Block Symbol

The Block Symbol command allows you to create and configure a block symbol. You can also specify whether it is a definition block. These are used to simultaneously update multiple instance blocks that are based on the selected block symbol. Execute this command by clicking Hierarchy > Create > Block Symbol on the ribbon. Configure the block symbol in the Block Symbol dialog, and then draw a rectangle on the canvas to define its size. You can then add the block symbol to a schematic sheet using the Add Block command.

Dialog

Value		Description
Block Name		Specify a unique alphanumeric name for the block symbol.
Hierarchy Type		Specify whether the block symbol is a definition block, which can be reused in the design. The selected value is shown in the Properties Panel, Hierarchy Type row.
	Multi-Instanced	The new block symbol is a definition block. It can be reused in the design by selected it in the Add Block, or Change Block command. When it is updated, all instance blocks that are added to the design based on this block are also updated. To do this, select Check Hierarchy Update and then select Update All Instances or Update Instance.
	Single-Instanced	The new block symbol is used only on the displayed canvas. It cannot be reused in the design by selecting it in the Add Block or Change Block command.
Reference		Specify a reference name for the block symbol.
Pins		The Pins table allows you to configure the pins associated with the block symbol that you create. Pins can be added or deleted by right-clicking in the Pins table and selecting the relevant option on the assist menu.
	Label	Define an alphanumeric label for the associated pin. When the block is added to the canvas, the specified label is displayed by the pin.
	Type	Specify the pin type for the associated pin. The following options can be selected. INPUT: the pin represents an input into the block from the linked schematic sheet. An input pin is always created on the left of the block. OUTPUT: the pin represents an output to the linked schematic sheet from the block. An output pin is always created on the right of the block. BIDIRECT: the pin represents a bidirectional connection to the linked schematic sheet. A bidirect pin is always created on the right of the block.
	Bit Count	Displays the bit count associated with the associated pin.
OK		Saves the settings that you specify in the Block Symbol dialog, and closes the dialog. After you click OK, define the dimensions of the block by clicking two opposite corners of a rectangle on the canvas. If you select Multi-Instanced in the Hierarchy Type box, then the block symbol is listed in the Blocks section in the Design Tree, as well as below the circuit. If you select Single-Instanced in the Hierarchy Type box, then the block symbol is listed below the circuit in the Design Tree.
Cancel		Closes the  Block Symbol dialog without creating a block symbol.

Assist Menu

The following commands can be selected by right-clicking in the Pins table.

Value		Description
Cut		The Cut command cuts a selected object and copies it to the Cut buffer. See Cut.
Copy		The Copy command copies a selected object to the Cut buffer.See Copy.
Paste		The Paste command places an object on the canvas that is stored in the Cut buffer.
Delete		The Delete command deletes a selected object. See Delete.
Add Pin		Adds a pin below the selected row in the Pins table.
Delete Pin		Deletes the pin that you select in the Pins table. Multiple pins can be selected using the Ctrl and Shift keys.
Add Multiple Pins		Adds a specified number of pins to the bottom of the Pins table. Set the number of pins to add in the displayed Add Multiple Pins dialog.