Real-time DRC in Expert Layout Editor

1. Introduction

In this paper we introduce one of the latest and most advanced features of Silvaco’s Expert Layout processor for Windows NT ­ DRC Guard. DRC Guard is fully functional real-time design rule checker that works in background mode and makes extensive use of multithreading/ multiprocessor capabilities of operating system. Based on a specially optimized and tuned DRC engine, DRC Guard works extremely fast and reports results of local DRC directly into the layout area in convenient user-friendly way. DRC Guard automatically checks modified part of the layout immediately after the modification is made. It also can perform instant DRC in any part of layout at the user’s request.