FAQ Table of Contents

>> How do I configure my existing CIS database configuration file (DBC) to connect with ActiveParts?

>> What is an ActiveParts hotlink? How do I setup hotlinks?

>> I am able to see ActiveParts page when I click the ICA tab, but am unable to download parts. Why?

>> Why do I get an 8012 error when I am trying to add a new part into my CIS database from ActiveParts?

>> Why do I get a blank page when I click on the ICA tab?

How do I configure my existing CIS database configuration file (DBC) to connect with ActiveParts?

Open your existing CIS Configuration file: Options > CIS Configuration > Setup. Select a table and from the ICA property column as shown below, map the ICA properties to the corresponding fields on your CIS database. After this step, CIS will be configured to download parts from ActiveParts and to add to the local database. Please refer to the ActiveParts Walkthrough for additional information.

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What is an ActiveParts hotlink? How do I setup hotlinks?

Hotlinks are maintained between parts downloaded from ActiveParts and their corresponding source parts in the ActiveParts online database. When a part is placed into the local schematic from ActiveParts a property named “ActiveParts ID” is assigned to it. This property value automatically maintains the hotlink.

If a user selects a part originally placed from ActiveParts and then revisits ICA, specific part information will be displayed on the ActiveParts page that opens. Thus, the user will be able to determine if the part datasheet URL or any other related information has been updated. The hotlink will not update any part information in your local database, so you never need to worry about the continuity of your local part information.

The hotlink is maintained by the property called "ActivePart ID". To configure this property, open the CIS Configuration file: Options > CIS Configuration > Setup, and assign the ActivePart ID from the drop down list as shown below. You will need a field in your CIS database to store ActivePart ID.

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I am able to see ActiveParts page when I click the ICA tab, but am unable to download parts. Why?

ActiveParts is only available with the latest version of Capture CIS.

To determine which version you are using, go to: Help > About Capture CIS…

• OrCAD Capture CIS must be at version 10.0 or above with the latest Service Pack. You should see in Help > About Capture CIS a date of Feb 7, 2004 or later.
• Allegro Design Entry CIS must be at version 10.0 or above with the latest ISR. You should see in Help > About Capture CIS a date of March 8, 2004 or later.

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Why do I get an 8012 error when I am trying to add a new part into my CIS database from ActiveParts?

A likely reason is that your database contains fields that do not accept “null” values. When you add a new part to your CIS database from ActiveParts, the part record you add will contain a number of null fields. If your database does not accept null values you will get the 8012 error.

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Why do I get a blank page when I click on the ICA tab?

Check your Internet Explorer security settings. The security settings should be set at the “Medium” level

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