Apparatus for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams or method for comparing or verifying same

Abstract

Proposed is an apparatus for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams. The apparatus comprises: an input unit configured to receive a first circuit diagram for a first circuit and a second circuit diagram for a second circuit, the first circuit and the second circuit sharing at least a part of the same circuit configuration; and a processor configured to compare the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram. The processor may be configured to: obtain circuit configuration data in a format of a first type for each of the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram; preprocess the circuit configuration data in the format of the first type of the first circuit diagram and the circuit configuration data in the format of the first type of the second circuit diagram; and compare the preprocessed first circuit configuration data in the format of the first type of the first circuit diagram with the preprocessed second circuit configuration data in the format of the first type of the second circuit diagram.

Description

Device for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams or method for comparison or verification

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus or a method for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams, and more specifically, to an apparatus or method for comparing or verifying at least two circuit diagrams to detect differences or changes.

[0002] In the field of electronic circuit design, as well as in research and manufacturing sectors involving electronic circuits, issues arising from differences in drawing programs can directly affect project quality and schedules. The major problems are as follows:

[0003] There are data compatibility issues. If the ordering company and the receiving company use different CAD or PCB design programs, compatibility problems with drawing data may arise. Although conversion is necessary to address this, it is difficult to transmit accurate circuit design information due to the high risk of losing critical layer information or symbols during the conversion process.

[0004] In addition, there is a problem with inconsistencies between parts and libraries. Different drawing programs may have different part library structures or codes. This can lead to the possibility that detailed information about the parts used in the drawing is not properly conveyed or is incompatible, potentially resulting in the use of incorrect parts, which can lead to errors in circuit operation.

[0005] Ultimately, this results in the consumption of additional work time. When different programs are used, the client must convert the drawings and deliver them in a format readable by the contractor. Since this requires not only the conversion work but also the review and rework of the converted drawings, it impacts the overall project schedule and leads to additional costs.

[0006] The problems are not limited to the above points.

[0007] To resolve these issues, the client and the contractor should consider pre-defining compatible programs or using standard formats when exchanging drawings, but this is not a fundamental solution.

