Method for transmitting a layout file

Abstract

This invention provides a method for transmitting layout files, comprising: dividing a MOSFET layout PDK file into a first part and a second part; dividing the PDK file into multiple minimum repeating units; transmitting the first part of the PDK file for the first time, and encrypting and hiding the second part of the PDK file; obtaining the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission; assembling the required MOSFET according to the minimum repeating units of the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission, and calculating the area of ​​the MOSFET; verifying whether the area of ​​the MOSFET and the MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission both conform to set values; if they conform to the set values, returning the first part of the PDK file; replacing the original file with the MOSFET layout contained in the returned first part of the PDK file and the hidden second part of the PDK file, and transmitting it a second time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of integrated circuit technology, and in particular to a method for transmitting layout files. Background Technology

[0002] Compared to planar MOSFETs, Trench MOSFETs offer lower on-resistance and higher power density, and can withstand greater breakdown voltage and surge current. Therefore, they are widely used in low-to-medium voltage applications such as fast charging for mobile phones and electric vehicles. Trench MOSFET devices have a unique device structure and manufacturing process, and are often produced and manufactured as discrete devices. Integrated Circuit (IC) technology fabricates all the necessary electronic components (transistors, resistors, capacitors, etc.) for a circuit onto a single wafer, packaging them together to form a miniature structure with specific functions. This improves circuit reliability and reduces power consumption and area. Combining Trench MOSFETs with conventional IC processes can provide various device structures from low-to-high voltage to meet diverse design requirements. Furthermore, the integrated packaging facilitates integration, ensures stable processing, meets higher reliability requirements, and saves overall area and reduces costs.

[0003] A PDK (Process Design Kit) serves as a communication bridge between chip manufacturing companies (foundries), EDA (Electronic Design Automation) companies, and chip design companies. When a chip design company needs to adopt a new semiconductor process from a chip manufacturing plant, the first thing it needs is a PDK file. In most cases, the PDK file is completed by the chip manufacturing plant with the assistance of the EDA company. Integrating discrete devices with IC processes requires adding TrenchMOSFET devices to the IC platform PDK development system and implementing a complete physical verification process.

[0004] However, due to the unique structure of trench MOSFETs, they require protection as critical IP. Therefore, a delivery method is needed where a portion of the layout is provided to the user initially, with the remaining portion supplied only after the user receives and confirms it. This improves confidentiality and accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for transmitting layout files, in which a portion of the layout is first provided to the user, and the remaining portion is replaced and provided only after the user receives and confirms it. This improves confidentiality and accuracy.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a method for transmitting layout files, comprising:

[0007] The PDK file for the MOSFET layout is divided into a first part and a second part;

[0008] The first part of the PDK file and the second part of the PDK file are each divided into multiple minimal repeating units;

[0009] The first part of the PDK file is transmitted for the first time, and the second part of the PDK file is encrypted and hidden.

[0010] Obtain the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission;

[0011] The required MOSFET is assembled from the smallest repeating unit of the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission, and the area of ​​the MOSFET is calculated.

[0012] Verify that the area of ​​the MOSFET and the MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission both conform to the set values;

[0013] If the set values ​​are met, the first part of the PDK file will be returned;

[0014] Replace the original files with the MOSFET layout contained in the returned first part of the PDK file and the hidden second part of the PDK file, and then transfer the replaced first part of the PDK file and the second part of the PDK file a second time.

[0015] Optionally, in the aforementioned layout file transfer method, before dividing the MOSFET layout PDK file into a first part and a second part, the method further includes:

[0016] Verify that the MOSFET layout conforms to the set values ​​based on the DRC and LVS files.

[0017] Optionally, in the layout file transmission method, the area of ​​the MOSFET and the MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission are verified according to the DRC and LVS files to ensure that they both conform to the set values.

[0018] Optionally, in the aforementioned layout file transmission method, after replacing the MOSFET layout contained in the returned first part of the PDK file and the hidden second part of the PDK file with the original file, before performing the second transmission, the method further includes:

[0019] Verify that the replaced MOSFET layout conforms to the set values ​​based on the DRC and LVS files.

[0020] Optionally, in the method for transmitting the layout file, the method of replacing the MOSFET layout contained in the second part of the PDK file, or the method of replacing the MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file and the second part of the file, includes:

[0021] Replace the smallest repeating cell of the MOSFET layout contained in the second part of the PDK file, or replace the smallest repeating cell of the MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file and the second part of the file.

[0022] Optionally, in the method for transferring the layout file, the method for calculating the area of ​​the MOSFET includes:

[0023] The area of ​​each minimum repeating unit is multiplied by the number of identical minimum repeating units to obtain the total area of ​​each minimum repeating unit;

[0024] Calculate the sum of the total areas of all the smallest repeating units.

[0025] Optionally, in the aforementioned layout file transmission method, the MOSFET layout included in the first part of the PDK file is a front-end process MOSFET layout.

[0026] Optionally, in the aforementioned layout file transmission method, the MOSFET layout included in the second part of the PDK file is a MOSFET layout for back-end processes.

