Main Index
Encyclopedia Help Contents

Running the Encyclopedia

Using the Schematic Viewer

Common Schematic Symbols

Using Schematics from the Encyclopedia

Additional Software

Technical Support


Using Schematics from the Encyclopedia

You can use the SuperCAD schematic editor (Version 2.1 or greater) to copy and edit the schematics provided with the Encyclopedia. Once in SuperCAD a schematic can be customized for your use. In many cases you can even produce a printed circuit board corresponding to the schematic (see making printed circuit boards).

To access a given schematic, first find it using the Encyclopedia. Then view it by clicking on the VIEW button. Note the figure name, which has the general format:

FXm-n

where X=A, B, C, D, E, F, or G, and m and n are integers. For example, suppose you wanted to get the circuit for the MINI-STEREO. found in  the section on AMPLIFIERS. When you click on the VIEW button, you find that its figure name is FC7-12. To edit it, you just start SuperCAD and open this file.

Note that SuperCAD must have access to the Encyclopedia library parts in order to correctly view the schematics. If you installed SuperCAD Lite on the CD ROM, this is handled automatically (the library is already set up). If you have a copy of SuperCAD that you bought previously, you have two choices for accessing the library:

 Install the Encyclopedia on the hard drive and then copy the files SUPER.EXE, SUPER.INI, and TITLE.PIC into the Encyclopedia subdirectory.

 Re-install SuperCAD and delete the original library (everything under LIB). Then copy the files (.CON files) under LIB in the Encyclopedia directory.

For more information on using the schematics also see Combining Encyclopedia Schematics.


Editing and Combining Encyclopedia Schematics
Combining Encyclopedia Schematics

You can combine two or more schematics into a single schematic by making use of the Windows clipboard. To do this, load the first schematic into SuperCAD and re-name it by using the SaveAs operation in the FILE menu. Load the second schematic and draw an edit box around it. Enter Ctrl Ins on the keyboard. Then re-load the re-named schematic and set the drawing scale to a low amount, such as 25%, so you can see the most of the schematic. Enter Shift Ins on the keyboard; this will paste the second schematic into the first; you can adjust the position by dragging inside the edit box that appears around the pasted-in objects.


Making Printed Circuit Boards

Many of the schematics provided on the Encyclopedia can be transformed more or less directly into printed circuit boards using SuperCAD and SuperPCB. If you have the complete SuperPCB software (MA8500), with both autorouting and autoplacement, the general procedure for doing this is as follows:

Load the schematic into SuperCAD

Modify the schematic to accommodate your use---for example, you may want to add connectors, power switches, or other items.

Run the CHECK function in the AUX menu.

Click on Printed Circuit Board... in the UTILITIES menu.

Click on the MAKE button in the resulting dialog box---This will automatically run the netlister, the autoplacement utility, and start up SuperPCB with the autoplaced initial artwork.

In SuperPCB you can view the initial artwork and then proceed to automatically route the circuit using the netlist information just generated from the schematic.

As an example, suppose you want to build the Wireless FM Microphone (FC115-9). This schematic is ready to go as is, except that you might want to add a power switch for the 9-volt battery. A Single-Pole-Single Throw Switch (SPST) in the DEVICE subdirectory of the SuperCAD library will do the trick. You should also rename the schematic, by doing a SAVEAS operation, so that it has an easier-to-remember name; for example, FM_PHONE. If you now click on Printed Circuit Board... in the UTILITIES menu, you will a dailog box. Just click on the Make button in the box---the netlister will run and the autoplace utility will run. The resulting initial artwork file will be loaded into SuperPCB, as it is started. After the artwork is loaded you get the a prompt asking whether you want to view the artwork first. Click on the No button to get the Batch router setup dialog. Then just click on the Route button and the board will be routed as a two layer board.

See Printed Circuit Board Projects for a list of Encyclopedia schematics which can be made into printed circuit boards with just a small amount of effort. Other schematics can also can also be used, but you may need to do some editing first. See Preparation of Schematics for PCBs. For information on combining schematics see Combining Encyclopedia Schematics.


Preparation of Schematics for PCBs

The schematics in the CD ROM Encyclopedia were drawn so they appear the same as in the original printed Encyclopedia; they were not drawn specifically with the idea of directly making printed circuit boards. However, with a little editing, you can modify them in order to do this.

The general procedure for preparing a schematic for use in making PCBs is as follows:

Make sure that all parts shown on the schematics are parts and not just block diagrams or line drawings---parts have a unique reference designator, terminals, and are shown with specific colors on the screen.

Make sure are all lines used in wiring the schematic are either vertical or horizontal

Make sure that all parts have a package field (you can check this by double-clicking over a part). Generally common parts such as resistors, capacitors, etc. will have package fields. But some parts if they are just general symbols (such as AND) will not.

Replace circle terminals with actual connectors.

Make sure that text which is being used as a net name has its origin on terminals or on the wiring lines.

Run the CHECK operation in the AUX menu----Make sure no errors are reported.