[0008] The present invention is proposed to solve the problems described above, and aims to propose an apparatus or method for detecting differences or changes by comparing or verifying at least two circuit diagrams.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a device for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams is proposed, wherein the device comprises: an input unit configured to receive a first circuit diagram for a first circuit and a second circuit diagram for a second circuit that share at least some identical circuit configurations; and a processor configured to compare the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram, wherein the processor may be configured to acquire circuit configuration data of a first type format for each of the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram, preprocess the circuit configuration data of a first type format of the first circuit diagram and the circuit configuration data of a first type format of the second circuit diagram, respectively, and compare the preprocessed first circuit configuration data of a first type format of the first circuit diagram with the preprocessed second circuit configuration data of a first type format of the second circuit diagram.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be configured to generate first information and second information of first circuit configuration data and set the values. Here, the first information may include sub-information related to a component or element of the first circuit diagram, and the second information may include sub-information related to electrical connection information between the component or element of the first circuit diagram.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be configured to generate and set first information and second information of the second circuit configuration data. Here, the first information may include sub-information related to a component or element of the second circuit diagram, and the second information may include sub-information related to electrical connection information between the component or element of the second circuit diagram.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the processor may perform preprocessing according to the correspondence between the first information or second information of the first circuit configuration data and the first information or second information of the second circuit configuration data. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be configured to compare the first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data according to the correspondence between the first information or second information of the first circuit configuration data and the first information or second information of the second circuit configuration data.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the first circuit diagram and the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the second circuit diagram may be configured to have the same value for preset sub-information for identical parts or elements.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, if the same plurality of parts or elements are included in each of the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram, the processor may be configured to identify each of the plurality of parts or elements through another part or element to which the plurality of parts or elements are connected, or through electrical connection information of said plurality of parts or elements.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be configured to generate a reference database using some of the first circuit configuration data. The processor may be configured to compare the generated reference database with the circuit configuration data among the second circuit configuration data that corresponds to the reference database.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, the reference database may include at least one of the component or element to be compared or inspected among the component or element of the first circuit diagram and its sub-information or attributes, electrical connection information between the component or element to be inspected, and pin information of the component or element to be inspected.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be configured to output the result of comparing the first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data to a display.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram may be generated by a different type of circuit diagram creation program or in a different type of format.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the device may include a user interface configured to output the results of the comparison or verification.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams is proposed, the method may include the steps of: receiving a first circuit diagram for a first circuit and a second circuit diagram for a second circuit that share at least some identical circuit configurations; obtaining circuit configuration data of a first type format for each of the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram; preprocessing the circuit configuration data of a first type format of the first circuit diagram and the circuit configuration data of a first type format of the second circuit diagram, respectively; and comparing the preprocessed first circuit configuration data of a first type format of the first circuit diagram with the preprocessed second circuit configuration data of a first type format of the second circuit diagram.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include the step of generating first information or second information of the first circuit configuration data and setting the value. Here, the first information may include sub-information related to a component or element of the first circuit diagram, and the second information may include sub-information representing electrical connection information between the component or element of the first circuit diagram.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include the step of generating and setting first information or second information of second circuit configuration data. Here, the first information may include sub-information related to a component or element of the second circuit diagram. The second information may include sub-information related to electrical connection information between components or elements of the second circuit diagram.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include the step of performing preprocessing or comparing the first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data according to the correspondence between the first information or the second information of the first circuit configuration data and the first information or the second information of the second circuit configuration data.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the first circuit diagram and the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the second circuit diagram may be configured to have the same value for preset sub-information for identical parts or elements.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include the step of identifying each of the plurality of components or components through another component or component to which the plurality of components or components are connected, or through electrical connection information of the plurality of components or components, when the same plurality of components or components are included in each of the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include the step of creating a reference database using some of the first circuit configuration data; and the step of comparing the created reference database with circuit configuration data among the second circuit configuration data that corresponds to the reference database.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the reference database may include at least one of the component or element to be compared or inspected among the component or element of the first circuit diagram and its sub-information or attributes, electrical connection information between the component or element to be inspected, and pin information of the component or element to be inspected.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include the step of outputting the result of comparing the first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data to a display.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram may be generated by a different type of circuit diagram creation program or in a different type of format.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is proposed that stores code configured to execute the aforementioned method for comparison or verification by a computer or processor.

[0031] The above-mentioned problem-solving methods are merely some of the embodiments of the present invention, and various embodiments reflecting the technical features of the present invention can be derived and understood by those skilled in the art based on the detailed description of the present invention to be described below.

[0032] The present invention has the following technical effects.

[0033] The present invention enables efficient comparison of at least two circuit diagrams.

[0034] In addition, the present invention has the effect of saving time and cost in comparing circuit diagrams.

[0035] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention.

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are included as part of the detailed description to aid in understanding the present invention, provide embodiments of the present invention and explain the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description.

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates the problems in conventional circuit diagram work.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams according to the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit diagram according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a reference database created based on the circuit diagram illustrated in Figure 4.

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a device for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams according to the present invention.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols will be assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, in describing embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0044] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0045] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0046] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0047] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates the problems in conventional circuit diagram work.

[0049] A circuit diagram is completed through the collaborative work of various entities (workers or companies, etc.), and based on this, an output (product) can be produced.

[0050] Figure 1 illustrates a conventional circuit diagram work between an ordering entity (A) and an ordering entity (B), and a process for obtaining outputs based thereon.

[0051] The ordering entity (A) converts a circuit diagram generated using its own circuit diagram creation program (Tool A) into a file in a format that anyone can view (e.g., an image or document) and provides it to the ordering entity (B). Based on the provided file, the ordering entity (B) creates a circuit diagram using a circuit diagram creation program (Tool B, C, D, … etc.) that is different from the program of the ordering entity (A). Afterward, the ordering entity (B) receives verification of the circuit diagram from the ordering entity (A), or, without such procedure, transmits the circuit diagram to the entity producing the deliverable (e.g., a PCB manufacturer) so that the deliverable is produced.

[0052] The ordering entity (A) checks the deliverables to verify whether its circuit diagram or the product design corresponding to the circuit diagram has been properly reflected.

