immutable non default origins.
InludeRelative --> IncludeOb
New procedure RemoveApp
CDPanel
Panels can be changed at run time.
New buttons and labels.
CDTexts
Texts have the origin set as specifyed by the font.
CDCreateLabels
CharCells have the origin set as specifyed by the font.
Changes in user interface
Show Instance-names command (temporary on I-middle)
ChipNSil: Fonts selected with menu
Pop up menus for:
<space-M> Draw mode
<space-,> Simplification
<space-.> Ticks
<space-/> Grid
DF files
Df files which belong to ChipNDale but are not completely obvious have a prefix CD in their names. (Still cmos20 but CDCifGen20).
(renamed: ColorPDPlot*, CornerStitching*, cif*, vplot*, PressPlot*, FlatCif*, Label*)
The /Indigo/ChipNDale/ directory
There is far more stuff stored on /Indigo/ChipNDale/ than what actually is inside my maintenance umbrella! I can not maintain other peoples stuff.
The fact that something is stored on /Indigo/ChipNDale/ does not mean I have even looked at it. Stuff without version number, with a wrong version number, or with an outdated version number, will be deleted. /Indigo/ChipNDale/ is not a back up storage.
Not be supported as separate df files anymore
ShowErrors: built into cd20
CmosColors: built into cmos20
Available df files
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>cdDesign20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>cd20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>nmos20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>cmos20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>chipnsil20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>Spinifex20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>CDVPlot20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>CDColorPDPlot20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>CDCornerStitching20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>CDPressPlot20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>CDCifGen20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>CDFlatCif20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>CDLabel20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>CSMonitor20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>CDCounting20.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>cddoc.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>PopUpMenu.df
[indigo]<ChipNDale>5.2>top>TerminalIO.df
ask the authors
CDPropTool, EbesMask, MakeCP, MakePLA, Parquet, PW, PWPLA, ReadCif, VersatecChipNSilHack
Christian
####################################################
Date: 26 Apr 85 09:42:05 PST
From: McCreight.pa
Subject: CDPropTool19
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa
Cc: McCreight
Reply-to: McCreight.pa
/Indigo/ChipNDale/5.2/Top/CDPropTool19.df contains an amusing little tool designed to help those of you who have gotten tired of setting ChipNDale properties in the standard way. After starting ChipNDale, you start CDPropTool by typing "CDPropTool" to the CommandTool. The tool is pretty self-explanatory; it gives some feedback to the ChipNDale terminal window.
If you push a SetPropOnSelected screen button, the active property-value pair is the one in the record viewer below. If you push another screen button, the active property-value pair is shown in the button's label. If you use the left mouse button, the tool sets the active property-value pair on all selected applications; if you middle-button, the tool just copies the property-value on the button to the record viewer (so, for example, you can edit the value). Button labels, except for the first one, are replaced in least-recently-used order.
The tool also puts a (time-varying) line in all ChipNDale pop-up menus relating to properties.
Ed
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Date: 16 Apr 85 10:46:59 PST
From: monier.pa
Subject: VersatecChipnsilHack19
To: ChipndaleUsers^.pa
Reply-to: monier.pa
If you use ChipnSil and want to plot your design on the Versatec, check
/Indigo/Chipndale/5.2/VersatecChipnsilHack19.df
It is a quick fix that will allow you to produce the largest schematics/floorplan/block diagrams ever seen in this hemisphere. There is even a doc.
-- Louis
PS: If you don't use ChipnSil, you should.
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Date: 12 Mar 85 19:05:22 PST
From: Gasbarro.pa
Subject: ReadCif for Chipndale
To: ChipndaleUsers^.pa
Reply-To: Gasbarro
I have recently completed a Cif input parser for Chipndale and am looking for alpha users. If you are interested, try bringing over /Ivy/Gasbarro/Top/ReadCif19.df to ///Commands. There is an sample technology file included in the df called StanfordCmosCif.cm which you can use as a prototype. The layer names used in your Cif file will probably differ. Running this command file will register the command "ReadCif" with the commander. To read in a Cif file type ReadCif <filename(.cif)> to the CommandTool. ReadCif will ask you for Cif units per lambda in the Chipndale terminal window and report any errors there. ReadCif attempts to preserve cell names and hierarchy. It does not detect overlapping rectangles, such as poly over dif, and turn them into Chipndale primatives, nor does it preserve signal names. Report any problems to me.
