Arrays

Arrays are created using dbMosaic objects. You can create simple mosaics only. Although you can manipulate the location and orientation of complex mosaics, you cannot create them, nor can you change their composition. You must use the structure compiler tool for these operations.

Circles

Circles are created using dbEllipse objects. Circles are stored as ellipses, where the bounding box of the ellipse is a square. A circle does not have to remain a circle; you can stretch it into an ellipse.

Contacts

Contacts are created using dbInst objects. Contacts are defined in the technology file and must be parameterized cells with specific parameter names.

Donuts

Donuts are created using dbDonut objects.

Ellipses

Ellipses are created using dbEllipse objects.

Instances

Instances are created using dbInst objects.

Labels

Labels are created using dbLabel objects.

Multipart Path Templates

One way to define a template for a multipart path is by specifying the leDefineMPPTemplate function in an ASCII file. A multipart path is a single relative object design (ROD) object consisting of one or more parts at level zero in the hierarchy on the same or on different layers.

Paths

Paths are created using dbPath objects. You can use the Path command to create multi-layer paths, which are multiple paths on different layers with contact instances connecting the different layers.

Pins

Rectangle, polygon, dot, and symbolic (instance) type pins can be created. They are created as dbRect, dbPolygon, dbDot, or dbInst types, with dbPins attached to them. From a database point of view, a pin is a logical object, not a physical object; the object seen is just the figure used to represent the pin. Pins can be created on any layer and can be of any size. The system prompts you for the terminal name.

Polygons

Polygons are created using dbPolygon objects.

Procedural Access

All figure types can be created procedurally. Many of these procedures are identical to database functions and maintain a consistent naming convention.

Rectangles

Rectangles are created using dbRect objects.

Tapered Transmission Lines

Tapered transmission lines are a special type of transmission line: they are a single transmission line segment that has different widths at either end. The transition from one width to the other can be either linear or exponential. Tapered transmission lines are represented in the database in the same way as transmission lines.

Transmission Line Bends

Transmission line bends are special types of transmission lines. They contain three points and, therefore, define two segments and one bend. Unlike normal transmission lines, the two segments of a transmission line bend can have different widths. Transmission line bends are represented in the database in the same way as transmission lines.

Transmission Lines

Transmission lines are similar to paths, except that you can specify how bends in transmission lines are built. You can specify standard bends, chamfered bends, or radial bends. Transmission lines are useful in extremely high-frequency circuits.