[0053] Traditionally, the verification or confirmation process for such circuit diagrams was often carried out through human visual inspection. This was because the respective programs were incompatible, and ultimately, this working environment became a cause of frequent errors.

[0054] Examples of errors include small differences in the circuit diagram, such as incorrectly reflecting the resistance value of a component or element, or connecting a wire intended for ground to the power supply instead; these can lead to critical problems where the circuit in the final product does not operate as designed.

[0055]

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams according to the present invention. The method for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams illustrated in FIG. 2 may be performed by a device for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams or by a processor of said device. For the sake of simplicity of explanation, the method for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams will be described as being performed by a “device”.

[0057] The device can obtain a first circuit diagram. Additionally, the device can obtain a second circuit diagram. As previously described, the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram may be created using different circuit diagram creation programs, but the present invention is not limited thereto. This means that circuit diagrams created using the same circuit diagram creation program can also be compared or verified through the circuit diagram comparison or verification method of the present invention. For example, a circuit diagram may be modified and exist in multiple versions, and the circuit diagram comparison or verification method of the present invention may be used to track changes in each version.

[0058] Additionally, the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram may be circuit diagrams for each of the first circuit and the second circuit, each having at least a part of the same circuit configuration or sharing the same circuit configuration. That is, the first circuit and the second circuit have at least a part of the same configuration, and a first circuit diagram representing the first circuit and a second circuit diagram representing the second circuit can be obtained.

[0059] The device can obtain circuit configuration data in a first type format of the first circuit diagram (S211). Additionally, the device can obtain circuit configuration data in a first type format of the second circuit diagram (S212). For example, the first type format may include EDIF (Electronic Design Interchange Format) or ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange). EDIF may be stored in a structured text format that describes the components, connections, pins, attributes, etc. of the circuit.

[0060] The device can perform preprocessing on each circuit configuration data (S220). Preprocessing may include generating information or attributes for each circuit configuration data and setting values ​​and information thereon. The information or attributes are pre-set and may include, for example, name, type, classification, vendor code, value, voltage, tolerance, etc.

[0061] The circuit configuration data of the first type format may not include the aforementioned information or attributes. Therefore, some of the information or attributes generated or set through preprocessing may be new information or attributes that are not present in the circuit configuration data of the first type format.

[0062] For the sake of simplicity of explanation, the result of preprocessing the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the first circuit diagram will be referred to as the “first circuit configuration data,” and the result of preprocessing the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the second circuit diagram will be referred to as the “second circuit configuration data.”

[0063] The device can compare the first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data (S230).

[0064] In addition, the device can output the comparison results through a user interface such as a display (S240).

[0065] Below, the preprocessing (S220) will be explained in more detail.

[0066] The first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data obtained as a result of preprocessing may each include first information and second information. Either of the first information and the second information may be information that can be obtained depending on the configuration(object) of the circuit. For example, if the circuit configuration is a component or an element, the first or second circuit configuration data may include first information. The first information may include sub-information related to the component or element. For example, the first information is composed of the following information or attributes, and a value must be set for each piece of information or attribute.

[0067] Information or Attribute Description Required ID identifying the component or element within the reference schematic Required Vendor Code A code representing detailed information about the component or element, used to identify the component or element Required Classification Type of the component or element (e.g., resistor, capacitor, IC, etc.) Required Name Product name of the component or element (provided by the manufacturer) Required Value If the component or element is a passive component, its value (resistance, capacitance, inductance, etc.) Non-Required (Required for passive components or elements) Voltage Allowable voltage of the component or element Non-Required Tolerance Allowable tolerance of the component or element

[0068] For example, if the circuit configuration represents electrical connection information between components or elements, the first or second circuit configuration data may include second information. The second information may include sub-information related to the electrical connection information between components or elements. For example, the second information consists of the following information or attributes, and a value must be set for each piece of information or attribute.

[0069] Information or Attribute Description Required Name: Name or identifier of the relevant electrical connection Required Type: Indicates one of signal, power, or ground Required Classification: Voltage / current value supplied if power Non-Required

[0070] Once information or attributes regarding the components or elements of a circuit, or electrical connection information between components or elements, are generated and settings are completed, the device can compare the first circuit configuration data with the second circuit configuration data.

