Automatic schematic diagram generation using topology information

A method for enabling a user to generate a schematic diagram on a computer system, the computer system comprising a display and an input device, the method comprising:

• generating a netlist of a schematic diagram, the netlist indicating connectivity of a plurality of components through connection lines;
• providing a normal display mode in which at least a portion of the components are presented on the display, and connection lines corresponding to the displayed components are presented on the display;
• providing a topology display mode in which the at least a portion of the components are presented on the display without the corresponding connection lines;
• providing a component selection function that enables a user to utilize the input device to select a particular component;
• providing a topology editing function to modify the netlist, the topology editing function enabling the user to utilize the input device to modify the relative positioning, sizing and connectivity of a selected component, wherein the topology editing function is combinable with the topology display mode to enable the user to edit the relative positioning or sizing of the selected component without viewing the corresponding connection lines;
• and
• providing automatic pin assignment and routing of the connection lines modified during the topology editing function according to the netlist;
• wherein the user is capable of switching between the topology display mode and the normal display mode while editing the schematic diagram.