How to create multiple vias automatically

 Hi Maria,

 This is a very good idea but I think it is not so new so there is probably a solution already available in CCS skill library. I don't remember exactly the file name or reference number  so my apologies for that.

There is also a similar function available already in Turbo toolbox. If you could only spent some time to activate this turbo toolbox then you will find there useful functions. There is Auto via function wherein if you are routing wide metals and want to connect through Via then this function will automatically choose the appropriate Via ( even stack Vias if needed) and fill the entire width of the metal.

best regards, 

 Hello,

Thank you for your reply. I will try to find some similar functions in the SKILL FINDER because I do not have the Turbo toolbox.

BR,

Maria 

Hi Maria

If you are using IC614, you can use the "auto via" function in the create-via form. Please go to "Create->Via" and select "Auto" at the top of the form.

Toolbox is free for use for both IC614 and IC5141. Please go to "Options->Toolbox". Press "Rule file utility" button on the toolbox form to use a gui to generate some rules for the toolbox. This is a one time setup after which the toolbox can be used. The following toolbox functions would be what you need:

a. Auto contact : Automatically generates multi layer contacts for overlapping shapes
b. Contact array : Allows users to draw contact arrays

It would really not be necessary to code these functions as they are already available. : )  By the way, when posting a question, it would be great if you can provide the specific version of Virtuoso which you are using so that we can come up with the best answer for you.

terminal>virtuoso -W

Best regards
Quek

 Hello Quek,

Thanks a lot for your reply and for your advices. The next time I want to ask something I will be more specific putting the version virtuoso.

By the way, righth now I am using the IC5141. I try to find what you said about Options->Toolbox but I cannot find it.

However, I tryed to use the auto contact and it is just what I wanted to do. :-) It works perfect when you have two paths, but not if you have polygons. Is there any other option that will cover this?

Best Regards,

Maria

Hi Maria

Perhaps you are using a very outdated version of IC5141 which does not include the toolbox. Please upgrade to the latest version of IC5141 and you should be able to use the menu item "Options->Toolbox" when you switch to vxl or vle turbo mode.

Do you mean that auto-contact from IC614? I am a little confused because you mentioned that you cannot activate the toolbox but yet you can access the auto-contact function from the toolbox?

Best regards
Quek

 Quek,

I suspect Maria is talking about the "Auto" mode of the standard (not turbo) Create Contact command in IC5141 (it's been there for as long as I can remember). This does indeed only work with paths (which are a wise thing to use for routing), compared with the "auto" mode for Create Via in IC61X which works with polygons too.

Regards,

Andrew.

Thanks Andrew. This is interesting. Actually I have never realised that this function existed on the IC5141 create-contact form. : )

Thank you all for helping me with this.

Andrew is right. I am using the "Auto" mode of the standard Create Contact command in IC5141 that only works with paths.

Is there any other option in IC5141 that works with polygons?

Hi Maria

Auto-contact from toolbox also works with polygons.

Best regards
Quek