JP2001282874A - Part structure producing and editing device, part structure producing and editing method and computer readable storage medium storing part structure producing and editing processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible, when part structure information of composition objects such as electronic circuit board, etc., is produced based on latest part information, to easily judge adaptability regarding performance of the composition object, and to accurately produce the part structure information in a short time. SOLUTION: A resource parts list producing and editing part 3 retrieves, from a certified part DB2, part information corresponding to each part, in part structure information stored in a resource DB1 so as to produce a part information list of each part in the part structure information, new part structure information, based on the part information list, is produced or edited and stored in a storage part 6, and an adaptability prediction judgement information output part 7, based on a part information list of the new part structure information, retrieves simulation results and their feature data which are previously accumulated, generates, based on the retrieval result, judgement information predicting adaptability to predetermined conditions, and displays it on a display part 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a component structure creation for creating or editing component structure information of components such as various circuit boards such as electronic circuits and electric circuits, various devices such as electronic equipment, manufacturing machines and machine tools. Editing device, component configuration creation / editing method for creating or editing the component configuration information, and computer-readable recording medium recording component configuration creation / editing processing program for causing a computer to implement the function of creating or editing the component configuration information And about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a conventional electronic circuit board (printed circuit board) is used as a conventional means when designing an electronic circuit.
Is used to create a new electronic circuit board having new functions. When designing a new electronic circuit by such a method, a new electronic circuit board is designed by modifying an existing electronic circuit board, and a resistor, a capacitor, and an IC mounted on the existing electronic circuit board are designed. It is necessary to add component information of a new component necessary for realizing a desired function to a component configuration table for listing various components such as.

Therefore, conventionally, a designer searches for a part having desired functions, performance, shape, price, and the like by referring to a catalog or a database provided from a manufacturer of the part for each part. The work to add the parts information to the parts table was performed.

[0004]

However, when searching for the required component information by referring to a catalog or database provided by the manufacturer as in the conventional method, the catalog format and the database operation method are not determined by the component manufacturer. There is a problem that the reference work becomes a heavy work load and it takes much time to create a parts configuration table of a new electronic circuit board.

[0005] In addition, when the catalog at hand is an old version, the specifications, shape, price, etc., of the parts selected from the catalog may be changed at present, or the production may be discontinued. The components mounted on the electronic circuit board may have already been discontinued.

In such a case, the parts configuration table is created based on the parts information of the old contents, so that the parts configuration table must be re-created or, in some cases, other parts must be replaced. Therefore, there is a problem that it is necessary to change even the initial design, and it takes a lot of time to create a correct parts configuration table.

[0007] In particular, after shifting to the manufacturing process, parts in the parts table cannot be procured, the functions originally planned cannot be obtained, a large cost is required for manufacturing, and manufacturing is difficult. If such a problem occurs, the work up to now will be wasted, and the circuit design will have to be re-designed and the process up to that point must be repeated, resulting in a delay in the process from new product development to manufacturing. ,
New products cannot be brought to the market in a timely manner, resulting in enormous losses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and when creating component configuration information of components such as an electronic circuit board based on the latest component information, a configuration based on the component configuration information is provided. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily judge suitability for performance of an object and to easily and accurately create component configuration information in a short time.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a component configuration information storage unit for storing component configuration information of a component composed of a plurality of types of components, and a component configuration information storage unit for storing a plurality of types of component information. A component information storage unit to be stored, and a component information list corresponding to each component of the component configuration information stored in the component configuration information storage unit is searched from the unit to create a component information list of each component of the component configuration information. Component information list creating means, component configuration information creating and editing means for creating or editing new component configuration information based on the component information list created by the means, and new component configuration information created or edited by the means Search for simulation results stored in advance and feature information based on the simulation results based on the parts information list of Providing parts structure created editing apparatus having compatibility prediction judgment information output means for generating and outputting determination information to predict the suitability of a predetermined condition.

The suitability prediction judgment information output means includes operating condition information creating means for creating operating condition information at the time of simulation, operating condition information storing means for storing the operating condition information created by the means, Simulation means for executing a simulation based on the operating condition information and the component information stored in the means,
A simulation result accumulating means for accumulating the operating condition information in association with the simulation result obtained by the means, a characteristic information extracting means for extracting characteristic information from the simulation results accumulated in the means, A characteristic information storage unit for storing the operation condition information in association with the characteristic information, and an operation condition information corresponding to the operation condition information selected from the operation condition information storage unit based on a component information list of the new component configuration information. Search means for respectively searching the simulation result of the simulation result storage means and the characteristic information of the characteristic information storage means, and an output for outputting the simulation result and the characteristic information searched by the means as judgment information for predicting the suitability Means.

[0011] Further, part configuration information of a component composed of a plurality of types of parts and part information of the plurality of types of parts are stored.
Searching the component information corresponding to each component of the component configuration information, creating a component information list of each component of the component configuration information, creating or editing new component configuration information based on the component information list, Create operating condition information at the time of simulation, accumulate the created operating condition information, execute a simulation based on the accumulated operating condition information and the component information, and obtain a simulation result obtained by the simulation. The operating condition information is stored in association with the information, feature information is extracted from the stored simulation result, and the extracted condition information is stored in association with the operating condition information, and the component of the new component configuration information is stored. A simulation result corresponding to the operating condition information selected from the accumulated operating condition information based on the information list is obtained. A characteristic information searching respectively,
A component configuration creation / editing method for outputting the retrieved simulation result and feature information as determination information for predicting the suitability is provided.