[0027] Optionally, in the method for transmitting the layout file, the method for creating a PDK file from the MOSFET layout includes: creating a PDK file based on the ports and connection relationships of the devices contained in the MOSFET layout.

[0028] Optionally, in the aforementioned layout file transmission method, the method of assembling the required MOSFET based on the smallest repeating unit of the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission includes:

[0029] Select the category and number of the minimum repeating units needed, and place them in the corresponding positions.

[0030] The method for transmitting layout files provided by this invention includes: dividing the PDK file of a MOSFET layout into a first part and a second part; dividing both the first and second part PDK files into multiple minimum repeating units; transmitting the first part PDK file for the first time, and encrypting and hiding the second part PDK file; obtaining the first part PDK file after the first transmission; assembling the required MOSFET according to the minimum repeating units of the first part PDK file after the first transmission, and calculating the area of ​​the MOSFET; verifying whether the area of ​​the MOSFET and the MOSFET layout contained in the first part PDK file after the first transmission both conform to set values; if they conform to the set values, returning the first part PDK file; replacing the original files with the MOSFET layout contained in the returned first part PDK file and the hidden second part PDK file, and transmitting the replaced first and second part PDK files a second time. This invention divides the PDK file created from the MOSFET layout into a first part and a second part, then first provides the layout of the first part PDK file to the user, and then replaces and provides the layout of the second part PDK file after the user receives and confirms it, and verifies the replacement. This improves confidentiality and accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a layout file transmission method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are all in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the illustration of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] In the following text, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or chronological sequence. It should be understood that these terms, as used herein, may be replaced where appropriate. Similarly, if the methods described herein comprise a series of steps, and the order of these steps presented herein is not necessarily the only possible order in which they can be performed, and some described steps may be omitted and / or other steps not described herein may be added to the method.

[0034] Furthermore, it should be understood that when a layer (or film), region, pattern, or structure is referred to as being "on" a substrate, layer (or film), region, and / or pattern, it can be located directly on another layer or substrate, and / or intercalation layers may also be present. Additionally, it should be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "under" another layer, it can be located directly under that layer, and / or one or more intercalation layers may also be present. Furthermore, references to "on" and "under" the layers may be made based on the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 1 This invention provides a method for transmitting layout files, used to transmit layout files from a factory to a user, including:

[0036] S11: Divide the PDK file of the MOSFET layout into a first part and a second part;

[0037] S12: Divide both the first part of the PDK file and the second part of the PDK file into multiple minimal repeating units;

[0038] S13: Transmit the first part of the PDK file for the first time, and encrypt and hide the second part of the PDK file;

[0039] S14: Obtain the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission;

[0040] S15: Assemble the required MOSFET based on the smallest repeating unit of the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission, and calculate the area of ​​the MOSFET;

[0041] S16: Verify that the MOSFET area and the MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file after the first transfer both conform to the set values;

[0042] S17: If the set values ​​are met, return the first part of the PDK file;

[0043] S18: Replace the MOSFET layout contained in the returned first part of the PDK file and the hidden second part of the PDK file with the original file, and then transfer the replaced first part of the PDK file and the second part of the PDK file a second time.

[0044] First, the user, such as the layout manufacturer, verifies the MOSFET layout against DRC and LVS files to ensure it conforms to set values, which are defined verification rules. The parameters to be verified must comply with the DRC and LVS files. If the verification fails, the layout is further improved. If it passes verification, it can be provided to the user. When providing the MOSFET layout, a PDK file is created based on the ports and connections of the devices included in the MOSFET layout, and this PDK file is transmitted to the user. After receiving the PDK file, the user obtains the required layout from it. In this embodiment of the invention, the PDK file created from the MOSFET layout is divided into a first part and a second part. The first part of the PDK file may contain MOSFET layouts from the front-end process. The second part of the PDK file may contain MOSFET layouts from the back-end process.

[0045] Next, the first and second parts of the PDK file are each divided into multiple minimal repeating units. Therefore, there can be many different types of minimal repeating units, and the device structures contained in the minimal repeating units may be different.

[0046] Next, the first part of the PDK file is transmitted to the user for the first time. The second part of the PDK file is encrypted and hidden. For example, if the entire layout has 10 layers, 3 layers are unencrypted and sent to the customer, while the remaining 7 layers are encrypted and kept internally at the factory. The user receives the first part of the PDK file, along with a manual on how to use it. Therefore, the user can obtain a partial MOSFET layout based on the first part of the PDK file. However, the user cannot obtain the MOSFET layout contained in the second part of the PDK file, thus maintaining a very high level of confidentiality.

[0047] Next, the user assembles the required MOSFET based on the minimum repeating units of the first part of the transmitted PDK file. The method for assembling the MOSFET based on the minimum repeating units of the first part of the PDK file includes: selecting the type and number of the required minimum repeating units and placing them in the corresponding positions. Next, the area of ​​the MOSFET is calculated. Specifically, the method for calculating the MOSFET area includes: multiplying the area of ​​each minimum repeating unit by the number of identical minimum repeating units to obtain the total area of ​​each minimum repeating unit; and then calculating the sum of the total areas of all minimum repeating units.

