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Connectivity Modeling

AP 210 models three distinct types of connectivity, each serving a different purpose in the design process.

Physical Connectivity

Physical connectivity defines the actual electrical connections between components:

  • Which pins of which components are connected together

  • The net list that defines the complete circuit

  • How signals flow through the physical assembly

Physical connectivity entities:

  • physical_connectivity_definition - A net (set of connected points)

  • physical_connectivity_element - A connection point in the net

  • join_relationship - How elements are joined

Layout Connectivity

Layout connectivity defines how connections are physically implemented on the PCB:

  • Trace routing between pads

  • Via connections between layers

  • Copper pours and planes

Layout connectivity maps the physical (logical) connectivity to the actual geometric implementation on the board.

Interfacial Connectivity

Interfacial connectivity defines connections at the interface between assemblies:

  • Board-to-board connectors

  • Cable-to-board connections

  • Test point access

This is particularly important for:

  • System-level integration

  • Test fixture design

  • Modular assembly design

Connectivity Hierarchy

The three connectivity types form a hierarchy:

Functional Connectivity (what should be connected)
  └── Physical Connectivity (what is connected logically)
        ├── Layout Connectivity (how it's routed on the board)
        └── Interfacial Connectivity (how assemblies connect)

To find all pins connected to a given net:

  1. Start with the physical_connectivity_definition (the net)

  2. Find all physical_connectivity_elements belonging to the net

  3. For each element, find the associated component terminal

  4. Map the terminal to the physical pad on the component