[0071] On the other hand, if the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram are generated by different circuit diagram creation programs or different entities, the values ​​of the information or attributes of the components described above—that is, the first information—may differ even if they represent the same circuit configuration. More specifically, the values ​​of the first information are highly likely to vary depending on the entity or program that creates the circuit diagrams.

[0072] Accordingly, in the present invention, a correspondence relationship between the first information of the first circuit configuration data and the first information of the second circuit configuration data may be pre-established. A correspondence relationship for at least one of the sub-information of the first information may be pre-established. For example, information that the first information “a” regarding component A of the ordering entity (A) and the first information “a'” regarding component A of the receiving entity (B) correspond to each other may be pre-established or agreed upon. As an example, the first information may include a “vendor code.” Accordingly, a comparison between the pre-processed first circuit configuration data and the pre-processed second circuit configuration data is possible, and it can be verified whether the components, connections, pins, attributes, etc. in the first circuit configuration data are identical to the components, connections, pins, attributes, etc. in the second circuit configuration data.

[0073] The device can output a result indicating that the two circuits or two circuit configuration data are identical based on the comparison result, and if they are not identical, it can output a result indicating that they are not identical or circuit configuration data that is not identical.

[0074]

[0075] Meanwhile, the circuit diagram is designed around integrated chip (IC) components. Accordingly, the “names” for each pin of the IC can be pre-configured to be used identically in the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram. That is, as shown in Table 2, for identical ICs in all entities or programs, the “names” of the second information can be configured to use pre-configured values. Through this, ICs or electrical connections between ICs can be compared between different circuit diagrams or circuit configuration data obtained from or pre-processed therefrom.

[0076] In this case as well, if multiple identical ICs are used in each circuit, the ICs can be identified using information indicating another component or element to which the IC is connected, or electrical connections (e.g., wiring, power, or ground). For example, if two IC1s are used, and one IC1 is connected to IC2 while the other is connected to IC3, the two IC1s can be identified or distinguished through information indicating the electrical connections between IC2 and IC3.

[0077]

[0078] As explained above, since two circuits or circuit diagrams are compared using circuit configuration data of a first-type format such as EIDF, it is inevitable to compare the entire circuit or circuit diagram. This not only takes a lot of time for comparison, but also, since a comprehensive comparison is not always necessary, a method to compare more efficiently will be described later.

[0079]

[0080] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams according to the present invention. The method for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams illustrated in FIG. 3 may be performed by a device for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams or by a processor of said device. For the sake of simplicity of explanation, the method for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams will be described as being performed by a “device”.

[0081] A method for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams according to Fig. 3 proposes a method of generating reference data for a standard circuit diagram (e.g., a first circuit diagram) and comparing the preprocessed circuit configuration data of a circuit diagram to be compared (e.g., a second circuit diagram) rather than comparing circuit configuration data of the first type format described above.

[0082] More specifically, the reference database is not established for all components or elements of a reference circuit diagram (hereinafter, “reference circuit diagram”) or for electrical connection information between all components or elements, but may be established for information related to some of the components or elements, or for electrical connection information between some of the components or elements. That is, the reference database may be created using a portion of the first circuit configuration data.

[0083] Accordingly, the reference database may be configured to include logic or test items for comparing or verifying components or elements, classifications of components or elements, and electrical connection information between components or elements.

[0084] Since it is difficult to describe all reference databases in this specification, we will describe, as a representative example, a reference database 1 for comparison or verification related to components or devices, a reference database 2 for comparison or verification of electrical connection information between components or devices, and a reference database 3 for comparison or verification of whether there is a floating pin among the components or devices.

[0085] [Reference Database 1]

[0086] It is a reference database for verifying the consistency of the allowable voltage information (sub-information included in the first information) of all power supply capacitors within the circuit diagram.

[0087] The device can identify capacitors connected to a “power source” based on the classification of electrical connection information (second information) in the preprocessed first circuit configuration data, extract allowable voltage information from the sub-information of each capacitor, and store it as reference database 1. For example, it can be stored as a table as follows.

