Virtuoso Layout Editor User Guide, Product Version 5.0

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Editing Objects

This chapter contains these topics about the Virtuoso^® Layout Editor:

• How Editing Commands Work with ROD Objects

• Using the Move Command

• Using the Copy Command

• Stretching Objects

• Reshaping Objects

• Deleting Objects, Edges, or Corners

• About the Delete Form

• Merging Objects on a Layer

• Selecting and Deselecting Objects

• Adding or Removing Levels of Hierarchy

• Flattening Instances

• Cutting Objects

• Using the Modify Corner Command

• Enlarging or Reducing Objects

• Splitting and Stretching Objects

• Attaching and Detaching Objects

• Aligning Objects

• Using the Rotate Command

• Yanking and Pasting Objects

How Editing Commands Work with ROD Objects

The following tables summarize the level of support for how editing commands work on relative object design (ROD) objects in the current release.

Using commands that are not fully supported for ROD objects could cause the objects to lose the ROD information associated with them, changing the objects into ordinary shapes. For information about relative object design, see the Virtuoso Relative Object Design User Guide.

Edit Command	Degree of ROD Support
Undo u	The Undo command fully supports ROD objects.
Redo U	The Redo command fully supports ROD objects.
Move m	Moving ROD objects is supported as follows: You can move a ROD object within the same cellview or to another cellview. Within the same cellview, moving a ROD object that has other objects aligned to it causes the aligned objects to move as well. When you move a ROD object between cellviews, and the ROD object is aligned to another ROD object(s), the system preserves alignment only when the aligned ROD object(s) is also in the selected set; otherwise the alignment is broken. Avoid rotating aligned ROD objects during a move because the aligned handle names are not updated after the move, so the results might not be what you want.
Copy c	Copying ROD objects is supported as follows: You can copy a ROD object within the same cellview or to another cellview. The system automatically assigns unique names to the copies. Alignments between ROD objects in the selected set result in alignments between the corresponding copy objects. Alignments to objects not in the selected set are ignored. You can copy a whole multipart path (MPP) or a whole multipart rectangle (MPR), but not an individual subpart of an MPP.
Stretch s	The Stretch command fully supports ROD objects including stretchable parameterized cell (pcells).
Reshape R	Except for multipart paths and multipart rectangles, all reshapable ROD objects remain ROD objects after a reshape operation. When you reshape any ROD object, all alignments to that object are deleted.
Delete del	The Delete command fully supports ROD objects. When you delete using the Net Interconnect option, all ROD objects on the selected net are deleted, except for pins. For multipart paths (MPP) and multipart rectangles (MPR), when the master path or master rectangle is on the selected net, the MPP or MPR and all subparts are deleted; otherwise, no part of the MPP or MPR is deleted. When you delete a segment of an MPP with the Path Segment option, the remaining segments of the MPP become two separate multipart paths, each with its own name.
Properties ...q	You can use the Edit Properties command for ROD objects to View system-defined and user-defined handle names and handle values View alignments for the selected ROD object Modify the X and Y separation between the selected ROD object and other ROD objects
Search ...S	You can search for ROD names on labels, paths, polygons, rectangles, any shape and text display objects.
Merge...M	The Merge command is not supported for ROD objects. When ROD objects are merged, the resulting shape is not a ROD object.
Select - Select All ^a	The Select All command fully supports ROD objects.
Select - Deselect All ^d	The Deselect All command fully supports ROD objects.
Hierarchy - Make Cell...	The Make Cell command fully supports ROD objects.
Hierarchy - Flatten	The Flatten command fully supports ROD objects. To preserve the attributes of ROD objects (such as object name, alignments, multipart path subparts, multipart rectangle subrectangles, and master rectangles in multipart rectangles), click the Preserve ROD Objects button in the Flatten form. When this option is off, ROD objects become ordinary unnamed objects, the subparts of multipart paths become ordinary paths and rectangles, the master rectangles in multipart rectangles become ordinary, unnamed rectangles, and the subrectangles of multipart rectangles become ordinary rectangles. The system assigns the flattened object a name based on the hierarchical name of the ROD object by replacing slashes with dashes. For example, when you flatten the ROD object I1/I4/rect3, the resulting object is named I1-I4-rect3.
Other - Chop C	Most shapes lose ROD attributes when they are chopped. For multipart paths, the effect of a chop depends on what parts are choppable and how you chop them. For details, see "How Chopping Affects Multipart Paths" in the Virtuoso Layout Editor User Guide. When you chop the master rectangle of a multipart rectangle, all subrectangles are deleted and the shapes resulting from chopping the master rectangle are regular, unnamed database shapes. When you chop any ROD object, all alignments to that object are deleted.
Other - Modify Corner...	The Modify Corner command supports ROD polygons and ROD rectangles, except for master rectangles that are a part of a multipart rectangle.
Other - Size...	The Size command supports ROD objects. However, when you size a multipart path (MPP), the master path becomes a ROD polygon and inherits its name from the original MPP; all subparts become ordinary, unnamed database shapes. When you size any ROD object, all alignments to that object are deleted.
Other - Split ^s	Except for ellipses, circles, donuts, multipart paths, and multipart rectangles, ROD objects remain ROD objects after a split operation. When you split any ROD object, all alignments to that object are deleted.
Other - Attach/Detach v	The Attach/Detach commands fully support ROD objects.
Other - Convert to Polygon	The Convert To Polygon command fully supports ROD objects, except for rectangles and multipart rectangles. The Convert To Polygon command has no affect on rectangles and multipart rectangles. When you convert a multipart path, the polygon resulting from the master path is a ROD object and takes the name of the multipart path. Subparts, if any, become unnamed, ordinary database shapes (paths and rectangles). Subparts are not converted to polygons. When you convert any ROD object (except rectangles and multipart rectangles) to a polygon, all alignments to the converted object are deleted.
Other - Move Origin	The Move Origin command fully supports ROD objects.
Other - Rotate... O	With the exception of multipart rectangles, the Rotate command supports the rotation of ROD objects, unless there are alignments. Avoid rotating aligned ROD objects because aligned handle names are not updated after the rotation, so the results might not be what you want. For multipart rectangles with subrectangles offset from the master rectangle corners, avoid rotation unless the offsets are all equal. The Rotate command does not rotate these offsets. Do not rotate chopped multipart paths as the chop holes might not rotate correctly. If you want to chop and rotate an MPP, rotate the MPP first, then chop it.
Other - Yank y	The Yank command does not support ROD objects. The Yank command copies only the shapes, but not the names of the shapes or the alignments. When you paste, the result is unnamed, unaligned, non-ROD shapes.
Other - Paste Y	The Paste command does not support ROD objects. If you yank and paste ROD objects, the result is unnamed, unaligned, non-ROD shapes.

Using the Move Command

The Move command lets you move an object to another location in this or another cellview.

When you move ROD objects, multipart paths, and multipart rectangles into a new cellview, all of the data remains intact. If the multipart path is chopped, that data also moves with it. The ROD objects, multipart paths, and multipart rectangles are renamed if there are objects with similar names in the new cellview. To retain alignments, each of the aligned objects must be part of the selected set to be moved. Avoid rotating aligned ROD objects during a move.

For more information about moving ROD objects, see "How Editing Commands Work with ROD Objects"

About the Move Form

To open the Move form,

Do one of the following:

• Choose Edit - Move.

• Press m.

• Click on the move icon in the icon menu.

Snap Mode controls the direction in which you can move the object.