A component configuration information storage function for storing component configuration information of a component composed of a plurality of types of components;
A component information storage function for storing component information of a plurality of types of components, and a component information list creation for retrieving component information corresponding to each component of the component configuration information and creating a component information list for each component of the component configuration information A function, a component configuration creating / editing function for creating or editing new component configuration information based on the component information list, an operating condition information creating function for creating operating condition information during simulation, and an operation created by the function An operation condition information accumulation function for accumulating condition information, a simulation function for executing a simulation based on the operation condition information accumulated in the function and the component information, and a simulation result obtained by the function; Function for storing simulation results that correspond to each other, and simulation stored for that function A feature information extraction function for extracting feature information from a result, a feature information storage function for storing the feature information extracted by the function in association with the operation condition information, and a component information list of the new component configuration information. A search function for searching for the simulation result of the simulation result storage function and the feature information of the feature information storage function corresponding to the operation condition information selected from the operation condition information storage function, and a simulation searched for by the function. Provided is a computer-readable recording medium that records a component configuration creation / editing processing program that causes a computer to realize an output function of outputting a result and feature information as determination information for predicting the suitability.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a component configuration creating / editing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This part configuration creating / editing apparatus includes a CPU, an R
An information processing device such as a personal computer having a microcomputer circuit including an OM and a RAM and a storage medium such as a hard disk, and an electronic circuit board (printed circuit board).
In designing the Board (PCB)), the component configuration information of a new electronic circuit board is created or edited based on the component configuration information of the electronic circuit board registered in advance and the component information.

In addition, a predetermined examination item is investigated based on the component information list of the component configuration information (including operation verification for verifying whether the device operates correctly and whether a desired function and performance are obtained). Then, based on the result of the investigation, it outputs judgment information for suitability prediction for predicting whether or not various conditions determined at the time of design are met. The designer can re-edit the component configuration information based on this determination information.

The created, edited, or re-edited component configuration information is used to create a circuit diagram using a symbol figure up to the production of an electronic circuit board, a detailed design drawing, a parts table, and a circuit diagram used in manufacturing. It can be used in processes such as creation of a layout design specification of a substrate.

As shown in FIG. 1, the component configuration creating / editing apparatus includes a resource database (DB) 1, a certified component database (DB) 2, a resource component table creating / editing unit 3,
It comprises an input unit 4, a display unit 5, a storage unit 6, and a suitability prediction judgment information output unit 7.

The resource DB 1 is a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk, and is a database (part configuration information storage) in which a plurality of types of component configuration information of electronic circuit boards manufactured in the past and component configuration information of existing electronic circuit boards are registered. Means), and search information which is a keyword for searching for the electronic circuit board is added to the component configuration information of each electronic circuit board. The component configuration information of each electronic circuit board is stored in a format based on a predetermined system that can be searched and read based on the search information.

The search information includes function information, name information, use information, manufacturer information, and user information of the electronic circuit board. The component configuration information includes various information such as a name, a manufacturer, a product number, a model number, a used number, and a unit price of each component such as a resistor, a capacitor, and an IC mounted on the electronic circuit board.

Then, based on the search information, it is possible to find an electronic circuit board corresponding to a required function or use from the resource DB1. Further, based on the component configuration information of the electronic circuit board retrieved from the resource DB1, it is possible to retrieve the component information of the component used at the time of manufacturing the electronic circuit substrate from the certified component DB2.

The certified component DB2 is also a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk, and is a database (component information storage means) storing component information relating to a plurality of types of components constituting the component configuration information. The information is stored in a format based on a predetermined system that can be searched and read based on each piece of the component configuration information.
Each component information is also stored in a format in which component information of components having the same function can be referred to based on the items therein, for example, the function information.

The component information includes component identification information, function information, manufacturer information, shape information, future information, price information, certification information, and the like.

(1) Component identification information This is a serial number such as a product number, a part number, or a model number for specifying the type of a component determined by a manufacturer (manufacturer) or a user.

(2) Function information For example, "connector-substrate", "transistor_built-in resistor_chip", "logic_LS", "resistor array_chip", "capacitor_ceramic_chip", "memory_D"
There is a name indicating the function of the component such as “RAM”.

Based on this name, it is possible to search for component information of another component having an equivalent function of the certified component DB2. That is, other component information having the same function as the component used at the time of manufacture can be easily searched based on the function information. In addition, the display unit 5 is displayed on the basis of
Can be sorted and displayed according to the type classification in the parts configuration table displayed in (1).

(3) Manufacturer Information The name of the manufacturer that manufactured the part, and the name of the production base such as the name of the establishment or place where the part was manufactured. (4) Shape information Information such as the size of a component, the shape of a real product, a symbol on a circuit diagram, and a footprint on an electronic circuit board.

