Cell Link

Applications frequently need to associate database information with cells. The Cell Link utility (“celllink.ma”) links a cell library with an existing database table by attaching database linkages on the headers of the library cells.

As cells are placed into the design, the linkages are copied with the cells. The Linkage Mode determines whether a new row is added to the database table.

The database table must have a column that contains the cell names. The column can have any name.

The first linkage type in the MS_LINKTYPE configuration variable definition specifies the type of linkage for attachment.

The cell library must be attached before linkages can be attached to or detached from its cells.

The utility does not assign mslink keys to rows. Every row in the table that will be linked to the cell must have an mslink key before the utility is used.

To load the Cell Link utility and open its dialog box

1. In the MDL dialog box (Utilities menu > MDL Applications), select CELLLINK in the Available Applications list box.


2. Click the Load button.
   OR


3. In the Key-in window, key in: MDL LOAD CELLLINK

To attach a linkage to a cell(s)

1. In the Cell Link dialog box, select the cell in the Cell Name list box. To select all cells, choose Select All Cells from the dialog box's Settings menu.


2. Click the Attach button.
   The Attach Linkage dialog box opens.


3. In the Tables list box, select the desired table.


4. In the Columns list box, select the column that contains the cell names.


5. Click the OK button.
   The list box in the Cell Link dialog box updates to reflect the newly attached linkage(s).

If the entire cell library is processed, a log file is created that lists the name of every cell in the library and the linkages present in each. The log file has the same name as the cell library with the “.log” extension.

To detach linkages from a cell(s)

1. In the Cell Link dialog box, select the cell in the Cell Name list box. To select all cells, choose Select All Cells from the dialog box's Settings menu.


2. Click the Detach button.
   An alert box opens to confirm the request.


3. Click the OK button.
   All linkages listed in MS_LINKTYPE are detached from the selected cell(s). The list box in the Cell Link dialog box updates to reflect this.

Cell Link dialog box

Used to link a cell library to an existing database table. Opens upon loading of the MDL application, “celllink.ma.”

Library

Shows the filename of the attached cell library, if any.

Cell Name (list box)

Lists the attached cell library and any database linkages present on the cells. For each linkage, the list box shows the database table and the mslink key in the linkage. Cells with multiple attached linkages are listed once for each linkage. If a cell has no linkages, the Table and mslink column are blank.

Attach

Opens the Attach Linkages dialog box, which is used to attach linkages to the selected cell(s).

Tables

Lists for selection the tables for which there are corresponding rows in MSCATALOG.

Columns

Lists for selection the columns in the selected table in the Tables list box. Select the column that contains the cell names.

OK

Accepts the selected column and attaches the linkage(s).

Cancel

Closes the dialog box without attaching any linkages.

Detach

Detaches all linkages listed in MS_LINKTYPE from the selected cell(s). An alert box is used to confirm the request.

File menu > Attach…

Opens the standard Attach Cell Library dialog box. You must attach a cell library before you can attach or detach database linkages to or from cells.

Settings menu > Select All Cells

Selects all of the cells in the Cell Name list box.