[0088] Reference (or Vendor Code) Allowable Voltage [V] C1050C1510C1720

[0089] The device can identify a reference or vendor code corresponding to the reference or vendor code of the first circuit configuration data in the second circuit configuration data, and determine whether the allowable voltage of a component or element (i.e., a capacitor) of the said reference or vendor code is equal to or greater than the value stored in reference database 1. If the allowable voltage of the capacitor in the second circuit configuration data is greater than or equal to the value stored in reference data 1, the device can determine that the comparison or verification of the circuit diagram is successful. The device can output a result indicating that the comparison or verification of the circuit diagram is successful.

[0090] If the allowable voltage of the capacitor in the second circuit configuration data is less than the value stored in reference data 1, the device may determine that the comparison or verification of the circuit diagram has failed. The device may output a result indicating that the comparison or verification of the circuit diagram has failed.

[0091]

[0092] [Reference Database 2]

[0093] It is a reference database for verifying the consistency of electrical connections between components or elements within a circuit diagram.

[0094] The device can identify at least two components or elements (e.g., IC1 and IC2) that have electrical connections with each other from the preprocessed first circuit configuration data, and extract connection information of the two components or elements to store as reference data 2. Referring to FIG. 4, two components or elements (part of them) are shown, and a circuit diagram showing the connection between them is shown. As indicated in FIG. 4, pins G5, G4, and V6 of IC2 are connected directly or indirectly to pins 5, 6, and 7 of IC1. The electrical connection information of IC1 and IC2 is illustrated in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, not only the electrical connection of the two components or elements is stored in the reference database, but electrical connection information of all pins of the reference component or element (IC1 in FIG. 5) among the two components or elements can also be stored.

[0095] The device can identify a reference or vendor code corresponding to the reference or vendor code of the first circuit configuration data in the second circuit configuration data, and determine whether the electrical connection information of the component or element (i.e., IC1) of the said reference or vendor code is the same as the value stored in reference database 2. If the electrical connection information of IC1 in the second circuit configuration data is the same as the value stored in reference database 2, the device can determine that the comparison or verification of the circuit diagram is successful. The device can output a result indicating that the comparison or verification of the circuit diagram is successful.

[0096] If the electrical connection information of IC1 in the second circuit configuration data differs from the value stored in reference database 2, the device may determine that the comparison or verification of the circuit diagram has failed. The device may output a result indicating that the comparison or verification of the circuit diagram has failed.

[0097]

[0098] [Reference Database 3]

[0099] It is a reference database for checking floating pins among components or elements within a circuit diagram.

[0100] The device can identify a component or element having a pin (e.g., IC3, IC5) from the preprocessed first circuit configuration data, extract information about the floating pin of the identified component or element, and store it as reference data 3. For example, it can be stored as a table as follows.

[0101] Reference (or Vendor Code) Floating Pin Number IC331IC5K9

[0102] The device can identify a reference or vendor code corresponding to the reference or vendor code of the first circuit configuration data in the second circuit configuration data, and determine whether the electrical connection information, i.e., floating pin information, of the component or element (i.e., IC3, IC5) of the said reference or vendor code is the same as that stored in reference database 3. If the floating pin information of IC3, IC5 of the second circuit configuration data is the same as the value stored in reference database 3, the device can determine that the comparison or verification of the circuit diagram is successful. The device can output a result indicating that the comparison or verification of the circuit diagram is successful.

[0103] If the floating pin information of IC3 and IC5 of the second circuit configuration data differs from the value stored in reference database 3, the device may determine that the comparison or verification of the circuit diagram has failed. The device may output a result indicating that the comparison or verification of the circuit diagram has failed.

[0104]

[0105] In summary, the reference database may be created or configured to include at least one of the following: a component or element to be compared or inspected among the components or elements of the first circuit diagram and its sub-information or attributes, electrical connection information between the components or elements to be inspected, and pin information of the components or elements to be inspected.

[0106]

[0107] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a device (10) for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams according to the present invention. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, it will be referred to as “device (10).”

[0108] The device (10) may include an input unit (100) configured to receive a first circuit diagram for the first circuit and a second circuit diagram for the second circuit, for a first circuit and a second circuit that share at least some of the same circuit configuration.

