Create xSignals from Connected Nets

The Create xSignals from Connected Nets dialog.

Summary

This dialog is used to help create xSignal(s), using the nets that connect to the selected component(s) when the command is run. This command is designed to build xSignals outward from a selected series termination component, such as a resistor or capacitor. It supports both one or more discrete components, and one or more multi-instance pack-style components, such as resistor networks.

Created xSignals can then be used to scope suitable Length and Matched Length design rules. An xSignal is essentially a designer-defined signal path between 2 nodes - they can be 2 nodes within a net, or they can be 2 nodes in associated nets separated by a series component. The xSignal can then be used to scope relevant design rules such as Length and Matched Length, which will then be obeyed during design tasks, such as interactive length tuning.

Access

In the PCB Editor, select the component(s), then use one of the following techniques:

• Run the command Design » xSignals » Create xSignals from Connected Nets.
• Right-click on one of the selected components in the workspace and select xSignals » Create xSignals from Connected Nets from the context menu.

Options/Controls

Source Component

Lists all components present in the design. Select a single component as the source component to be used for analysis of potential xSignals.

Source Component Nets

Lists all nets that connect to the currently selected Source Component. Select the required Net(s).

Signals

After clicking Analyze, this field will list potential xSignals that can be added to the design. Use the checkboxes to enable only those xSignals you want created. Right-click to toggle multiple checkboxes.

Include created xSignals Into Class

Using classes can greatly simplify the creation and configuration of design rules, select the target xSignals class from this drop-down. xSignals can also be added to a class in the Object Class Explorer dialog at a later stage if required.

Analyze

When you click the Analyze button, the software attempts to identify potential xSignals that exist between the chosen source and destination components, for the selected nets. It can also search through series components if required, by selecting the appropriate option in the Analyze drop-down.

The Analyze button has 4 distinct modes:

• Search for Direct Connections
• Through 1 Series Component
• Through 2 Series Components
• Multipath Coupled Nets

Tips

The filter fields can be used to help quickly locate an item of interest. Wildcards are supported.