Creating Symbols

When you draw a circuit in the Graphic Editor, you are creating a schematic. The components you added using the Enter Symbol command are symbols for circuits which have already been defined. The idea of a symbol representing a circuit is an important one, as it allows for modular and hierarchical designs. In MAX+PLUS II, you can create symbols for your own circuits which you can then use in higher levels of your design. To create a symbol for your schematic, use the menu command:

File -> Create Default Symbol

This command creates a file ending with ".sym". To view the symbol that you have created, use the menu command:

File -> Edit Symbol

A Symbol Editor window containing the symbol will show up. The symbol will be a block with inputs and outputs corresponding to the input and output pins in your schematic.

Once you have created a symbol for you circuit, you may place the symbol in another schematic. When you use the Enter Symbol command, go to the directory containing your symbol, and double click on its name in the Symbol Files box. Do not attempt to place a symbol into its own schematic.