Integrated Systems Engineering ISE Development, Modeling, and Optimization of Microelectronic TCAD Processes, Devices, Circuits, and Systems ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes Contents
1 General information ...... 1 1.1 Compatibility with previous versions...... 1 1.2 Technical documentation with no release notes...... 1 1.3 Discontinued tools ...... 1 2 GENERIC...... 1 2.1 Tool version options ...... 1 2.2 Diagnostic options ...... 1 2.3 Platform-specific options ...... 2 3 DESSIS...... 2 3.1 New features ...... 2 3.1.1 Random dopant fluctuations...... 2 3.1.2 Ferroelectric material...... 2 3.1.3 User-defined dopants ...... 2 3.1.4 New linear solver: UMFPACK ...... 3 3.1.5 Anisotropy...... 3 3.1.6 Doping-dependent contact resistivity...... 3 3.1.7 Parameter file printing ...... 3 3.1.8 Experimental tunneling mobility...... 3 3.1.9 Strained-Si simulation...... 3 3.1.10 Light-emitting diodes ...... 3 3.1.11 Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers ...... 3 3.1.12 Edge-emitting lasers...... 4 3.1.13 Optical solvers...... 4 3.1.14 Polarization-dependent optical matrix ...... 4 3.1.15 Two-dimensional far field...... 4 3.1.16 Input and output of vectorial optical fields ...... 4 3.1.17 EMLAB grid size...... 4 3.1.18 Solution variables ...... 4 3.1.19 Heat fluxes...... 4 3.2 Compatibility with previous versions...... 4 3.3 Fixed bugs ...... 6 4 DEVISE...... 6 5 DIOS ...... 7 5.1 Fixed bugs ...... 7 6 FLOOPS ...... 7 7 GENESISe ...... 8 7.1 Differences between new and classic GENESISe...... 8 7.1.1 Graphical user interface ...... 8 7.1.2 Multiple tool instances ...... 8 7.1.3 Scenarios...... 8 7.1.4 Variables...... 8 7.1.5 Preprocessor enhancements and node expressions ...... 8 7.1.6 Scheduler support ...... 9 7.1.7 LIGAMENT ...... 9 7.1.8 OptimISE integration ...... 9 7.1.9 Batch scripting language ...... 9 7.1.10 Command-line project cleanup utility: gcleanup ...... 9 7.2 New features (compared to GENESISe9 from Release 8.5)...... 9
i Contents ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
7.3 Compatibility with previous versions...... 9 7.4 Fixed bugs ...... 10 8 INSPECT ...... 10 8.1 New features...... 10 8.2 Note on PostScript generation...... 10 8.3 Loading PLX files...... 10 8.4 Compatibility with previous versions...... 11 8.5 Fixed bugs ...... 11 9 LIGAMENT ...... 11 9.1 LIGAMENT Flow Editor ...... 11 9.1.1 New Value Editor and shortcut menu ...... 11 9.1.2 Enhanced manipulation of data ...... 11 9.1.3 Enhancements to locate macro calls quickly...... 11 9.2 LIGAMENT Translator ...... 12 9.2.1 Converting DIOS flow to LIGAMENT flow ...... 12 9.2.2 New and discontinued simulator formats...... 12 9.2.3 Additions to the SPR ...... 12 9.2.4 Tcl statements and Tcl scripts in string values ...... 12 9.3 LIGAMENT Layout Editor ...... 12 9.4 Compatibility with previous versions...... 12 9.5 Fixed bugs ...... 13 10 MDRAW...... 13 10.1 Compatibility with previous versions...... 13 10.2 Fixed bugs ...... 13 11 MESH ...... 13 11.1 Compatibility with previous versions...... 13 11.2 Fixed bugs ...... 13 12 NOFFSET3D ...... 13 12.1 New features: 2D ...... 13 12.1.1 Axis-aligned mesh ...... 13 12.1.2 Multiple-connected polygons ...... 13 12.2 New features: 3D ...... 14 12.2.1 Quantum wells...... 14 12.2.2 Automatic detection of algorithms ...... 14 12.2.3 Multiple-connected polyhedrons...... 14 12.2.4 Non-Delaunay optimization ...... 14 13 OptimISE ...... 14 13.1 New features...... 14 13.2 GENESISe and OptimISE integration...... 14 13.3 Compatibility with previous versions...... 14 13.4 Fixed bugs ...... 15 14 Tecplot-ISE...... 15 14.1 New features...... 15 14.2 Compatibility with previous versions...... 15 14.3 Fixed bugs ...... 15
ii ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes Contents
15 Utilities ...... 15 15.1 Interfise...... 15 15.2 Compatibility with previous versions...... 16 15.3 Known problems...... 16 16 Amtec release notes for Tecplot Version 9.2 ...... 16 16.1 Platform requirements ...... 16 16.2 Configuration issues ...... 17 16.2.1 Windows...... 17 16.2.2 UNIX/Linux ...... 19 16.3 New features and enhancements...... 23 16.3.1 Version 9.2, Release 2 ...... 23 16.3.2 Version 9.0, Release 4 ...... 25 16.3.3 Version 9.0, Release 3 ...... 26 16.3.4 Version 9.0, Release 2 ...... 26 16.4 Corrected problems ...... 27 16.4.1 Version 9.2, Release 2 ...... 27 16.4.2 Version 9.2, Release 1 ...... 27 16.4.3 Version 9.0, Release 4 ...... 28 16.4.4 Version 9.0, Release 3 ...... 28 16.4.5 Version 9.0, Release 2 ...... 29 16.5 Known problems...... 29
iii ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes General information 1 General information
1.1 Compatibility with previous versions
ISE TCAD tools are backward compatible wherever possible with regard to file formats and models. However, improvements to algorithms and implementations, in particular, improvements to meshing algorithms in process simulation tools and meshing tools, are potential sources of deviations in simulation results.
It is recommended that this ISE TCAD release is installed in parallel with previous versions of the software. The -rel and -ver options in Section 2.1 allow for the selection of specific tool versions. These can be added permanently to the command line of specific tool instances in GENESISe projects by selecting the tool in the GENESISe Tool Flow Editor, and selecting Arguments from the Edit menu. 1.2 Technical documentation with no release notes
For this ISE TCAD release, the following technical documentation have no accompanying release notes: Advanced Calibration, Compact Models, DIP, EMLAB, ISExtract, PARDISO, SLIP90, SPARTA, SUPER, and TED. 1.3 Discontinued tools
PROSIT has been phased out from the ISE TCAD suite. Therefore, there is no accompanying technical documentation in this release.
2GENERIC
2.1 Tool version options
The following options are available for selecting specific versions of the ISE TCAD tools:
-releases Lists all releases available in the ISE TCAD installation under $ISEROOT.
-versions Lists all versions in a particular release directory. Use -releases and -versions together to list the entire set for a given tool.
-rel
-ver
The following options can be used in any order or combination:
1 DESSIS ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
ISE requires that you send the output of the -@diag or -@ldiag options to ISE Support for any bug reports. 2.3 Platform-specific options
The following options are related to platform-specific extensions:
3 DESSIS
3.1 New features
3.1.1 Random dopant fluctuations
DESSIS offers basic capabilities to estimate the impact of random dopant fluctuations based on the impedance field method.
3.1.2 Ferroelectric material
The ferroelectric material model is now explicitly time dependent, which allows DESSIS to model the transient behavior of ferroelectric materials more accurately.
3.1.3 User-defined dopants
DESSIS now handles arbitrary user-defined dopants. This is important for III–V materials. The incomplete ionization model is also available for user-defined dopants.
2 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes DESSIS
3.1.4 New linear solver: UMFPACK
A new linear solver, UMFPACK, is available. It is a direct solver that uses pivoting for improved numeric stability (see the UMFPACK manual).
3.1.5 Anisotropy
DESSIS supports anisotropy in these physical models:
Electrical permittivity
Constant mobility
Doping-dependent mobility
Mobility degradation at interfaces
High field saturation mobility, including the hydrodynamic Canali model
Avalanche generation
Thermal conductivity
3.1.6 Doping-dependent contact resistivity
To emulate the tunneling through Schottky barriers, which depends on the doping concentration, a simple resistivity model is available. This model permits a faster simulation of the Schottky contacts compared to the more accurate BarrierTunneling model.
3.1.7 Parameter file printing
The new DESSIS command option -M prints the parameter file with constant model parameters for regions where the mole fraction is constant. This simplifies the analysis of computed model parameters for III–V devices.
3.1.8 Experimental tunneling mobility
An experimental mobility option is implemented. The excess current generated by the density gradient model in semiconductor barriers can be calibrated with a tunneling mobility parameter.