Change To Layer lets you move an object to another layer.

Delta X and Y lets you specify the number of user units to move the point of origin of an object on the X and/or Y axes.

Apply XY moves the origin point of the selected object as specified in the Delta X and Delta Y fields.

Rotate turns the object 90 degrees counterclockwise.

Sideways mirrors the object along the X axis.

Upside Down mirrors the object along the Y axis.

Moving Objects by Direct Manipulation

You can move objects by selecting and dragging them.

To move an object,

1. Select an object.

2. Move the pointer over the object to see the move pointer.

3. Press the left mouse button at the reference point for the move (the point from which the move starts) and drag the pointer to the destination point.

4. Release the left mouse button.

Moving Objects with the Move Command

To move objects using the Move command,

1. Choose Edit - Move [m].

2. Select one or more objects.

3. Click on the reference point for the move (the point from which the move starts).

   If you create a selection box or press Shift while selecting all objects, the Move command prompts you for a reference point.

3. Click where you want to move the objects.

Moving or Copying Objects to Another Layer

To move or copy objects to another layer,

1. Choose Edit - Move [m] or Edit - Copy [c].

   The Move form or Copy form appears.

2. Set Change Layer on.

3. Click on the layer field and choose the layer you want.

4. Click on the object whose layer you want to change.

5. Click where you want to move or copy the object.

   The object is moved or copied and is now on the new layer.

Moving Objects to Another Cellview

To move objects to another open cellview,

1. Select the objects you want to move.

2. Choose Edit - Move [m].

   The Move form appears.

3. Place the pointer in another open cellview.

4. Click to place the objects.

Moving Multipart Rectangles

When you move a multipart rectangle within a cellview, the master rectangle and all of its associated arrays of subrectangles move together. You cannot move a master rectangle separately from its associated subrectangles, nor can you move subrectangles separately from their master rectangle.

When you move a multipart rectangle that has objects aligned to it, the objects move to stay in alignment with the multipart rectangle.

1. Choose Edit - Move [m].

2. In full selection mode, choose the multipart rectangle by clicking on the master rectangle or any subpart.

3. Click to place the multipart rectangle; the aligned objects follow.

The multipart rectangle and all objects aligned to it appear in the new location.

Moving Multipart Paths

When you move a multipart path within a cellview, its master path and subparts move together. You cannot move the master path separately from its subparts, nor can you move subparts separately from the master path.

When you move a multipart path that has objects aligned to it, the objects move to stay in alignment with the multipart path.

1. Choose Edit - Move [m].

2. In full selection mode, choose the multipart path by clicking on the master path or any subpart.

3. Click to place the multipart path; the aligned objects follow.

The multipart path and all objects aligned to it appear in the new location.

How Moving Affects Multipart Paths with Aligned Objects

When you move a multipart path, any objects aligned to the multipart path move with it. To retain alignments when you move a multipart path to a new cellview, all objects aligned with the multipart path must be part of the selected set. If aligned objects are not selected, they will not be moved and the alignments will be broken.

In the example below, the multipart path path1 is the reference object. Contact B in instance nTrans1 is aligned to path1, with a separation of -10 units in the direction of the X axis. Therefore, nTrans1 behaves as if it is aligned to path1. When you move path1, nTrans1 moves with it.

The system automatically recalculates the alignment of objects when you open a layout cellview in edit mode or edit an aligned object in any way.

For an overview of relative object design alignment, see "Aligning Named Objects" in the Virtuoso Relative Object Design User Guide.

For multipart paths, see "Multipart Paths" and the rodCreatePath function in the Virtuoso Relative Object Design User Guide.

Using the Copy Command

The Copy command lets you place a copy of an object in a cellview.

You can copy ROD objects within the same cellview or to another cellview. The system automatically assigns unique names to the copies. For further information about copying ROD objects see, "How Editing Commands Work with ROD Objects".

To copy parts of objects or groups of objects see "Yanking and Pasting".

About the Copy Form

To open the Copy form,

Do one of the following:

• Choose Edit - Copy.

• Press c.

• Click on the copy icon in the icon menu.

Snap Mode controls the direction in which you can move the copied object.

Array

Rows and Columns let you create an array of copied objects. You enter the number of rows and columns in the array. The array of copied objects can be placed only in the original cellview; it cannot be copied to another cellview.

Change To Layer lets you copy an object to another layer.

Delta X and Y lets you specify the number of user units the object will move on the X and/or Y axes relative to its point of origin when it is copied.

Apply XY copies the origin point of the selected object as specified in the Delta X and Delta Y fields.

Rotate turns the object 90 degrees counterclockwise each time it is pressed.

Sideways mirrors the object along the X axis.

Upside Down mirrors the object along the Y axis.

Copying Objects

To copy objects,

1. Choose Edit - Copy [c].

2. Select one or more objects.

   • Click to select the first object, which point serves as a reference point for moving the copies.

   • Create a selection box, or press Shift while selecting all objects, and the Copy command prompts you for a reference point.

3. Click where you want to move the copies.

Copying Objects to Another Cellview

To copy objects to another open cellview,

1. Select the objects you want to copy.

2. Choose Edit - Copy [c].

3. Move the pointer into another open cellview.

4. Click to place the copies.

Note:  You cannot use the Array fields in the Copy form to create and copy an array of copied objects from one cellview to another. Only the original objects you selected are copied to the next cellview even if you have typed numbers in the Rows and Columns fields.

Creating an Array of Copies

You can create an array of copied objects. This array is flat, meaning all objects in it can be selected individually. The array of copied objects can be placed only in the original cellview; it cannot be copied to another cellview.

1. Open the Copy form.

2. In the Rows and Columns fields, type the number of rows and columns you want in the array.

3. Click to place the first object of the array.

4. Click to place the columns of the array.

   The distance between the first object and the second one controls the spacing and orientation between all the columns.

5. Click to place the rows of the array and complete the array.

   The distance between the first and second rows controls the spacing and orientation between all the rows.

Note:  You cannot use the Copy command to copy arrays from one cellview to another.

Stretching Objects

The Stretch command lets you stretch an edge or corner of an object.

About the Stretch Form

To open the Stretch form,

Do one of the following:

• Choose Edit - Stretch.

• Press s.

• Click on the stretch icon in the icon menu.

Snap Mode controls the direction in which you can stretch an edge.

Lock Angles prevents you from changing the angle of a corner or edge as you stretch it.

Delta X and Y lets you specify the number of user units the object will stretch on the X and/or Y axes relative to its point of origin.

Apply XY stretches the origin point of the selected object as specified in the Delta X and Delta Y fields.

Stretching Objects by Direct Manipulation

You can stretch objects by selecting and dragging their edges or corners.

To stretch an object,

1. Select one or more edges or corners as follows:

2. Move the pointer over the edge until you see the stretch pointer:

3. Click and drag the pointer to stretch the object.

4. Release the mouse button.

Note:  You cannot use Stretch to delete objects. If you try to stretch an object to a zero area, a warning appears in the Command Interpreter Window (CIW) and a dialog box opens stating the shape was not modified because it would be illegal.

Stretching with the Stretch Command

You can use the Stretch command to stretch objects.

To stretch an object,

1. Choose Edit - Stretch [s].

2. Select the edges or corners you want to stretch.

   In partial selection mode, if you press Shift and click on an edge or corner, that edge or corner is the reference point for the stretch.

   If you create a selection box around the edges, Stretch prompts you for a reference point. The reference point does not have to be on the selected shapes.