(5) Future information Revision or discontinuation of parts, discontinuation of production, change of model number, part number, name, etc., change of characteristics, change of material, change of production place, continuation and stop of production, change of shape, Information such as changes in dimensions, changes in display methods, changes in processing methods, changes in packaging, etc., information on changes such as changes in changes, changes in parts prices, fluctuations in parts prices, future supply stability, easy availability, etc. is there. (6) Price information Information such as the current unit price of parts and the unit price during mass production.

(7) Authorization information (also referred to as “status information”) This information indicates whether or not the part can be used, and whether or not the part can be used with restrictions. And information that is given in advance based on the performance and is used as a judgment material when selecting parts.

For example, "recommendation" indicates that selection is actively recommended, "certification" indicates that selection is simply recommended, "temporary certification" indicates that certification is being performed, and that no selection is recommended. "Deprecated", "Restricted" indicating that there are restrictions such as not easily available, etc., but selectable; "Prohibited", indicating that it cannot be used; "Discontinued", indicating that production has been discontinued or terminated; This is information such as “rejected” indicating that the registration to was rejected.

The resource parts table creation / editing section 3 is a control section for controlling the entire apparatus, and performs processing for retrieving the component configuration information of the electronic circuit board stored in the resource DB 1;
The retrieved component configuration information is read out, and each component information corresponding to the component configuration information (including the latest content component information having the same function as the component information at the time of manufacturing the board) is retrieved from the certified component DB2. A process for reading and creating a component information list based on the component information is performed.

Further, a process for displaying a component configuration table for creating and editing component configuration information on the display unit 5 based on the component information list, and a process for displaying the component configuration table based on the operation information input from the input unit 4. Processing for creating, editing and reediting the component configuration information by performing processes such as replacement, deletion and addition of the component information, and writing and registering the created, edited or reedited component configuration information in the storage unit 6 And a process of outputting a component information list of the new component configuration information to the suitability prediction determination information output unit 7.

The input unit 4 is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The user searches the resource DB 1 for desired component configuration information of the electronic circuit board based on a search screen displayed on the display unit 5. Creates, edits, and re-edits a new parts configuration table based on the parts configuration table displayed on the display unit 5, and investigates a plurality of predetermined examination items and predicts suitability based on the investigation results. Operation information to output the judgment information of the above.

The display unit 5 is a display device such as a CRT or an LCD, and displays a work screen at the time of the above search, a work screen at the time of creating, editing, and re-editing of component configuration information, a component configuration table, and a predetermined examination item. The results of the survey and the judgment information for suitability prediction are displayed. The storage unit 6 is a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk, and stores the created, edited, or reedited component configuration information.

The suitability prediction judgment information output unit 7 outputs a printed wiring board (PWB) mounting density and PWB manufacturing data based on a component information list of component configuration information created, edited, or re-edited by the resource component table creating / editing unit 3. Each examination item such as cost, component floor plan, simulation (circuit operation verification) and the like is examined, and together with the examination result, judgment information for suitability prediction based on the examination result is created and displayed on the display unit 5.

In the PWB mounting density study item, the mounting density of components on a printed circuit board is checked based on the component information list of component configuration information. Then, based on the result of the investigation, determination information for estimating the suitability to a predetermined condition (feasibility or the like), that is, the degree of difficulty or the like at the time of mounting is generated and displayed.

In the PWB manufacturing cost examination item, the manufacturing cost of the printed circuit board on which each component is mounted is investigated based on the component information list of the component configuration information. Then, it generates and displays judgment information for predicting suitability to a predetermined condition (a preset manufacturing cost) based on the result of the investigation.

In the examination items of the floor plan, the arrangement of each component on the printed circuit board is examined. And
Based on the result of the survey, determination information for predicting suitability for a predetermined condition (arrangement within a preset range) is generated and displayed.

In the above-mentioned simulation (circuit operation verification) examination items, investigations are made on operation verification of the entire printed circuit board and partial circuits. Then, it generates and displays judgment information for predicting the suitability of the circuit operation to a predetermined condition (a desired operation result) based on the inspection result.

Further, the suitability prediction judgment information output unit 7
Also includes a process of automatically creating a database of circuit simulation results and feature information based on the simulation results described below, and a process of displaying judgment information for use in checking circuit operation and performance based on the database-based simulation results and feature information. Do.

As described above, in this embodiment, the resource DB 1 functions as a component configuration information storage unit that stores component configuration information of a component composed of a plurality of types of components.

The certified part DB 2 stores identification information, function information, manufacturer information, shape information indicating the size and shape, future information indicating a future schedule, price information, and unusability of a plurality of types of parts. The function of the component information storage means is to store the component information including the certification information indicating the certification.

Further, the resource parts table creation / editing section 3
A component information list that retrieves component information corresponding to each component of the component configuration information stored in the component configuration information storage unit from the component information storage unit and creates a component information list for each component of the component configuration information The function of a creating unit and a component configuration information creating / editing unit that creates or edits new component configuration information based on the component information list created by the component information list creating unit.

Then, the suitability prediction judgment information output unit 7
Search for a simulation result stored in advance based on the component information list of the new component configuration information created or edited by the component configuration information creating / editing unit and feature information based on the simulation result, and It functions as a suitability prediction judgment information output means for generating and outputting judgment information for estimating suitability to predetermined conditions based on the judgment information.