3.1.9 Strained-Si simulation
DESSIS strained-Si capabilities have increased in two ways: the addition of a Monte Carlo and experimental data–calibrated parameter file StrainedSilicon.par to the Material Library, and an improved piezo model for the tensor-grid option.
3.1.10 Light-emitting diodes
The light-emitting diode (LED) option is implemented in DESSIS using part of the Laser code (computation of spontaneous emission rate and output light wavelength) and raytracing.
3.1.11 Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers
The first version of the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) simulation feature is implemented. It supports all laser options including reiteration of optical modes and thermodynamic simulation.
3 DESSIS ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
3.1.12 Edge-emitting lasers
A self-consistent vectorial optical solver for edge-emitting lasers is implemented.
3.1.13 Optical solvers
Optical solvers can be activated independently to compute the optical modes of edge-emitting lasers and VCSELs. Users can select various solvers: 1D transfer matrix method for VCSELs, scalar finite element method (FEM) for edge-emitting lasers, and vectorial FEM for both VCSELs and edge-emitting lasers.
3.1.14 Polarization-dependent optical matrix
A polarization-dependent optical matrix used for the computation of the stimulated emission gain is implemented for edge-emitting lasers. The matrix can be activated only if the vectorial optical solver is selected.
3.1.15 Two-dimensional far field
Both scalar and vectorial DESSIS edge-emitting laser simulation can compute two-dimensional far-field patterns.
3.1.16 Input and output of vectorial optical fields
Release 8.5 used the keyword OptPattern to load the intensity. This is still preserved for use if the keyword SaveOptPattern is used to save the optical intensity. However, the datasets that OptPattern loads are different from those of Release 8.5. If the same optical intensity format of Release 8.5 is used, the keyword OptField
3.1.17 EMLAB grid size
EMLAB optical generation through the automatic start from DESSIS is now able to vary the number of nodes created per wavelength by the keywords NodePerWavelength, NodePerWavelengthX, NodePerWavelengthY, or NodePerWavelengthZ.
3.1.18 Solution variables
DESSIS can plot the response of solution variables caused by applied AC signals. This allows the analysis of AC signal propagation in the device.
3.1.19 Heat fluxes
The output of electron, hole, and lattice heat fluxes is implemented so that heat transport problems can be analyzed. 3.2 Compatibility with previous versions
DESSIS now checks undefined models (the model is undefined if there is no default and it is not present in the parameter file) in regions and stops the simulation if such models are found. Only important models are selected. To switch off this option, specify the keyword -CheckUndefinedModels in the Math section.
Raytracing uses the second formula of Ramanujan to compute the circumference of an ellipse. Previously, it was a power series approximation to the relevant integral. The circumference of an ellipse is used in the intensity computation.
4 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes DESSIS
The following PMI models now support anisotropy: • Doping-dependent mobility • Mobility degradation at interfaces • High field saturation mobility • Avalanche generation • Thermal conductivity
Due to the introduction of anisotropy, the C++ classes for the above PMIs were modified. The PMI source code must be updated for new DESSIS.
NOTE The preprocessor symbol PMI_VERSION can be used to determine the version number of the PMI.
The following C++ compiler versions are needed for the CMI and PMI in DESSIS:
Architecture Compiler DEC Alpha Compaq C++ V6.5-014 for Compaq Tru64 UNIX V5.1B (Rev. 2650) HP-UX 11 (32-bit) aCC: HP ANSI C++ B3910B A.03.35 HP-UX 11 (64-bit) aCC: HP ANSI C++ B3910B A.03.35 IBM AIX 5.1 C for AIX version 5.0.2.0 Linux Red Hat 2.4 gcc version 2.95.3 20010315 (release) Sun Solaris 5.7 (32-bit) CC: WorkShop Compilers 5.0 98/12/15 C++ 5.0 Sun Solaris 5.7 (64-bit) CC: WorkShop Compilers 5.0 98/12/15 C++ 5.0 Windows 2000 Microsoft (R) 32-bit C/C++ Optimizing Compiler Version 12.00.8804 for 80x86
Contact ISE Support if the required compiler version is not available.
The compiler on Linux platforms requires special attention. On many recent systems, a 3.x version of gcc is installed. However, the DESSIS binary was built with an older compiler version as shown above. If you want to use the CMI/PMI, the following RPM packages with gcc 2.96 are available:
compat-gcc-7.3-2.96.110 compat-libstdc++-7.3-2.96.110 compat-libstdc++-devel-7.3-2.96.110 compat-gcc-c++-7.3-2.96.110
After installation of these packages, the compilers gcc296 and g++296 are available.
Since the name of the compiler is hard coded into the CMI tool, the following steps are needed to create a shared object file:
1. Call cmi with the -v option to see which compiler commands are issued. 2. Execute these commands manually in a shell, substituting g++296 for g++.
The nonisothermal model with the option Thermodynamic in DESSIS can handle fast transient simulations and nonlocal tunneling correctly. As the model in Release 8.5 was unphysical in such cases, simulation results can be different if the Thermodynamic option is used in transient simulations or together with nonlocal tunneling.
The keyword RecGenHeat now includes heating due to generation–recombination processes in the lattice temperature equation even when neither the Hydrodynamic nor Thermodynamic model is used.
5 DEVISE ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
The Schenk band-to-band tunneling model handles quantization and Fermi statistics similar to the other recombination models. In addition, the corrections near interfaces and equilibrium regions are the same as for the other band-to-band tunneling models. These alterations can change simulation results compared to previous DESSIS versions.
The number of truncated elements, due to boundary non-Delaunay elements at material interfaces, is reduced. A new parameter TruncatedElementRatio is introduced to control this number. It only affects 3D simulations.
In laser simulations, the default optical mode type has changed from longitudinal to transverse mode. 3.3 Fixed bugs
Laser far field can be performed when optical intensity pattern is loaded from a file.
Disabled ballistic transport at quantum well sidewalls of edge-emitting lasers.
For devices that contain points where heterointerfaces and normal interfaces meet, a conceptual problem exists: Some solution variables (for example, densities) may be discontinuous at heterointerfaces, but they must be continuous at normal interfaces. DESSIS issues a warning when it detects this situation. ISE recommends avoiding such geometries as far as possible by promoting normal interfaces to heterointerfaces.
The computation of carrier velocities for plotting purposes is fixed.
Units for the heavy ion parameters length and wt_hi in the input syntax, and a_2, a_4, and c_3 in the parameter file are fixed when the keyword picoCoulomb is activated (see the DESSIS manual for details).
4DEVISE
DEVISE is a new ISE TCAD tool. It is a 2D and 3D device editor, and 3D process emulator. It has three distinct operational modes: 2D structure editing, 3D structure editing, and 3D process emulation. Geometric and process emulation operations can be mixed freely, adding more flexibility to the generation of 3D structures.
The 2D interactive structure generation mode is comparable to MDRAW, but enhanced in capabilities. In addition, DEVISE offers 3D interactive structure generation.
From the graphical user interface, 2D and 3D device models are created geometrically, using 2D or 3D primitives, such as rectangles, polygons, cuboids, and cylinders. The way in which the overlap between new and existing objects is resolved can be explicitly selected, which allows for greater flexibility in structure generation. Geometry operations are supported by the ACIS geometry kernel.
DEVISE offers improved capabilities in contact assignment and visualization. Internally, DEVISE uses curved boundary and surface representation, which is faceted, with full refinement control, to generate the polygonal and polyhedral DF–ISE structure boundary representation.
DEVISE offers interactive doping profile and meshing strategy definitions, and supports all doping and meshing options of the ISE mesh generation tools MESH and NOFFSET3D. In addition, DEVISE has powerful state-of-the-art 2D and 3D visualization capabilities (built with the HOOPS libraries), which show the geometric structure as it is created.
All interactive operations are recorded into a script journal file, enabling users to reconstruct device geometries by rerunning the script file, which can be modified or created directly to generate parametric models. The Scheme programming language is used for scripting.
6 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes DIOS
DEVISE also includes a 3D process emulator, PROCEM, which opens the possibility to use layout masks for patterning, deposition, and etching steps. PROCEM supports various options for deposition and etching to account for processing effects.
The version number of DEVISE is consistent with the ISE TCAD tools, therefore, it is 9.0. Refer to the DEVISE documentation.
5 DIOS
5.1 Fixed bugs
A fix for the Hobler damage model.
A new parameter repl(contr(LAREAmin) has been introduced, which can be used to help with problems occurring during oxidation with a very low growth rate.