3. Move the cursor and click to stretch the edges.

Changing the Angle of Corners

To change the angle of a corner by stretching,

1. Choose Edit - Stretch [s].

   The Stretch form appears.

2. Turn Lock Angles off.

3. Stretch the corner where you want and click.

Note:  If you create a nonorthogonal segment while stretching the corner of a multipart path, subrectangles cannot regenerate in that particular segment. (Subpaths can and will regenerate.)

Stretching and Moving Objects

You can simultaneously stretch and move objects. This is often called a window stretch.

To stretch and move objects,

1. Choose Edit - Stretch [s].

   The Stretch form appears.

2. Press Shift and create a selection box around the objects you want to move and the edges you want to stretch.

3. Select a reference point for the stretch.

4. Move the cursor to stretch the edges where you want.

5. Click.

Stretching Paths

You can stretch the ends, segments, and/or corners of a path. You stretch ends and corners in the same way you stretch any other object. To stretch segments, you need to select the path centerline in the segment(s) you want to stretch.

To stretch path segments,

1. Choose Edit - Stretch [s].

   Stretch automatically changes to partial selection mode and prompts you to select the object you want to stretch.

2. Select one or more segments by doing one of the following:

   • For a single segment, click on the middle of the centerline of the segment or create a selection box around the centerline of the segment, making sure to include the ends of the segment centerline.

Highlighting shows the path segment is selected.

• For multiple segments, to add another segment, press Shift and click or create a selection box around the centerline of the segments, making sure to include the ends of the segment centerlines.

When you use a selection box, Stretch prompts you for a reference point. The reference point does not have to be on the selected shapes.

3. If you are prompted for a reference point, click where you want the stretch to begin.

4. Point to the new location for the stretch and click.

5. To end the Stretch command, press Escape.

Stretching Multipart Rectangles

You can stretch the edges and/or corners of a master rectangle of a multipart rectangle in the same way you stretch regular rectangles, click on an edge or corner, then click at a new location. The system regenerates the arrays of subrectangles associated with the stretched master rectangle. How the subrectangles regenerate depends on the definition of the multipart rectangle. You cannot stretch a master rectangle separately from its associated arrays of subrectangles, nor can you stretch an array of subrectangles separately from its master rectangle.

For information about defining multipart rectangles, see "Multipart Rectangles" and the rodCreateRect function in the Virtuoso Relative Object Design User Guide.

To stretch an edge of multipart rectangle,

1. Choose Edit - Stretch [s].

   Stretch automatically changes to partial selection mode and prompts you to select the object you want to stretch.

2. Select the edge you want to stretch by clicking on it:

   

   The selected edge is highlighted.

   

   Stretch prompts you to point to the new location. In this example, the master rectangle is stretched to the right.

3. Point to a new location for the stretch.

   

Stretching Multipart Paths

You can stretch the ends, segments, and/or corners of a multipart path in the same way you stretch single-part paths; the master path and its subparts stretch together. You cannot stretch the master path separately from its subparts, nor can you stretch subparts (except chopped subpaths) separately from the master path.

If you attempt to stretch a subpart, the system applies the stretch to the whole multipart path. The only exception is that you can stretch the chopped ends of subpaths. When you stretch a chopped subpath, all other chopped subparts are stretched also.

Note:  You cannot directly select a set of subrectangles, but selecting and stretching the chopped end of a subpath causes all chopped parts in the multipart path to be regenerated, including chopped sets of subrectangles. The system regenerates subrectangles along orthogonal segments only.

To stretch one segment in a multipart path,

1. Choose Edit - Stretch [s].

   Stretch automatically changes to partial selection mode and prompts you to select the object you want to stretch.

2. Select the segment you want to stretch by doing one of the following:

   • Click on the middle of the centerline of the master path segment or on the comparable subpath segment.

• Create a selection box around the centerline of a segment.

When you use a selection box, Stretch prompts you for a reference point.

3. If you are prompted for a reference point, click where you want the stretch to begin.

   The reference point does not have to be directly on the multipart path.

Stretch prompts you to point to the new location.

4. Point to a new location for the stretch.

   As you point, an outline of the master path segment shows you the new location.

5. Click to select the new location for the selected multipart path segment.

Stretching Chopped Subpath Ends in Multipart Paths

You can select and stretch the ends of chopped subpaths in a multipart path. You might want to do this to reconnect the ends. When you stretch the chopped end(s) of one or more subpaths, all chopped subparts stretch with the selected subpath(s).

Note:  You cannot directly select a set of subrectangles, but selecting and stretching the chopped end of a subpath causes all chopped parts in the multipart path to be regenerated, including chopped sets of subrectangles. The system regenerates subrectangles along orthogonal segments only.

To stretch the chopped end of a subpath,

1. Choose Edit - Stretch [s].

   Stretch automatically changes to partial selection mode and prompts you to select the object you want to stretch.

2. Select a chopped subpath end with a selection box or by clicking on it.

When you use a selection box, Stretch prompts you for a reference point.

3. If you are prompted for a reference point, click where you want the stretch to begin.

   The reference point does not have to be directly on the path end.

   Stretch prompts you to point to the new location.

4. Point to a new location for the stretch.

   As you point, an outline shows you the new location of the subpath end.

5. Click to select the new location for the chopped subpath end.

You can reconnect chopped subparts by stretching one subpath end over to the other subpath end. Even if you overlap the ends, the system regenerates the subrectangles correctly.

6. Select the same chopped subpath end, and point to select the new location so that it overlaps the other chopped subpath end.

   As you point, an outline shows you the new location of the subpath end.

The system reconnects the subpaths and regenerates subrectangles to fill the reconnected segment.

Adding a Jog to Several Paths (a Bus)

You can add a jog to several paths (a bus) so that it wraps around an object by splitting a section of the paths and stretching the split section.

To stretch several paths,

1. Select all paths and connected objects you want to stretch.

2. Choose Edit - Other - Split [Control-s].

3. Click to create a line through the segments.

   To stretch a segment of each path, create a split line that crosses each path twice, once at each end of the segment you want to stretch.

Create the split line at a 45-degree angle through the segments, so that the edges of the segments are offset from each other. This prevents the path segments from overlapping when you stretch them.

4. Double-click on the last point of the split line.

5. Click on a starting point for the stretch.

6. Click where you want to stretch the segments.

The path segments are stretched. Also, these other objects move:

• Any objects attached to the segments (such as contacts) that have been selected

• Any objects not recognized by the Split command (instances, labels, mosaics, bends, and tapers) but attached to the path, if they have been selected

• Objects aligned to a multipart path you stretch stay in alignment, even if you did not select them

Subrectangles and subpaths in multipart paths regenerate after the stretch.

Adding a Jog to Multipart Paths

You can add a jog to a section of a multipart path in the same way you add a jog to single-part paths; the jog affects the master path and all of its subparts. You might want to split and stretch a multipart path to direct it around an object or to add new connecting segments.

Any objects aligned with or attached to the part of the multipart path that moves, move with the stretch. You can split paths only in full selection mode.

Note:  You cannot split or stretch the master path separately from its subparts, nor can you split or stretch subparts separately from the master path. If you attempt to split a subpart, the system applies the split to the whole multipart path.

To stretch a section of a multipart path segment,

1. Choose Edit - Other - Split [Control-s].

2. Select the object to be split by clicking anywhere on the multipart path.

Split prompts you to draw a split line by clicking on points. To define the section you want to stretch, your split line must cross the centerline of the master path in two places.

