Design Rule Checks (DRCs) are an essential part of the integrated circuit design process, ensuring that a layout adheres to specific manufacturing rules. Skipper, a tool often associated with VLSI design and layout verification, allows users to run and manage DRCs efficiently. If you’re working with Skipper and need to show all DRCs, this guide will walk you through the necessary commands and steps.
Understanding DRCs in Skipper
Before diving into the commands, it’s important to understand what DRCs do. DRCs verify that the physical layout of an integrated circuit complies with a set of design rules imposed by the semiconductor manufacturer. These rules ensure that the design can be fabricated without errors or issues. Running DRCs in Skipper helps identify any potential problems early in the design process.
Step 1: Launch Skipper and Load Your Project
Begin by opening the Skipper tool on your workstation. Load the project or layout that you want to check for design rule violations. Ensure that the layout is fully loaded and ready for analysis.
Step 2: Enter Command Mode
Most tools like Skipper have a command-line interface (CLI) or a terminal where you can input commands directly. If Skipper operates with a graphical user interface (GUI), look for a console or command input field where you can execute commands.
Step 3: Run the Design Rule Check (DRC)
To initiate a Design Rule Check in Skipper, you typically use a command that triggers the DRC engine. The command might vary depending on the version of Skipper you’re using, but a common command might look like this:
drc run
This command starts the DRC process, checking your entire layout against the predefined design rules.
Step 4: Display All DRC Results
Once the DRC process is complete, you’ll want to view all the violations that were identified. To display all DRCs, you would use a command similar to:
drc show all
This command should list all the design rule violations detected during the check. The results might be displayed in the terminal or in a separate results window, depending on how Skipper is configured.
Step 5: Filtering and Sorting DRC Results
If you need to filter or sort the DRC results—for example, by severity or type—you can usually do so with additional commands. Here’s how you might approach this:
- Filter by Severity:
drc filter severity high
This command would display only the high-severity violations.
- Sort by Location:
drc sort by location
Sorting by location helps you address issues based on their position in the layout.
- List Specific DRC Types:
drc list type spacing
This command shows only spacing-related violations.
Step 6: Review and Fix Violations
After displaying all the DRCs, carefully review each violation. Skipper may offer tools or commands to zoom into the specific area of the layout where the violation occurs. Address each issue according to its severity and the design rules it violates.
Conclusion
Running and displaying all DRCs in Skipper is a crucial step in the VLSI design process. By following these steps and using the appropriate commands, you can ensure that your layout adheres to the required design rules, minimizing the risk of fabrication issues. Always refer to the specific documentation for your version of Skipper, as commands and interfaces can vary slightly between versions.
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