
SDT 386+ v1.21 Release Notes
Updated March 31, 1995

*********************
New in SDT 386+ v1.21
*********************

* Numerous plotting problems were fixed.

* Annotate now combines multiple-part-per-package parts of the same type that
  appear on different schematics into the least number of packages.

* Draft now redraws and pans the screen faster (at the same speed as v1.10 )
  when sheets contain a large amount of text at normal size. Text is now drawn
  using the bit-map font used in version 1.10.

* Various problems with Hardcopy when drawings were scaled, when metric
  dimensions were used, or when pin-to-pin spacing was not 0.1 in (or 2.540 mm)
  were fixed. The "wide paper" and "append to file" switches are now honored.

* Cursor returns to visibility after certain error messages.

* The "Retain system-generated netnames option" now processes strings up to
  254 characters long in EDIF format. The limit was 49 characters.
 
* All netlist formatters have been updated. The core OBJ modules used with
  both the Microsoft and Borland C compilers have also been updated. IFORM
  would sometimes terminate abnormally after generating a netlist in certain
  environments. Recompile any custom netlist formatters you have created
  because the core OBJ modules used with both the Microsoft and Borland C
  compilers have been updated. Borland C++ version 4.0 as well as 3.1 can be
  used to compile and link custom netlist formatters.

* The old TANGO and TANGO1 netlist formatters have been replaced by a single 
  new one, TANGO, which corresponds to the current requirements of  the Tango 
  software. Specifically, the formatter outputs the word "Pattern" if the
  module name would otherwise be blank.

* The error message for single node nets has been changed. The /I and /F
  switches shown in the usage message when ILINK is run from the command line
  have been deleted and are not longer applicable.

* A warning message now signals ESP if a sub-sheet of a hierarchical design is
  not present. This may be valid if the subsheet represents an External View
  (such as a PLD). If you see this warning, you should examine the INET log
  and if no other errors are found, re-run INET with the "Ignore warnings"
  option.

* When the Quiet option is selected, blank lines are deleted from the console
  output (or #ESP_OUT.TXT).

* Zoom scale is now always set properly in the Library Editor.

* A problem that sometimes produced garbled output when listing a library with
  a prefix and a shorthand has been fixed in List Directory.

* The prompt "Erase all pins?" was repeated and had to be responded to twice
  after the command sequence <B> ody <K>ind of part <G>raphic <Y>. The prompt
  now displays but once.

* A problem has been corrected that would cause the Library Editor to terminate
  when it encountered a bad path or invalid characters in an Export filename,
  losing any updates done to that point. 

* Create Bill of Materials has been changed so that invalid or incomplete lines
  in the INCLUDE file will not cause erroneous output or confusing error
  messages. The tool now skips invalid lines and produces a Warning.

* PLT2IGES output now imports correctly into AutoCAD version 12.

* Print Schematic now positions vertical text correctly and does not overprint
  wires to the right of the text.

* A note about parts with arcs and fills:
  In the Library Editor, be careful to overlap arcs that define fill
  boundaries. Arcs that touch and which fill properly in the Library Editor
  may cause "leaks" (undesired fills) then the parts are plotted using Plot
  Schematic, using Draft’s Hardcopy command when a scale factor is used, or if
  the schematic uses pin-to-pin spacing other than 0.1 in (2.540mm). 
  This may occur when arcs of different radii are tangent. 

*********************
New in SDT 386+ v1.20
*********************

* ASCII Input/Output of schematic files
  You can now decompile entire designs into ASCII files for editing with your
  choice of text editors and then recompile them into SDT 386+ binary schematic
  files.  This facilitates global editing features such as substituting one
  part for another throughout your design.

* 32-bit printing and plotting
  SDT 386+ now supports 32-bit scaled printing and plotting for faster
  operation and increased capacity.  Printing and plotting also support new
  font options allowing you to use printer and plotter fonts or to always use
  fonts identical to the display fonts.

* On-line scaled printing
  The "Hardcopy" command in Draft allows you to perform scaled printing, just
  like Plot Schematic's "Plot to Printer" option.  Now you don't have to leave
  Draft to print a C-sized sheet on A-sized paper.

* Print a selected block of your schematic
  You can use Draft's "Hardcopy" command to print a selected block.  You can
  scale the printout and send the output to the printer, or a file.

* Enhanced forward ECO capability for OrCAD PCB 386+, EDIF 2 0 0 and PADS
  Unlabeled nets will maintain the same name each time a netlist is generated.
  This facilitates improved forward ECO capabilities for OrCAD PCB 386+, PADS
  and other EDIF targets.

* Comma-delimited Partlist output from Create Bill of Materials
  Create Bill of Materials can optionally produce a comma delimited partlist
  for exporting to databases or spreadsheets to create custom bill of
  materials.  Each part is listed on a separate line with all eight part
  fields.

* Create named properties in EDIF netlists.
  When generating an EDIF netlist, you can convert part fields into named
  properties. Named properties are used by many systems that read EDIF netlists
  as a mechanism for passing information from the schematic designer.

* Create hierarchical references to externally generated netlists
  Hierarchical symbols can now reference netlists as well as schematics.  This
  is particularly useful when creating and simulating "board-level" schematics
  for FPGA designs, where one or more parts represents a synthesized or
  optimized netlist.

