Programs automate net-list transfer from CAE to CAD

A computer-aided engineering (CAE) workstation used for circuit design can be connected to a computer-aided design (CAD) workstation used for pc-board layout by using a VAX computer and two custom software programs. This CAE-CAD interface will: provide seven tasks; permit transfer of circuit's net list from the CAE system to the CAD system for board routing; overcome differences in formats. The design of a CAE-CAD interface starts with the definition of each task and the designation of which computer will perform the task. A Sing program is described which uses a Master Control File to query the design database and to direct two models for extraction of nets and components. A search of the database by a signal model will find signal names, find pins connected to the signals and construct a pin list.