6FLOOPS
The first version of FLOOPS from ISE is available in this release. FLOOPS was originally written by Mark Law, University of Florida. ISE obtained a commercial license for the resale of FLOOPS and has added features, stabilized the code, and reduced simulation times. This effort has resulted in a stable, and complete 1D and 2D process simulator. (Work is continuing to enhance and stabilize 3D capabilities.) FLOOPS features include implantation (both analytic and Monte Carlo), diffusion, oxidation, etch, deposition, postprocessing, and graphical display.
The major features added by ISE are:
The MGOALS Library provides meshing and geometry operations using the levelset method. This library creates an anisotropic mesh and the anisotropy is maintained through the whole process flow. For etching and deposition, it also uses the levelset method (except for very simple geometries in which an analytic algorithm is used).
Analytic implantation has been enhanced to handle complex structures correctly. Amorphization is computed using a model from Hobler, and standard plus 1 or plus n models are available. Advanced Calibration implant tables are available and are the default. For Monte Carlo implantation, Crystal-TRIM is available. This tool has statistical enhancements for rare events and trajectory replication to reduce simulation times.
The Alagator scripting capability has been extended to include oxidant diffusion equations. A three-phase interface segregation and interface diffusion model has been added as well as the capacity to simulate epitaxy. In addition, extensive efforts by ISE now allow for flexibility, automation, and rapid model development.
Stress history is maintained and thermal mismatch stresses are computed by default. In addition, an elastic and a plastic model, while potentially useful on their own, have been added in anticipation of future features.
A graphical user interface to Tecplot-ISE has been created that allows 2D structures and data to be viewed in real time.
The Property Database Browser provides a graphical user interface to the FLOOPS parameter database, which allows parameters to be viewed and evaluated.
The version number of FLOOPS is consistent with the ISE TCAD tools, therefore, it is 9.0. Refer to the FLOOPS documentation.
7 GENESISe ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes 7GENESISe
GENESISe is a completely redesigned version of the classic GENESISe, which was released in ISE TCAD 8.5 as GENESISe9 along with the classic GENESISe version. In Release 9.0, it completely replaces the classic GENESISe, which was default in Release 8.5 and earlier. 7.1 Differences between new and classic GENESISe
New GENESISe has several new features and improvements compared to the classic GENESISe, which are summarized here (see the GENESISe manual).
7.1.1 Graphical user interface
The new graphical user interface has been designed to have a similar appearance to spreadsheet tools and statistical tools. As a result, the GUI is more compact and intuitive, and easier to use. New GENESISe is also much faster than the classic GENESISe, especially for large projects.
The MS Windows ‘look and feel’ and integration have improved. New GENESISe also provides copy-and- paste and import-and-export operations for the exchange of data with spreadsheet tools and statistical tools.
7.1.2 Multiple tool instances
Previous versions could only have a single instance of a tool, such as DIOS. In the new GENESISe, tools can be put into a flow a number of times, and they are identified by both a unique tool instance name and the actual tool name.
7.1.3 Scenarios
A scenario is a subtree of a GENESISe simulation tree that defines a particular subset of experiments. Scenarios can overlap, that is, a particular node or path can be part of more than one scenario. Scenarios were used by OptimISE, but they were not fully supported by classic GENESISe. They are now supported by the new GENESISe.
7.1.4 Variables
The concept of variables as an additional way to define values for input files, to extract values from a simulation and to provide postprocessing operations in the GENESISe spreadsheet, has been extended. Variables can now be defined from the GUI. The definitions can be performed in two ways: as values that are valid globally, or for specific nodes and their children. Expressions are now possible using Tcl (tool command language) substitution syntax, for example:
[expr {@parameter@ + 2.0*@variable@}]
7.1.5 Preprocessor enhancements and node expressions
One important improvement in the GENESISe input file preprocessing language is that the syntax for referencing nodes in the simulation tree has been extended. The new, comprehensive ‘node expression’ syntax can be used not only in the preprocessor, but also for referencing nodes in the submission of jobs or node selection in the GUI.
8 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes GENESISe
7.1.6 Scheduler support
The definition for queues has been extended and now comprises a single definition syntax for queues for execution on the local machine, with the DMW Scheduler or LSF Scheduler. The queues of the different schedulers can be used simultaneously.
Although queues must be defined globally, the assignment of particular jobs to a specific queue can be changed on the user level and project level.
7.1.7 LIGAMENT
LIGAMENT is no longer shown as a stand-alone tool in GENESISe. It is now a preprocessor option of the process tools.
7.1.8 OptimISE integration
Access to OptimISE is fully integrated in GENESISe. OptimISE now relies on the GENESISe project format. Before OptimISE can run, classic GENESISe projects must be converted to the new project format using GENESISe.
7.1.9 Batch scripting language
A scripting shell based on Tcl for the manipulation of projects is provided with the binary gtclsh.
7.1.10 Command-line project cleanup utility: gcleanup
A beta version of this command-line project cleanup tool is provided. A detailed help can be obtained by using the command gcleanup -h.
Usage: gcleanup [options] [Project_Directory] 7.2 New features (compared to GENESISe9 from Release 8.5)
Editing parameter values is possible.
Zoom in, zoom out, and zoom off are available.
A progress bar has been provided. Cancelling the loading a large project is possible (Stop button or Esc key).
The menus are context sensitive with respect to the project browser and project viewer.
It is possible to show node numbers in the tree together with other options.
The sash position between two panned windows is remembered after closing.
Nodes can be added to a running project.
The ‘remaining’ option (that is, nodes that are not in the ‘done’ status) can be used when submitting a project to run. 7.3 Compatibility with previous versions
NOTE GENESISe is not forward compatible, that is, it is not possible to edit new GENESISe projects with the classic GENESISe.
9 INSPECT ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
GENESISe is designed to be backward compatible (see GENESISe, Section 3.11 on page 1.52). It is fully compatible with GENESISe9 (Release 8.5). 7.4 Fixed bugs
Tree repainting fixed (sometimes, it did not repaint properly).
LIGAMENT edit input options made context sensitive.
Visualizing .dmp DIOS files fixed (the main window froze).
Help balloons added for edit tool input and visualize eye.
Multiple selection visualization bug fixed.
Parameter properties fixed (segmentation faults occurred if non-existing parameters were used).
A bug when deleting first tool in the flow is fixed.
Faster table selection.
Changing scenarios with shortcuts fixed.
8 INSPECT
8.1 New features
Curves can be exported to two new formats: comma-separated values (CSV) or tab-delimited values (TXT).
The limit of points in a single curve has been extended. Curves with up to one million points can be loaded. 8.2 Note on PostScript generation
For the generation of PostScript (PS) files in batch mode, PS files can be printed in the following cases:
Interactive mode
On Windows (operating system), regardless of the mode used
On UNIX or Linux, in batch mode, if the DISPLAY variable is set and Tk is started
Creation of PS files is not possible when INSPECT is run in batch mode with the DISPLAY variable unset or when DISPLAY is set to an unreachable display, for example, DISPLAY=unknown:0. 8.3 Loading PLX files
When INSPECT loads a PLX file, it automatically creates curves for all datasets in the file. Curves are named following a given scheme.
INSPECT is also able to update the display of those curves while the PLX file is being modified by another tool. In order that INSPECT can update any kind of PLX files, even when the number of curves in the file is modified, the naming scheme has changed.
In previous versions of INSPECT (8.5 and earlier), the naming scheme was based on adding a suffix to all dataset names because, eventually, more than one dataset could have the same name. The suffix was _INDEX, where INDEX was the position of the dataset (starting at 0) in the file.
10 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes LIGAMENT
The naming scheme has been enhanced so that it does not depend on the order of the XY datasets in the file, but on the dataset name (even multiple datasets could have the same name). The first dataset with a given name will have no suffix; the second, the suffix .1; the third, the suffix .2, and so on.
Since all scripts created using INSPECT Release 8.5 or earlier are based on the previous naming scheme, old scripts that load PLX files may not work. The command-line option -oldPLX allows the old behavior to be reproduced. However, it is strongly recommended to upgrade old scripts. 8.4 Compatibility with previous versions
Besides the incompatibility of loading PLX files, the script language is fully compatible with previous versions of INSPECT. However, if users have used internal or undocumented functions, their scripts may not work. 8.5 Fixed bugs
Several bugs related to the user interface have been fixed.
Loading .sav files has been fixed.
Main memory consumption problems have been fixed.
9 LIGAMENT
9.1 LIGAMENT Flow Editor
The LIGAMENT Flow Editor provides enhanced navigation through the data of the Flow window and Argument window. The Argument Editor is fully redesigned and provides a powerful, convenient, and fast way to edit values and units of macro arguments, variables, and if/elif conditions.
9.1.1 New Value Editor and shortcut menu
There is a new context-dependent Value Editor and shortcut menu (see LIGAMENT, Section 3.1.2.7 on page 3.14).
