Incremental control techniques for layout modification

Abstract

Analog layout is created in integrated circuits (IC) computer aided design (CAD) environment and during realization requires a lot of modifications of database objects. Because database objects modification is time consuming, then any improvement and simplification of modification flow in IC CAD environment can increase layout productivity. A proposed new modification concept can speed-up layout work and is very intuitive and easily put into practice. In advance, it allows to apply modern gesture tracking devices for control. By simplifying control of layout object modifications, the productivity of analog layout creation has been improved in the range of 23% to 66%.

Incremental Control Techniques for Layout Modification of Integrated Circuits

“…This new control concept is called the Incremental Control, where an increment value is applied directly instead of typing a numeric value [1]. After application on a selected wire, the width modification flow is simplified to scrolling of a mouse wheel, which is shown in Figure 2.…”

“…If these values equal, the layout object has not been modified by an external intervention and the initial value is untouched. If these values are different, the external intervention has been performed and the initial value is set to the actual value [1]. It means that the program respects the external intervention.…”

“…The status bar is used to retain simplicity and precision of modifications performed by the Incremental Control [1]. In the status bar the user is informed about a current value of a modified property.…”

“…After application on a selected wire, the width modification flow is simplified to scrolling of a mouse wheel, which is shown in Figure 2. The exact width value is displayed in the status bar, which allows a user to have all the modifications under control [1].…”

“…Based on experience, when gestures were swapped or not recognized and had to be repeated, precision improvement of tested device must be put in place to be suitable for real analog layout application [1].…”