-- Jim
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Date: 8 Mar 85 19:53:04 PST
From: shand.pa
Subject: New Spinifex Version.
To: ChipNDaleDiscussion^.pa
Cc: shand
Reply-to: shand.pa
New Spinifex version.
This new version fixes a number of bugs and treats floating n-wells differently, and allows logo to be ignored for DRC.
Faster
It should be much faster on large designs as a result of fixing a bug which caused it to improperly prune some region searches when processing cell interaction. As a result of this bug fix Spinifex was able to process Rick Barth's 277988 transistor CrossRAM in 50 minutes on 4MW dorado. Previously this design caused Spinifex to exceed MDS limits after several hours of processing.
Extraction bug fixed
A serious bug which sometimes caused connections between arrayed subcells to be ignored has been fixed.
More Liberal requirements on n-well connections.
The
Correct in isolation requirement has been relaxed somewhat in the case of n-well contacts. Previously every well containing PDiff in every cell had to be connected to some nWellContact. Now the rule is as follows:
The topmost cell of the particular spinifex invocation must conform to the old requirement
For each cell any well in a direct subcell of that cell which is not connected, must be connected to some well in the parent cell. The assumption is that eventually in some higher cell the well connection will be made, if some intermediate cell do something with the unconnected well Spinifex will complain.
In the example I have run this new rule dramatically reduce the number of reports of Floating n-well. In only one case was a simple fix required (by introducing some well into an intermediate cell).
Ignoring LOGOs
Soon Spinifex users will be able to override normal spinifex processing of some cells and provide a substitute user defined extraction to be used instead, in the meantime Spinifex users can use this facility to ignore parts of their design which cause spurious error reports (such as logos). If a ChipNDale cell has a ROPE property called $SpinifexCircuitDescription attached to it that cell and all its children will be ignored. For compatibility with future versions the ROPE attached to this property should be "()" (that is open parenthesis followed by close parenthesis). Whilst for now the will cause the offending cell to act as if it is not there at all, in the final version checks will be made to ensure that that cell does not interact with other parts of the design.
Mark and Giordano
--------------------------------------
Date: 11 Mar 85 03:36:46 PST
From: shand.pa
Subject: More Spinifex Features.
To: ChipNDaleDiscussion^.pa
Cc: shand
Reply-to: shand.pa
Treat this as an addendum to my message of last Friday evening.
Further Features in latest version of Spinifex.
Summary: changes to the way n-well errors are reported, elimination of some spurious nodes from extracted output, location of nodes provided in extracted output and command to highlight a node based of (x y) location (from extracted output).
n-Well Error Reporting.
In my last message I described the new n-Well connection rules that Spinifex implements. Now I have also changed the reporting of such errors. Previously Spinifex tried to placed error material over the entire well when reporting such errors, now it just chooses some point on the well and places a small marker there. In addition, for the case of a well connected to more than one other node, each of these nodes are flagged in a similar manner to the well.
Clean Extracted Output
Previously Spinifex would sometimes introduce nodes into the interface of a cell's extracted output which were near to rather than actually connected to material in other cells. Such nodes have now been eliminated from cell interfaces.
Node Location Information in Extracted Output
Spinifex now includes location information for nodes in Extracted Output. For thyme these are comments similar to the existing ALIAS comments, for rosemary they are NodeLocHint attributes in node descriptions.
New node highlighting command
It is now possible to highlight a node by specifying its (x y) co-ordinates numerically. This new command is accessed through the Program-Menu (same as is used for Spinifex itself). The format expected is two space separated numbers so that it is easy to copy node coordinates directly from Spinifex output files when using this command.