The Value Editor can be used to edit values and units on any level of data hierarchy. It allows users to change the type and array/scalar property for variables and arguments of macro definitions, and to convert a scalar value to an array value, and an array value back to a scalar value.
The new context-dependent shortcut menu allows users to change values and units conveniently. It contains the complete list of possible values and units for the subject to be edited. This list includes variable references, values of enumeration type, and special values.
9.1.2 Enhanced manipulation of data
Enhanced data manipulation operations include cut-copy-paste, and the promoting and demoting of array items and arguments of a macro definition.
9.1.3 Enhancements to locate macro calls quickly
The Go To Line feature is used to find a macro call in the process flow that corresponds to the statement in the unfolded flow specified with the line number. The Which Line feature displays the step number of the macro call and the name of the macro that contains the selected macro call (see LIGAMENT, Section 3.1.2.13 on page 3.19).
11 LIGAMENT ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
9.2 LIGAMENT Translator
9.2.1 Converting DIOS flow to LIGAMENT flow
Users can now convert a DIOS flow from a DIOS command file to the LIGAMENT flow (see LIGAMENT, Section 3.3.5 on page 3.44).
9.2.2 New and discontinued simulator formats
LIGAMENT Translator now supports the new ISE simulators FLOOPS and DEVISE. PROSIT, TESIM, and TEDIOS formats are no longer supported.
9.2.3 Additions to the SPR
New splits_number argument for implant.
New items to Species type (silicon, nitrogen, aluminum, gallium, carbon, oxygen, bf3).
New items to Material type (aluminum, titanium).
New type DepositType with the values: isotropic, anisotropic.
New deposit_type argument of the type DepositType for the deposit statement.
9.2.4 Tcl statements and Tcl scripts in string values
For any String argument of any macro call, string parts between unprotected brackets are passed to a Tcl interpreter for evaluation and are replaced by the return value of the Tcl expression during the translation stage. Brackets protected with a backslash are considered a part of the String value and are not evaluated by the Tcl interpreter (see LIGAMENT, Section 4.4.5.5 on page 3.67). 9.3 LIGAMENT Layout Editor
Users can now save the original size of a layout. LIGAMENT Layout Editor introduces the new option Do Not Recalculate on Save that controls whether the original layout dimensions are save (see LIGAMENT, Section 2.3.5 on page 3.8). 9.4 Compatibility with previous versions
LIGAMENT is fully backward compatible with previous versions, with one exception. Due to a new feature in Release 9.0 (see Section 9.2.4), users must protect brackets if they are a part of a String value. In previous LIGAMENT versions, this protection occurred automatically. If a Tcl command or Tcl script is enclosed in brackets and users need to evaluate it on the translation stage, these brackets should not be protected. Incompatibility may occur with projects created using earlier versions of LIGAMENT. For example, the following insert macro call will fail on translation due to unprotected brackets around METAL_CONTACTS:
insert(dios: "Comment('[METAL_CONTACTS] Oxide Dep for Metal Contacts')")
For this example to work, protect the brackets with a backslash:
insert(dios: "Comment('\[METAL_CONTACTS\] Oxide Dep for Metal Contacts')")
LIGAMENT is not forward compatible, that is, it is not recommended to work with projects created with this version of LIGAMENT using old versions of LIGAMENT.
12 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes MDRAW
9.5 Fixed bugs
LIGAMENT Flow Editor saves user preferences.
10 MDRAW
10.1 Compatibility with previous versions
MDRAW supports all input and output formats that were supported in Release 8.5. 10.2 Fixed bugs
Most bugs that have been fixed relate to the supporting meshing engines. Overall, the robustness and reliability of MDRAW has improved.
11 MESH
11.1 Compatibility with previous versions
The meshing engines work with all previously supported input files and generate the same output files as in previous releases, except for the new features in the command file syntax that are not backward compatible. Forward compatibility is fully maintained even for the command file syntax. 11.2 Fixed bugs
All bugs that were reported since the previous release have been fixed.
12 NOFFSET3D
12.1 New features: 2D
12.1.1 Axis-aligned mesh
The possibility to create points in a tensor grid was added to the 2D algorithms of NOFFSET. The refinement boxes in the MESH command file language are interpreted to place the mesh points. The parameter usebox=2 must be set. This feature is incompatible with the isotropic refinement according to MESH-like parameters (that is, usebox=1).
12.1.2 Multiple-connected polygons
In previous releases, the polygons defining the elements in the boundary file were simply connected. In particular regions with holes that are described by two loops, edges could not be handled. From Release 9.0, these cases can be handled if the parameter recoverholes=1 is set. By default, the old behavior is employed.
13 OptimISE ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
12.2 New features: 3D
12.2.1 Quantum wells
For the treatment of quantum well lasers, a particular mesh is needed, which is structured in one direction of space. New algorithms have been developed to treat this special case.
12.2.2 Automatic detection of algorithms
The use of 3D algorithms is simplified by automatically detecting (by inspecting the command file) which algorithms should be called. Consequently, users are rarely forced to apply the option -p or -X directly. This may cause some incompatibilities with existing examples.
12.2.3 Multiple-connected polyhedrons
Similar to that described for the 2D case, the treatment of regions having holes is now possible. In 3D, however, the algorithm is transparent and no user intervention is necessary. There is no additional computation performed for simple polyhedrons.
12.2.4 Non-Delaunay optimization
Due to the new discretization in DESSIS, the mesh does not have to conform with the Delaunay criterion in all cases. The option -X nodelaunay performs an optimization of the mesh that is less strict and results in smaller meshes.
13 OptimISE
13.1 New features
Default parameter values can be taken from a scenario instead of being set by users in the OptimISE input file.
A new command-line option -silent allows deactivating standard output display. 13.2 GENESISe and OptimISE integration
GENESISe and OptimISE are closely related. Assuming OptimISE is the main analysis tool, GENESISe provides features that allow users to edit and view command and output files, and to run OptimISE directly using explicit menu options.
Earlier problems with aborting OptimISE runs have been resolved. OptimISE can be stopped through the GENESISe user interface or, if started from the command line, by sending it a ‘kill’ signal (Ctrl+C on UNIX, or Ctrl+Break on Windows). 13.3 Compatibility with previous versions
Although the OptimISE command input language has been enhanced, it is backward compatible. Therefore, old OptimISE input files (gopt.cmd) can be used without problems.
OptimISE now relies on the GENESISe project format. Therefore, before OptimISE can run, old projects must be converted to the new project format using GENESISe.
14 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes Tecplot-ISE
13.4 Fixed bugs
Running several iterative optimization tasks with different goals.
Checking gopt.cmd file syntax.
Handling numeric precision.
Memory deallocation error on Windows.
14 Tecplot-ISE
14.1 New features
1 FLOOPS interface: In its simplest form, the FLOOPS interface transforms Tecplot into a visualization back-end for FLOOPS. In its more advanced use, Tecplot also acts as a user interface for FLOOPS. The command-line option -ise:ipc enables the FLOOPS interface in tecplot_ise.
Data updating: Allows manual or automatic updating of data on grids that are already loaded into a frame.
Integration results are written to the standard output for use with the GENESISe family table.
Integration commands are macro-recorded and can be invoked from a macro file.
The command-line option -ise:lpk enables loading of Tecplot package files by the DF–ISE loader.
The command-line option -ise:multi_load causes extra grid files specified on the command line to be loaded without data. The default is to ignore extra grid files. 14.2 Compatibility with previous versions
Boundaries are no longer extracted while loading grid files. Instead, the Tecplot boundary layer is activated in 2D, so that the display looks the same. This results in faster loading.
The temporary directory is now set to the current directory by default. This may affect the behavior during slicing operations (that is, slicing fails if users do not have write permission in the current directory). The preference option Use current directory for temporary files is provided to control this behavior. 14.3 Fixed bugs
The exit status of tecplot_ise now properly reflects the success or failure of the Tecplot session.
Slicing operations no longer change the path in the file selection windows if the preference option Use current directory for temporary files is selected.
Refer to the Amtec release notes in Section 16 on page 16.
15 Utilities
15.1 Interfise
Since Release 8.5, the translation of the names of materials and species, between the foreign format (SUPREM) and the native ISE format (DF–ISE), is defined through the file datexcodes.txt. In Release 8.5, however, the translation was restricted to scalar variables only.
1. Tecplot is a registered trademark of Amtec Engineering, Inc., Bellevue, WA, U.S.A.
15 Amtec release notes for Tecplot ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
In Release 9.0, the translation is extended to accommodate variables that are defined as scalars in foreign format (SUPREM-4b), but which correspond to a single vector in DF–ISE (for example, ElectricField). See Utilities, Chapter 5 on page 6.43 for more details.