Next, the data format of the resource DB will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a format example of search information of an electronic circuit board stored in the resource DB illustrated in FIG. Note that in FIG.
Although it is shown separately, it is preferable to store it in one record when storing it in the resource DB1.

As shown in (a) to (c) of this figure, this search information includes a plurality of types of function levels, control objects, functional devices, maker names, maker model numbers, maker part numbers, unit prices, numbers, PCBs. Name, user part number, unit name, and other items.

(1) Plural types of function levels Function level information in which the functions of the electronic circuit board are classified into a plurality of types. The figure shows a case where three levels are set. For example, the main function description information such as “reading” is set as the function level 1 and the name information indicating the function such as “image sensor” is set as the function level 2. As function level 3, there is detailed function explanation information such as "background removal".

(2) Control target The target to which the function of the electronic circuit board is applied.
Information such as “sensor” and “electric”. (3) Functional device name For example, "CCD linear image sensor", "Custom I"
Information indicating a specific part name such as "C".

(4) Manufacturer Name This is the name of the manufacturer of the electronic circuit board. (5) Manufacturer model number This is the model number given by the manufacturer of the electronic circuit board. (6) Manufacturer part number This is the part number assigned by the manufacturer of the electronic circuit board.

(7) Unit price Price information set by the manufacturer of the electronic circuit board or price information in the market. (8) Number This is the number used in a unit (described later) using the electronic circuit board. (9) PCB (Electronic Circuit Board) Name This is the name of the electronic circuit board.

(10) User part number This is the part number arbitrarily assigned by the user to the electronic circuit board. (11) Unit The name of an apparatus using an electronic circuit board, such as a "scanner" or "printer". The search information may include, in addition, application information indicating an application.

Although not shown, this search information is added to the component configuration information of each electronic circuit board. A required electronic circuit board is searched by AND or OR search of each item of the search information, and corresponding component information can be searched and read from the certified component DB2 based on the component configuration information of the electronic circuit board. Also, based on each item in the read component information, component information of another component having an equivalent function can be searched and read.

Next, a description will be given of the component configuration creating / editing process in the component configuration creating / editing apparatus. FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing a component configuration creation / editing process of the component configuration creation / editing apparatus shown in FIG.

The resource part table creation / editing unit 3 performs step (indicated by “S” in the figure) 1 in the part configuration creation / edit processing.
To display the component configuration information search screen on the display unit, and step 2
Go to and enter the keyword (search information) from the input section
Is searched from the resource DB, the search information of the corresponding electronic circuit board is displayed in a list, and the component configuration information of the electronic circuit board selected by the input unit is read out from the list.

Proceeding to step 3, component information corresponding to the read component configuration information is retrieved from the authorized component DB,
Based on each piece of information (for example, function information) in the found part information, the corresponding part information of another part is also searched and read out, and the process proceeds to step 4 based on each part information read out from the certified part DB. A component information list of the electronic circuit board searched is created.

Proceeding to step 5, a component configuration table composed of component information of components at the time of manufacture based on the component information list is displayed on the component configuration information creation / edit screen of the display unit, and the component information of other components for each component is displayed. Make it available for reference.

Proceeding to step 6, based on the operation information from the input unit, the component information of the specified component in the component configuration table is replaced with the component information of another component having the same function, or the designated component configuration table is replaced. A process of creating and editing component configuration information for deleting component information of a component or adding component information of another component to a component configuration table is performed.

In step 7, the new component configuration information created or edited by the component configuration table is stored in the storage unit, and in step 8, the new component configuration information is set in advance based on the component information list of the new component configuration information. PWB mounting density, P
Investigation items such as WB manufacturing cost, floor plan of parts and simulation are generated, and judgment information for estimating suitability to predetermined conditions is generated based on the inspection result and displayed on the display unit.

Also, based on an input operation from the input unit,
Based on the simulation results and the characteristic information in the database, judgment information to be used for checking circuit operation and performance is generated and displayed on a display unit.

The process proceeds to step 9 to judge whether or not a re-edit instruction has been issued based on the above-mentioned inspection result and judgment information. If so, the process returns to step 6 to re-edit the component configuration information and check the examination items. The display of the judgment information is executed. If there is no judgment information, it is judged that the parts configuration table is completed, and this processing is ended.

Next, an example of a work screen and an operation in the component configuration information creation / edit processing will be described. FIG.
It is a figure showing an example of the search work screen in the above-mentioned component composition creation edit processing.

In this search operation screen, a keyword of a desired item is selected for each item such as a product classification, a PCB name, a production base, a PCB part number, a product name (part number), and a model number status (model number) in the search key input field 10. Then, a part of the search information of the corresponding electronic circuit board searched from the resource DB 1 is displayed in a list in the search result display column 11. Then, further detailed search information of the electronic circuit board selected from the list is displayed in the search result display column 12.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the component configuration information creation / edit screen in the component configuration creation / edit processing. When a desired resource is selected from the electronic circuit boards searched on the search operation screen and a resource take-in instruction is input, a response is made from the certified component DB2 based on the component configuration information of the selected electronic circuit board. The component information is searched, and the component information of each component is displayed in the component information list column 13 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the component configuration information creation / editing work screen in the component configuration creation / edit processing. In the part information list field 13, when replacing a part with another part, selecting a part to be replaced in the list and performing an operation of referring to another part having the same function as the part, the part to be replaced is displayed. In the vicinity of the row of the part, the part information of other parts having the same function is displayed in a list. When a desired component is selected from the list, the component information of the selected component is input instead of the component to be replaced.