For more information on this, see the help files for SuperCAD and SuperPCB.


Printed Circuit Board Projects

This section lists over 200 of the schematics which can be made easily into printed circuit board projects with only minimal effort. Note that this is only a partial list, and that furthermore you can also combine various circuits together, for example a filter with an amplifier. Generally, the "minimal effort" involves adding connectors or changing component names.

The schematics listed below have all been tested with the SuperPCB program, using auto-placement and auto-routing. Generally, you will want to make modifications (such as adding connectors) for your specific use.

Audio Circuits

Consumer Circuits

Display

General Electronics

Measurement and Sensor Electronics

Power and Battery Circuits

Radio Circuits

Signal Generation


Audio Circuits

40-W Amplifier FE5-2

Audio Controlled Switch FF88-20

Audio Power Amplifier 1.5W, 12V FF11-1

Booster Amplifier for Car Stereo Use FE8-11

Dolby Noise Reduction Circuit FF59-2

Magnetic Phono Preamplifier FC7-9

Rear Speaker Ambience (4 Channel) Amplifier FB71-8

Sound Effects Generator FC93-1

Sound Operated Switch FD82-2

Sound-Activated Tape Switch FC101-3

Stereo Audio Meter FD49-6

Stereo Indicator FC44-1

Stereo Power Meter FC56-3

Stereo Preamplifier FB6-3

Stereo TV Decoder FB22-6

Voice Activated Tape Recorder Switch FG232


Consumer Circuits

"Hee-Haw" Electronic Siren FD80-1

Audible Metronome FF51-1

Auto Alarm FD10-4

Auto Turn Signal Indicator FE8-12

Auto-Off Power Switch FF88-16

Automatic Telephone Call Recording Circuit FE100-2

Automatic Turn-Off Control For Automobiles FE8-19

Automotive burgler Alarm FA1-2

Backup (Auto) Beeper FC8-14

Backup Beeper FD10-2

Basic Color Organ FB90-5

Camera Trip Circuit FD61-4

Car Alarm With Horn As Loudspeaker FD10-6

Car Presence Detector FG28

Car Wiper Control FB7-17

Digital Lock Circuit FG104

Electronic Door Buzzer FD3-1

Electronic Door Buzzer FE27-3

Electronic Roulette FB41-1

Electronic Siren FC90-9

Electronic Wake-Up Call FB51-8

Extended Play Circuit FC101-1

Flashing Third Brake Light FC8-17

Keyless Lock FD28-2

Latching Burglar Alarm FA1-19

Melody Circuit FE66-6

Melody To Sound Light Circuit FG231

Metal Detector FD24-3

Metal Detector II FD24-4

Metronome II FD50-4

Model Train and Slot-Car Controller FD54-1

Space Age Sound Machine FE93-8

Telephone Line Tester FF90-1

Telephone Message Taker FD86-22

Telephone Scrambler FF90-4

Third Brake Light FD11-4

Turn Signal Alarm FF12-8

Yelping Siren FC90-3


Display

1 to 4-Channel Scope Converter FB67-1

12V Stroboscope FG240

Alternating Flasher FB34-3

Alternating LED Flasher FC32-11

Flashing Neon Christmas Lights FF33-7

LowVoltage Lamp Flasher FB34-1

Miniature Transistor Light Flasher FB34-2

Super LED Flasher FE31-5


General Electronics

555-Based Alarm FE1-15

Active Bandpass Filter FB33-10

Carrier Current Transmitter For Data Transmission FD18-1

Carrier System Transmitter FA15-1

Constant Speed Motor Driver FC62-10

Digital Fiber Optic Receiver FC29-2

Dynamic Noise Filter FC31-10

Flip-Flop Independant Lamp Driver FD27-3

Frequency Division Multiplex (FDM) Stereo Decoder FB22-8

Hybrid Power Amplifier FC72-7

Immobilizer FB7-2

Infrared Transmitter FB45-2

Instrumentation Meter Driver FB46-4

IR Receiver FC45-3

Isolation Amplifier for Medical Telemetry FA43-13

Light Wave Voice Communication Receiver FE49-6

Light Wave Voice Communication Transmitter FE49-5

Long Time Delay Motor Controller FF57-4

Low-Level Warning With Audio Output FA47-10

Missing-Pulse Detector FA25-9

Mixer Preamplifier With Tone Control FA6-5

Modulated Light Receiver FE49-2

Modulated Light Transmitter FE49-1

Negative Ion Generator FF45-1

Neon Lamp Driver For 5- to 15- V Supplies FE78-14

Noise Limiter FC53-1

Precise DC Motor Controller FF57-1

Programmable Frequency Adjustable Rate Siren FC90-4

Remote Control Extender FE85-4

Repeater Tone Burst Generator FE103-1

SCA Decoder FB22-4

SCR Tester FC56-22

Simple Touch Switch FF94-1

Speed Control Switch FE65-7

Strain Gauge Instrumentation Amplifier FC46-2

Time Division Multiplex (TDM) Stereo Decoder FB22-7

Time-Out Circuit FD90-11

Tone Decoder With Relay Output FA23-2

Touch Circuit FD92-2

Traffic Light Controller FF47-12