[0048] Next, the user verifies whether the MOSFET area and the MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file after transmission both conform to the set values. Specifically, the user can verify whether the MOSFET area and the MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file conform to the set values ​​based on the DRC and LVS files. The set values ​​are some established verification rules. If they do not conform to the set values, they are not the required layout and are discarded. If they conform to the set values, which are preset ranges based on actual conditions, the first part of the PDK file is returned. The factory replaces the original files in the returned first part of the PDK file and the hidden second part of the PDK file with the original files and performs a second transmission. Here, the original files refer to the first and second part of the PDK file before transmission and encryption. Specifically, the replacement method includes replacing the minimum repeating cell of the MOSFET layout contained in the returned first part of the PDK file and the hidden second part of the PDK file with the minimum repeating cell of the MOSFET layout contained in the untransmitted and unencrypted first and second part of the PDK file. After the replacement, the user verifies whether the replaced MOSFET layout conforms to the set values ​​based on the DRC and LVS files. If the conditions are met, the replaced first and second parts of the PDK file will be transmitted to the user a second time. The DRC and LVS files mentioned above are commonly used in semiconductor manufacturing processes and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0049] In summary, the layout file transmission method provided in this embodiment of the invention includes: dividing the PDK file of the MOSFET layout into a first part and a second part; dividing both the first part and the second part of the PDK file into multiple minimum repeating units; transmitting the first part of the PDK file for the first time, and encrypting and hiding the second part of the PDK file; obtaining the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission; assembling the required MOSFET according to the minimum repeating units of the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission, and calculating the area of ​​the MOSFET; verifying whether the area of ​​the MOSFET and the MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission both conform to the set values; if they conform to the set values, returning the first part of the PDK file; replacing the original files with the MOSFET layout contained in the returned first part of the PDK file and the hidden second part of the PDK file, and transmitting the replaced first part of the PDK file and the second part of the PDK file for the second time. This invention divides the PDK file created from the MOSFET layout into a first part and a second part, then first provides the layout of the first part of the PDK file to the user, and then replaces and provides the layout of the second part of the PDK file after the user receives and confirms it, and verifies the replacement. This improves the confidentiality and accuracy.

[0050] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not constitute any limitation on the present invention. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions and content disclosed in the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall be deemed to have remained within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting layout files, characterized in that, include: The PDK file for the MOSFET layout is divided into a first part and a second part; The first part of the PDK file and the second part of the PDK file are each divided into multiple minimal repeating units; The first part of the PDK file is transmitted for the first time, and the second part of the PDK file is encrypted and hidden. Obtain the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission; The required MOSFET is assembled from the smallest repeating unit of the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission, and the area of ​​the MOSFET is calculated. Verify that the area of ​​the MOSFET and the MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission both conform to the set values; If the set values ​​are met, the first part of the PDK file will be returned; Replace the original files with the MOSFET layout contained in the returned first part of the PDK file and the hidden second part of the PDK file, and then transfer the replaced first part of the PDK file and the second part of the PDK file a second time.

2. The method for transmitting layout files as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before dividing the PDK file of the MOSFET layout into the first and second parts, it also includes: Verify that the MOSFET layout conforms to the set values ​​based on the DRC and LVS files.

3. The method for transmitting layout files as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Verify, based on the DRC and LVS files, whether the area of ​​the MOSFET and the MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file after the first transfer both conform to the set values.

4. The method for transmitting layout files as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After replacing the MOSFET layouts contained in the returned first part of the PDK file and the hidden second part of the PDK file with the original files, before performing the second transmission of the replaced first part of the PDK file and the second part of the PDK file, the process also includes: Verify that the replaced MOSFET layout conforms to the set values ​​based on the DRC and LVS files.

5. The method for transmitting layout files as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method of replacing the MOSFET layout contained in the second part of the PDK file, or replacing the MOSFET layout contained in both the first part of the PDK file and the second part of the file, includes: Replace the smallest repeating cell of the MOSFET layout contained in the second part of the PDK file, or replace the smallest repeating cell of the MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file and the second part of the file.

6. The method for transmitting layout files as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method for calculating the area of ​​the MOSFET includes: The area of ​​each minimum repeating unit is multiplied by the number of identical minimum repeating units to obtain the total area of ​​each minimum repeating unit; Calculate the sum of the total areas of all the smallest repeating units.

7. The method for transmitting layout files as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The MOSFET layout contained in the first part of the PDK file is the MOSFET layout of the front-end process.

8. The method for transmitting layout files as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second part of the PDK file contains MOSFET layouts for back-end processes.

9. The method for transmitting layout files as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Methods for creating a PDK file from a MOSFET layout include: creating a PDK file based on the ports and connections of the devices contained in the MOSFET layout.

10. The method for transmitting layout files as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method for assembling the required MOSFET based on the smallest repeating unit of the first part of the PDK file after the first transmission includes: Select the category and number of the minimum repeating units needed, and place them in the corresponding positions.

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