3. To create a split line, click on four points as shown below, then press Return to end the split line.

Split prompts you for a reference point.

4. Click on a starting point for the stretch.

Split prompts you for the new location for the stretch.

5. Point to a new location for the stretch.

An outline of the segment shows you the position of the stretch.

6. Click to select the new location for the section being stretched.

Using Split to Add Any-Angle Segments to Paths

As you stretch path segments, you can change the angle of the segments.

To stretch path segments to any angle,

1. Open the Split form.

2. Turn Lock Angles off.

3. Create a cut line.

4. Stretch the highlighted path segment to the angle you want.

For multipart paths, see "Multipart Paths" and the rodCreatePath function in the Virtuoso Relative Object Design User Guide.

Reshaping Objects

The Reshape command lets you change the shape of a selected object.

About the Reshape Form

To open the Reshape form,

Do one of the following:

• Choose Edit - Reshape.

• Press Shift-r.

Reshape Type sets the geometry to use for reshaping a selected object.

rectangle lets you add or remove a rectangle shape.

line lets you add a polygon to a shape or reshape a path. Only line can be used to reshape a path.

Snap Mode controls the shape of line segments; applies only when Reshape Type is set to line.

Reshaping Polygons

To reshape a polygon,

1. Choose Edit - Reshape [Shift-r].

   The Reshape form appears.

2. Select a polygon.

3. Turn on Reshape Type: line.

4. Create the new section of the polygon.

5. Double-click when you are finished entering points.

6. Click right to toggle between highlighting the new shape and highlighting both the old and new shape.

7. When the shape you want is highlighted, click.

Adding a Rectangle to a Polygon

To add a rectangle to a polygon,

1. Choose Edit - Reshape [Shift-r].

   The Reshape form appears.

2. Select a polygon.

3. Double-click middle to display the Reshape form. The Reshape form appears.

4. Turn on Reshape Type: rectangle.

5. Create a rectangle that intersects the polygon.

6. Click right to toggle between highlighting the new shape and highlighting both the old and new shape.

7. When the shape you want is highlighted, click.

Reshaping a Path

To reshape a path,

1. Choose Edit - Reshape [Shift-r].

   The Reshape form appears.

2. Select a path.

3. Turn on Reshape Type: line.

4. Starting from the centerline, create the new section of the path.

5. Double-click when you are finished entering points.

6. Click right to toggle between highlighting the reshaped path options.

7. When the shape you want is highlighted, click.

Reshaping a Multipart Path

You can reshape a segment of a multipart path in the same way you reshape a segment of a single-part path; however, you must start the reshaped segment on the master path centerline.

The master path and its subparts reshape together. You cannot reshape the master path separately from its subparts, nor can you reshape subparts separately from the master path.

To reshape one segment in a multipart path,

1. Choose Edit - Reshape [Shift-r].

   The Reshape form appears.

2. Select a multipart path.

   You are prompted to enter the first point.

3. Turn on Reshape Type: line.

4. Click on the centerline of the master path to enter the first point.

As you move the cursor, an outline of the master path shows the new shape.

5. Double-click when you are finished entering points.

6. Click right to toggle between highlighting the new path and highlighting both the old and new path.

7. When the shape you want is highlighted, click.

For multipart paths, see "Multipart Paths" and the rodCreatePath function in the Virtuoso Relative Object Design User Guide.

Deleting Objects, Edges, or Corners

To delete an object,

1. Choose the objects, edges, or corners you want to delete.

2. Do one of the following:

   • Choose Edit - Delete.

   • Press Delete.

   • Click on the delete icon in the icon menu.

   All selected objects are deleted.

If you selected an edge or corner, the edge or corner is deleted and the object is redrawn.

Note:  You cannot delete a point if it changes the shape so that the shape becomes invalid. For example, a path must have at least two points; if you try to delete one point of a two-point path, you see a warning dialog box. You must close the dialog box and choose a different point to delete.

Canceling Delete

If you discover you deleted the wrong object,

Choose Edit - Undo [u] to restore the object.

Delete automatically repeats if you select the Delete command first and then choose objects.

If delete automatically repeats, press Escape to cancel the command.

About the Delete Form

Net Interconnect deletes any selected paths, instances that are vias, and all non-pin shapes on the net. Pins, component connections (instTerms), and the net is not deleted.

Selected deletes any selected objects.

Path Segment deletes any selected objects in partial select mode only, and can be used to delete sections of a path while retaining path connectivity.

Merging Objects on a Layer

You can merge one or more objects created on the same layer into one object. This is sometimes referred to as performing a logical AND on the objects.

Note:  When ROD objects are merged, the resulting shape is not a ROD object.

To merge objects,

1. Choose Edit - Merge [Shift-m].

2. Select one or more objects on the same layer. The objects must touch or overlap each other.

   The objects are merged.

   You can click and drag to create a selection box and merge several objects at once. Only those objects that are on the same layer and that touch will be merged.

How Merging Converts Objects

When you merge objects using Merge or Layer Generation, most merged objects are converted to polygons. If you merge a group of polygons and paths with Merge, the resulting object is a polygon.

However, when you merge paths of the same width abutting each other, they will merge into a single path. When you merge overlapping paths, they will merge into a polygon or rectangle.

Overlapping or abutting rectangles of the same width adjoining end to end merge into rectangles.

When you merge objects, the resulting polygon should not have more than 2,047 points (vertexes).

Note:  When ROD objects are merged, the resulting shape is not a ROD object

Selecting and Deselecting Objects

Selecting Objects

There are two selection modes: full and partial. In full selection mode, you can select an entire object. In partial selection mode, you can select entire objects, edges, or corners of objects. Press F4 to toggle the selection mode. The selection mode is displayed in the status banner.

To Select...	Do This
One object	Click on the object.
One edge or corner	Press F4 to turn on partial selection. Then click on the edge or corner.
A group of objects	Click and drag to create a selection box around the group.
An additional object	Press Shift and click inside the object.
	Press the a key and click on the object.
An additional edge or corner	Press F4 to turn on partial selection. Then press Shift and click on the edge or corner.
An additional group	Press Shift and click and drag to create a selection box around the objects.
	Press Shift-a, then create a selection box around the objects.
A group of edges or corners	Press F4 to turn on partial selection. Then create a selection box around the edges or corners.
All objects	Press Control-a, or choose Edit - Select - Select All.
An object located under other objects or cycle through overlapping objects	Select the top object, press Control-y. Continue to press Control-y, or click right, until you select the object you want.

Selecting an Object or Edge

To select an object or edge,

1. Do one of the following:

   • To select a single object, move the pointer so the object you want is highlighted with a dotted line and click.

   • To select an edge or corner, press F4, then move the pointer so the object you want is highlighted with a dotted line and click.

2. When the object or edge you want is highlighted, click.

3. Press Shift and click to select an additional object or edge.

Selecting a Group of Objects

You can select a group of objects by creating a selection box around them. This is sometimes referred to as window selection.

To select a group of objects,

1. Move the pointer to one corner of the area you want to select.

2. Click and drag the pointer to the opposite corner of the area.

3. Release the mouse button.

4. Press Shift and create another selection box to select an additional group.

Selecting Objects Under One Selection Point

You can select individual objects that are stacked under one selection point by pressing Control-y. The objects must be overlapping under the selection point and as you press Control-y, each object is highlighted as the selection process cycles through the stack of objects.