Tri-Color LED Tester FG41

Two Tone Encoder FE103-2

Two Tone Siren FC90-2

Ultrasonic Remote Control Tester FF97-1

Ultrasonic Sound Receiver F97-6

Ultrasonic Sound Source FD94-1

Wireless IR Headphone Receiver FF40-13

Wireless IR Headphone Transmitter FF40-3


Measurement and Sensor Electronics

Air Pressure Change Detector FD24-16

Ammeter With Six Decade Range FB20-6

Amplified Field Strength Meter FG105

Analog Frequency Meter  FE55-21

Audible Continuity Tester FE55-42

Audible Decibel Detector With Meter Driver FC25-5

Audio Frequency Meter FF50-11

Cable Tester FE55-9

Capacitance Meter For DVMs FG143

Crystal Tester FB19-18

Explosive Gas Detector FE35-2

Flood Alarm FD32-6

Full Cup Detector For The Blind FD32-8

Heartbeat Transducer FF52-7

High Accuracy Thermometer FD89-5

HV Static Detector FG156

Implantable Ingestable Thermometer FC107-5

Latching Water Sensor FD32-9

Led SWR Indicator Circuit FG146

Light Meter 55-13

Light-Activated Switch FG136

Linear Frequency Meter (Audio Spectrum) FA35-2

Little Dipper FB25-1

Logic Probe FD67-7

Low Cost Frequency Indicator FB37-2

Low Cost Metal Detector FE56-2

Microwave Motion Detector FE62-1

Milliohm DMM Adapter FG151

Proximity Detector FD55-6

Sound Level Meter FD49-1

UHF Movement Detector FC80-2

Water Detector FG140

Water Level Control FD32-1

Water Level Sensor And Control FC34-3


Power and Battery Circuits

-100V Power Supply FF69-6

18V to 30V Power Converter FB72-20

AC Operated HE-NE Power Supply FF69-4

Ajustable 0-5 Volt Power Supply FF71-2

Automatic Battery Charger FA11-5

Laser Power Supply FD99-7

Low Battery Indicator F14-8

Low Battery Protector FC10-8

Low Volts Alarm FB74-2

NiCad Battery Zapper FB8-3

NiCad Battery Zapper II FB8-6

Power Supply Monitor FB74-1

Precision Full-Wave AC-DC Converter FD21-14

Regulated DC Converter FC19-16

Simple 12V Power Supply FF68-23

Single Cell Lithium Battery Charge FF13-4

Subwoofer Amplifier Power Supply FE78-23

Voltage Monitor FE55-38

Wind Battery Charger FB8-8


Radio Circuits

Broadcast-Band RF Amplifier FB85-7

Code Practice Oscillator FE14-5

Frequency Doubler FA36-2

High-Performance Shortwave Converter FE18-2

Improved RF Isolation Amplifier FB85-8

Low Power VHF Beacon FF96-6

Low-Power 40-Meter CW Transmitter FE106-12

Micro TV Transmitter FF96-2

NOAA Weather Alert Decoder FD24-10

RF Actuated Relay FC44-4

Signal Strength Meter FD29-3

Simple 1.5 V AM Broadcast Receiver FE83-5

Simple AM Radio FD71-9

Simple Scanner Converter FG65

Tracking Transmitter FE106-7

Tunable FM Antenna Booster FF8-4

Two Chip AM Receiver FF76-15

VHF Modulator FA556

Wireless FM Microphone FC115-9

WWV Receiver FG221


Signal Generation

1-KHz Square Wave Generator FD83-10

100KHz Crystal Calibrator FD22-5

100MHz Overtone Oscillator FD22-6

50-MHz Crystal Oscillator FC21-14

Accurate, Stable Function Generator FF36-4

Function Generator FC38-24

Function Generator FD34-3

Low Distortion Sine Wave Oscillator FB88-2

Low Distortion Sine Wave Oscillator FF61-5

Noise Generator FD49-4

Precision Audio Waveform Generator FC38-13

Sawtooth Generator FF81-2

Signal Generator FE33-8

Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator FA19-23

Variable Duty-Cycle Wave Generator FD83-4

Wide Range Crystal Oscillator FE20-9

WideBand Noise Generator FA59-4


Initial Artwork File

The procedure for preparing an initial artwork file is as follows:

Print out the completed schematic in SuperCAD

Start SuperPCB

Set the Current Layer to BOTH in the VIEW menu

Draw a board outline--This should consist of a rectangle or a set of traces that define the board shape

 Set the Current Layer to TOP in the VIEW menu

 For each schematic symbol place a corresponding package part having the same designator type and number

Save the resulting artwork file in the same directory as the schematic


Running the Encyclopedia

The Encyclopedia makes use of the Windows help system and includes descriptions for over 1000 circuits. The circuits are arranged in 136 detailed categories, each with 1 to 30 or so circuits. You can find a circuit description and its schematic in several ways:

By general category, such as AUDIO or RADIO---just click on these topics in the main (CONTENTS) menu; this will get you to a sub-menu with like topics; click on one of these to get a detailed topic.