--------------------------------------
Giordano & Mark
####################################################
Date: 8 Mar 85 16:18:54 PST
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: How to remove errors from ChipNDale designs
To: ChipNDaleDiscussion^.pa
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
How to remove errors from ChipNDale designs
With next bringover you get a spinifex version which handles errors differently.
Spinifex will not recognize errors of old Spinifex versions as beeing made by itself and will not remove them.
Solution 1) interactive, for each cell with errors
(If you have a new enough ChipNDale version...)
Make the error layer beeing the default layer:
middle mouse button down while ESC down and the cursor is pointing to an error rectangle in current cell
Select all of current default layer:
left (or right) mouse button down while ESC and SHIFT are down
Delete the selection.....
Solution 2) use the commandtool or an interpreter:
(If you have the necessary bcd files for it...)
← &d ← CDViewer.FindDesign["name of design", FALSE]
if the design is found (&d#NIL)
← CDErrors.RemoveAllMessages[&d, NIL, NIL]
← CDOps.DoTheDelayedRedraws[&d]
Christian
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Date: 4 Mar 85 10:47:45 PST
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: Labels for ChipNDale
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
New module to generate Labels for ChipNDale
DF file: /Indigo/ChipNDale/5.2/top/Label19.df
Documentation: ChipNDaleTools19.tioga
This module differs substantially from the 0.18 version.
Christian
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Date: 1 Mar 85 09:55:22 PST
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: New ChipNDale module CDErrors
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
New module CDErrors allows inclusion and removing of error messages into ChipNDale objects of any type.
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Date: 19 Feb 85 16:56:06 PST
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: New ChipNDale commands
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa, ChipndaleDiscussion^.pa
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
New ChipNDale commands to find error messages
Select and show the next error in this cell:
next-{left or right or CTRL}
or use the special commands pop up menu space-s
[This (old) module is now built in]
Push into a cell by name: use the cell pop up menu space-c
Christian
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Date: 18 Jan 85 17:50:51 PST
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale Colors (and plots)
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa, ChipNDaleDiscussion^.pa
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
ChipNDale Colors on the Screen
Now both NMos and CMos have 8 bit per pixel colors. The user profile entry
ChipNDale.ColorStartBits: 4 or
ChipNDale.ColorStartBits: 8
tells ChipNDale which bit-per-pixel mode to start; only this mode will be set up according to the other user profile options.
ChipNDale Color Plots
The plot package is improved such that plots can be made on the
Versatec color plotter
Inkjet printer (MrCoffee) (Thankyou, SDD folks)
Puffin (Lilac)
Use the new df-file
/indigo/chipndale/5.2/top/ColorPDPlot19.df
commandiles for stipple initialization
VersatecNMos.cm
VersatecCMos.cm
LilacCMos.cm
...
The Inkjet printer can use the same stipples as the Versatec color plotter does, there is no separate commandfile needed. John Dillon can instruct you on how to use MrCoffee. Be patient with the device, it is not real fast.
Lilac does not yet has reasonable stipples! Sorry, I had no time to make them already now. The stipples for the Versatec plotter do not look good on Lilac. But while the versatec is down, you might still be happy to have at least some silly replacement.
Command
H-middle is the new Hardcopy command. Draw a rectangle and select the device in the menu. Check on terminal if reasonable stipples have been loaded.
####################################################
Date: 18 Jan 85 18:32:43 PST
From: Beretta.pa
Subject: Chipnsil
To: ChipndaleUsers^.pa
Reply-to: Beretta.pa
Cedar Sil models can be converted to Chipndale designs and edited with Chipnsil.
The program CDSilConversionImpl registers the command CDReadSil with the CommandTool. This command converts a *.sil file into a *.dale file. Sil macros are automatically converted to cells and imported, when referenced. The Sil colors are mapped into Chipndale levels. Chipnsil's user interface is very close to that of Chipndale.