NOTE This extension is valid only for SUPREM-4b file translation, that is, it applies only to the -sup4b2ise option of Interfise.
15.2 Compatibility with previous versions
This release of Interfise is fully compatible with the previous versions. 15.3 Known problems
In some cases, the conversion of OMEGA-style bound format to DF–ISE boundary file (using the option -bound2bnd, described in Utilities, Section 5.5 on page 6.46) may not work properly or may simply fail.
In such cases, the conversion (from ‘bound’ format to ‘bnd’) should be performed using the ISE tool MESH as follows:
1. Rename the bound format file (for example, test.bound) to that having a bnd extension (that is, test.bnd).
2. Run the ISE tool MESH on this file using the command mesh -n -nop test. This generates the required bnd file as test.bndNEW, which can be renamed as test.bnd.
16 Amtec release notes for Tecplot Version 9.2
16.1 Platform requirements
Platform CPU/Model Operating system Graphics Windows Intel Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, OpenGL NT 4.0 and higher, XP Compaq XP Tru64 UNIX 5.1 or newer OpenGL or Mesa HP 9K/7xx HPUX 11.0 or newer OpenGL IBM RS6000 AIX 4.3 or newer OpenGL or Mesa Linux Intel Linux Kernel 2.2 or newer OpenGL or Mesa Linux Intel Linux Kernel 2.4 or newer OpenGL or Mesa SGI R5k, R8k, R10k IRIX 6.2 OpenGL SGI R4k IRIX 6.2 OpenGL SGI R5k, R8k, R10k IRIX 6.5 or newer OpenGL or Mesa SGI R4k IRIX 6.5 or newer OpenGL SUN Sparc Solaris 5 OpenGL or Mesa SUN Sparc Solaris 7 or newer OpenGL Mac PowerPC Mac OS X 10.1 or newer OpenGL or Mesa
16 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes Amtec release notes for Tecplot
16.2 Configuration issues
16.2.1 Windows
System requirements are outlined in Section 2 “Requirements,” in the Installation Instructions.
Tecplot Version 9.0 relies heavily on OpenGL 3-D graphics, and in particular high-end OpenGL graphics cards. A graphics card and operating system that supports OpenGL should be used; almost all newer graphics cards do. The original release of Windows 95 does not support OpenGL; users will need to upgrade their operating system.
With certain system configurations it is not uncommon to experience problems due to insufficient memory or poorly implemented graphics drivers. If problems arise on your system please attempt the following:
1. Temporarily set the Hardware Acceleration option to None. This can be done by adding the following line to the tecplot.cfg file:
$!Interface OpenGLConfig {AllowHWAcceleration = No}
If this fixes the problem it is very likely the problem is with your OpenGL driver. It is recommended that you install the latest driver for your graphics card from the manufacturer’s Web site. Setting Hardware Acceleration to None may substantially reduce drawing speed, so it should not be the final solution unless nothing else works. 2. Try changing the Color Palette to 16-, 24-, or 32-bit color. 3. If operating on large data sets, you still may run into memory issues. If this is the case, try one of the alternative Graphics Cache settings: Cache Only Lightweight Graphics Objects or Do Not Cache Graphics. From the sidebar, click Performance. From the Display Performance dialog, choose the desired Graphics Cache setting. Click OK. These settings can be placed in the tecplot.cfg file with a combination of commands. For Cache Only Lightweight Graphics use:
$!Interface UseDisplayLists = Yes CacheLightWeightDisplayListOnly = Yes
For Do Not Cache Graphics use:
$!Interface UseDisplayLists = No
16.2.1.1 Graphics card issues
Current video cards that work with Tecplot Version 9.0:
All of Nvidia GeForce Series with updated drivers.
Nvidia GeForce Mobile on lap-tops.
All of Nvidia TNT series with updated drivers.
Nvidia Quadro series.
3D Labs Oxygen VX1 video card.
ATI Rage, Rage Pro, ATI legacy cards supporting OpenGL.
Diamond FireGL series.
Video cards that have issues running Tecplot Version 9.0:
Matrox G400 with latest drivers.
17 Amtec release notes for Tecplot ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
Matrox G450 with latest drivers and in 24-bit mode.
Savage series mobile video cards on (HPs and IBM Thinkpads). Tecplot runs slowly or display does not work. This is due to single buffer specification on the video card. Video card will run properly if you display on an external monitor and do not use the Active Matrix screen on the laptop. You will have to turn off hardware acceleration when working with 2-D and/or XY-plots.
ATI Rage Mobility in 16- or 24-bit mode shows black edges when expanding to full screen. Click Redraw or Shift-Redraw to fix this issue.
ATI Radeon DDR. May have issues in Windows98. WindowsXP has no issue running Tecplot. Update drivers for other operating systems.
Video cards that will not run Tecplot unless hardware acceleration is turned off:
Matrox G550. If you are working with 2-D and/or XY-plots, turn off hardware acceleration.
This list is frequently updated. Please check the Support section of www.amtec.com for the latest information. See below for specific cards with work-arounds.
Card: 3DFX Voodoo3 Operating System: Windows NT 4.0 (possibly others) Graphics Driver Version: 4.00.1381.9117 Problem: When selecting or zooming, the rubber-band box that Tecplot normally displays during the mouse drag does not show. It only happens when the Color Palette in the Settings page of the Display Properties dialog is set to 65536 colors. Work Around: Set the Color Palette to True Color or 256 Colors.
Card: ATI Radeon DDR (32MB) Operating System: Windows 2000 Graphics Driver Version: 5.13.1.3276 (10/15/2001) Problem: Phantom triangles appear in the image and eventually Tecplot crashes. Work Around: Add the following to the tecplot.cfg file:
$!Interface OpenGLConfig{ForceSmoothShadingForLighting = YES}
This may not be required for other varieties of Radeon cards, or for drivers newer than that specified.
Card: Diamond Viper V330 Operating System: Windows 98 (at least) Problem: Tecplot crashes upon starting when the Color Palette in the Settings page of the Display Properties dialog is set to High Color (16-bit). Work Around: Set the Color Palette to True Color.
Card: ELSA Erazor II (16MB) Operating System: Windows NT 4.0 (Service Pack 4, possibly others) Problem: Tecplot hangs when starting. Solution: Upgrade to the latest graphics driver and upgrade to service pack 5.
Card: Matrox G200 Operating System: Windows 2000 Driver Version: 5.33.006. Problem: Tecplot leaves copies of the cursor on the screen. If you exit Tecplot, then reenter, Windows 2000 crashes. Solution: Update to the latest driver from the manufacturer’s Web site.
18 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes Amtec release notes for Tecplot
Card: Matrox G400 (32MB, Dual Head) Operating System: Windows 95 Problem: Tecplot rulers disappear when the pointer passes over them. Solution: There is no known solution or work around.
Card: Matrox G450 (Dual Head) Operating System: Windows NT 4.0 (possibly others) Problem: Strange colors are sometimes displayed in the Tecplot work area after an exposure event (for example, another application is moved from in front of Tecplot). Work Around: Upgrade to the latest graphics card driver and change the color palette settings to 24-bit color.
Card: NVidia TNT 2 M64 Operating System: Windows NT 4.0 (possibly others) Graphics Driver Version: 4.00.1381.0234 Problem: Continuous color flooding looks streaky (it has a constant color along a strip of cells). Solution: Upgrade to latest graphics driver (Version 4.00.1381.0650), obtained from NVidia’s Web site.
16.2.2 UNIX/Linux
Tecplot Version 9.0 relies heavily on OpenGL 3-D graphics, and in particular high-end OpenGL graphics cards. A graphics card and operating system that supports OpenGL should be used; almost all newer graphics cards do. This release of Tecplot includes versions for many of the UNIX and Linux platforms that have been built using Mesa, an OpenGL clone. The Mesa versions should be used if OpenGL is not available on your computer.
16.2.2.1 Netscape help issues
By default, UNIX and Linux Tecplot use Netscape for Help. For Help to display properly, Java must be enabled within Netscape. The Enable Java option is found on the Advanced page of the Netscape Preferences dialog. (The Preferences option on the Edit menu.)
Tecplot looks for Netscape in the $MOZILLA_HOME directory, or in the user’s $PATH. If you have difficulty launching Netscape, check to see that the MOZILLA_HOME environment is set to the correct path for launching Netscape.
16.2.2.2 Graphics card issues
This list is frequently updated. Please check the Support section of www.amtec.com for the latest information.
