The SOURCE file format (sometimes also called SOU-file) was developed in the 70´s in the former USSR. It was commonly used in the Eastern Bloc. The SOURCE file format is a binary format and using a single file for each cell. The length of cell names is limited to 6 characters. A fixed databaseunit of 100nm is used. In some applications, deviation from the standard occurs and a different databases units are used.
The LayoutEditor can load all record types of the SOURCE file format without any limitations. A design can be stored in the SOURCE format. The design will be set to the SOURCE database unit during the first step of storing a design. By default the unit used is 100nm however it can be adjusted in the SetupDialog. All cell names will be changed to a maximam of 6 characters. It is guaranteed that no identical cell names exist. The file name for each cell will be identical with the cell name of the current cell. Cell arrays with negative or non orthogonal spacing are not in the Source file format. Also not supported are rotations other than a multiples of 90°. If such elements exist in the design, a warning will be shown. To see the warning please ensure that you have enabled the display of warnings in the SetupDialog.