Layout Design Method Separating Redundant Via Filling and DRC Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IC layout design methods face challenges with redundant via insertion, requiring extensive modifications to design rule check codes and constraining users to single Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software tools, leading to increased workload and compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented layout design method and system that separates redundant via filling, design rule check verification, and layout operations into distinct modules, allowing direct invocation of Process Design Kit (PDK) codes and enabling the use of different EDA tools for each function, reducing workload and improving compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If redundant via filling and DRC verification are integrated into a single module, then the layout design process can be performed using a single EDA software tool, but the workload increases due to extensive code modifications and the system becomes constrained to one vendor's tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated RV filling and DRC verification functions into separate modules that can be executed independently. The RV filling module generates a modified layout, which is then verified by a separate DRC check module. This segmentation allows different EDA tools to be used for each function, reducing dependency on a single vendor while managing complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If DRC code is extensively modified to support RV filling functionality, then the RV insertion can be performed, but the workload increases and errors are more difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DRC verification logic from the RV filling process into a separate, independent module. Instead of modifying DRC code to support RV filling, the system performs RV insertion first, then applies DRC rules to the modified layout. This extraction eliminates the need for extensive code modifications while maintaining productivity through automated sequential processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single EDA software tool is used for both RV filling and DRC verification, then software compatibility is maintained, but licensing costs increase and tool selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary file format (such as GDS or OASIS) that serves as a bridge between different EDA tools. The RV filling module outputs a modified layout in this standard format, which can then be imported by the DRC verification module using a different tool. This intermediary format ensures compatibility while enabling the use of multiple vendor tools, reducing licensing costs and increasing flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A layout design method is disclosed. The layout design method includes: (a) providing an original layout file; (b) performing a redundant via (RV) filling on the original layout file so as to generate a second layout file; (c) merging the second layout file with the original layout file to generate a third layout file; (d) performing a design rule check (DRC) verification on the third layout file by directly invoking a DRC code in a Process Design Kit (PDK); (e) generating, based on a result of the DRC verification, a fourth layout file including DRC errors; (f) performing a layout operation to remove DRC errors from the second layout file using the fourth layout file, so as to generate a fifth layout file; and (g) merging the fifth layout file with the original layout file to generate a sixth layout file.