Operating System: Compaq Alpha with Tru64 UNIX on Tru64 UNIX V5.x
First, make sure you are using the latest drivers. They are on the Web at:
www.support.compaq.com/open3d/swps3x0.htm
The Elsa Gloria Synergy card is only supported by Compaq in 2-D, because the 3-D performance is so poor. The solution is upgrading the graphics card to a PowerStorm 300 or 350.
Card: PowerStorm 300/350 Graphics Controller Operating System: Compaq Alpha with Tru64 UNIX Problem: By default this controller disables the rendering to off-screen pixmaps which Tecplot uses when you export images. (If you include a preview image in .lpk files this is also affected.)
19 Amtec release notes for Tecplot ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
Solution 1: This solution allows you to specify image size when exporting.
1. Log in as root.
2. Make a backup copy of /var/X11/Xserver.conf.
3. Edit /var/X11/Xserver.conf and look for “PowerStorm 300/350 Server args start.” 4. On the next line are the server arguments. Add the following to the end of the argument list:
-I -riGLXuseSWindirect
5. Save Xserver.conf and reboot.
6. Set environment variable ALLOWINDIRECT to anything. For example:
setenv ALLOWINDIRECT test
Solution 2: This solution provides faster exporting and animation, but you cannot specify options such as image size.
Update to Tecplot 9.0-4 and add the following line to the Tecplot configuration file (tecplot.cfg):
$!ExportSetup UseOffScreenBitmap = FALSE
Operating System: Sun Solaris Problem: You must have OpenGL Version 1.2.1 installed for Version 9, Release 2. (Without it, you may get an error message about a missing libglw.so.2.) Solution: The upgrade and patches are free and can be located at:
www.sun.com/solaris/opengl
From the above link you can locate and download OpenGL Version 1.2.1 (the latest production release). The instructions indicate that there are several required system patches found at:
www.sun.com/software/graphics/OpenGL/1.2.1/sysreq.html
The X Window patch and the patch for the graphics card is required. You must determine which graphics card you have (probably the Elite3D, Expert3D, Expert3D-Lite, Creator, Creator3D, or PGX card). You must download and apply the correct patch. Your system administrator should be able to help you. There are some OpenGL specific patches on the Web at:
www.sun.com/software/graphics/OpenGL/1.2.1/patches/
After installing these patches you can download the OpenGL Version 1.2.1 from Sun’s OpenGL home page:
www.sun.com/solaris/opengl
There is a problem with OpenGL running the Elite3D graphics card which causes a system crash. If you are not experiencing any problems you not need to upgrade.
Operating System: HPUX-11 Problem: Only one side of some 3-D lighted surfaces will appear to be lighted. Solution: HPUX-11.0 using fx series of graphics cards must install the following patches:
ftp://ftp.itrc.hp.com/hp-ux_patches/s700_800/11.X/PHSS_22564 ftp://ftp.itrc.hp.com/hp-ux_patches/s700_800/11.X/PHSS_23536 ftp://ftp.itrc.hp.com/hp-ux_patches/s700_800/11.X/PHSS_23546
The files are “shar” files and can be unwrapped to a text and depot file by running sh on each file:
sh PHSS_22564 sh PHSS_23536 sh PHSS_23546
20 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes Amtec release notes for Tecplot
The following is a suggested plan for installing the remaining depot files. (Your system administrator may want to install these in a different manner.)
swcopy -x enforce_dependencies=false -s PHSS_22564.depot \* @/tmp/pdepot swcopy -x enforce_dependencies=false -s PHSS_23536.depot \* @/tmp/pdepot swcopy -x enforce_dependencies=false -s PHSS_23546.depot \* @/tmp/pdepot swinstall -s /tmp/pdepot
Choose to install everything. To mop up you perform the following steps:
swreg -u -l depot /tmp/pdepot rm -r /tmp/pdepot
Operating System: High-end SGI systems supporting Visuals with more than eight-bits per primary color (RGB) Problem: Tecplot will not export images in the correct colors. Known graphics hardware with this problem includes the VPro line of adapters. Solution: Update to Tecplot Version 9.0-4.
Operating System: UNIX CDE, use of the Alt key Problem: The file $HOME/.dt/C/dtwmrc contains a group of DtButtonBindings settings which need to be changed to prevent the CDE desktop from intercepting Alt key presses in conjunction with the mouse clicks. Solution: Edit these settings by hand and restart your workspace manager (a restart is required before changes take effect).
Below are the new DtButtonBindings settings with the old values commented out. These changes still allow the special handling if applied over the frame decorations.
### # # Mouse Button Bindings Description # ###
Buttons DtButtonBindings {
21 Amtec release notes for Tecplot ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
16.2.2.3 Display issues
On some platforms, drawing of lines in OpenGL may use an optimization technique that avoids drawing of the last pixel. This is most noticeable for text drawn in the work area as some characters will appear to be missing the final stroke of the pen.
To resolve this problem add the following to your Tecplot configuration file (tecplot.cfg):
$!Interface openglconfig {screenrendering {DoExtraDrawForLastPixel = TRUE}} {imagerendering {DoExtraDrawForLastPixel = TRUE}}
16.2.2.4 Mesa versions
Mesa is an OpenGL-equivalent graphics library which originally performed 3-D rendering in software. That is, no 3-D graphics hardware was used and thus was not necessary. Some versions now take advantage of 3- D hardware acceleration.
If you are using the Linux 2.2, HP UNIX 10.2, or Sun Solaris 5 platform options, and want to install both the native OpenGL and Mesa versions, you must install the native OpenGL version first. Place both versions in the same Tecplot home directory.
In general, the Mesa version of Tecplot is slower, especially when displaying across a network. If you must run the Mesa version and display remotely, you can speed up the rendering for XY and 2-D plots by setting the environment variable below. (On some computers, this will also improve the speed of 3-D plotting; however, on others it will dramatically slow 3-D plotting.)
For C shells:
setenv MESA_BACK_BUFFER Pixmap
For BASH, Bourne, and Korn shells:
MESA_BACK_BUFFER=Pixmap export MESA_BACK_BUFFER
Operating System: Linux 2.2
It is often hard to determine the graphics capabilities of a Linux machine. Sometimes you must try several options before finding the correct answer. The no-fail installation method is to install the OpenGL version, then install the Mesa version over it. Test the three command line flags below to see which works best for your machine.
-opengl Requires bug-free graphics card and driver. Memory leaks may occur.
-sgiopengl Performs 3-D software rendering using libraries supplied by SGI. Can be used for local or remote display on machines with OpenGL. Avoids the bugs sometimes encountered with the standard OpenGL on Linux. Faster than -mesa for remote display.
-mesa Works on machines with no OpenGL capabilities.
16.2.2.5 Remote display issues
As with Tecplot Version 8.0, it is possible to run a network license of Version 9.0 on one UNIX computer and display it on a second computer (an X-server). However, if you are running the OpenGL version of Tecplot 9.0, the X-server must have the GLX extensions. If you are displaying on a UNIX system, run xdpyinfo to see
22 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes Amtec release notes for Tecplot if your system has the GLX extensions. If you are displaying on a Windows computer, you will need a newer version of X-server software, such as Reflection X 8.04 or later, or Hummingbird Exceed 3D 6.2 or later.
Note: Tecplot Version 9.0, when displayed remotely, may exhibit substantially lower drawing speeds than when it is displayed locally.
Note: OpenGL/GLX may have a memory leak which will slow graphical display performance on your machine over time. This has been observed on a Sun work station, and when remotely displaying on a Linux machine. It may occur on other machines. If Tecplot seems to be drawing more slowly, reboot your machine. If performance does not improve, please notify Amtec.
Specific remote display issues are listed below. This list is periodically updated. Please check the Support section of www.amtec.com for the latest information.
Operating System: Running on Linux Kernel 2.2 or later, displaying remotely Problem: NVidia graphics drivers return error message reading “Failed to create OpenGL context for Main Work Area.” Solution: Use the -sgiopengl command line option.
Operating System: Running on UNIX but displaying remotely on Windows using Reflection X Reflection X Version: 8.0 Problem: Unreadable text on Tecplot's drop-down menus and dialogs. Solution: Upgrade to Reflection X Version 8.05.
Operating System: Running on UNIX but displaying remotely on Windows using Reflection X Reflection X Version: 8.05 Problem: Exporting of images gives the error message “Unable to allocate resources for image export,” and reducing the size of the image does not help. Solution: On the Windows system, Display Properties dialog’s Settings page. Set the Color Palette to High Color, 16-Bit Color, or 65536 Colors. This allows you to choose export options like image size. Solution 2: In your tecplot.cfg file, add this command:
$!ExportSetup UseOffScreenBitmap = NO
To get a high-quality image, this option require you shut down most other Windows applications before exporting. You cannot choose export options like image size.
