Layout Layer Grouping Method for IC Design Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuit design, the inefficiency in finding and managing layout layers due to their numerousness and similar names leads to incorrect selections and low working efficiency, as existing design software lacks effective grouping and bulk operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method for grouping layout layers based on preset rules, involving determining target groups by analyzing layer information, establishing or deleting associations between layers, and performing bulk operations on associated layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If all layout layers are displayed tiled without grouping, then the complete list of layers is visible, but the user cannot quickly find a target layout layer and must drag the scroll bar repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large set of layout layers into multiple groups based on preset rules (such as functional categories, layer types, or custom criteria). Each group contains related layers, allowing users to navigate through organized segments rather than scrolling through the entire list. This segmentation reduces the time to locate target layers by limiting the search scope to relevant groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a grouping dimension to the flat list of layout layers. Instead of a single linear sequence, layers are organized in a hierarchical structure with groups as the first dimension and individual layers within each group as the second dimension. This dimensional change allows users to quickly jump between groups and select layers without continuous scrolling.
2Device complexity
If layout layers with similar names are displayed together, then the layer label page is compact, but the user is inclined to select the wrong layout layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different display qualities to different groups of layers. Within each group, layers are presented with enhanced visual differentiation (such as distinct icons, color codes, or positional arrangements) that highlights their unique characteristics despite similar names. This local quality enhancement ensures that even compactly arranged layers can be reliably distinguished and selected.
3Ease of operation
If individual operations are performed on each layout layer, then precise control over each layer is achieved, but the drawing and modifying efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables bulk operations by merging the control of multiple layout layers into a single unified operation. Users can select multiple layers (either individually or through group selection) and perform operations such as drawing, modifying, or deleting across all selected layers simultaneously. This merging maintains precise control over each layer while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating repetitive individual operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in the present disclosure are a method for grouping layout layer and apparatus, and an electronic device and a non-transitory storage medium. The method includes: determining a first layout layer, where the first layout layer is a layer to be grouped; determining a second layout layer, determining a target layout layer group according to a preset grouping rule, layer information of the first layout layer, and layer information of the second layout layer, and adding the first layout layer to the target layout layer group.