7 - Advanced Features

Abstract

This chapter explores some of the advanced features of Capture and draws a hierarchical schematic for a memory expansion board that requires isolated power in one section. The hierarchical structure is preferred for large and complex designs. Capture also provides for conventional multiple-sheet schematics, which are referred to as a flat design structure. The requirement for isolated power most commonly occurs with CMOS memory arrays that are supplied with backup power from a battery. Most parts in the Capture-supplied libraries use invisible power pins. Capture automatically connects all invisible power pins to predefined power and ground planes. Capture recognizes an unspecified port connected to a power symbol as a special instruction to create an isolated power plane on the particular sheet. All other power symbols and invisible power pins with the same name on that sheet will become part of the isolated power plane. Capture allows creating new user-defined properties for many different types of objects. User properties are particularly useful for adding information to parts such as additional description (value) lines, vendor information, or in-house part numbers.