Connectivity verification of IC (integrated circuit) mask layout database versus IC schematic; LVS check, (LVS: IC layout versus IC schematic) via the internet method and computer software

摘要

This paper describes an EDA (Electronic Data Automation) method and computer software invention for connectivity verification of IC mask Layout database versus IC Schematic; LVS Check (LVS: IC Layout versus IC Schematic) over the internet. The technique takes advantage of a unique algorithm to check the mask layout database connectivity, compare it with its corresponding schematic diagram for any mismatches in the mask layout polygons connections. The input of the tool is a mask layout database blocks (i.e.: IC layout) that were made manually and/or automatically using synthesized tools. These blocks may have some connectivity mismatches that need to be fixed in order to match the corresponding integrated circuit (IC) schematic diagrams. The output of the software tool is a text based descriptive log file and errors markers pointers that may be read into the mask layout database in order to point any connectivity mismatches of the mask layout database, comparing it to its corresponding schematic diagram. The end result is a mask layout set of markers and a text format log file that describes any mismatched connections in the mask layout database, comparing it to its corresponded schematic diagram. The software performs on individual mask layout blocks and/or on hierarchical structure of mask layout blocks. The system works hierarchically and/or flat. System also checks mask layout database incrementally, means only blocks that have been changed are checked. The system can be run via the internet using our secured protocol. The system offer a web based control panel to execute all necessary setups for submitting LVS check over the internet. The system offers the option to run on a local machine (user's computer) or on the main server over the internet. (Inventor's computer) The system also offers a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) interface to launch LVS runs via industry's standard PDA's. The procedure is fully secured by 128 bit security protocol. All necessary file including mask layout GDSII (or GDSIII) file, netlist and technology file are securely encrypted using 128 bit protocol and send to the remote server. These files are decrypted and submitted for LVS check on the remote servers. The main remote server is distributing the task among other computer system for advanced parallel processing to achieve fast results. All results log files are encrypted using 128 bit security protocol and available for download by the user. In case of local LVS check the results files are available on the user's local machine.