Selecting a Group of Edges

By default, when you select objects by creating a selection box, you select only whole objects. You can set the editor to select a group of edges and corners by turning on partial selection.

To turn partial selection on,

1. Press F4.

   The status banner shows you are in partial selection mode.

2. Create a selection box around those edges you want to select.

3. To turn partial selection off, press F4 again.

Selecting Multipart Rectangles

A multipart rectangle is a single object composed of multiple parts on the same or different layers. The parts consist of one or more named master rectangles and one or more arrays of unnamed subrectangles. Each named master rectangle is a separate object with ROD attributes, created at level zero in the hierarchy. Each unnamed subrectangle is an ordinary, unnamed database shape with no ROD attributes, created at level zero in the hierarchy.

The multipart rectangle below has one master rectangle and two arrays of subrectangles. Both arrays of subrectangles are offset from the master rectangle.

Selecting a master rectangle of a multipart rectangle is similar to selecting a regular rectangle: you point and click or create a selection box in a similar manner.

• In full selection mode, when you select any part of a master rectangle or its associated subrectangles, the whole master rectangle and all of its subrectangles are selected. The master rectangle is highlighted on the current selection layer, while the associated arrays of subrectangles are highlighted on different layers. This lets you see which part is the master and which parts are subrectangles.

• In partial selection mode (press F4), you can select an edge or vertex of a master rectangle.

For more information about multipart rectangles, see "Multipart Rectangles" and the rodCreateRect function in the Virtuoso Relative Object Design User Guide.

Selecting a Whole Path

To select a whole path,

Do one of the following:

• In full selection mode, point anywhere on the path and click.

  As you point, the whole path is highlighted with dotted lines.

• In partial selection mode, point to the outer edge of any path segment and click.

  As you point, the whole path is highlighted with dotted lines.

• In full or partial selection mode, create a selection box around the whole path.

Selecting Path Ends

To select a path end,

Do one of the following:

• In partial selection mode, point to an end of the path centerline and click.

  As you point, the end of the centerline is highlighted with dotted lines.

• In partial selection mode, create a selection box around an end of the path.

Selecting Path Segments

To select a single path segment,

Do one of the following:

• In partial selection mode, point to the centerline in the middle of a segment and click.

  As you point, the centerline of the segment is highlighted with dotted lines.

• In partial selection mode, create a selection box around a segment. Make sure both end points of the segment centerline are inside the box.

To select more than one path segment,

Do one of the following:

• In partial selection mode, create a selection box around multiple segments. Make sure the end points of each segment centerline are inside the box.

• In partial selection mode, click on the centerline near the middle of a segment, then press Shift and click to select additional segments.

  As you point, each segment centerline is highlighted with dotted lines.

Selecting a Path Vertex

A vertex is a point on the path centerline where two segments join.

To select a vertex,

Do one of the following:

• In partial selection mode, point to the vertex and click.

  As you point, the vertex is highlighted with dotted lines.

If you are not able to click on a vertex, the current setting of the Gravity option is too restrictive. In the Layout Editor Options form, turn off Gravity.

• In partial selection mode, create a selection box around the vertex.

Selecting Multipart Paths

A multipart path is a single object composed of multiple parts on the same or different layers. The parts are a single master path and one or more subparts. The master path is the primary part; subparts exist in relation to the master path. A subpart can be an offset subpath, an enclosure subpath, or a set of subrectangles. Individual subrectangles are not individual shapes but are part of a specific set of subrectangles.

The multipart path below has one subpath and one set of subrectangles. Both the subpath and the set of subrectangles are offset from the master path.

Selecting multipart paths is similar to selecting regular paths: you point and click or create a selection box in a similar manner. In general, you cannot select subparts separately from the master path; however, you can select the chopped end of subpaths to stretch them.

• In full selection mode, when you select any part of a multipart path, the whole multipart path is selected. The master path is highlighted on the current selection layer, while subparts are highlighted on a different layer. This lets you see which part is the master path and which parts are subparts.

• In partial selection mode (press F4), you can select an end, segment, or vertex of the master path.

• In partial selection mode, you can select the chopped end(s) of one or more subpath(s) and stretch them. When you stretch a chopped subpath, all other choppable subparts are stretched also.

Note:  You cannot directly select a set of subrectangles, but selecting and stretching the chopped end of a subpath causes all chopped parts in the multipart path to be regenerated, including chopped sets of subrectangles. The system regenerates subrectangles along orthogonal segments only.

Selecting a Whole Multipart Path

In full selection mode, selecting multipart paths is similar to selecting regular paths. When you select any part of a multipart path, the whole multipart path is selected. The master path is highlighted on the current selection layer, while subparts are highlighted on a different layer. This lets you see which part is the master path and which parts are subparts.

To select a whole multipart path,

Do one of the following:

• In full selection mode, point to any part of the multipart path and click.

  As you point, the whole path is highlighted with dotted lines.

• In full selection mode, create a selection box around any part of the multipart path.

Selecting Multipart Path Ends

In partial selection mode, you can select an end of a master path in a multipart path. You cannot select the end of a subpart, except for chopped subpath ends. If you attempt to select the non-chopped end of a subpart, the nearest end of the master path is selected.

To select an end of a master path,

Do one of the following:

• In partial selection mode, point to an end of the master path or an end of a subpath and click.

  As you point, the nearest end of the master path is highlighted with dotted lines.

• In partial selection mode, create a selection box around an end of the master path or around an end of a subpath.

Note:  Even in partial selection mode, if you select one or more whole subrectangles, the whole MPP is selected.

Selecting Chopped Subpath Ends in Multipart Paths

In partial selection mode, you can select the end(s) of one or more chopped subpaths in a multipart path and stretch them.

Note:  You cannot directly select a set of subrectangles, but selecting and stretching the chopped end of a subpath causes all chopped parts in the multipart path to be regenerated, including chopped sets of subrectangles. The system regenerates subrectangles along orthogonal segments only.

For example, to select the end of one chopped subpath,

Do one of the following:

• In partial selection mode, point to a chopped end and click.

  As you point, the chopped end is highlighted with dotted lines.

• In partial selection mode, create a selection box around the chopped end of a subpath.

Selecting Multipart Path Segments

In partial selection mode, you can select one or more segments of the master path in a multipart path. You cannot select segments of a subpart. If you attempt to select a subpart segment, the nearest segment of the master path is selected.

Note:  In partial selection mode, if you click on the edge of a subrectangle, the nearest master path segment is selected.

To select a single master path segment,

Do one of the following:

• In partial selection mode, point to the middle of the centerline in a master path segment or subpath segment and click.

  As you point, the nearest master path segment is highlighted with dotted lines.

• In partial selection mode, create a selection box around a master path or subpath segment. Make sure both end points of the segment centerline are inside the box.

To select more than one master path segment,

Do one of the following:

• In partial selection mode, create a selection box around multiple master path or subpath segments. Make sure the end points of each segment centerline are inside the box.

• In partial selection mode, point to the middle of the centerline in a master path or subpath segment and click. Press Shift and click to select additional segments.

As you point, the centerline of the nearest master path segment is highlighted with dotted lines.

Selecting a Multipart Path Vertex

For multipart paths, a vertex is a point on the master path centerline where two segments join. You can select a vertex of the master path in a multipart path. To do so, you either select the master path vertex directly or select the nearest vertex of a subpath.

To select a vertex of the master path,

Do one of the following:

• In partial selection mode, point to a vertex on the centerline of the master path or centerline of a subpath and click.

