US 5,371,851 AGranted

Graphical data base editor

AssigneeCredence Systems Corporation

InventorsChris M. Pieper, Cathie J. B. Wier, Eric M. Bush, Thomas W. Rudwick, III, William A. Greenseth, Robert R. Klingenberg, David Du Pont

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Abstract

A system manipulates stimulus/response signal data associated with an integrated circuit design, such as from a computer-aided engineering simulator, and converts the data into a format acceptable by a tester device which tests a prototype or production integrated circuit. The data is graphically displayed as a waveform and as a vector sequence. On-screen editing of either display is reflected in the other display. Further, the same displays are used to convert the data from event-based data into cycle-based template data compatible with a tester. A mix between event and state data during the conversion is allowed. A standard frame generation language is presented for defining tester frames for each signal within a template or timeset. A workbench editor provides for icon-based control of the system.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A system for generating and displaying a block diagram program comprising:

user-operable input means for inputting data, including data for selecting a plurality of blocks;
programmable computer means including memory means for storing computer program instructions and data, and processing means coupled to the input means and to the memory means for executing the stored program instructions, the processing means including means responsive to input data for producing graphic data representing the selected blocks, the blocks having terminals of at least two types such that only terminals of the same type can be connected;
and
graphic display means responsive to the graphic data for displaying images of the selected blocks and associated terminals, the input means including means for selecting a terminal of one block for coupling to a terminal of another block, the processing means including means responsive to the input data for producing graphic data identifying terminals of other blocks of the same type as the selected terminal, and the display means including means responsive to the graphic data for displaying terminals of other blocks, which terminals are of the same type as the selected terminal, with a feature visually distinguishing them from terminals which are not of the same type.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.