Graphic editor for block diagram level design of circuits
AssigneeAltera Corporation
InventorsTimothy J. Southgate, Michael Wenzler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method is described herein for designing a circuit using graphic editor software. A graphic design file is generated corresponding to a block diagram created in a graphical user interface associated with the graphic editor software. The block diagram includes a plurality of blocks and a plurality of conduits interconnecting the blocks. A block design file is generated in one of a plurality of formats for each of selected ones of the plurality of blocks in the block diagram. Each of the block design files corresponds to an implementation of its corresponding block. Modifications to any of the graphic design file and the block design files are incorporated into each other under software control.
Claims38
A method for designing a circuit using graphic editor software, comprising:
- generating a first graphic design file corresponding to a first block diagram created in a graphical user interface associated with the graphic editor software, the first block diagram comprising a plurality of blocks and a plurality of conduits interconnecting the blocks;
- and
- generating a block design file in one of a plurality of formats for each of selected ones of the plurality of blocks in the first block diagram, each of the block design files corresponding to an implementation of its corresponding block, wherein the plurality of blocks include fully specified blocks and partially specified blocks;
- wherein modifications to any of the first graphic design file and the block design files are incorporated into each other under software control.
A circuit designed by a method comprising:
- generating a first graphic design file corresponding to a first block diagram created in a graphical user interface associated with the graphic editor software, the first block diagram comprising a plurality of blocks and a plurality of conduits interconnecting the blocks;
- and
- generating a block design file in one of a plurality of formats for each of selected ones of the plurality of blocks in the first block diagram, each of the block design files corresponding to an implementation of its corresponding block, wherein the plurality of blocks include fully specified blocks and partially specified blocks;
- wherein modifications to any of the first graphic design file and the block design files are incorporated into each other under software control.
At least one computer readable medium containing program instructions for designing a circuit using graphic editor software, said at least one computer readable medium comprising:
- computer readable code for generating a first graphic design file corresponding to a first block diagram created in a graphical user interface associated with the graphic editor software, the first block diagram comprising a plurality of blocks and a plurality of conduits interconnecting the blocks;
- computer readable code for generating a block design file in one of a plurality of formats for each of selected ones of the plurality of blocks in the first block diagram, each of the block design files corresponding to an implementation of its corresponding block, wherein the plurality of blocks include fully specified blocks and partially specified blocks;
- and
- computer readable code for incorporating modifications to any of the first graphic design file and the block design files into each other.
A computer system comprising:
- a central processing unit;
- a display;
- a keyboard;
- and
- memory having stored therein program instructions for designing a circuit using graphic editor software, the memory comprising:
- computer readable code for generating a first graphic design file corresponding to a first block diagram created in a graphical user interface associated with the graphic editor software, the first block diagram comprising a plurality of blocks and a plurality of conduits interconnecting the blocks;
- computer readable code for generating a block design file in one of a plurality of formats for each of selected ones of the plurality of blocks in the first block diagram, each of the block design files corresponding to an implementation of its corresponding block, wherein the plurality of blocks include fully specified blocks and partially specified blocks;
- and
- computer readable code for incorporating modifications to any of the first graphic design file and the block design files into each other.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.