Automation

How It Works

There will always be cases where some customers need something more or something slightly different than what is currently available. The functionality of Mentor's layout design tools, including selected library management and schematic capture tools, have been exposed through an automation layer. This automation layer allows users to access and modify data in these tools by creating scripts in several different standard programming languages on different hardware platforms.

The scripts allow users to quickly and easily extend the functionality of the basic tools without depending on Mentor Graphics to enhance the product itself. This capability allows users to create functionality that may be specific to a design process. Additionally, users may create scripts that automate repetitive tasks that may be error-prone or time-intensive, thus resulting in a design process that is faster and more reliable.

Benefits

• Extends the functionality of the basic tools without depending on major software release schedules
• Provides the ability to customize many user interface items such as toolbars, menu items and keystrokes
• Increases productivity and reliability by creating scripts that perform repetitive tasks
• Automates the creation of all necessary output files for design fabrication

Products Supported

• Expedition PCB
• Board Station® RE
• Board Station XE
• FabLink™ XE
• FabLink XE Pro
• PCB Planner
• PCB Viewer

Automation Basic

Automation Basic allows users to get data from or put data into a running application. They can access every piece of data and existing functionality that is exposed as well as catch events such as mouse movement and mouse clicks. This capability allows them to create customized reports and cross-probe between different applications while an environment can be set up so scripts or forms are automatically loaded every time the application starts.

Automation Pro

Automation Pro includes a forms builder that allows users to create custom dialogs. The forms builder also allows users to encrypt scripts and dialogs so they can run but not modify the scripts and dialogs. Additionally, Automation Pro allows access to the output engines, allowing users to automate the creation of all necessary output files for design fabrication. This functionality can greatly improve productivity and reliability as it provides a consistent, repeatable process.