When a new part is to be added, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, an operation of adding the part information (arrow 14) of the part retrieved based on the current price (unit price) of the necessary part. Then, the component information is added to the component information list column 13. Furthermore, the part in the part information list column 13 can be deleted.

Next, a description will be given of the automatic database creation processing and the display processing of the judgment information used for the work of checking the circuit operation and performance in the suitability prediction judgment information output section 7.

In the conventional waveform simulation, it is necessary to input a circuit configuration and a wiring topology in order to perform a simulation, and to set parameters such as a simulation model and wiring lengths and wiring widths. In order to obtain the parameters, the corresponding parameters must be set again and the simulation must be performed again. Therefore, the work load on the operator is large and a large amount of work time is required.

Since the result obtained by one simulation is waveform data under specific conditions, it is difficult to predict how a signal waveform changes depending on a combination of parameters using only the waveform data. In order to obtain a condition for the circuit to satisfy the desired performance, a complicated operation requires trial and error, and as a result, the number of times of executing the simulation is increased more than necessary.

In the actual circuit design work, there is a time constraint, and the operation and performance of the design circuit cannot be sufficiently examined based on the simulation. For example, there is a situation where a defect is found after the PCB layout and the circuit design is redesigned. There was also a fear that it would occur.

Therefore, by this automatic database creation processing and the display processing of the judgment information to be used for the check operation of the circuit operation and performance, the operation and performance of the circuit can be partially confirmed at the stage of the component information list.

FIG. 7 shows the compatibility prediction judgment information output unit 7.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration related to an automatic database creation process and a judgment information display process based on a database in the embodiment.

The waveform data creation section 20 creates waveform data according to the following processing order, and registers the waveform data in the waveform data storage section 23.

(1) Create a parameter list defining the parameters to be changed during the simulation and the range of variation thereof (the parameters and the parameter list correspond to the operating conditions during the simulation). (2) Store the parameter list in the parameter list Part 21
(3) Read the parameter list from the parameter list storage unit 21 and create a SPICE netlist that meets the conditions

(4) A simulation based on the SPICE netlist is executed by the SPICE simulator 22 to create waveform data of the simulation result. (5) Combination of parameters defining the above processes (3) and (4) Then, the obtained waveform data is registered in the waveform data storage unit 23 in correspondence with the parameter and the parameter list (automatic database conversion of waveform data).

The parameter list storage unit 21 stores the parameter list created by the waveform data creation unit 20. The SPICE simulator 22 performs a waveform simulation based on the SPICE netlist sent from the waveform data creation unit 20. The waveform data storage unit 23 stores the waveform data of the simulation result obtained by the SPICE simulator 22 in association with the parameters and the netlist.

The feature data extracting unit 24 extracts feature data according to the following processing order, and registers the feature data in the feature data storage unit 25.

(1) Reading the parameter list from the parameter list storage unit 21 (2) Reading the waveform data corresponding to the combination (condition) of the above parameters from the waveform data storage unit 23 (3) Showing the characteristics of the waveform from the waveform data Extract values (eg, under / overshoot values, delay times, etc.)

(4) The process of (2) and (3) is repeated by the combination of the defined parameters, and the change of the characteristic value with respect to the parameter, that is, the parameter of interest (for example, the wiring length, etc.) is listed. Is registered in the feature data storage unit 25 (feature data automatic database processing).

The feature data storage unit 25 stores feature data extracted from waveform data. The waveform / characteristic data search unit 26 selects a combination (condition) of the parameters specified by the input unit 4 from the parameter list storage unit 21,
The waveform data storage unit 23 is searched and read out the waveform data corresponding to the condition, and the feature data storage unit 25 is searched and read out the characteristic data corresponding to the condition.

The waveform / characteristic data display unit 27 displays the waveform data and characteristic data retrieved by the waveform / characteristic data retrieval unit 26 on the display unit 5.

That is, the waveform data creation unit 20
It functions as an operation condition information creating means for creating operation condition information (parameter, parameter list) at the time of simulation. The parameter list storage unit 21 functions as an operation condition information storage unit that stores the operation condition information created by the operation condition information creation unit.

The SPICE simulator 22 functions as a simulation means for executing a simulation based on the operation condition information (parameters and parameter list) stored in the operation condition information storage means and the component information (SPICE netlist). .

The waveform data storage section 23 functions as a simulation result storage means for storing the operation condition information in association with the simulation result (waveform data) obtained by the simulation means.

The feature data extracting section 24 functions as feature information extracting means for extracting feature information (feature data) from simulation results (waveform data) stored in the simulation result storing means.

The feature data storage unit 25 functions as a feature information storage unit that stores the operation condition information in association with the feature information (feature data) extracted by the feature information extraction unit.

The waveform / characteristic data search unit 26 executes the simulation result of the simulation result storage unit corresponding to the operation condition information selected from the operation condition information storage unit based on the component information list of the new component configuration information. And a function of a retrieval unit for retrieving the characteristic information of the characteristic information storage unit.