Alphabetically---Click on TOPICS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER in  the main menu; this will get you to a listing of the 136 topics in alphabetical order. You can use the scroll bars to move down the list of topics, or you can use the A-Z button bar to jump to topics starting with a certain letter.

Note that you can also click on the SEARCH button, to find individual circuits and their schematics. Just enter the first few letters of the type of circuit--for example, POW to get circuits having to do with power generation or measurement. Then select a circuit name or topic in the list and click on DISPLAY.

If you get lost: Click on the CONTENTS button in the button bar.

Once you find a detailed category, click on the category name (for example AUDIO MIXER CIRCUITS) to find a listing of circuits in the category. Then click on a circuit name to find the circuit description. To view the schematic of a circuit, click on the VIEW button in the button bar.

Note that all circuits in a given category can be easily accessed using the browse buttons in the button bar (if they are not grayed out). For example, the following circuits are listed under the PHOTOGRAPHY RELATED CIRCUITS detailed topic:

[PHOTOGRAPHY RELATED CIRCUITS]

CAMERA TRIP CIRCUIT

DARKROOM TIMER

ENLARGER EXPOSURE METER

PHOTO FLASH SLAVE UNIT

SCR SLAVE FLASH

SLIDE STEPPER

If you click on the CAMERA TRIP CIRCUIT circuit topic, you get the text for it:

[CAMERA TRIP CIRCUIT]

This circuit was used to trip a camera shutter.  Grounding pin 2 of Ul makes pin 4 of Ul go high. This triggers both timers of dual timer Ul. One output holds reset (pin 4) of Ul low to keep Ul from accepting another trigger, depending on the time constant of R7 and C3. This prevents camera film waste. The other timer is used to generate a 1/2-second pulse to drive U4 and Ql, the relay driver. Kl triggers the camera. (Reprinted with permission from Popular Electronics, 1/91, p.28-29. (C) Copyright Gernsback Publications, Inc.,1991.)

If you now click on the >> browse button then you get the text for the DARKROOM TIMER circuit. If you click on the << button you go back to the first topic , CAMERA TRIP CIRCUIT.

To print the text for a topic click on PRINT TOPIC in the FILE menu. To view the schematic for a topic, click on the VIEW button. For information on the schematic viewer see Using the Schematic Viewer

Important Note:

Make sure you set the Windows help display so that it is NOT on top, otherwise the Viewer cannot display schematics. In Windows 95 use the OPTIONS menu to set the display, and in Windows 3.1 or 3.11, use the HELP menu (make sure ALWAYS ON TOP is un-checked).


Using the Schematic Viewer

The schematic viewer is invoked when you click on the VIEW button in the button bar of the Encyclopedia. Help topics are listed below

File Menu Operations

View Menu Operations

Setup Menu Operations

Keyboard Interface


File Menu Operations

Printing

Exit


Technical Support

Technical support for the Encyclopedia and the Viewer can be obtained by calling McGraw-Hill at:

1-800-217-0059

or 914-747-2787

The email address is:

tech.support@mcgraw-hill.com

You can also visit the web site at http://www.books.mcgraw-hill.com.

If you have questions about the software (SuperCAD, etc.), contact Mental Automation at:

5415 136th Place SE

Bellevue WA 98006

(425) 641-2141

(425) 649-0767 (FAX)

menatala@mentala.com

To get the lastest information about our products visit our website: http://www.mentala.com.


View Operations
View Menu Operations

Drawing Scale

Zoom in/Zoom out

Center

Draw-to-fit


Zoom Operation
Zoom in/Zoom out Operations

The zoom in operation allows you to increase (magnify) the drawing scale by one step; for example, from 100% to 150%. If you click on the ZOOM IN item in the VIEW menu, the drawing is increased in scale about a point in the center of the current drawing window. You can also zoom in about any point on the screen by moving the cursor to that point and pushing the PgUp key.

The zoom out operation allows you to decrease the drawing scale by one step; for example, from 150% to 100%. When the drawing scale is decreased you see more of the drawing. If you click on the ZOOM OUT item in the VIEW menu, the drawing is decreased in scale about a point in the center of the current drawing window. You can also zoom out about any point on the screen by moving the cursor to that point and pushing the PgDn key.


Draw to fit

To use the draw-to-fit operation, click on the draw-to-fit button in the tool bar; then click anywhere in the drawing window. The entire schematic will be scaled and displayed within the drawing window (draw-to-fit mode). Move the cursor to a location in the drawing you wish to zoom in on; click, and the display will be drawn in normal size, centered at the cursor position of the click. If the cursor position was near a drawing edge in the fit-mode display, the centering in the zoomed display will be limited by the display borders.