  As you point, the nearest master path vertex is highlighted with dotted lines.

If you are not able to click on a centerline vertex, the current setting of the Gravity option is too restrictive. In the Layout Editor Options form, turn off Gravity.

• In partial selection mode, create a selection box around a vertex on the centerline of a master path or subpath.

Note:  If you click on the corner of a subrectangle, the nearest master path vertex is selected.

For more information about multipart paths, see "Multipart Paths" and the rodCreatePath function in the Virtuoso Relative Object Design User Guide.

Deselecting Objects

You deselect objects almost the same way you select objects, except you press Control as you click on an object, corner, or edge.

Here is a quick reference to all of the ways you can deselect objects.

To Deselect...	Do This
All objects	Click on an empty portion of the design, or press Control-d, or choose Edit - Select - Deselect All.
One object	Press Control and click on the object.
A group	Press Control and click and drag to create a deselection box around the objects.

Pre- and Postselection of Objects

You can select objects either before or after you start a command.

If you select the object before starting the command (preselect),

• Editing commands do not automatically repeat, even if repeat mode is set on

• Some editing commands prompt you for a starting point, called the reference point, for the edit

If you select the command and then the object (postselect),

• Editing commands automatically repeat if repeat mode is on (the default)

• Editing commands do not necessarily prompt you for a reference point. If you click to select the first object, the editor uses that point as the reference point.

Making Objects Selectable or Unselectable

You can use the Layer Selection Window to set whether instances, pins, or objects created on specific layers are selectable or unselectable.

Adding or Removing Levels of Hierarchy

You can copy selected objects in the current cellview into a new cell with the Virtuoso^® Layout Editor.

About the Make Cell Form

To open the Make Cell form,

Choose Edit - Hierarchy - Make Cell.

Library sets the library in which to create the new cell.

Cell sets the name of the new cell.

View sets the view name of the new cell.

Replace Figures replaces the selected objects in this cellview with an instance of the new cell.

Browse lets you select the library, cell, and view names by clicking on them in the browser.

Creating a Cell from the Selected Set

To create a cell from objects in your layout,

1. Select the objects you want to place into a new cell.

2. Choose Edit - Hierarchy - Make Cell.

3. Type the library, cell, and view names for the new cell.

4. In the Make Cell form, do one of the following:

   • Turn Replace Figures on to replace the selected objects with an instance of the new cell.

   • Turn Replace Figures off to leave the objects unchanged.

5. Click OK.

   Note:  If you type the name of an existing cell, a dialog box lets you choose to overwrite the existing cell with a new one.

Flattening Instances

The Flatten command moves the contents of a cell or array up one or more levels in the hierarchy.

When a ROD object is flattened, the system assigns the flattened object a name based on the hierarchical name of the ROD object by replacing slashes with dashes. For example, when you flatten ROD object I1/I4/rect3, the resulting object is named I1-I4-rect3.

About the Flatten Form

To open the Flatten form,

Choose Edit - Hierarchy - Flatten.

Flatten Mode controls the number of design hierarchy levels that are flattened. You can move an instance up one level or move the contents of all displayed instances up to the current cellview level.

Flatten Pcells flattens any selected parameterized cells.

Preserve Pins preserves the connectivity information of flattened pins.

Preserve ROD Objects preserves the attributes of ROD objects (such as object name, alignments, multipart path subparts, multipart rectangles and subrectangles) when an instance is flattened. The default is off. When this option is off, ROD objects become ordinary unnamed objects, the subparts of multipart paths become ordinary paths and rectangles, the master rectangles in multipart rectangles become ordinary, unnamed rectangles, and the subrectangles of multipart rectangles become ordinary rectangles.

Removing Hierarchy (Flattening Instances)

You can move the contents of an instance up into the current cellview. This is often called flattening an instance.

To display the detail in all instances you want to flatten,

1. Choose Options - Display [e].

   The Display Options form appears.

2. Set Display Controls to display the detail in all instances you want to flatten.

3. Click OK.

4. Choose Edit - Hierarchy - Flatten.

5. Set the Flatten Mode to flatten one or all levels of hierarchy.

6. Click OK.

Copying and Cutting Through the Hierarchy

Yank and Paste can cut and copy all or part of instances and shapes in a designated area.

To copy parts of cell instances,

1. Choose Options - Display [e].

   The Display Options form appears.

2. Set Display Controls to display the detail in all instances you want to copy.

3. Click OK.

4. Choose Edit - Other - Yank [y].

   The Yank form appears.

5. Set the Yank Levels.

6. Click and drag to create a box around the area you want to yank.

7. Choose Edit - Other - Paste [Shift-y].

8. Click to place the copies.

Cutting Objects

The Chop command lets you cut away part of an object or cut an object into pieces.

About the Chop Form

To open the Chop form,

Do one of the following:

• Choose Edit - Other - Chop.

• Press Shift-c.

Chop Shape controls the shape you want to use as the cutter. If Chop Shape is set to line, Remove Chop has no effect.

Remove Chop removes the part of the object enclosed by Chop Shape.

Snap Mode controls the shape of polygon or line segments. Snap Mode applies only when Chop Shape is set to polygon or line.

Chopping an Object

To cut away part of an object,

1. Choose Edit - Other - Chop [Shift-c].

2. Select one or more objects.

3. In the Chop form, set Chop Shape to rectangle.

4. Click to enter the first corner of the rectangle cutter.

5. Click to enter the opposite corner of the rectangle cutter.

   The second click completes the chop.

If you create a polygon cutter, you must double-click to complete the polygon cutter and the chop.

If you cut a hole in an object, it is redrawn as a polygon with a cut line.

Splitting an Object into Pieces

To split an object into multiple pieces,

1. Choose Edit - Other - Chop [Shift-c].

2. Select one or more objects.

3. In the Chop form, set Chop Shape to line.

4. Click to create the cutter line.

5. Double-click to complete the line and split the object.

Note:  You can also split an object by turning off the Remove Chop option in the Chop form and using a rectangle or polygon chop shape. This saves both the area you cut and the original objects.

How Chopping Converts Objects to Polygons

When you cut or split any object using Chop, the object might be converted to a polygon depending on the Chop Shape and Snap Mode chosen in the Chop form.

For example, if you cut a path with a diagonal line, the resulting object is a polygon.

Paths convert to polygons when Chop Shape is set to polygon or line and Snap Mode is set to anyAngle or diagonal.

How Chopping Affects Multipart Paths

When you use Chop on a multipart path, the result depends on what parts of the multipart path are choppable. You specify whether a part is choppable when you create the multipart path.

• If you specify the master path as choppable, all of its subparts must be choppable also. When you specify the master path as not choppable, you can specify each of its subparts as choppable or not.

• If the master path is choppable, you can chop the whole multipart path into two or more separate multipart paths by chopping all the way through the master path at 90 degrees.

• If the master path is choppable and you chop at an angle other than 90 degrees and/or chop only part of the way through the master path, the chop changes all objects in the multipart path into ordinary paths, polygons, and rectangles. If this is not what you wanted, you can undo the chop with the Edit - Undo command.

• If the master path is not choppable, you can chop all subparts that are specified as choppable by chopping all the way through the master path at 90 degrees. All choppable subparts are chopped where you chop over the master path.

• When a chop affects sets of subrectangles that are choppable, the system regenerates subrectangles along orthogonal segments only.

• If the master path is not choppable, the system will not allow you to chop at an angle other than 90 degrees or to chop only part of the way through the multipart path.