The waveform / characteristic data display section 27 functions as an output means for outputting the simulation result and the characteristic information retrieved by the retrieval means as judgment information for predicting the suitability.

Next, a description will be given of a work screen in the display processing of the judgment information used for the work of checking the circuit operation and performance.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a net list screen when a SPICE net list is created. The net list screen displays a list of conditions of nets to be examined in a table format, and displays conditions obtained by performing various examinations on an examination screen described later.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a study screen for conducting a study while changing the conditions of the net. This examination screen is a screen for examining the operation and performance while changing the conditions for the net of each circuit configuration to be examined based on each part information after creating the parts information list. When a net name is selected and a review button (not shown) is pressed, the screen shifts to this review screen.

The examination screen includes a search condition selection area 30 in which buttons for selecting the values of the respective parameters are arranged, a waveform data display area 31 for displaying the waveform data searched from the database, and a feature similarly searched from the database. It comprises a feature data display area 32 for displaying data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a net information input dialog screen when setting conditions for retrieving waveform / characteristic data from a database. The net information input dialog screen is activated when a net information input button (not shown) on the net list screen is pressed, and various conditions can be selected. The values that can be selected here are set by reading the parameter list from the parameter list storage unit when starting this dialog.

The conditions set on the net information input dialog screen are also displayed on the net list screen, and the parameter values are set in the search condition selection area 30 when shifting to the examination screen.

Each button in the search condition selection area of the examination screen also has a search condition selection function. When the screen shifts to the examination screen, the parameter list is read from the parameter list storage unit 21 and can be selected. Is set to the appropriate value in the screen. The parameters changed on the examination screen are also reflected on the netlist screen.

When each parameter is set in the search condition selection area 30 of the examination screen, waveform data corresponding to the specified combination of parameters is searched from the waveform data storage unit 23, and based on the waveform data. A waveform diagram is displayed in the waveform data display area 31. Further, when each parameter is changed and the waveform display button in the search condition selection area 30 is pressed, the waveform is updated to a waveform diagram based on the waveform data corresponding to the changed parameter.

If there is no waveform data corresponding to each of the above parameters in the waveform data storage unit 23, the waveform / characteristic data search unit 26 creates waveform data predicted by linear interpolation based on the two adjacent condition waveform data. The waveform / characteristic data display unit 27 also performs a waveform prediction display process for displaying a waveform diagram based on the waveform data. By this waveform prediction display processing, the number of waveform data created by the waveform data creation unit 20 can be reduced, and the data capacity stored in the waveform data storage unit 23 can be reduced.

Further, the search condition selection area 30 on the examination screen
When each parameter is set, the characteristic data corresponding to the specified combination of parameters is retrieved from the characteristic data storage unit 25, and a diagram is displayed in the characteristic data display area 32 based on the characteristic data. The study range can be narrowed down by a diagram based on this feature data, and useless trial and error operations when changing parameters can be significantly reduced. Further, the feature data storage unit 25 is searched according to the change of the waveform diagram, and the diagram of the feature data display area 32 is updated based on the feature data.

In this way, it is possible to easily refer to the waveform simulation result for checking the operation and performance of the circuit based on the component information list without performing a complicated input operation.

Further, by simultaneously displaying the change of the waveform characteristic with respect to the parameter, the work of the circuit operation and the performance can be efficiently studied without the useless work of trial and error. Further, since the simulation result and its characteristic data are automatically made into a database and managed in association with the parameters, the simulation result and the like can be easily reused.

Further, since the simulation result and the characteristic data obtained from the simulation result are automatically accumulated to form a database, if the circuit configuration does not change such as a design change or a similar circuit, the database is stored in the database. Even without performing a simulation based on the stored data, a waveform diagram and a diagram showing characteristics of the corresponding simulation result can be referred to, thereby improving work efficiency.

In this way, the component configuration information of the electronic circuit board having a new function is created and edited based on the component configuration information of the electronic circuit board manufactured in the past, and the data is stored in the storage unit 6. After verifying the predetermined examination items and estimating the suitability, it is determined and passed to the next step of the electronic circuit board manufacturing process.

The above-described component configuration creating / editing apparatus only shows functional units according to the present invention, and it is preferable to provide other functional units such as design and drawing related to circuit design. By doing so, in the same apparatus, each operation such as design and drawing related to the circuit design can be performed based on the component configuration information of the newly created electronic circuit board.

Further, in the above component configuration creating apparatus, the resource DB1 and the authorized component DB2 are connected via a communication network such as a public line network or an optical communication network, and a number of other components connected on the communication network. If the configuration DB is configured to be able to refer to the resource DB and the certified part DB, the resource DB and the certified part DB can be shared by a large number of users. The operation of selecting the optimal component configuration using the information can be efficiently performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a dedicated device configuration for performing the component configuration information creation / edit processing has been described. However, the component configuration information creation / edit processing is performed on a recording medium such as a floppy disk or optical disk. A component configuration information creation / edit processing program to be executed is stored, and the component configuration information creation / edit processing program is installed in an information processing apparatus such as a general personal computer via the recording medium, thereby controlling the information processing apparatus. (CPU, R
By operating with a functional unit realized by a microcomputer including an OM, a RAM, and the like, it is possible to execute the component configuration information creation / edit processing as described above.