The draw to fit operation provides an easy way to move around in a large drawing, particularly if your drawing size is B or greater.


Setup Menu

This menu controls provides several display control options. You can turn the grid on or off by clicking on GRID. The grid shows display dots .1 inch apart, on one inch intervals. You can also specify various color options including shading, by clicking on COLORS---see Color Selection for more information.

You can specify the Viewer closing mode by clicking over CLOSE VIEWER AUTOMATICALLY. If this item is checked, then the Viewer closes (exits) when you click on anywhere outside the viewer window; this makes it easy to browse through a series of schematics. If the item is not checked, then the viewer is closed only if you explicitly close it, or if you click on the VIEW button again in the Encyclopedia.


Color Selection

In color video modes you can choose any one of 32 colors for the following:

drawing window background

drawing window objects (all text, lines, etc.)

rulers

grid

connector dots

library parts

part terminals

part shading

You select the color for an item by first clicking on the color square of the item, and then clicking over one of the 32 color squares at the top of the dialog box. You can set any number of colors at one time. Note that not all colors can be used together. For example, if you choose RED for the drawing window and RED for the edit color, you can't see text that is being edited.

You can select a set of colors by choosing a color scheme (e.g. "BLUES2") from the color scheme list box. If you want to save your own scheme, first select the "CUSTOM" color scheme, make the color adjustments, and click on OK. Then, when you exit VIEW, these color selections are saved in VIEW.INI to be used the next time VIEW is started.. Otherwise, if you select one of the other color schemes (such as "BLUES2"), it is used the next time VIEW is started.


Exit
Exit VIEW

Clicking over EXIT in the FILE menu (or pushing the Alt+F4 key) ends the current VIEW session. Various settings, including color setups, utility menu setups and others are saved in the VIEW.INI file.


Keyboard Interface

Function Keys

Alt+F4.........Exit Program

F4................Center schematic

Other Keys

ESC............Re-draw/clear edit mode

PgUp...........Zoom in (magnify)

PgDn...........Zoom out (reduce scale)


Print Operation

To print the current drawing page, select the print function from the FILE menu. This will activate the print dialog box. To initiate the actual printing, click over the OK button.

You can change printer setups such as paper orientation and print out quality by clicking over the SETUP button. Generally you want to choose LANDSCAPE orientation.

You can select a different printer by scrolling through the printer list box and highlighting the printer name; only printers previously installed will show up in the list box.


Drawing Scale

This section of the VIEW menu allows the drawing scale to be set in a range from 25% to 200%.


Center Operation

This operation centers the viewing window over the drawing and redraws the screen. After this operation, the scroll bars will be centered in each of the scroll bar regions. You can do this operation either via the F4 key or by clicking over CENTER in the VIEW menu.


Additional Software

You can purchase additional software which will allow you to

 edit any schematic included in the Encyclopedia (SuperCAD)

 make printed circuit boards (SuperPCB)

 do analog simulation (mentalSPICE)

 do digital simulation(SuperSIM)

The prices for the individual software packages range from $149 to $549; there are also price-saving combination packages. For more information see the Price List. For information on the individual packages, click on the name of the software above. Also note that the prices and software capabilities may change over time so check our website at mentala.com for the latest information.

There are demo software versions of both SuperCAD and SuperPCB in the DEMO (16-bit versions) and DEMO32 sub-directories of the CD ROM. To install, change to the sub-directories, using the FILE MANAGER or Windows Explorer and click on INSTALL.EXE.


SuperCAD On-Line Brochure

SuperCAD is a program which is specialized for drawing electronic circuits. It also interfaces directly to simulation software (SuperSIM and mentalSPICE) and to printed circuit design software (SuperPCB).

Major Features of SuperCAD for Windows:

Visually cued command entry---all commands are visible from pulldown menus, dialog boxes, or toolbar buttons, using a state-of-the art, modern 1990's graphical interface (Microsoft Windows!)

Library support---a large library of TTL, CMOS, analog, memory, and discrete parts is immediately available; in addition, the user can easily make any drawing into a library part using the FORMAT command, or use the BUILD utility

Easy to use object entry commands---these allow the entry of lines, busses, rectangles, ellipses, text, and other objects

Easy to use graphics edit commands---these include copy, move, rotate, stretch, erase; both single-object and grouped-object edits are allowed

Advanced editing features---these include rubberbanding of moved parts, snap modes, auto-incremented text, constrained drawing, rotation to one degree precision, and others

Automatic bus generation---adding busses to digital parts, such as registers is easy; you simply enter a bus name, starting index, the start and end points, and the software adds all connecting lines and signal names

Automatic title block updating---SuperCAD automatically names,  dates, numbers the drawing page, and   enters the drawing size  (AE) on each schematic page

Flexible output---schematics can be generated on any Windows compatible dot-matrix printer, Laser printer,  Postscript printer, or plotter. In addition, schematics can be produced in DXF