* Improved error checking for multi-page designs
  Check Design Integrity now checks for unmatched module ports in flat (linked)
  designs as well as hierarchies.

* Drag large blocks using the "Block Drag" command
  Drag as large a block as you wish without encountering "Out of Memory"
  messages.

************************************************************
SDT 386+ Features (Features not available in SDT Release IV)
************************************************************

* Virtually unlimited capacity
  SDT 386+ uses 32-bit addressing and data structures, accessing extended
  memory (not EMS) to overcome the 640K limit.  As a result, capacity has
  increased tremendously over SDT Release IV.

* Text rotation options
  Comment text and label text may be rotated so that it is sideways-readable
  or upside down.

* Smart "Get Part" command
  When the menu of parts is on the screen, typing a character causes the
  highlight bar snap to the first part whose name begins with that character.
  When each successive character is typed, the highlight bar snaps to the next
  matching item.  You can also use the <Page Up>, <Page Down>, <Home> and
  <End> keys to browse the part list.

* Easy file selection for Draft and Edit Library
  Both Draft and Edit Library now have scrolling lists to make selecting files
  easier.

* Enhanced "Library Browse" command
  The Library browse command now includes a "Get" command which retrieves the
  current part for placement.

* "Pin Repeat" command for Edit Library
  A "Pin Repeat" command has been added to Edit Library.  This command repeats 
  placement of the last pin , with the specified X,Y increment, automatically
  incrementing the pin name and pin number (where applicable).

* Easy "Block Copy" operations
  A "Block Copy" command has been added to Draft.

* Easily move Sheet Nets
  A Move sheet net command has been added in Draft.

* Enhanced "Block Import" command
  The block outline and contents of the block are shown to allow accurate
  placement of the imported block.

* Enhanced "Inquire" command
  The "Inquire" command now tells the original part name and the library name
  which a part is loaded from.

* Flexible graphic parts
  Graphic parts may now have virtually unlimited body sizes.  In addition,
  graphic grid arrays (i.e. single part per package graphic parts with
  alphanumeric pin numbers) may now be created.

* Easier netlisting
  A new processor tool Check Design Integrity has been added that combines
  Cleanup Schematic, Cross Reference Parts, and Check Electrical Rules to
  perform all of the checks recommended before netlisting.

* Extended ASCII character support
  Extended ASCII can be placed anywhere text can be placed except pin names
  and pin numbers.

* Full-screen "crosshair" cursor option
  A new full screen "crosshair" cursor allows independent movement of the
  horizontal and vertical crosshairs to allow easier alignment during placement
  and editing functions.

* Simplified custom netlist format file creation
  You create custom netlist format files for SDT 386+ using the C programming
  language. These makes custom netlist formats faster and more flexible than
  the interpreted formats of SDT Release IV.  In addition, a single batch file
  may now be used to set up and compile netlist format files.  This batch file
  is more flexible, has improved error checking and also checks your
  environment to make sure it is set up correctly.

* Import IGES into AutoCAD version 12
  PLT2IGES output imports into AutoCAD 12.


****************************
SDT 386+ system requirements
****************************
* IBM 80386, 80486, Pentium or compatible
* At least 2 megabytes of available RAM (4 to 8 megabytes available RAM
   recommended for optimal performance).
* 7-10 megabytes of hard disk space
* SDT 386+ may be run in a full-screen DOS session under Microsoft Windows 3.1.


*****************
Performance notes
*****************

1. Regarding single node nets. The netlist program INET only includes
   unconnected pins in its output when the Assign a net name to all pins option
   (/I switch) is used. The part with the unconnected pins must appear on the
   schematic. When the unconnected pins belong to an unused gate in a multiple
   part package (and so it does not appear on the schematic), INET does not
   add these nets to its output.  

   The incremental netlist linker, ILINK, produces a report of all single net
   nodes when the Report single net nodes option (/N switch) is used. It
   operates on the files produced by INET.If the single node net is not picked
   up by INET, it will not be shown in the report ILINK produces. 

2. Plotting or printing to a COM port.

   Before using Plot Schematic (PLOTALL) or Print Schematic (PRINTALL) to
   print to one of the COM ports, be sure the COM port is set up correctly by
   entering the following mode command at the DOS prompt:

   mode comx: 96,n,8,1,p

   If the port has not be set up correctly and your schematic is large enough
   to overflow the COM port buffer, you will see the message:

   Unable to write print path. MS DOS Error #14 Disk is Full
   If you are running under Windows, you will need to enter this command
   before invoking Windows. The most convenient way to make sure that this
   command is issued is to put it into your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

   If you prefer to enter the mode command after Windows is running, you need
   to go to the Windows Control Panel for Ports. Click on the COM port in
   question, and then Settings. Change the control flow setting to hardware.
   Now entering the mode command in a DOS prompt window will change the
   setting.

3. About parts with arcs and fills.

   In the Library Editor, be careful to overlap arcs that define fill
   boundaries. Arcs that touch and which fill properly in the Library Editor
   may cause "leaks" (undesired fills) then the parts are plotted using Plot
   Schematic, using Draft’s Hardcopy command when a scale factor is used, or
   if the schematic uses pin-to-pin spacing other than 0.1 in (2.540mm). 
   This may occur when arcs of different radii are tangent. 

