Rules Engine

The rules engine functionality enables the configuration of logical rules, which can be executed when a design element is created to automatically set attributes and properties. A DRULE element is constructed from a tree of logical expressions containing RLOGIC elements. The example displays the hierarchy.

The rules engine accepts an existing database element which is used to evaluate expressions. The rules engine iterates through each RLOGIC element and evaluates the expression with respect to the given element. If the evaluation is TRUE, the rules engine repeats the process on child RLOGIC elements. The process is repeated until an RVALUE element is found, which contains the selected rule value.

The example rule, displays the properties RPRO PTHK and RPRO PLTW which are evaluated for the given component. If RPRO PTHK is less than 5mm, and RPRO PLTW is greater than or equal to 10mm, the rules engine returns a value of 15mm.

The logical expressions can be as complex as required, provided they evaluate to TRUE or FALSE.