Glossary
A
Analog Expression Language. A syntax for expressions that allows the rapid evaluation of those expressions. AEL lets you express values as mathematical expressions instead of single, fixed values. Refer to the Analog Expression Language Reference.
Analog and Microwave LVS. The analog and microwave version of LVS, which originally only ran on digital designs.
B
The fundamental representation of a cell or library CDF description. Base level and user level are combined to produce the effective level, with user-level values overriding base-level values. Only the base level is permanently stored to the system disk.
C
A procedure triggered by a change in a parameter in a CDF description. Callbacks can be SKILL procedures, expressions, or functions entered directly into the Edit Component Parameter form, or they can be calls to procedures located elsewhere.
Component Description Format. A system for dynamically changing and storing parameters and displaying information for components and sets of components for different versions (levels) of designs.
Circuit Description Language. CDL is a subset of SPICE used by Dracula®, with extensions that allow for such things as global signals and empty cells.
CDF Expression Language. Another name for AEL.
The Cadence software representation of a design element (or component).
Command Interpreter Window. The primary user interface for launching Cadence software. The Edit CDF form starts from the Tools menu in the CIW. You can enter SKILL commands in the CIW command line.
A fundamental unit within a system that encapsulates behavior and/or structure (also known as an element). A cell, with cellviews and associated CDF.
A type of form field that displays only one value, but reveals a sliding menu when you select the field.
A software record used to store and retrieve component properties. New properties can be dynamically added or removed. A disembodied property list starts with a SKILL data object, usually nil, followed by alternating name and value pairs.
E
A masked sum of all the CDF values for a cell or library.
F
The empty rectangle on a form where you type in values and names.
H
MNS™ microwave design simulator from Hewlett-Packard.
I
Displayed component values which change with each instance or change as the component parameters change.
Those parameters used in a module description that change with each instantiation of that module. These parameters are defined in the first section of a module, the module interface declarations, and are specified each time a module is called in a netlist instance statement.
L
Libra®. A microwave design simulator from EESof.
Layout Versus Schematic. A Dracula verification tool that confirms that your layout matches your original schematic.
M
A named instance with a unique group of parameters specifying the behavior of one particular version of a component. You can use models to instantiate components with parametric specifications different than those in the original component definition.
Those parameters in a module description that remain the same with each instantiation of the original module, but which are designed to be changed when the module is called by a model. These parameters are defined in the second section of a module, the global module scope declarations, and they are specified each time a module is called in a model instance statement.
N
No value (an absence of value) or a false value.
P
A characteristic of a component.
A characteristic of a parameter.
The system evaluation of CDF information. Values can be parsed in absolute terms or according to a predefined system.
A parameterized cell. You can change a set of cells by changing one parameter.
The title or words to the left of the form field or button that tell you the name or nature of the parameter or other value that you enter at that place in the form.
A piece of information about an instance or object in a design.
R
An entry on a form that behaves as a push button does. You click the button to turn the function on (the symbol turns black) and off (the symbol turns white).
A set of interlinked radio buttons in a single form field associated with one parameter. Typically, only one button can be on at any one time.
S
A proprietary Cadence programming language based on over 1,200 functions. Each function follows a standard SKILL syntax and acts on a particular data type or data object.
When SKILL functions or expressions are used alone or entered into the CIW command line, they are often called SKILL commands.
An equation where a data object is set equal to a SKILL function. AEL expressions can be used to express individual values in a SKILL function.
The fundamental element in the SKILL language. An operation to be performed (usually specific to Cadence software), usually followed by the items or data objects that the operation is to be performed on.
A short program or “script” or routine made up of multiple SKILL expressions and functions.
A program made up of multiple SKILL expressions and functions.
T
A non-nil or true value. Used in Boolean values.
U
A temporary level of cell or library CDF information that overrides base-level information, but is lost at the end of each design session unless you take specific actions to save it.
V
Virtuoso Layout Editor. Cadence’s integrated circuit layout editor that supports IC cell layout design down to the polygon level.
W
WATSCAD™. A switched capacitor design simulator from the University of Waterloo.
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