Create xSignals from Connected Nets

The Create xSignals from Connected Nets dialog

Summary

The Create xSignals from Connected Nets 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 two nodes - they can be two nodes within a net, or they can be two 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 then select xSignals » Create xSignals from connected nets from the context menu.

Options/Controls

• Filter fields - use the filter fields at the top of the dialog to quickly locate an item. Wild cards are supported.
• 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).
• xSignals - 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 - select the target xSignals class from this drop-down. Using classes can greatly simplify the creation and configuration of design rules. xSignals can also be added to a class in the Object Class Explorer dialog at a later stage if required.
• Analyze - when clicked, the software attempts to identify potential xSignals that exist between the chosen source and destination components for the selected nets.