Glossary
A
Compilation of the VHDL source code.
Describes the implementation of an entity. The architecture specifies to the compiler what the device really does, and how it achieves this. A single entity can have several different architectures, and each architecture must have an associated entity.
B
VHDL expressions that describe the behavior of a component.
The assignment of specific components to specific entities. Configurations control binding.
C
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.
Cadence OpenAccess database, the design data storage format used by Cadence tools.
The Cadence software representation of a design element or component. A component of a design; a collection of different aspects (representations) of the component’s implementations, such as its schematic, layout, or symbol representations. A design object consisting of a set of views that can be stored and referenced independently. A cell can include other cells, forming a hierarchical design. A cell is an individual building block of a chip or system. In the database, a cell contains all the cellviews of that cell. An inverter and a buffer are examples of a small cell. A decoder register, ALU (arithmetic logic unit), memories, complete chips, and printed circuit boards are examples of large cells.
A specific representation (view) of a cell. A particular representation of a particular component, such as a D flip-flop’s physical layout or a NAND gate’s schematic symbol. A database object containing all the information unique to a particular representation of a particular component. See also view.
Command Interpreter Window, the main Virtuoso® Design Environment window within the Cadence software.
Short for code (machine instruction streams).
Command Interpreter Window (CIW)
The initial window within the Cadence software. You can enter SKILL commands in the CIW command line. CIW is the main Virtuoso Studio Design Environment window within the Cadence software.
See analysis.
A fundamental unit within a system that encapsulates behavior or structure (also known as an element). A cell, with cellviews and associated CDF.
Selects which units are used in each level of the design hierarchy.
A statement or basic element in a programming language.
A statement in a design unit that identifies which elements in which libraries the design unit references.
A button on a form that displays a list of valid options when you hold a mouse button down on top of it. For example, one cyclic field button enables you to select the units of measurement, and lists inches, centimeters, mils, or microns.
D
Virtuoso Studio Design Environment
The set of functions, commands, windows, menus, and databases that comprise the entire graphics environment, beginning with the CIW.
The basic building blocks of a VHDL design, including entity, architecture, package, package body, and configuration declarations.
The CDBA format library where the imported design is placed.
E
The interface to a component. Entities communicate through generic devices and ports.
Describes the interface to a component. Entities communicate through generic devices and ports.
F
A window or dialog box enabling you to specify information and various options pertaining to a specific command or menu item. The options take effect when you click OK or Apply.
The area on a form where you indicate values, names, and selections.
H
The nested design levels, such as instances within a cell. By default, you open the top level in the hierarchy when you open a cellview.
I
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
A copy of a master symbol in a design.
L
A logical collection of cells, views, and technology information. A physical collection of files and directories that can reside anywhere in the file system. A library can be shared by all users and controlled by a single person.
The Cadence window displaying the list of available libraries in your search path as well as any open libraries. You can search through your libraries, cells, views, cellviews, and versions with the Library Browser.
Fields in forms that you can scroll up or down to view and select items from a list.
Language Sensitive Editor. A text editor with features specific to one programming or design language, such as syntax checking.
M
The rectangular area across the top of a window. It contains menus, such as Open and Design Manager.
N
The cells and interconnections that comprise the logical design of a circuit.
O
P
package, package body declaration
Contain commonly used declarations such as constants, type declarations, and global subprograms for multiple design units.
A characteristic of a component.
Entity, package, and configuration declarations. Primary DUs (design units) must be analyzed (compiled) before secondary DUs.
R
A library that contains library units that are referenced in the design unit undergoing analysis. While there can be only one working library, there can be many resource libraries. Resource libraries are referenced by designs.
Reduced Instruction Set Computer.
S
Architecture and package body declarations. Secondary DUs (design units) must be analyzed (compiled) after primary DUs.
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.
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.
Structural intermediate representation.
V
Very High Speed Integrated Circuits.
VHSIC Hardware Description Language.
A specific representation of a cell, such as schematic, geometric, symbolic, logical, and routing. In the database, a view contains all the cellviews of that view. Each view can have a viewType property that associates its it with a specific application. For example, the view named “XYZ” could be a viewType “layout.” See also cellview.
A property of a view that associates it with a particular application. Virtuoso® Design Environment recognizes a set of registered viewTypes, such as schematic and layout views.
W
In the X environment, a rectangular area on a graphics workstation that emulates a terminal and runs an application separate from the applications in other windows. Usually you can have several windows on your screen at one time.
The library where a library unit is placed after that library unit is created from the analysis of a design unit. There can be only one working library. The working library holds the design itself.
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