That is, the recording medium such as the above-mentioned floppy disk, optical disk or the like corresponds to a computer-readable recording medium recording a component configuration creating / editing processing program for realizing the following functions (1) to (12) in a computer. .

(1) Component configuration information storage function for storing component configuration information of a component composed of a plurality of types of components (2) Identification information, function information, manufacturer information, shape information indicating size and shape of the component, future Part information storage function to store part information such as future information indicating the schedule of the product, price information, and certification information indicating the certification of use permission etc.

(3) A component information list creation function for retrieving component information corresponding to each component in the component configuration information and creating a component information list for each component in the component configuration information (4) Based on the component information list Component information creation and editing function to create or edit new component configuration information by using (5) operating condition information creating function to create operating condition information during simulation

(6) An operation condition information storage function for storing the operation condition information created by the operation condition information creation function. (7) Based on the operation condition information accumulated in the operation condition information accumulation function and the component information. (8) A simulation result accumulation function for accumulating the simulation result obtained by the simulation function in association with the operation condition information

(9) A feature information extraction function for extracting feature information from the simulation results stored in the simulation result storage function (10) The operation condition information is made to correspond to the feature information extracted by the feature information extraction function. Feature information storage function to store

(11) A simulation result of the simulation result storage function corresponding to the operation condition information selected from the operation condition information storage function based on the component information list of the new component configuration information and a simulation result of the feature information storage function A search function for respectively searching for characteristic information (12) An output function for outputting a simulation result and characteristic information searched by the search function as judgment information for predicting the suitability

The control unit of the information processing apparatus such as the personal computer stores the component configuration information of the component composed of a plurality of types of components based on the component configuration creating / editing processing program, and stores the component identification information. , Function information,
Stores part information such as manufacturer information, shape information indicating size and shape, future information indicating future plans, price information, and certification information indicating approval such as use permission. The corresponding component information is searched to create a component information list of each component of the component configuration information, and a process of creating or editing new component configuration information based on the component information list is performed.

Further, operating condition information at the time of simulation is created, the created operating condition information is accumulated, and a simulation is executed based on the accumulated operating condition information and the component information, and obtained by the simulation. The operating condition information is stored in association with the obtained simulation result, feature information is extracted from the stored simulation result, the operating condition information is stored in association with the extracted feature information, and the new Based on the component information list of the component configuration information, search the simulation result and the feature information corresponding to the operation condition information selected from the accumulated operation condition information, respectively,
A process of outputting the retrieved simulation result and feature information as determination information for predicting the suitability is performed.

According to this embodiment, when the component configuration information of a new electronic circuit board is created and edited from the component configuration information of an existing electronic circuit board, a catalog or a database provided by the manufacturer is used in a conventional manner. Since there is no need to refer to each component, the work load of the reference operation can be reduced.

Since the component information to be referred to is always the latest content, and status information (certification information) useful for selection determination can be referred to each component, the creation of component configuration information of a new electronic circuit board can be performed in a short time. Can be performed efficiently.

That is, after the creation of the component configuration information, the component specifications, shape, price, etc. of the components in the component configuration information are not changed, and the production is not stopped, and the component configuration information must be recreated. This eliminates the need to make changes to the initial design due to having to replace or replace other parts, and not to waste manufacturing costs.

Further, after creating new component configuration information,
Based on the component information list, PWB mounting density, PWB
Since the user can refer to the investigation results for each examination item such as manufacturing cost, component floor plan, simulation (circuit operation verification), etc., and judgment information for suitability prediction based on the investigation results, a new component configuration The failure of the printed circuit board, the ease of realization, and the like based on the information can be immediately predicted, and the work load at the time of designing a printed circuit board having a desired function at a desired cost can be greatly reduced.

Furthermore, since the circuit simulation results based on the component information list and the characteristic data thereof are automatically made into a database, the data obtained by the simulation can be centrally managed and reused, and the data can be wasted. It can be used effectively without.

Then, a simulation result and characteristic data corresponding to the designated parameter are retrieved from the database, and a waveform diagram and a diagram based on the simulation result are displayed, so that a desired circuit operation and circuit operation can be performed without performing a simulation each time. Performance can be easily considered.

Therefore, the correct component configuration information can be quickly transferred to the subsequent manufacturing process, so that the process from the development of the new product to the manufacturing can be smoothly advanced, and the new product can be put on the market in a timely manner. can do.

In the above embodiment, the case where the component configuration information is created and edited based on the component information of the electronic circuit board has been described. However, the component configuration information of various devices such as machines is stored in the resource DB. The component information of various machine parts is stored in the certified part DB, and the component information of the corresponding machine part is stored in the certified part DB based on the part configuration information retrieved from the resource DB by the resource part table creation / editing unit. A component information list is created by searching, and examination items such as housing mounting density, manufacturing cost, component arrangement (floor plan), and simulation (drive operation verification) are investigated by the suitability prediction judgment information output unit. By creating and displaying judgment results for suitability prediction based on the survey results along with the results, it can be applied to various machine tools, control devices, and other devices. You can have can be applied in the same manner.

