Re: Using DIA for block simulation

[Lars Clausen <lrclause cs uiuc edu>]

On 22 Dec 2003, Bruno Barberi Gnecco wrote:
> Hello,
>
>       I'm writing a program that will simulate designs using blocks,
> something in the lines of Matlab's Simulink or PSpice, but for a specific
> purpose. As the simulator itself will require a lot of work, I was
> wondering if I could somehow use Dia as a sort of GUI. I don't require
> much of the GUI: in fact, all I want is a graphical tool to connect the
> blocks. I'd then convert it to a format of my own and simulate it ---
> pretty much what spice GUIs do.  Anyway, my question is: is it doable?
> What I need is someway to create new blocks in the GUI. They need to have
> input and output nodes (connection points), and the user must be able to
> select the number and name of these nodes.

So you basically want something chip-like, yes?  Shouldn't be too hard, and
would be a nice addition.

For how to adjust the number of connection points, see Standard -- Line or
Network -- Ethernet Bus.  Several lines show how to place labels next to
points, it'll probably be even easier for a box-like thing.  You may want
to think a bit first about what would be the easiest way to add new
input/output nodes (I'd say a middle menu, but YMMV).  

-Lars

-- 
Lars Clausen (http://shasta.cs.uiuc.edu/~lrclause)| HÃrdgrim of Numenor
"I do not agree with a word that you say, but I   |----------------------------
will defend to the death your right to say it."   | Where are we going, and
    --Evelyn Beatrice Hall paraphrasing Voltaire  | what's with the handbasket?