
When to Flatten a Schematic?
The result of flattening a schematic is basically a snapshot in time of your current hierarchical design. Common/opportune times to flatten a schematic/component in the design process include:
- Sharing the design inside your organization (unencrypted)
- Including the design, or a portion thereof, in a model library
- Archiving a revision of the design (e.g. "Revision A of XXXX partnumber")
- Sharing the design outside your organization (encrypted)
You cannot encrypt a .sxcmp file, encryption requires a flattened schematic.