[0109] The device (10) may include a processor (200) configured to compare the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram.

[0110] The processor (200) may be configured to acquire circuit configuration data of a first type format for each of the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram. The first type format may be, for example, EDIF or ASCII.

[0111] The processor (200) may be configured to preprocess the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the first circuit diagram and the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the second circuit diagram, respectively.

[0112] After that, the processor (200) may be configured to compare the first circuit configuration data of the first type format of the preprocessed first circuit diagram with the second circuit configuration data of the first type format of the preprocessed second circuit diagram.

[0113] The processor (200) may be configured to generate first information and second information of first circuit configuration data and set the values. Here, the first information may include sub-information related to a component or element of the first circuit diagram, and the second information may include sub-information related to electrical connection information between the component or element of the first circuit diagram.

[0114] Additionally, the processor (200) may be configured to generate and set first information and second information of the second circuit configuration data. Here, the first information may include sub-information related to a component or element of the second circuit diagram, and the second information may include sub-information related to electrical connection information between the component or element of the second circuit diagram.

[0115] The processor (200) may perform preprocessing according to the correspondence between the first information or second information of the first circuit configuration data and the first information or second information of the second circuit configuration data. Alternatively, the processor (200) may be configured to compare the first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data according to the correspondence between the first information or second information of the first circuit configuration data and the first information or second information of the second circuit configuration data.

[0116] Meanwhile, the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the first circuit diagram and the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the second circuit diagram may be configured to have the same value for pre-set sub-information for identical parts or components. For example, a vendor code, which is one of the sub-information, may be set to have the same value in the first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data for identical parts or components.

[0117] If the same plurality of parts or elements are included in each of the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram, the processor (200) may be configured to identify each of the plurality of parts or elements through another part or element to which the plurality of parts or elements are connected, or through electrical connection information of said plurality of parts or elements.

[0118] The processor (200) may be configured to generate a reference database using some of the first circuit configuration data. The processor (200) may be configured to compare the generated reference database with circuit configuration data corresponding to the reference database among the second circuit configuration data. The reference database may include at least one of the following: a component or element to be compared or inspected among the components or elements of the first circuit diagram and its sub-information or attributes, electrical connection information between the components or elements to be inspected, and pin information of the components or elements to be inspected.

[0119] The processor (200) may be configured to output the result of comparing the first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data to a display.

[0120] Meanwhile, the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram may be generated by different types of circuit diagram creation programs or generated in different types of formats.

[0121] Additionally, the device (10) may include a user interface (300) configured to output the result of a comparison or verification. The user interface (300) may include a display as an example.

[0122] Even if not described with reference to FIG. 6, the circuit diagram comparison or verification device (10) of the present invention may perform the operation according to the present invention as described above in FIG. 2 to 5.

[0123]

[0124] In addition, as another aspect of the present invention, the operation of the above-described proposal or invention may be provided as code that can be implemented, practiced, or executed by a "computer" (a comprehensive concept including a system on chip (SoC) or (micro)processor, etc.), or as a computer-readable storage medium or computer program product that stores or contains said code, and the scope of the present invention may be extended to said code or as a computer-readable storage medium or computer program product that stores or contains said code.

[0125]

[0126] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement and practice the present invention. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention as described in the following claims. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but to be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. As a device for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams, For a first circuit and a second circuit that share at least some of the same circuit configuration, an input unit configured to receive a first circuit diagram for the first circuit and a second circuit diagram for the second circuit; and It includes a processor configured to compare the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram, and the processor: Obtain circuit configuration data of a first type format for each of the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram, and The circuit configuration data of the first type format of the first circuit diagram and the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the second circuit diagram are each preprocessed, and A configuration configured to compare the first circuit configuration data of the first type format of the preprocessed first circuit diagram with the second circuit configuration data of the first type format of the preprocessed second circuit diagram. device.

2. In paragraph 1, the processor is: It is configured to generate first information or second information of the above-mentioned first circuit configuration data and set the value, and The above first information includes sub-information related to a component or element of the above first circuit diagram, and The second information above includes sub-information related to electrical connection information between components or elements of the first circuit diagram. device.

