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Subject: Linking Concept HDL to Microsoft Access Database

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mcatramb91
Posts: 141
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3/16/2006 8:57 AM
I have been doing some research on how we could link our component information stored in a Microsoft Access Database to Concept HDL. Basically, We are using different schematic tool which uses a Microsoft Acccess Database to manage our component information and would like to leverage this data with Concept HDL. We already have company wide solutions in place to manage our BOMs, Design Data and Enterprise Data so using the Allegro Design Workbench 15.7 is not really an option. We are looking for an alternative way to link Concept HDL to a Microsoft Access Database to retrieve our component information instead of using the traditional CHIPS.PRT files. Has anyone been successful in linking Concept HDL to a Microsoft Access Database for component information or have heard of a possible Cadence solution in the near future ? Thanks, Mike

cmusetti@silverstorm.com
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3/16/2006 12:10 PM
Mike, I believe what you would want to do is create a report in MS ACESS of the table and then export those reports to ASCII texty files. You can just simply export the data from the tables but I like reports better as I can format it and sort to the way I want the data to be processed as a matter fact I can get it very close to the PPT structure itself, to where if I didn't know how to write a script to reformat it would be simply enough to edit with an editor with automated editting features such as VI. Otherwise if you do know how to program through scripting such as PERL works well, to reformat the data into the PPT file structure. You will need to choose what type of PPT structure in the HDL view you want utilize cell or file. I have not used concept in 4 years but I think it still works with the PPT files. Using chips_prt files for all your parts will probably cause a lot of duplication of data entry. Carl

geraldg
Posts: 14
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3/16/2006 2:49 PM
Hi Mike, Carl's suggestions are very good. Since ConceptHDL does utilize Physical Part Table files (PPT) and the structure is the same for many years (back to the Concept-SCALD days), you can export the Access data and format it into the PPT file format. Several companies have an auto-update where they export the Access data nightly (as an example) so the data is "fresh" each day. Good luck!

mcatramb91
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3/16/2006 3:45 PM
Thanks for all great suggestions.. The auto-update routine also seems like a usable way to go.. I just heard back from support and they indicated that I could possibly use the Part Browser QuickStart Extended Services to get things linked up but I am not familiar with it. Has anyone heard of or used the Part Browser QuickStart services that is offered by Cadence ? This service has a suggested extended service of updating the Concept PPT files using information stored on our MRP/ERP Systems which sound like what I am looking for.

geraldg
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3/16/2006 4:26 PM
Mike, Right - perhaps one of the best methods of understanding the possible Cadence services offered to aid in the auto-updating of PPT files from your MRP/ERP systems would be to work with your local Cadence account team (Sales Managers, AE, etc.). They'll be able to provide the best path for what you need. Have you downloaded the Part Browser utility? It's available from the Cadence web site at - http://www.cadence.com/products/si_pk_bd/downloads/partbrowser/index.aspx Once you play with it, you'll be in good shape to ask all the pertinent questions about possible ERP/MRP linkages. Jerry

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Forums > Silicon-package-board > PCB Design > Linking Concept HDL to Microsoft Access Database