Mail Archives: geda-user/2015/07/03/15:00:12
> While refactoring gnetlist, I've encountered a few quasi-synonymous terms
> which seem to refer to subtly different concepts:
>
> component <-> device <-> netlist <-> package <-> symbol
>
> Not being a native speaker, I'd like to ask you what you mean when using
> these terms, and what you understand to be the difference between them.
There are some definitions (which may be gEDA-specific) in the PCB
Getting Started Guide:
http://www.delorie.com/pcb/docs/gs/gs.html#Terminology
In general, we differentiate among:
* A symbol, which may be re-used many times within a schematic
* A footprint, which may be re-used many times within a layout
* A model, which may be... you get the point
* A component, which represents one unique object in the project
A component/device/part would link one or more symbols in the
schematic to a model in the sim or an element in the layout, and
possibly convey more information like manufacturer's part number,
cost, etc.
In PCB, we further have an "element" which is a footprint plus
component-specific information (it's a footprint in the library, and
an element in your layout).
> Also, what's the difference between a pin and a net, and between a uref
> and a refdes? (If it's the same thing, why are there two different names
> for it?)
A "pin" is a single logical electrical connction to a component. In a
schematic, this is represented by a net connection to a symbol. In a
layout, this is represented by one or more metal connection points.
In a simulation, this is represented by a parameter to the model. Etc.
A net is a collection of connections between pins. A netlist is a
collection of nets.
I think uref == refdes, just different names because different people
wrote different parts of the software.
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