Hi Marben-
The methods have changed slightly over the years, so I'll describe it at a high level, and point you to the manuals for your version for details. I am most familiar with xRC (the manual is xrc_user.pdf), but I am told xACT is more widely deployed these days (xact_user.pdf). You might also be interested in the tips in the section "Improving Run Time" in the "Integration and Troubleshooting" chapter -- xcells aren't the only speed-up.
First, you need an xcell file. The format is similar to an hcell file, but has more options. The options available in your version will be described in the manual in a section titled "Xcell List Format". (xRC's 2016.1 version is at https://supportnet.mentor.com/docs/201601106/docs/htmldocs/mgchelp.htm#context=xrc_user&id=95&tag=ide3fa103b-4964-48cb-8… )
You can supply the xcell to the run using one of three methods:
- In the Calibre Interactive - PEX GUI, enter the filename in the Inputs button > Hcells tab > PEX x-Cells file box.
- If you are running from the command line (batch mode), add it to the -pdb call with -xcell <filename> OR
- (alternative way for batch runs) add it to the SVRF file with the statement PEX XCELL -- check the SVRF manual (svrf_ur.pdf) for which of the three formats to use for your set up.
The xRC and xACT manuals do have some tips on how to choose the cells to best improve performance. The xRC 2016.1 section is
"Tips For Choosing Xcells for Full Hierarchical Extraction". It is in a section ("Hierarchy Control with Xcells", in the "Handling Input" chapter) that also describes how xcells and hcells interact, and some additional features like wildcards and setting the xcell to be a specific cell instance.
Good luck-
Sam.