After you chop a multipart path, you can select and stretch the chopped ends of subpaths. Although you cannot directly select, stretch, or chop a set of subrectangles, all choppable sets of subrectangles are also chopped when you chop a subpath.

When you chop a multipart path into one or more separate multipart paths, the system assigns the name of the original multipart path to the first new multipart path. The system assigns unique names to the other new multipart paths, starting with path0, path1, etc.

Note:  If you want to chop and rotate an MPP, rotate the MPP first, then chop it. Avoid rotating a chopped MPP as the chop holes might not rotate correctly.

Chopping Multipart Paths with Aligned Objects

When you chop through the (choppable) master path of a multipart path, alignments to other objects are lost.

The following example shows what happens to an aligned object after cutting away a section of a choppable master path.

When you use the cutter to chop out part of the master path like this,

the result is two new, shorter multipart paths, neither of which are aligned to rect1.

The system keeps the name pathA with the first new multipart path and assigns a unique name in the format of pathn to the second new multipart path.

Chopping a Multipart Path

The multipart path shown below has one subpath and one set of subrectangles.

To cut away part of a multipart path,

1. Choose Edit - Other - Chop [Shift-c].

2. Select the multipart path.

3. Create a chop rectangle around the master path to identify the parts you want to cut away.

To chop a multipart path or its choppable subparts, you must chop all the way through the master path. It is not necessary to chop through subparts.

The results of the chop depend on whether the master path is choppable or not, as shown below.

For multipart paths, see "Multipart Paths" and the rodCreatePath function in the Virtuoso Relative Object Design User Guide.

Using the Modify Corner Command

The Modify Corner command lets you reshape the corner of a polygon to make a rounded or chamfered (45-degree) edge.

About the Modify Corner Form

To open the Modify Corner form,

Choose Edit - Other - Modify Corner.

Type of Corner controls whether you create a rounded corner (radial) or a 45-degree edge (chamfer).

Radius sets the radius of the rounded corner, in user units.

Note:  If you choose to create a chamfer corner, the Radius field changes to Distance.

Distance sets the distance in user units from the vertex to begin beveling.

Number of Sides sets the number of straight segments used to create a rounded corner. This setting is used only if Type of Corner is set to radial.

Modifying the Corners of a Polygon

To reshape a corner,

1. Choose Edit - Other - Modify Corner.

   The Modify Corner form appears.

2. Do one of the following:

   • Select radial and set Radius (the radius of the curve) and Number of Sides (the number of segments to create the curve).

   • Select chamfer and set Distance.

Note:  The maximum value you can set is half the length of the shortest adjacent line segment. The layout editor applies this value or the maximum allowable value for each corner, whichever is shorter.

3. Click on the corner you want to change. To change more than one corner, Shift-click on each additional corner.

4. Click OK.

Enlarging or Reducing Objects

The Size command enlarges or reduces a shape.

About the Size Form

To open the Size form,

Choose Edit - Other - Size.

Size Value controls the amount by which you enlarge or reduce the object. Positive numbers enlarge, negative numbers reduce.

Sizing Objects

The Size command reduces or enlarges objects by stretching each edge in or out by the given number of user units.

To size objects,

1. Select the objects you want to resize.

2. Choose Edit - Other - Size.

   The Size form appears.

3. In the Size Value field, type the number of units you want to stretch each side.

   A positive number enlarges the object, a negative number reduces it.

4. Click OK.

Splitting and Stretching Objects

The Split command lets you split and stretch a portion of an object. You usually use it to add a jog by stretching a section of a path or group of paths (a bus). You can also use Split to add a jog by stretching a section of a multipart path.

About the Split Form

To open the Split form,

Do one of the following:

• Choose Edit - Other - Split.

• Press Control-s.

Lock Angles prevents you from changing the angles of objects as you stretch them.

Snap Mode controls the direction in which you can draw line segments when you draw a line to split the object. As you stretch the split object, Snap Mode controls the direction in which you can stretch an edge.

Splitting an Object

To split and stretch an object,

1. Choose Edit - Other - Split [Control-s].

2. Select the object you want to split.

3. Click on the points of the split line.

4. Click on the reference point for the stretch.

5. Click on the new location for the stretch.

Attaching and Detaching Objects

Attaching Objects

When you attach one object to another, you create a parent-child relationship between the two objects. The attached object is the child of the object to which it is attached. Parent-child relationships behave in the following manner:

• When the parent moves, all child objects move with it.

• When a child moves, the parent does not move.

• When the parent is deleted, all child objects are deleted.

• When a child is deleted, the parent is not deleted.

To attach objects,

1. Choose Edit - Other - Attach/Detach [v].

   The following message appears in the Command Interpreter Window:

   Select child object to be attached or detached.

2. Click on the object you want to be the child object. A dotted line extends from the child to the cursor.

3. Move the cursor to the object you want to be the parent object and click.

The child is attached to the parent.

Detaching Objects

To detach objects that have been joined using the Attach command,

1. Select all of the child objects you want to detach.

2. Choose Edit - Other - Attach/Detach [v].

   The following message appears in the CIW:

   To attach child object, click on the parent object;
to detach child object, click in empty area.

   A dotted line extends from the child to the cursor.

3. Move the cursor to an empty area of your cellview and click.

The child is detached from the parent.

4. If you selected more than one child object, click again in an empty area.

Aligning Objects

To align two or more objects (devices, pins, or shapes) use the Align command. You can align objects in either preselect or postselect mode.

Note:  The Align command does not read spacing information in the technology file and does not obey user-defined constraints; therefore, you might get unexpected results with this command.

Post Selecting Devices

1. From the layout window, choose Edit - Other - Align.

   The Alignment form appears.

   

2. Change the Selection Mode to Set reference and select objects to be aligned.

3. Set the Alignment Direction to Horizontal or Vertical.

4. Set the Align Using cyclic field to Layer Edge and specify the Layer to be used from the cyclic field.

5. If you want to space objects evenly when they are aligned, turn on Component Space in the Apply Spacings cyclic field and specify a minimum separation distance in the Spacings field.

6. Select Set New Reference and you are prompted to "select ("cellBoundary" drawing") edge of device to which you want to align other devices."

7. From the layout window, click on the edge of the object (the reference) to which you want to align other objects.

   A crosshair cursor appears over the object or layer you select.

   

8. Click on the object's layer edges you want to align to the reference, in this case the top edges.

   

   Virtuoso layout editor aligns each object as you click on it, separating the objects (in this case the layer edges) by the separation value you chose.

   

   If you do not turn on Component Space, the objects retain their original spacing. They are aligned, but not evenly spaced.

   

9. To undo the alignment of an object, press the Back Space key.

   Using this key, you can undo all the alignments you made.

PreSelecting Devices

1. From the layout window, choose Edit - Other - Align.

   The Alignment form appears.

   

2. In the layout window select the devices to be aligned.

3. Change the Selection Mode to Set reference to align preselected objects.

4. Set the Alignment Direction to Horizontal or Vertical.

5. Set the Align Using cyclic field to Layer BBox and specify the Layer to be used from the cyclic field.

6. Change the Reference Point to centerCenter.

7. If you want to space objects evenly when they are aligned, turn on Component Space in the Apply Spacings cyclic field and specify a minimum separation distance in the Spacings field.

8. Select Set New Reference and the CIW prompts you to "Enter origin for alignment".

9. Click in the layout window and the devices are aligned.

10. To add other devices to the aligned group, use the Shift left mouse button to select the unaligned devices.

11. In the Alignment form select Set New Reference and click in the layout window. The unaligned devices are now aligned with the original selected alignment group.

