There are two main types of file required to start up Mentor: startup shell scripts (commands to set up a suitable environment and start up Mentor), and location maps (which contain directory information about where to find key technology files and other resources). As a rule, for a given technology, it will be necessary to prepare a location map and matching startup script. This can often be done by editing an existing set.
All the following are text files. Most will need adaptation to suit individual circumstances. Where possible, files are commented to indicate parameters that may commonly need adjustment.
These normally reside in the user's ~/bin directory. The execution path may need to be adjusted to ensure the required script is run in preference to those similarly named in a global location. They should have their permissions set to rwx for allowed users. Certain assumptions are made about the user's directory structure - for example, that design files are held in a hierarchy built in ~/cbt. This can be changed if necessary by making suitable changes to the scripts.
This file contains references to all resources accessed by Mentor Graphics apps. A standard location map is provided with the Mentor executables, but this cannot be edited by the individual user. The startup script determines which location map is used. It is possible to override individual variable settings in Mentor applications, or to specify a different mgc_location_map should this be required.
It can theoretically be placed wherever the user likes, but we have tended to use ~/bin.
mgcplot - shell script - menu allows preview of printed output and spooled output to certain CUED printers. A globally accessible copy is available, but sometimes is is useful to have a local copy since this allows the possibility of adding additional printers, etc. Normally held in user's ~/bin directory.
A project has been developed for Part IIA of the Engineering Tripos and has been carried out for several years using Mentor Graphics software in conjunction with the Mietec/Alcatel 2.4 micron CMOS design kit. For details click this link.
This project has been used by research students, Part IIB students and others on a self-learning basis for familiarisation with the Mentor Graphics design tools.
VLSI Project Mentor EN2002 is currently the preferred edition of Mentor for use with this project. It was used successfully in conjunction with Mietec/Alcatel 2.4 for the Part IIA VLSI project in 2005, and is now the recommended configuration for others interested in pursuing this project.
The recommended resources are listed below
This script has been modified to support development in a personal workspace rather than a shared environment. It has not been tested.
The recommended configuration for Mentor calls for the following directories:
The initial design files for the project are available as a tar archive in the following directory:
~mentor12/2005/mshared05.tar
This archive should be copied to the user's own home directory for convenience. Then, from the home directory, givfe the following command:
tar -xf mshared05.tar .
The final dot is significant! This will extract the necessary startup files into the ~/cbt directory tree.
Scripts and location maps should be copied into ~/bin; any scripts should be made executable.
This file contains fonts that can be installed locally on a PC and loaded into Xwin32 instances to support Mentor Applications. It is a zip archive with two directories: one contains standard Mentor fonts (mgc_c2) and the other special purpose fonts for the AMS process (mgc_AMS). Provided by Arul Britto.
Last updated: 11 May, 2007