Usage
- Bring over /Indigo/Chipndale/5.2/Top/Chipnsil19
- @Chipnsil
- @CDSil
- CDReadSil <Sil file name>
The following entries in the user profile are recommended:
Chipndale.chipnsil.Font0: "Helvetica10"
Chipndale.chipnsil.Font1: "Helvetica10I"
Chipndale.chipnsil.Font2: "Helvetica10B"
Chipndale.chipnsil.Font3: "Helvetica7"
Chipndale.chipnsil.Font4: "Helvetica7I"
Chipndale.chipnsil.Font5: "Helvetica7B"
Chipndale.chipnsil.Font6: "Template64"
Chipndale.chipnsil.Font7: "Gates32"
Chipndale.chipnsil.Library5: "///Chipnsil/SilLib5.dale"
Chipndale.chipnsil.Library6: "///Chipnsil/SilLib6.dale"
Chipndale.chipnsil.Library7: "///Chipnsil/SilLib7.dale"
Chipndale.chipnsil.Library8: "///Chipnsil/SilLib8.dale"
Chipndale.chipnsil.Library9: "///Chipnsil/SilLib9.dale"
Sil Options:
Sil.Font0: Helvetica10
Sil.Font1: Helvetica7
Sil.Font2: Template64
Sil.Font3: Gates32
Sil.Font5: ///sil/Sil.lb5
Sil.Font6: ///sil/Sil.lb6
Sil.Font7: ///sil/Sil.lb7
Sil.Font8: ///sil/Sil.lb8
Sil.Font9: ///sil/Voicelb9.sil
Known errors and restrictions
- The production of PD files is very slow
- The Sil `background' attribute is ignored
- Colors are not displayed in color (therefore only the layer `neutral' should be used for the moment)
- Like Alto Sil, Chipnsil uses Strike fonts, while Cedar Sil uses Spline fonts. Font information is always converted correctly, but text may be displayed using an alternate font.
- Strings of macros as they occour in the synoptic tables are not aligned correctly.
Converting Sil files is a one-way operation. There are no plans for a program to convert Chipnsil files into Sil files.
Have fun
Giordano
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Date: 17 Jan 85 15:42:03 PST
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale 0.19 TIP Table
To: ChipndaleUsers^.pa
Cc: Jacobi
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
A new tip table for ChipNDale 0.19
The new tiptable is a little bit less orthogonal than the old was, however the frequent commands are simpler and you will far less invoke the wrong commands by using a neighbour key. The explanation do not mention the mouse actions, which should be obvious to users of the old tip table. The new tiptable is a mixture of the old tiptable, Louis tip table and some brand new ideas from Praedip and me.
The new tip table is used for default immediately. The old tiptable is still works but will NOT be maintained. Check your user profile if you dont get the new tiptable.
Whats different
The frequent commands
move: use CTRL instead of Q
copy: use SHIFT instead of TAB-Q
stretch: use TAB instead of CTRL
push: use C instead of V (All cell commands use C)
pop: use SHIFT C instead of V middle mouse button
Deselect: use ESC instead of SHIFT
Area select: no key necessary
Commands which do not depend upon a mouse position can also be issued with CTRL instead of a mouse button.
Some more tidbits; (which you don't need to learn now)
connecty move: use TAB-CTRL instead of TAB-SHIFT; warning:
Using the CTRL as speed up for some commands caused the following trouble: TAB-CTRL ASWZ: is that step connecty move or a set up for step stretch? The conflict is resolved reasonable (find out yourself), but it is now non orthogonal.
Expand cell: can only be done with a pop up menu
Split wire: use \ instead of B
Touching area select: swat key (guess how is Touching area DE select ?)
Undelete: ESC-D insted D middle
Show all: TAB-Space
Show selected: CTRL-Space
Show a rectangle on OTHER viewer: Space Shift left instead of space right
Select all: Space right.
Draw the other viewers: V-middle
There are some more changes which you will find natural and use without explanation! Do you find out which ?