Operating System: Running on UNIX but displaying remotely on Windows using Hummingbird Exceed 3D Exceed 3D Version: 6.2 Problem: Exporting of images sometimes fails and Tecplot crashes. Solution: Upgrade to Exceed 3D Version 7.0. 16.3 New features and enhancements
Changes have been made in Tecplot which enhance performance.
16.3.1 Version 9.2, Release 2
Updated TecUtilMenuAddOption(): Now allows for creation of new menu options. If the ParentPath parameter does not exist in the current list of main menu options, a new menu option is created to the left of the Help menu.
23 Amtec release notes for Tecplot ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
16.3.1.1 Version 9.2, Release 1
Plot Approximation Mode: Increases the responsiveness for rotation, translation, New Features Added in Version 9.2, Release 1
Mac OS X: Tecplot 9.2 is now available on Apple’s advanced UNIX-based operating system.
Plot Approximation Mode: Increases the responsiveness for rotation, translation, zooming, and style changes when working with large data sets. View changes can be orders of magnitude faster. Plots are approximated, reducing the number of grid points used to render the image, while retaining its style. You control the threshold for activation, and the percentage of grid points used for approximated plotting.
Improved Plotting with Multiple Zones: You now have the ability to plot only the first zone after loading your data. This reduces the initial draw time when loading data sets with many zones. Use the Specify Options toggle on the Load Data Set(s) dialog, or set the option in your configuration file with this command:
$!Interface InitialPlotFirstZoneOnly=Yes
Faster Image Export and Animations: New options speed image export and animation on UNIX and Linux systems. Instead of off-screen rendering, images are grabbed from the screen! Activate these options by adding the following macro to Tecplot’s configuration file (tecplot.cfg):
$!ExportSetup UseOffScreenBitmap = FALSE
Faster Continuous Color Flooding: Tecplot has the ability to fill the area between contour lines with a smooth, continuous variation of color. In Version 9.2 it is up to three times faster when performing continuous color flooding based on contour variables.
Improved Load Data File Options Dialog: Used for partial reads, this dialog has numerous improvements. The selection lists on its Variables page have been changed to multiple selection lists. Select a set of variables to load then move them as a group rather than one at a time. Select By Name options have been added to the Variables and Zones pages. Tecplot will highlight all variables with a specified name, including wild card characters with asterisks (*). Quickly find and select a specific variable, or a set of variables. Optimization of the dialog allows it to operate up to sixty times faster when working with large data sets.
Faster Gouraud Shading of Finite-Element Surfaces: The rendering time for finite-element surfaces with Gouraud shading has been improved by caching surface normals. Speed improvements can be dramatic, and are most noticeable if the Cache All Graphics Display Performance option is not in use. The rendering speed of continuous color flooding is also improved by using Gouraud shading as the default.
New Add-ons: Extrude, Prism-Grid, and Tetra-Grid are available with Tecplot 9.2. Extrude takes a 2-D shape (or 1-D line) and creates a 3-D volume (or surface) by pushing the surface outward in the Z- direction. Tetra-Grid takes a set of 1-D zones and creates a tetrahedral volume grid. Prism-Grid takes a surface (defined by triangulating a cluster of points) and fills the area below a specified Z-value with a prismatic volume grid. The result is the prismatic grid volume (a finite-element brick) only existing in the low-lying areas below your specified Z-value.
General Text Loader: Makes it easy to get data into Tecplot through a fast, intuitive interface for loading ASCII data. You can scan data for files, titles, variables, and data. Use data filters, preview the processed data when importing files. Save a configuration file to your specific data format and use it the next time you load your custom files.
Excel Macro: A new utility allows direct loading of data from Excel to Tecplot (under Windows). The Excel macro is in the Util/Excel directory. Once the macro is loaded into Excel, a new option appears in Excel’s Tools menu called Tecplot. Selecting this launches Tecplot with any data highlighted in Excel. It works with multiple zones and allows data containing formulas.
24 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes Amtec release notes for Tecplot
Macro Language Enhancements: The sample file tecplot.mcr has been added, allowing you to perform functions like rotating a 3-D plot or filling frames from the Quick Macro Panel. A replacement text capability has been added for user-defined macro variables. A macro variable with |AAAA:=XXXXX| will produce XXXXX if AAAA is not defined. Also, the maximum length for a single macro command has been increased from 12,000 to 60,000 characters.
Sixty-Four Custom Color Dialog: Tecplot’s color palette has been upgraded with new custom color options. You can assign RGB values to any color with the upgraded dialog. In addition, the number of basic colors has been expanded to 64.
Extract 2-D Contour Lines: You can now extract 2-D contour lines. The extracted lines become new zones. This is accessed from the Contour Lines option of the Data menu’s Extract sub-menu.
Step Size for Slice: Tecplot’s 3-D Slice Details dialog has been upgraded, allowing for input of a precise step size when moving a slice. The position up and down arrows are then used to move the slice forward and back incrementally.
ADK Enhancements: Numerous new ADK functions have been added.
Wide Titles: You can now adjust the length of XY-mapping and zone name titles.
Sixty-Four-Bit TecIO Library: Tecplot 9.2 includes 64-bit versions of the TecIO library for SGI, HP, and Sun platforms.
16.3.2 Version 9.0, Release 4
Improved Plotting for Data Sets with Many Zones: You now have the ability to plot only the first zone after loading data. This reduces initial draw time when loading data sets with many zones. Use the Specify Options toggle on the Load Data Set dialog, or set the option in your configuration file with this command:
$!Interface InitialPlotFirstZoneOnly = YES
On-Screen Rendering for Image Export and Animation: This new option speeds up image export and animation on UNIX or Linux systems. Instead of off-screen rendering, it grabs images from screen. Activate it by adding the following macro to Tecplot’s configuration file (tecplot.cfg):
$!ExportSetup UseOffScreenBitmap = FALSE
While in use, resolution controls on Image Export dialogs are ignored. Care should be taken to not cover the Tecplot drawing area with any dialog, as the dialog would appear in the exported image. On UNIX or Linux systems, this option may dramatically speed up the image export and animation. However, it is not recommended for Windows systems, as it has little effect on rendering speed.
Faster Gouraud Shading of FE Surfaces: The rendering speed of finite-element surfaces with Gouraud shading has been improved by caching surface normals. Speed improvement can be dramatic, and is most noticeable if the Cache All Graphics Display Performance option is not in use. The rendering speed of continuous color flooding is also improved. It forces Gouraud shading by default.
Other Improvements in Version 9.0, Release 4:
Added surface normal cache for higher performance, especially with finite-element data.
Changed $!GETVARNUMBYNAME to return zero if variable number name does not exist instead of failing with an error message.
Upgraded the default for LPK Preview to be FALSE.
25 Amtec release notes for Tecplot ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
16.3.3 Version 9.0, Release 3
Improved Load Data File Options Dialog: The Load Data File Options dialog, used for partial reads, has numerous improvements. First, the selection lists on the Variables page have been changed to multiple selection lists. You can now select a group of variables to load and move them as a group, rather than moving one variable at a time. Second, Select By Name buttons have been added to the Variables and Zones pages. If you have a large number of variables, use Select By Name and Tecplot will highlight all variables with the specified name. (The wild card character “*” is allowed.) You can quickly find and select a specific variable or set of variables. Finally, the dialog has been optimized, operating up to 60 times faster. This is very helpful for data sets with a large number of variables.
Excel Macro: A new utility allows direct loading of data from Excel into Tecplot under Windows. In the Util/Excel directory is an Excel macro. Once the macro is loaded into Excel, a new option is added to Excel’s Tools menu called Tecplot. This launches Tecplot with the selected data loaded. It works with multiple zones and allows the data to contain formulas. A Read Me file, located in the Util/Excel directory, describes installation and use of this macro.
Macro Language Enhancements: A sample file tecplot.mcr has been added which allows you to perform functions like rotating a 3-D plot or tiling frames from the Quick Macro Panel in the Tools menu.
A replacement text capability was added for user-defined macro variables. A macro variable with |AAAA:=XXXXX| will produce XXXXX if AAAA is not defined.
Also, the maximum length for a single macro command was increased from 12,000 to 60,000 characters.
ADK Enhancements: Two new ADK functions have been added; TecUtilStateIsProcessingLayout{} and TecUtilMacroSetMacroVar{}. These functions allow add-on developers to query whether Tecplot is processing a layout file and to set a macro variable, respectively.
General Enhancements and Optimizations: The size limit for zone and variable names was increased to 128 characters. In addition, the dupe variables option in Tecplot data files was enhanced. Loading zones just prior to one that uses duplicate variables is no longer required. Finally, there have been numerous optimizations to graphics performance.
