The Tools API

This Document describes the "Tools API" - this is an extension to the "Database API" and bases on the zdb sub-command "$db tools".

In contrast to the "$db oper" API commands, these tools usually execute algorithms that query the database.

The Tools query the database.

Here is an overview of the tools commands:

The floatingNodes command searches each module for floating nodes. A floating node is a net which only connects to one pin. Power and Ground nets are skipped. The return value is a list of net OIDs.

The flatfloatNodes command searches the database in a flat manner for floating nodes. A floating node is a signal which only connects to one pin. Power and Ground nets are skipped. The return value is a list of signal OIDs.

The cCoupling command searches each module for coupling capacitors. A coupling capacitor is a capacitor which neither connects to power nor to ground - that means they couple two data wires. The return value is a list of inst OIDs.

The heavyCR command searches each module for capacitors and resistors and checks each value (capacitance or resistance) and collects 10 objects with the biggest values. The 10 biggest Cs and Rs are returned as a list of inst OIDs.

The wrongBulk command searches each module for PMOS and NMOS transistors and checks if their bulks are connected to power and ground respectively. If not, then the transistor is part of the result list.

The heavyNodes command counts the number of connections for each signal in the design. Power/Ground nets are skipped. The 10 biggest nodes are returned as a list of signal OIDs.

The multiDriverCheck command counts the number of driver pins for each signal in the design. Power/Ground nets are skipped. The return value is a list of signal OIDs.

The zeroDriverCheck command searches for signals with no driver. Power/Ground nets are skipped. The return value is a list of signal OIDs.

The createHier command recreates hierarchy from flat instance names of a flat design. The instance names are split at the given hiersep character. If prefix is given, the created instances get sequential names. If no prefix given, the instance names are numbered in hierarchical groups.

The findGuessedSupplyNets command reports all nets that have been guessed by "oper guesspower" as a supply net.