About the Align Form

Selection Mode allows you to align components that are preselected or postselected.

Set reference to align preselected objects works on the preselected set of components in the design.

Set reference and select objects to be aligned allows you to set the options on the Alignment form and then select the components to be aligned.

Alignment Direction defines the alignment direction.

Horizontal aligns objects in the X direction.

Vertical aligns objects in the Y direction.

Align Using indicates how objects are aligned as per the Selection Mode. For preselected objects you can use the following options.

Component BBox aligns the Reference Point of the components bounding box

Component Origin aligns the origin of the component.

Layer BBox aligns the Reference Point of the specified Layer.

For Post selection use the following available options. Notice that the Reference Point options do not pertain to post selection.

Component Center aligns the centers of components.

Component Edge aligns the left, right, top, or bottom edges of the component.

Component Origin aligns the origins of the objects.

Layer Center aligns the centers of the shapes on the current layer.

Layer Edge aligns the left, right, top, or bottom edges of the shapes on the current layer.

Layer is a cyclic field showing the layers defined in your technology file. Use this field to specify the layer to use for aligning by layer edge, layer center, or layer BBox.

Reference Point is used with preselection mode options Component BBox and Layer BBox. Specify upperLeft, centerLeft, lowerLeft, upperCenter, centerCenter, lowerCenter, upperRight, centerRight, or lowerRight.

Apply Spacings specifies the spacing between the aligned components.

None aligns the components, but leaves the original spacing intact. This option can cause errors in your design.

Component Pitch is used with preselect mode. The distance (in user units) for center to center spacing between aligned shapes. You can set this value to a negative number to overlap instance.

Component Space is used with both preselect and postselect mode. The distance (in user units) to maintain between aligned shapes. You can set this value to a negative number to overlap instances. When no value is entered the result is the same as using Apply Spacings None.

Pitches is the value when using the Component Pitch option.

Spacing is the value when using the Component Space command.

Sort Components By allows you to change how the selected objects are sorted in relationship to the reference object. This option only works with preselected objects.

Align Direction Order sorts the objects by the alignment direction order.

Horizontal Order sorts the objects aligned horizontally.

Vertical Order sorts the objects aligned vertically.

Order Selected sorts the objects in the order that they were selected.

Instance Name sorts the objects aligned by instance name.

Net Name sorts the objects aligned by net name.

Reverse Sort allows you to reverse the sorted objects.

Set New Reference specifies the reference for the selected components to be aligned to.

Using the Rotate Command

The Rotate command lets you change the orientation of most geometric objects.

Note:  You can rotate any object except donuts and dots with the Rotate command. To rotate donuts and dots, use the Move, Copy, or Paste command.

About the Rotate Form

To open the Rotate form,

Do one of the following:

• Choose Edit - Other - Rotate.

• Press Shift-o.

Angle sets the angle to rotate the object you select. As you move your cursor, the current rotation angle appears here. You can also type the specific angle you want and click Apply.

Angle Snap To controls the precision of the angle of the snap.

1 Degree lets you use whole numbers; for example, 10.

.1 Degree lets you use one decimal place; for example, 12.5.

Any lets you use three decimal places; for example, 15.125, assuming 1,000 data base units/user units.

Rotate turns the object, instance, or label 90 degrees counterclockwise.

Sideways mirrors the object about the Y axis or turns an instance or label 180 degrees counterclockwise.

Upside Down mirrors the object about the X axis or turns an instance or label 270 degrees counterclockwise.

Rotating Geometric Objects to Any Angle

To rotate a geometric object to any angle, use the Rotate command. To rotate donuts or dots, use the Move, Copy, or Paste command.

To rotate an object using the cursor,

1. Choose Edit - Other - Rotate [Shift-o].

   The Rotate form appears.

2. Select the object you want to rotate.

3. Click on a reference point and move the cursor.

   The object rotates and the current rotation angle appears:

4. Click to stop the rotation.

To rotate the object using the Rotate form,

1. Choose Edit - Other - Rotate [Shift-o].

   The Rotate form appears.

2. Select the object you want to rotate.

3. Click on a reference point.

4. Type a degree in the Angle field, or click one of the rotate buttons.

5. Click Apply.

Rotating or Mirroring Objects

To rotate any object in 90-degree increments or to mirror an object, use the Move, Copy, or Paste command. To rotate most geometric objects to any angle, use the Rotate command. Instances and labels cannot be rotated to other than 90-degree increments. To rotate donuts or dots, use the Move, Copy, or Paste commands.

To rotate an object using the Move command,

1. Choose Edit - Move [m].

   The Move form appears.

2. Select the objects you want to rotate.

3. Click on the Rotate, Sideways, or Upside Down button.

   Continue clicking the buttons to further rotate or mirror the object.

4. Click where you want to place the rotated object.

Using the Mouse to Rotate or Mirror Objects

You can use the right mouse button to rotate or mirror objects.

While using Move, Copy, or Paste,

Do one of the following:

• To rotate the object 90 degrees, click right.

• To mirror the object, press Shift and click right.

  The object mirrors first along the X axis, then along the Y axis.

Rotating Instances and Labels

1. Choose Edit - Other - Rotate [Shift-o].

   The Rotate form appears.

2. Select the instance or label you want to rotate.

   The Angle and Angle Snap To fields are grayed out because instances and labels can be rotated only at 90-degree increments.

3. Click on the reference point.

4. To rotate the object,

   • 90 degrees, click on Rotate.

   • 180 degrees, click on Sideways.

   • 270 degrees, click on Upside Down.

   To rotate instances, labels, donuts, or dots, you can also use the Move, Copy, or Paste commands.

Yanking and Pasting Objects

The Yank command performs a "cookie cutter" copy. Yank copies objects, and parts of objects, into a temporary buffer. The Paste command places copies of objects from a temporary buffer.

Note:  The Yank and Paste commands do not support ROD objects.

About the Yank Form

To open the Yank form,

Do one of the following:

• Choose Edit - Other - Yank.

• Press y.

Yank Shape sets the type of shape you draw around, or through, the objects you want to copy.

Yank Levels sets the number of levels of design hierarchy through which Yank can copy shapes. The current cellview is level 0, instances inside it are level 1, and so forth.

Snap Mode controls the shape of line segments when Yank Shape is set to polygon.

About the Paste Form

To open the Paste form,

Do one of the following:

• Choose Edit - Other - Paste.

• Press Shift-y.

Rotate turns the object 90 degrees counterclockwise. You can also click the right mouse button to rotate or mirror objects you paste.

Sideways mirrors the object along the X axis.

Upside Down mirrors the object along the Y axis.

Yanking and Pasting

Yank and Paste are similar to Copy except that objects are chopped by the Yank shape. Yank/Paste is a "cookie cutter" copy.

To copy part of an object, group of objects, or an instance,

1. Choose Edit - Other - Yank [y].

   The Yank form appears. In the Yank form the Yank Shape is set by default to create a rectangle.

2. If you are in full selection mode, press F4 to go to partial selection mode.

3. Create the yank shape around the objects you want to copy.

   All objects and parts of objects inside the box are copied into a special yank buffer. If an instance is inserted by the Yank shape, the objects in it are brought to the top level (flattened).

4. Choose Edit - Other - Paste [Shift-y].

   Outlines of the objects you yanked follow the pointer.

5. Click to place the copied objects.

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