[0120]

As described above, according to the component configuration creating / editing apparatus, the component configuration creating / editing method, and the computer-readable recording medium storing the component configuration creating / editing program according to the present invention, an electronic circuit board or the like is provided. When creating the component configuration information of the component based on the latest component information,
Suitability regarding the performance of a component can be easily determined based on the component configuration information, and component configuration information can be accurately and easily created in a short time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a component configuration creating / editing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a format example of electronic circuit board search information stored in a resource DB shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a component configuration creating / editing process of the component configuration creating / editing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search operation screen in the component configuration creation / edit processing illustrated in FIG. 3;

5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a component configuration creation / editing operation screen when a resource is taken in the component configuration creation / edit processing illustrated in FIG. 3;

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a component configuration creation / editing operation screen during an editing operation in the component configuration creation / edit processing illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration relating to an automatic database creation process and a decision information display process based on a database of the suitability prediction judgment information output unit 7 shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram showing an SP by the waveform data creation unit 20 shown in FIG. 7;
It is a figure showing an example of a net list screen at the time of ICE net list creation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a study screen for conducting a study while changing the conditions of a net.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a net information input dialog screen when setting conditions for retrieving waveform / feature data from a database.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Resource database (DB) 2: Certified parts database (DB) 3: Resource parts table creation and editing unit 4: Input unit 5: Display unit 6: Storage unit 7: Suitability prediction judgment information output unit 10: Search key input field 11: Search result display column 12: Search result display column 13: Component information list column 20: Waveform data creation unit 21: Parameter list storage unit 22: SPICE simulator 23: Waveform data storage unit 24: Feature data extraction unit 25: Feature data Storage unit 26: Waveform / feature data search unit 27: Waveform / feature data display unit 30: Search condition selection area 31: Waveform data display area 32: Feature data display area

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B046 AA08 BA05 HA04 HA05 JA04 KA03 KA05 5B049 BB07 CC22 EE05 EE41 5E313 AA01 AA11 FG10

Claims (4)

[Claims] A component configuration information storage unit configured to store component configuration information of a component composed of a plurality of types of components; a component information storage unit configured to store component information of a plurality of types of components; Component information list creating means for searching for component information corresponding to each component of the component configuration information stored in the storage means and creating a component information list for each component of the component configuration information; and component information created by the means. Means for creating or editing new component configuration information based on the list; a simulation result previously stored based on a component information list of the new component configuration information created or edited by the component; Searches for feature information based on simulation results, and generates and outputs judgment information for predicting suitability to predetermined conditions based on the search results. Parts structure created editing apparatus is characterized in that a condensable prediction judgment information output means. 2. The component configuration creating / editing device according to claim 1, wherein said suitability prediction judgment information output means creates operating condition information during simulation, and an operation created by said means. Operating condition information accumulating means for accumulating condition information; simulation means for executing a simulation based on the operating condition information accumulated in the means and the component information; and operating condition information in a simulation result obtained by the means. Simulation result accumulating means for accumulating the operation condition information in correspondence with the operation condition information; and accumulating the operation condition information in correspondence with the characteristic information extracted by the means. Characteristic information storage means, and a component information list of the new component configuration information. Search means for respectively searching for a simulation result of the simulation result storage means and feature information of the feature information storage means corresponding to the operation condition information selected from the operation condition information storage means; and a simulation result searched for by the means. And output means for outputting the characteristic information as judgment information for predicting the suitability. 3. The component configuration information which stores component configuration information of a component composed of a plurality of types of components and component information of a plurality of types of components, and retrieves component information corresponding to each component of the component configuration information. Create a component information list for each component, create or edit new component configuration information based on the component information list, create operating condition information during simulation, and accumulate the created operating condition information. A simulation is performed based on the stored operating condition information and the component information, and the operating condition information is stored in association with the simulation result obtained by the simulation, and characteristic information is obtained from the stored simulation result. Is extracted, and the operation condition information is stored in association with the extracted feature information, based on the component information list of the new component configuration information. Then, the simulation result and the characteristic information corresponding to the operation condition information selected from the accumulated operation condition information are respectively searched, and the retrieved simulation result and the characteristic information are predicted to determine the suitability. A component configuration creation / editing method characterized by outputting as information. 4. A component configuration information storage function for storing component configuration information of a component composed of a plurality of types of components, a component information storage function for storing component information of a plurality of types of components, and each component of the component configuration information Component information list creation function for searching for component information corresponding to a component information list and creating a component information list for each component of the component configuration information, and component configuration creation for creating or editing new component configuration information based on the component information list An editing function, an operation condition information creation function for creating operation condition information at the time of simulation, an operation condition information accumulation function for accumulating operation condition information created by the function, an operation condition information accumulated in the function, A simulation function for executing a simulation based on the component information;
A simulation result accumulation function for accumulating the operation condition information in association with the simulation result obtained by the function, a feature information extraction function for extracting feature information from the simulation result accumulated in the function, and a feature information extraction function A feature information storage function for storing the operating condition information in association with the feature information, and an operating condition information selected from the operating condition information storing function based on a component information list of the new component configuration information. A search function for searching for the simulation result of the simulation result storage function and the feature information of the feature information storage function, and an output for outputting the simulation result and the feature information searched by the function as judgment information for predicting the suitability A component configuration creation / editing process Computer readable recording medium recording a gram.