Drawtofit and zoom operations---regardless of schematic size, an entire drawing page can be shrunk and displayed within the viewing window; any portion of this display can be zoomed to normal  size

Next Page


SuperCAD On-Line Brochure (Continued)

Library part categories

DEVICES

SYMBOLS

GENERIC (TTL/CMOS 7400 series)

CMOS 4000 series

ANALOG

PLD

CONNECTORS

MICRO(microprocessors)

DSP(digital signal processors)

MEMORY

Support Programs (included)

NLST---Netlist Program (SuperPCB compatible)

BUILD---Library parts builder

PARTS---Parts list extractor

RULES---Electrical Rules Checker

Toolbar Operations

Enter text	Select edit mode

Enter line	Draw to fit

Enter bus	Erase

Enter arrow	Rotate

Enter rectangle	Mirror

Enter dot	Vertical Flip

Enter arc	Show origins

Enter Triangle

Enter Fill

Enter library part

Finger Tip (Mouse) Edit Operations

Copy (shift-drag with mouse)

Move (drag object with mouse)

Stretch (drag endpoint with mouse)

Select (click over object)

Edit part (double click over part)

Edit object (double click over object)

Keyboard Operations

F1....Enter HELP mode

F2....Exit program

F3....Toggle autowiring mode

F4....Center schematic

F5....Access library parts

F6....Select library part instance

F7....Remove last object

F8....Clear schematic sheet

F9....Enter edit mode

F10...Toggle snap-to-grid mode

A.....Select alternate pinout (surface  mount/DIP)

S.....Select De Morgan/normal symbol

ESC...Exit text or other mode, re-draw

Pulldown Menus

File	Edit

Load	Clear

Save	Select edit mode

SaveAs	Erase

Format library part	Rotate

Print	Mirror

Exit	Origin

Send to clipboard

Auxiliary	Setup

Find text   	Drawing size A-E

Replace text      	Library parts

Autoincrement text	Clipboard

Check schematic	General

Enter reference	Colors

Enter value	Fonts

Style	Display

Set outline style	Oscilloscope

Set ellipse aspect	Logic analyzer

Set drawing widths	Marking function

Set fill patterns

Others

View, User-defined & HELP menus

Other Features

Automatic signal bus generation

Automatic title block update

Rubberband mode for parts and line vertices

90 degree drawing constraint mode

English and Metric units

DXF output

System Requirements

Microsoft 32-Bit Windows ™ (Windows 95, 98, NT4 or greater)

graphics----EGA,VGA,SVGA

printers----any printer supported with Windows driver (epson, HP Laser, Postscript, HPGL plotters, etc.)

memory----4M or greater


SuperPCB On-Line Brochure

SuperPCB is a printed circuit board design package which can be used to design single or multiple-layer circuit boards.

Major Features of SuperPCB for Windows:

Visually cued command entry---all commands are visible from pulldown menus, dialog boxes, or toolbar buttons, using a state-of-the art, modern 1990's graphical interface (Microsoft Windows!)

Library support---a large library of DIP, PGA, surface mount, and discrete package  parts is immediately available; in addition, the user can easily make any drawing into a library part using the FORMAT command

Easy to use object entry commands---these allow the entry of traces, pads, rectangles,  ellipses, text, and other objects

Easy to use graphics edit commands---these include copy, move, rotate, stretch, erase; both single-object and grouped-object edits are allowed

Advanced editing features---these include rubberbanding of moved parts, snap modes (grid and pad), auto-incremented text, constrained drawing, rotation to one degree precision, and others

Built-in autorouter---SuperPCB allows incremental autorouting (single point-to-point routing) and batch autorouting on one to 16 layers and several grid sizes

Multiple circuit layers---SuperPCB allows up to 16 layers plus two silk screen layers and solder mask layers

Large boards/high resolution---you can design boards up to 32" by 32"  and specify dimension downs to one mil;  trace widths can be set in a range from one to 99 mils

Flexible output---artwork can be generated on any Windows compatible dot-matrix printer, Laser printer,  Postscript printer, or plotter. In addition, artwork can be produced in DXF or  in the industry-standard Gerber file format

Drawtofit and zoom operations---regardless of board size, an entire drawing page can be shrunk and displayed within the viewing window; any portion of this display can be zoomed to normal  size

Next Page


SuperPCB On-Line Brochure (Continued)

Library Parts	Pad Types
DIP8 to DIP64	Round
SOIC8 to SOIC40	Square
TO3 to TO220	Oval
PGA68 to PGA180	Via (through and buried)
PLCC20 to PLCC84	Edge connector finger
surface mount caps	Surface Mount
surface mount resistors	Thermal
surface mount transistors	Mounting Hole
through-hole discrete parts	connectors
connectors

Snap Grids

5, 10, 25, 50 mils, variable, polar

Toolbar Operations

Enter text	Select edit mode
Enter trace	Draw to fit
Enter pad	Erase
Enter arc	Rotate
Enter rectangle	Mirror
Enter fill	Vertical Flip
Enter part	Show origins

