creating ICT file

Hi yazdan

Depending on the complexity of the ictfile which you are trying to create, it might not be possible to obtain all the data. E.g. ictfiles for 90nm and below should preferably have WEE (wire edge enlargement) and erosion tables but it is not possible to find such data in DRC manuals or Virtuoso techfiles.

For a simple ictifle which only requires min_spaciing, min_width and resistivity information, you should most probably be able to find the information from the foundry documents or make some guesses from Virtuoso techfile, DRC and LVS rules files.

Best regards
Quek

 Thanks Quek for reply.

Actually, I am going to do power analysis. Do you have any idea whether I need every detail in the ict file.

 Thanks

Hi yazdan

The key lies in the process node which you are using. If it is 90nm and below, then you would need those data (wee, erosion, etc) in order to have accurate RC extraction. May I know the process node which you are using?

Thanks
Quek

 It's 90nm. I am completely new to soc encounter. I have dought that we have the complete library in our university. Is there any other way for that? I think our library is just academic (I'm not sure)

Hi yazdan

I think perhaps it might not be necessary for you to create the ictfile. QRC extraction requires a "qrcTechFile" which is the output of simulation using an ictfile. Perhaps it might be good to go to the pdk directory and execute the following cmd:

terminal>find ./* -name "qrcTechFile"

Best regards
Quek

Hi Quek,

Thanks for helping me.

 Actually, I want to do IRdrop analysis and it need the ict file and tach layermap file!

What is the general approach of creating ict file? is it provided by company? should the user create it manually? can it be generated from another file automatically?

 Thanks

Hi yazdan

May I know the IRdrop tool which you are using? Is it EPS (Encounter Power System)? To know the layer names used in the qrcTechFile, you can use the following cmd:

terminal>strings qrcTechFile

If you have a complete QRC tech directory in which there is a "p2lvsfile" or "layerSetupFile", you can also look at those files. ictfile is usually not created by an end-user. It is created by foundry. Foundry mostly only provides qrcTechFile and not the actual ictfile. We do not encourage end-users to create their own ictfile and qrcTechFile as it might lead to inaccurate RC extraction.

Best regards
Quek

Quek,

Thanks for detailed response. Yes I use EPS for that. I don't think we have QRCtech file.

I will look into it tomorrow. Thanks alot

 Hi Quek,

We just have generic synopsys libarary. Do you have any idea how can I extract ICT from that? Is it even practical?

I really appreciate your help.

Hi yazdan

Synopsys starRC uses an ITF file which has similar format to our ICT file but I doubt that this source file will be provided in the Synopsys starRC package. Information in the ITF file can indeed be used for coding an ICT file. I will assume that "generic synopsys library" means "lef files for digital place and route". Those will not be helpful for you. I think it would be better if you request for the QRC package from your foundry.

Please note that I strongly discourage you from coding your ICT file as this can lead to an inaccurate RC extraction if it is not done properly. : )


Best regards
Quek