Unnamed NetGroup

An unnamed NetGroup allows you to create an associated NetGroup definition for one-time usage. This means that the associated NetGroup definition is built dynamically and the NetGroup cannot be further instantiated across the design.
A benefit of an unnamed NetGroup is that you first create a empty definition and then add signals, as required. While, you cannot instantiate the associated NetGroup definition elsewhere in your design (or page), you can, however, reference the NetGroup on other pages within the same schematic.
An unnamed NetGroup can contain a scalar or a bus. However, unlike a named NetGroup an unnamed NetGroup cannot contain another NetGroup.

To create an unnamed NetGroup

1. Choose NetGroup from the Place menu in Capture.
   The Place / Create NetGroup dialog displays.
2. To specify the NetGroup as unnamed, choose Place UnNamed NetGroup checkbox.
   The Instance Name field displays the default name for the NetGroup (@@UNNG). You can edit this name as required.
3. Click OK.
4. Draw a block to contain the unnamed NetGroup. This is done the same way as drawing a hierarchical block on a page.

Placing an unnamed NetGroup as a block

Using the Place NetGroup dialog

1. Choose NetGroup from the Place menu.
   The Place NetGroup dialog displays.
2. To place the NetGroup as a block, choose the Place Unnamed NetGroup Block check box and click OK.
   The cursor changes to a crosshair icon.
3. Draw a block to contain the NetGroup. This is done the same way as when drawing a hierarchical block on a page.

Using the Schematic page edit pop-up menu

1. Select the nets, NetGroups and buses on the page that you want to add to the unnamed NetGroup.
2. Right-click on the selection and choose Create UnNamed NetGroup.
   The cursor changes to a cross-hair icon.
3. Draw the NetGroup on the page.
   The entry pins of the NetGroup define the input signals for the signals included in the NetGroup.
   When you place an unnamed NetGroup as a block on a page (Using the Place NetGroup dialog), the NetGroup is empty. You need to now add members (scalars or buses) to the NetGroup.

To add a scalar member to an unnamed NetGroup

1. Select the unnamed NetGroup.
2. From the Place menu choose the Hierarchical Pin menu item.
   The Place Hierarchical Pin dialog displays.
3. Enter a name for the scalar member.
4. Specify the width as scalar by selecting the Scalar radio button in the Width group.
5. Click OK.
   The pin is attached to the cursor.
6. Place the pin on one of the edges of the unnamed NetGroup.

To add a bus member to an unnamed NetGroup

1. Select the unnamed NetGroup.
2. From the Place menu choose the Hierarchical Pin menu item.
   The Place Hierarchical Pin dialog box displays.
3. Enter a name for the bus member.
   Note: The name of the bus must also define the size of the bus.
4. Specify the width as bus by selecting the Bus radio button in the Width group.
5. Click OK.
   The pin is attached to the cursor.
6. Place the pin on one of the edges of the unnamed NetGroup.

To delete a member from an unnamed NetGroup

• Select the member to delete and press the Delete key.

To place an unnamed NetGroup as a hierarchical port

1. To place an unnamed NetGroup as a hierarchical port, you need go to the Place Hierarchical Port dialog.
   To open this dialog, choose the Hierarchical Port menu item from the Place menu.
2. Enter a symbol for the port.
3. To place the hierarchical port as an unnamed NetGroup port, choose the Show UnNamed NetGroup check box.
4. From the drop-down list choose the unnamed NetGroup.
5. Click OK and place the port on the page.

To place an unnamed NetGroup as an off-page connector

1. To place an unnamed NetGroup as an off-page connector, you need to go to the Place Off-Page Connector dialog.
   To open this dialog box, choose the Off-Page Connector menu item from the Place menu.
2. Enter a symbol for the connector.
3. To place the hierarchical port as an unnamed NetGroup port, choose the Show UnNamed NetGroup check box.
4. From the drop-down list choose the unnamed NetGroup.
5. Click OK and place the connector on the page.

To reorder pins in an unnamed NetGroup

1. Select the unnamed NetGroup on the design.
2. Choose Reorder pins for UnNamed NetGroup from the pop-up menu.
   The Reorder UnNamed NetGroup Pins dialog box appears.
3. Select any of the listed pins and click or Down to change the order.
4. Click OK.