16.3.4 Version 9.0, Release 2
Display Performance Options: The Display Options dialog has been redesigned and renamed Display Performance. It is accessible via the Workspace menu, as well as the Performance button on the sidebar.
The Display Performance dialog provides Approximation Mode plot options which vastly reduce the rendering time for large data sets during view changes. These transition plots are approximated, while retaining the set style.
Approximation Mode works for both IJK- and finite-element data. You control the threshold for activation, and the percentage of the grid points to use for your approximated plotting. The full plot can be set to redraw automatically when you release your mouse button or click Redraw.
The Graphics Cache Options have also been increased in the redesigned Display Performance dialog. This was originally called Cache Graphics in Display Lists in the initial release of Version 9. You now have multiple options to enhance your performance.
More Basic Colors: Tecplot’s color palette has been upgraded. With new custom color options, you can assign RGB values to any color with the Colors dialog (accessed via the Preferences sub-menu of the File menu). In addition, the number of basic colors has been expanded to 64.
Faster Continuous Color Flooding: Tecplot is now up to three times faster performing continuous color flooding based on contour variables. This is accessed with the Contour Coloring Options, located on the Contours sub-menu of the Field menu.
26 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes Amtec release notes for Tecplot
Extract 2-D Contour Lines: Tecplot now allows you to extract 2-D contour lines. This is accessed from the Contour Lines option on the Extract sub-menu of the Data menu. The extracted lines become new zones.
Step Size for Slice: Tecplot’s 3D Slice Details dialog has been upgraded, allowing for input of a precise step size for moving the slice. The Position up and down arrows are then used to incrementally move the slice forward and back.
Sixty-Four Bit TecIO Library: The Tecplot distribution now contains 64-bit versions of the TecIO library for SGI, HP, and Sun platforms. 16.4 Corrected problems
16.4.1 Version 9.2, Release 2
Fixed problem with license manager timing issues when Tecplot uses a dongle.
Faster rendering of finite-element surface meshes in 3D frame mode.
Added more time-out checks to data loading so the license manager is more regular while loading large data sets.
Changed Tecplot startup to skip display of site license dialog if Tecplot is launched via a macro.
Fixed problem which caused Tecplot to crash upon exit when a Visual Basic add-on was loaded.
Fixed a performance problem with multiple frames and interactive view changes.
Fixed problem with near/far clipping plane being incorrect after turning on/off zones.
Modernized the default depth requested for off-screen rendering visual to be 24 for non-SGI machines. Some Linux platforms do not work as well with the previous default of 15 (which chose an unusual visual).
16.4.2 Version 9.2, Release 1
Fixed problems with on-screen rendering of continuous color flooding when average or corner cell flooding is selected and no lighting effects.
Fixed problem with picking multiple objects including frames and zones. Some situations could cause Tecplot to crash.
Fixed problem with license key being revoked if Tecplot is involved in lengthy calculations, such as triangulation or smoothing.
Added better searching and launching for Help browser command.
Fixed problem with sensitivity of IJK-Blanking menu option when data is IK- or JK-ordered.
Fixed problem with Contour Legend not being displayed when streamrods/ribbons had multi-color mesh style.
Fixed problem with confusing labels in Index page of Probe dialog when probing nearest point.
Fixed problems on some UNIX platforms where image export would generate all-black images.
Fixed Macro Variable Viewer to be case-sensitive with environment variables but not with internal macro variables.
Fixed problem with View Fit after an operation that changed then range of the data when there was not a Redraw in between in a macro or with Auto Redraw off.
27 Amtec release notes for Tecplot ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
ADK corrections:
Fixed problem with TecUtilStyleSetLowLevel not inserting the offset when trying to assign members of value-blanking constraint structure.
Fixed problem with AddVar() (called from TecUtilDataSetAddVar()). Zone/Var parameters were transposed resulting in incorrect determination of field data type to use for new variable.
16.4.3 Version 9.0, Release 4
Fixed problem in the display of shaded surfaces and scatter points in IJK-ordered data where specific planes were plotted and IJK-blanking was used.
Fixed problem with Contour Legend not showing up when multi-color filled scatters are used.
Miscellaneous fixes to Data Spreadsheet.
Fixed problems with Ctrl-Shift and Ctrl-Alt-Shift when probing. (Ignoring surfaces while probing for the nearest point.)
Fixes to behavior for various settings on Performance dialog.
Fixed $!Interface MinPixelsForDrag option.
Fixed problem with saving layouts and stylesheets where zero was the minimum contour value or one was the maximum value.
Fixed problem with surface streamtraces behavior when their surface had significant creases.
Improved popping of geometries.
Fixed problem with deleting streamlines when translucent streamrods or streamribbons also exist.
Fixed propagation of axis scaling for linked 3-D views.
Fixed image export problems encountered on some SGI computers.
Fixed rendering of finite-element volume surface approximation when value blanking is selected.
Fixed double clicking problem on UNIX and Linux platforms when working with large data sets.
Fixed problem where the last zone in the frame would be incorrectly activated when extracting data points to a file.
Fixed problem with Enter XY Values option, where the plot would not be displayed properly when first created.
Exporting with the new option $!ExportSetup UseOffScreenBitmap = FALSE allows you to run on UNIX and display on Windows using Reflection X without setting Windows colors to 16 bit.
Exporting with the new option $!ExportSetup UseOffScreenBitmap = FALSE allows Compaq Tru64 users to export without setting the ALLOWINDIRECT environment variable.
16.4.4 Version 9.0, Release 3
Fixed problem with Copy Map only operating on the first XY-map selected.
Fixed problem with Reference Vector not appear in perspective plots.
Fixed problem with clipping when drawing frame mode polylines.
Fixed problem with limitation on IMax, JMax, and KMax dimensions when using TecUtilDataSetAddZoneX{}.
Fixed problem with flood cutoff being ignored when a Version 8 layout is loaded and the flood cutoff value is the same as the default.
28 ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes Amtec release notes for Tecplot
Fixed problem with picking XY-maps when the map is large enough to be approximated.
Fixed problem with custom colors beyond color 8 when processing of ASCII data files while using both Preplot and direct loading with Tecplot.
Added new configuration option to avoid bugs in ATI Radeon graphics driver (see Section 16.2.1 on page 17).
Fixed problem with data spreadsheet when Tecplot is displayed on dual-headed Sun workstations.
Fixed problem with launching Macro Viewer dialog using -z command line option. (Previous versions did not allow loading of add-ons when this option was used.)
Fixed problem with TecUtilZoneRealloc when called for a finite-element quadrilateral or triangle zone. (This sometimes caused Mesh Generator and other add-ons to crash.)
16.4.5 Version 9.0, Release 2
Fixed problem with vector length not being properly set up when switching into 3D frame mode when the W vector variable was not previously defined.
Fixed problem which made frames with like data sets have the same header color when reading in a layout file, even though it called for different header colors. (This problem existed in all previous versions of Tecplot.)
Fixed problem with exporting images from certain UNIX platforms.
Fixed problem with 3-D scatter symbols sizing by variable.
Fixed problem with text and geometry creation via add-ons so that they now return the correct identification.
Fixed problem with a bad assertion in return value for TecUtilGeomGetBase and TecUtilTextGetBase.
Fixed minor problems with streamrod and streamribbon calculations.
Fixed problem with probing on objects located behind the viewer.
Fixed problem with smooth zooming, including smooth zoom not recording a macro.
Fixed problem with data labels being drawn on iso-surfaces and slices.
Fixed problem with the plotting of zones containing a single point.
Fixed minor problems with animation. 16.5 Known problems
Although Tecplot has been extensively tested, some bugs have turned up which we will fix in future maintenance releases (see www.amtec.com). Known problem areas:
Please Wait Dialogs: On some machines dialogs that tell you to wait, such as when a file is loading, do not go away properly. One work-around is to add the following command to the tecplot.cfg (located in the Tecplot home directory):
$!Interface ShowWaitDialogs = No
In 3-D, round-off can pose a problem when the extent of the coordinate data is orders of magnitude different than the coordinate values on any axes. The solution is to alter (translate and/or scale) the data so the axis scales are closer together.
When using contour cutoff, and wire-frame mesh in a 3-D frame, the mesh behaves like overlay mesh.
29 Amtec release notes for Tecplot ISE TCAD 9.0 Release Notes
Turning on/off grid area border axis ticks has no effect in 3-D frame mode.
When zooming in extremely close, translating and zooming may have unpredictable behavior.
When you change the plot style with either the Text or Geometry dialog open, the style changes do not appear until you close the dialog or press your middle mouse button.
Tecplot has experienced printing problems on some Windows 95 systems. If you have difficulty printing, try upgrading to newer printer drivers.
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