3. In paragraph 1, the processor is: It is configured to generate the first information or the second information of the above second circuit configuration data and set the value, and The above first information includes sub-information related to a component or element of the above second circuit diagram, and The second information above includes sub-information related to electrical connection information between components or elements of the second circuit diagram. device.

4. In paragraph 2, the processor is: According to the correspondence between the first information or second information of the first circuit configuration data and the first information or second information of the second circuit configuration data, A method configured to perform the above preprocessing or to compare the first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data. device.

5. In paragraph 1, the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the first circuit diagram and the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the second circuit diagram are configured to have the same value for pre-set sub-information for identical parts or elements, device.

6. In paragraph 5, if the same plurality of parts or elements are included in each of the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram, the processor: Each of the above plurality of components or elements is configured to be identified through another component or element to which the above plurality of components or elements are connected, or through electrical connection information of the above plurality of components or elements. device.

7. In paragraph 1, the processor is: A reference database is created using some of the above first circuit configuration data, and A method configured to compare the above-generated reference database with the circuit configuration data among the second circuit configuration data that corresponds to the reference database. device.

8. In Paragraph 7, the above reference database is A component or element of the first circuit diagram comprising at least one of a component or element to be compared or inspected and its sub-information or attributes, electrical connection information between the component or element to be inspected, and pin information of the component or element to be inspected. device.

9. In paragraph 1, the processor is: Configured to output the result of comparing the first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data to a display, device.

10. In paragraph 1, the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram are generated by a different type of circuit diagram creation program or generated in a different type of format, device.

11. As a method for comparing or verifying circuit diagrams, For a first circuit and a second circuit that share at least some of the same circuit configuration, a step of receiving a first circuit diagram for the first circuit and a second circuit diagram for the second circuit; A step of obtaining circuit configuration data of a first type format for each of the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram; A step of preprocessing, respectively, circuit configuration data of the first type format of the first circuit diagram and circuit configuration data of the first type format of the second circuit diagram; and A method comprising the step of comparing first circuit configuration data of a first type format of the preprocessed first circuit diagram with second circuit configuration data of a first type format of the preprocessed second circuit diagram. method.

12. In Paragraph 11, The method includes the step of generating first information or second information of the first circuit configuration data and setting the value. The above first information includes sub-information related to a component or element of the above first circuit diagram, and The second information above includes sub-information related to electrical connection information between components or elements of the first circuit diagram. method.

13. In Paragraph 11, The method includes the step of generating the first information or the second information of the second circuit configuration data and setting the value thereof. The above first information includes sub-information related to a component or element of the above second circuit diagram, and The second information above includes sub-information related to electrical connection information between components or elements of the second circuit diagram. method.

14. In paragraph 12, according to the correspondence between the first information or second information of the first circuit configuration data and the first information or second information of the second circuit configuration data, A method comprising the step of performing the above preprocessing or comparing the first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data. method.

15. In Paragraph 11, The circuit configuration data of the first type format of the first circuit diagram and the circuit configuration data of the first type format of the second circuit diagram are configured to have the same value for pre-set sub-information for identical parts or elements. method.

16. In the case where the same plurality of components or elements are included in each of the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram, the method comprises the step of identifying each of the plurality of components or elements through another component or element to which the plurality of components or elements are connected, or through electrical connection information of the plurality of components or elements. method.

17. In claim 11, the step of creating a reference database using a portion of the first circuit configuration data; and A method comprising the step of comparing the generated reference database with the circuit configuration data corresponding to the reference database among the second circuit configuration data. method.

18. In Paragraph 17, The above reference database is A component or element of the first circuit diagram comprising at least one of a component or element to be compared or inspected and its sub-information or attributes, electrical connection information between the component or element to be inspected, and pin information of the component or element to be inspected. method.

19. In Paragraph 11, A step comprising outputting the result of comparing the first circuit configuration data and the second circuit configuration data to a display. method.

20. In paragraph 11, the first circuit diagram and the second circuit diagram are generated by a different type of circuit diagram creation program or generated in a different type of format, method.

21. A computer-readable medium storing code configured to execute a method according to any one of paragraphs 11 through 20 by a computer or processor.

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