Modify - Parameter Properties

The Parameter Properties dialog box allows you to change the nominal value of the variable assigned to the dimension parameter or change the variable assigned to the dimension parameter.

Variable Name Entry Box: You can directly enter the desired variable name you wish to assign to the dimension parameter or select an existing variable name from the drop list. This variable name appears as a label in your circuit shown in the project editor.

Nominal: Enter the nominal value of the variable and hence, the dimension parameter. The circuit is redrawn in the project editor whenever this value changes.

NOTE: If multiple objects are selected which have different dimension parameters, the entry ''Mixed'' appears in the pertinent text entry box. Changes made in the Properties dialog boxes will affect the parameters of all selected parameters.

Moving Controls: This drop list controls how the adjustable point set is moved when the nominal value of the parameter is changed. There are three options which are explained below, click on the option you wish to see. Note that these controls are not available for a radial dimension parameter.

This setting moves the adjustable point set the same distance as the reference point is moved and all the points in the adjustable point set maintain their relative position. This is the default setting. An example using an anchored dimension parameter is shown below. Note that the adjustable point sets are highlighted.

The anchored dimension parameter is increased by 10 mils, so each point in the adjustable point set is moved away from the anchor point by 10 mils. As shown in the illustration, the original distance from the anchor to the highlighted point was 40 mils; when the value of the parameter is increased, the point was moved by 10 mils so that it is now 50 mils away from the anchor point.

When using this setting, the geometry controlled by the parameter is scaled or stretched along either the x or y axis depending on the orientation of the parameter. Each point in the adjustable point set is moved by an amount based on its relative distance from the anchor. Points closer to the anchor are moved a smaller distance then points further away from the anchor. For symmetric parameters, the anchor is the center point between the two reference points.

The scaling factor used is the ratio of the new nominal value to the present nominal value. Each point is moved by a delta calculated by multiplying its present distance from the anchor point by the scaling factor.

When using this setting, the geometry controlled by the parameter is scaled or stretched along both the x and y axis keeping the proportions of the geometry the same. Each point in the adjustable point set is moved by an amount based on its relative distance from the anchor. Points closer to the anchor are moved a smaller distance then points further away from the anchor. For symmetric parameters, the anchor is the center point between the two reference points.

Show Nominals: Select this checkbox if you wish to display the present nominal value of the dimension parameter in its label.

Evaluate Equations: Select this check box if you wish to display the result of an equation instead of the equation. This checkbox is only enabled when the Show Nominals checkbox is selected.