Summary
In Summary, if you keep the following meanings for keys in hour head, you will be able to remember most of the commands:
ESC: NOT
TAB: Stretch
CTRL: Move, Execute
CTRL-TAB: Stretchy move
SHIFT: COPY, Chose the other thing (P+ N-, other Viewer)
Space: Viewer, Menu
WASZ: Directions
ERT: Transforms
D: Delete
QWE: Transistor, Pullup (nmos)
Mouse left: deselct everything else, select pointed
Mouse right: keep selection, add pointed
Mouse middle: draw
####################################################
Date: 3 Jan 85 17:36:37 PST
From: Jacobi.pa
Subject: ChipNDale 0.19 released
To: ChipNDaleUsers^.pa, ChipndaleDiscussion^.pa
Cc: Jacobi, ChipndaleImplementors^.pa
Reply-to: Jacobi.pa
ChipNDale 0.19 released
ChipNDale 0.19 contains only modest improvements in definitions to keep track of older implementation changes; It had to be done now, because I want the public and my private ChipNDale version to get into synch again.
Tiptable mechanism change
Layered tiptables allow division of tiptables in personalized layers, technology specific and the general default tiptable. Special tools can provide a tiptable fragment to be included using the user profile.
The user profile option is now identical to Tiogas tip table user profile:
Chipndale.CMos.TIP: Default
or Chipndale.CMos.TIP: listOfUserTipTables Default
or Chipndale.CMos.TIP: listOfUserTipTables
or Chipndale.CMos.TIP: /indigo/chipndale/5.2//cmos19/chipndalecmos.tip /indigo/chipndale/5.2//cd19//chipndale.tip
Note that
1) they key has a new name; this prevents from usage of old tiptables without really intending it. (But: old tip-tables still work)
2) you must specify full path names. (Because the user profile is querried with different working directories at different times...; This is NOT a ChipNDale problem)
Idea to layer tiptables from Pradeep: As I got no feedback at all which features caused people to use different tiptables we make it possible to have layered tiptables. At some time I will brouse at peoples personalized tiptables additions. I then will no more get the glorious feedback that an other Tiptable is used, but will see exactly which feature is disabled and what is added. Please: Do not simply replace the standard tiptable if having your extras in a layered tiptable also works.
Changes in the ChipNDale base
CD
new mechanism to keep track of nesting
not need for CONS on nested objects any more
makes drawing faster
DrawRecord has no more a pushLevel field (I think nobody used it); the new mechanism draws conditional objects also correct if you are pushed in.
Cells key field removed
new field in the objectprocs for the benefit of CDX
CDApplications
I-O appendices cleaned: I -> interest; O -> outer; IX inside;
clients please use only I and O, NOT IX.
BoundingRect with I or O
HighPosI, HighPosO removed
CDConditions
changed to take use of CDEnvironment.
CDDirectory
key features removed (now must use properties)
EnumerateChildren relaxed
CDEnvironment:
new interface
CDMenus:
Menus can be removed, they don't appear double
CDOps
PROC LayerName (the old inline coding was used only 2 times in chipndale!, but 5 times in Spinifex)
CDOrient:
All orientations get a constant
MapPosition removed
new procedure MapPoint (is DIFFERENT from MapPosition)
MapRect, ComposeOrient are now faster
CDProperties
ownerKey field removed
property records gets property list for additional procedures...
CDRepetition:
exports Index procedure
CDRopeViewer
New module lifted and improved from Parquet
CDTipEtc
New layered tiptables (No definition module change)
TokenIO
EncodingError is now SIGNAL instead ERROR; this allows me to do dirty tricks from the debugger if somebodys design is screwed up and needs to be saved.
New features which will be put into the ChipNDales base with Cedar 5.3
CDFeedBack
new module; courtesy of Mike Spreitzer; needs special command to be loaded
CDOrientExtras
new module; needs special command to be loaded
Changes on ChipNDale related programs
CornerStitching
marginal clean up to be easer to read;
Spinifex
marginal clean up to be easer to read.
net naming improvements by Mike Spreitzer
Parquet
use of CDMenus instead of TilerMenu
use of CDRopeViewer instead of RopeViewer
Need volunteer: to unify my and Parquet's alignment-marks; my alignment-marks are not that much different, but only a clean up anyway.
Need volunteer: to lift the expression reading stuff, this might be useful stuff for other applications.
Temporary changes in release strategy
Spinifex
Parquet
are not guaranteed to not change public definition modules while the lifetime of Chipndale 0.19
Christian
####################################################