What are components, symbols, & schematics?
In Mentor Graphics, a component is a complex object that may represent anything from a simple logical function to a full bown integrated circuit. Each component has many data files. The ones that are of our concerns are: 1) symbol model, which is a file that tells us the component’s graphical representation and 2) schematics model, which is a file that tells us the component’s implementation. For example, a shift register component has a symbol model that is a drawing of a rectangle with pins around it, and perhaps a triangle wedge for the clock signal. It also has a schematics model that is a schematic drawing of flip-flops and wires, etc.
