Import Design

IMPORT DESIGN

Import Design Data into the Diagnostic Profiler

The first step in the process of developing a model-based diagnostic capability is importing design data. The underlying data files and directory structures are managed by the Diagnostic Profiler's graphical user interface. All that you need to be concerned with is the naming of your project. The EDIF Import Wizard will automatically translate an EDIF Version 2 0 0 or greater netlist into the format used by the Diagnostic Profiler. Another tool in the Import Design area is the Design Changes Wizard. This tool merges an updated design data file with a Diagnostic Profiler project already in process. The project is updated automatically to reflect the design changes. The wizard also provides detailed information on what design changes were made, how these changes impact the tests that had already been defined, and can step you through each area impacted. A Combine Designs Wizard is used to combine two or more designs. You define the interconnectivity between the two designs, and the two are merged into a single model. This is useful for multi-level boards. SGML Troubleshooting Data Import allows capture of SGML tagged fault trees for creation of Class V Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals from legacy data. The Create Designs Wizard allows you to create a model manually from a list of parts & faults. Digital Fault Simulator Data Import enables you to import data directly from the output files of a fault simulator (HP3070/3075 available at this time).

The Diagnostic Profiler is used to do testability analysis and to create a run-time diagnostic reasoning capability. In order for either to be accurate, the diagnostic knowledge base must represent both the design and the tests applied to the design.

The Diagnostic Profiler creates the design representation by importing design data. The design information captured includes component and pin definition, interconnectivity, hierarchy, and signal flow. Generally, this information is imported from a netlist that is output from CAD systems. EDIF is an industry standard netlist format that is output from most CAD systems. The Diagnostic Profiler will import EDIF Version 2 0 0 or greater. It is important that the EDIF netlist reflects component interconnectivity, not just mechanical layout.

The most efficient method of design data input is from an electronic source. The most prevalent electronic source of design data is directly off the designer's CAD/CAE system. For designs where this is not possible, either because of the age of the design or the inability to interface to the designer's system, another alternative is available - use of the commercially available OrCAD Schematic Design Tool (SDT).

OrCAD SDT is a low-cost, PC based schematic capture package. It allows design data, in paper format to be input manually and converted into EDIF. The most prevalent paper formats are schematics and functional block diagrams. Any source of data that describes the design in terms of its components and their interconnectivity can be used as an input into OrCAD. OrCAD is not included with the Diagnostic Profiler.

Although it is not recommended, EDIF can be written (or altered) manually. This requires knowledge of the language as well as care in developing the design description in the language. Since errors are harder to locate when comparing visual data, such as from a schematic, with textual data, either EDIF or VHDL, this method can typically result in many un-caught errors. For this reason, as well as because of the time required to write the description, writing EDIF is not recommended.

All of the Import Design tools are available from the Import Design tab.

These tools include:

Import an EDIF Netlist

Create Design Wizard

Design Changes Wizard

Combine Designs Wizard

Import an SGML Troubleshooting Procedure