Finger Tip (Mouse) Edit Operations

Copy (shift-drag with mouse)

Move (drag object with mouse)

Stretch (drag endpoint with mouse)

Select (click over object)

Edit part (double click over part)

Edit object (double click over object)

Keyboard Operations

F1....Enter HELP mode

F2....Exit program

F3....Toggle autorouting mode

F4....Center layout

F5....Access library parts

F6....Select library part instance

F7....Remove last object

F8....Clear board layout

F9....Enter edit mode

F10...Toggle snap-to-grid mode

+.....Select next layer

-.....Select previous layer

ESC...Exit text or other mode/Re-draw

Pulldown Menus

File	Edit

Load	Clear

Save	Select edit mode

SaveAs	Erase

Format library part	Rotate

Print	Mirror

Gerber	Origin

Excellon	Send to Clipboard

Exit	Undo

Auxiliary	Setup

Find text   	Work area size

Replace text      	Library parts

Autoincrement text	Clipboard

Design rules check	General

Enter reference	Colors

Enter value	Fonts

Board statistics	Isolated fill mode

Style	Process

Set outline style	Batch Autoroute

Set pad size/shape	Place

Set drawing widths	Optimize

Set fill patterns	Smooth

Others

View, User-defined & HELP menus

English or Metric units

System Requirements

Microsoft 32-Bit Windows ™ (Windows 95, 98, NT4 or greater)

graphics----EGA,VGA,SVGA

printers----any printer supported with Windows driver (epson, HP Laser, Postscript, HPGL plotters, etc.)

memory----4M or greater


SuperSIM On-Line Brochure

SuperSIM Digital Simulator Product Highlights

SuperSIM is a simple yet powerful logic simulator that enables the designer to analyze digital circuits using a personal computer. Using a simple set of logic primitives and a comprehensive library, SuperSIM allows the user to simulate complex circuits containing thousands of signals. SuperSIM supports integrated circuits using prebuilt library parts. All library parts are in ASCII format to allow user modification.  Priced starting at $149.

Program Features

o Nine state, eventdriven simulation with functional and timing analysis

o 500 unique signals

o Behavioral, gate and switchlevel digital simulation

o Built-in models for AND, OR, INVERT and other basic logic gates

o Built-in models for JK and toggle flip-flops

o Support for tristate busses, PLDs and ROMs

o Automatic spike (glitch) and oscillation detection

o Allows triggered test vectors

o Works directly with SuperCAD schematic editor (display in Analyzer window)

o Includes TTL and CMOS libraries (150 prebuilt parts)

o User-modifiable library

Enhancements

o Purchase separately or in combination package SuperSIM+;  see price list for details

o Additional 350 parts, including more TTL and CMOS, ALS and ECL

o Upgrade to 4000 unique signals and 16,000 gates


mentalSPICE On-Line Brochure

mentalSPICE Analog Simulator Product Highlights

mentalSPICE is a simple yet powerful analog simulator that enables analysis of circuits using a personal computer.  The Mental Automation Spice package works directly with SuperCAD,  using the Oscilloscope display window for output. With a simple set of circuit primitives such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, mentalSPICE allows the simulation of a wide variety of complex circuits. In the literature provided with the software, a number of circuit examples are discussed including: RLC network, Butterworth filter, differential pair, TTL inverter, UA709 opamp, Transmission line, and others. Priced starting at $199. Requires 80x87 coprocessor,  486DX, or Pentium®.

Program Features

o Complete Berkeley Spice compatible inputs and outputs  (ASCII and SuperCAD compatible)

o Full AC, DC, and transient analyses

o Support for Subcircuits

o Built-in models for all common discrete analog devices

o Support for external libraries

o Temperature effects modeling

o Capacity for up to 200 devices in one simulation

Built-in Models

o Passive Components ( resistors, capacitors, inductors, coupled inductors,  transmission lines)

o Sources ( independent voltage and current sources, transient signal generators, voltage controlled

   voltage and current sources,  current controlled voltage and current sources)

o Semiconductor Devices (diodes, bipolar transistors, MOSFETs)


Add-on Software Price List

Note: All of the following software products require 32-bit Windows, including Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT4 or greater. (See below for Windows 3.1/3.11)

(product) (part no.---price)

Schematic Entry Software

SuperCAD for Windows  (MA80000---$149)

Windows version of SuperCAD schematic editor. Includes library parts (approximately 1600 equivalent symbols), netlister, parts builder, digital and analog simulation support (simulators available separately). Supports any printer (including laser, postscript, and plotter devices---both color and black & white!) and any video display with a Windows driver.

SuperCAD for Windows  (MA80100---$249)

This is a combination package which includes SuperCAD for Windows  with Multiple-Document Interface (MDI) for large projects, autowiring, and additional library parts (MA3010).

LIB2 library parts  (MA30100--$85)

More than 6000 additional parts for use with SuperCAD. Parts symbols include parts from Intersil, Maxim, Micron, Analog Devices, NEC, Intel, TI, Motorola, National Semiconductor, and others!

