Additional PTF File Handling

Cadence Allegro supports the usage of external Physical Part Table (PTF) files, which are not related to a specific library, but can be plugged into any design.

The goal of the Additional PTF file is to support a mixed mode of library and cell-based PTF files using the existing concept of a library project. A library project must be used, even if no cell-based library structure is available. In this case, it is sufficient to create a dummy or empty library project with no available cells.

Any library PTF file that needs to be considered has to be added to the library setup. In Cadence Project Setup, it is possible to add Physical Part Table Files to define the parametric component information outside of any Allegro project definition by creating the PTF files manually. In such a case, the PTF file is directly used in a project-specific setup of the engineering design.

For more information about each heading, see the Cadence Documentation Project Setup - Part Table Tab.

Option Description
Physical Part Table Files Displays the .ptf files (and directories containing .ptf files) selected for this project.
Exclude Physical Part Table Files Use this option if your Physical Part Table Files list includes directories that contain several .ptf files, and you want to exclude some of the files from your project. Use either this option to exclude files or the Include Physical Part Table Files option to include the files you want.
Include Physical Part Table Files Use this option if your Physical Part Table Files list includes directories that contain several .ptf files, and you want to choose some files from them. Use either this option to include files or the Exclude Physical Part Table option to exclude unwanted files.
Note: Physical Part Table files need to have valid entries already set up; starting with a nonexisting file or a file that does not contain valid PART entries will result in an error message.

After configuring the external PTF files in Allegro Project Setup, a new node Additional .PTF will be added to the Allegro Library tree. Under Additional PTF, the added PTFs are organized. The next level will display the name and location of the PTF files; the level below that will display the classes of the part types that are included in the PTF file.

The additional PTF tree supports a hierarchical selection. If you select a PTF file, all included part types are considered.