[Xcircuit-dev] Tutorial notes

[Dave M]

I am going through the tutorials and trying to understand how to use 
XCircuit to draw schematics and create net-lists specifically for PCB 
layout. I am taking notes that I intend to use to facilitate hands-on 
training of engineering staff. Here is what I think I know about XCircuit. 
Does this sound correct? If not, any help in correcting my 
misunderstandings would be very much appreciated.

#Parts
     Parts (devices) are represented by symbols drawn from "Library Objects"
     - a symbol is an instance of a Library Object
     - symbols are copied from libraries, placed in pages and
       connected with wires to form schematics
     - symbols are drawn on pages and then saved into libraries

     Symbols have pins
     - symbols may be interconnected by drawing wires or busses
       between pins
     - interconnected pins form 'networks'

     Symbols have 'info' labels
     - PCB info labels (PCB:U1 etc.) are used to define unique PCB
       part designators
     - other info labels designate various object and symbol values

#Textual Elements
     Text
     - informational only
     - does not result in data being added to netlists
     - may be placed on pages or in symbols

     Pins
     - designate the unique points where symbols may
       be inter-connected

     Labels
     - designate the values for a given symbol
     - are used to generate PCB and Spice netlists
     - labels in library objects may contain variables
     - PCB instance variables (such as PCB:U?) are replaced
       with instance numbers (such as PCB:U1) as parts are
       placed on pages

#Libraries
     Library objects may be graphic images
     Library objects may be graphic images that contain schematics
     Library objects may be sub-schematics that have no graphic image


-------------------------------
Dave M
Davem (at) Mich (dot) Com
Ann Arbor, Mich. USA

Endangered electronic species: http://www.eff.org/endangered/list.php
"The 'Analog Holes' they want to stop up are our eyes, ears and mouths."