Simulation Software

SuperSIM Digital Simulator for Windows  (MA81000---$149)

Powerful event-driven simulator which works directly with SuperCAD. Includes library of 150 TTL and CMOS part models and has capacity for 500 signals. Logic waveform outputs are displayed within the SuperCAD schematic editor. Includes pattern generator, virtual displays (LED, HEX display, relay, speaker) and single step & animation control.

SuperSIM Digital Simulator for Windows  (MA81100---$399)

Enhanced version of SuperSIM with 550 part models, up to 4000 signals.

mentalSPICE Analog Simulator for Windows  (MA66000---$199)

Analog simulator which works directly with SuperCAD. Can simulate circuits containing transistors, diodes, passive devices,  opamps and other ICs. Allows AC, DC,  and transient analysis. Now includes virtual function generator, sweep generator, voltmeter, ammeter and others.  Includes over 350 discrete part models, 500 opamp/comparator  models, 30 mixed-mode digital models, and models for LM555 and LM556 timers. Also works with most vendor supplied IC models. The software has nearly 30 ready-to run simulation examples (astable oscillator, notch filter resistor divder, linear power supply, LM555 one-shot timer, etc.). Requires 80x87 coprocessor (not needed if you have 486DX or Pentium processor).

Printed Circuit Board Software

SuperPCB Printed Circuit Board Software  (MA85000---$549)

Multi-layer printed circuit board software for up to 16 layers and 32" x 32" board size; resolution to 1 mil. Includes enhanced batch autorouter with rip up and retry, and autoplacement functions. Produce artwork on laser printers, plotters, and other Windows compatible devices, or in Gerber format. Library of 900 package types included (DIPs, discretes, surface mounts, etc.).

SuperPCB Printed Circuit Board Software---Intermediate level  (MA85050---$149)

Two-layer version of MA8500 with incremental autorouter, Gerber, up to 16" x 8" board size, 100-part library. (Batch router and placement not included).

SuperPCB Printed Circuit Board Software---Intermediate Level with Router  (MA85100---$299)

Same as MA8505, but with two-layer batch autorouter, autoplacement,  and 32" x 32" board size.

Combination Packages

SuperTOOLS for Windows Complete Circuit Board Package  (MA87000---$399)

Combination package including SuperCAD for Windows (MA80000) and intermediate level with two-layer router version of SuperPCB (MA85100), for a savings of $49.

SuperTOOLS+ for Windows Enhanced Complete Printed Circuit Board Package  (MA87100---$699)

Combination package including SuperCAD+ for Windows (MA80100)  and SuperPCB for Windows (MA85000), for a total savings of $99.

mentalMAX Complete Circuit Design Package with Both Layout and Simulation  (MA87200---$549)

Combination package including schematic entry, printed circuit board layout, and simulation. Saves more than $200 over separate purchases! Includes SuperCAD (MA80000),  two-layer router version of SuperPCB (MA85100), SuperSIM (MA81000), and mentalSPICE (MA66000). This package includes nearly 2000 symbols, 900 models and 150 package parts.

mentalMAX+ for Windows Enhanced Complete Design Package with Both Layout and Simulation!  (MA87301---$1099)

Enchanced combination package including schematic entry, printed circuit board layout, and simulation. Save hundreds of dollars over separate purchases! Includes SuperCAD+ (MA80100), SuperPCB (MA85000), SuperSIM+ (MA81100), and mentalSPICE (MA66000). This package includes nearly 8000 symbols, 1300 models and 800 package parts. Added bonus: This package now also includes the original Encyclopedia of Electronic Circuits CD!

mentalMAX/S Circuit Design Package with Simulation  (MA87400---$349_

Combination package including schematic entry and both digital and analog simulation. Saves nearly $150 over separate purchases! Includes SuperCAD (MA80000), SuperSIM (MA81000), and mentalSPICE (MA66000).

16-bit Software (Note: This software will run in Windows 3.1 and 3.11 )

SuperPCB Printed Circuit Board Software---Inroductory-Version  (MA8505---$149)

SuperPCB Printed Circuit Board Software---Two-Layer Routing-Version  (MA8510---$299)

SuperPCB Printed Circuit Board Software---Full-Version  (MA8500---$499)

SuperCAD Schematic Editor  (MA8000---$149)

SuperCAD+Schematic Editor  (MA8010---$249)

SuperTOOLS for Windows Enhanced Complete Printed Circuit Board Package  (MA8700---$399)

SuperTOOLS+ for Windows Enhanced Complete Printed Circuit Board Package  (MA8710---$649)

mentalMAX for Windows Complete Design Package with Both Layout and Simulation  (MA8730---$549)

mentalMAX+ for Windows Enhanced Complete Design Package with Both Layout and Simulation (MA8730---$999)


Common Schematic Symbols

Diodes

Resistors

Capacitors

Lamps

Transistors

Inductors/Transformers

Logic Gates

Miscellaneous