What are the types of design rule checking?

Common types of DRC rules include minimum width, minimum spacing, minimum area, wide metal jog, misaligned via wire, special notch spacing, and end of line spacing. The complexity and number of rules increase with advanced manufacturing nodes.

What solutions does Synopsys offer for DRC?

Synopsys offers IC Validator as a comprehensive physical verification solution. It includes design rule checking (DRC), layout versus schematic (LVS), fill capabilities, and other signoff verification tools.

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What is Design Rule Checking (DRC)?

Q: What is design rule checking (DRC)?

Design Rule Checking (DRC) verifies whether a specific design meets the constraints imposed by the process technology used for manufacturing. It ensures that a design complies with manufacturing requirements and prevents potential chip failures. These rules are provided by process engineers or fabrication facilities.

Table of Contents

Types of Design Rule Checking
What Solutions Does Synopsys Offer?

Definition

Design Rule Checking (DRC) verifies as to whether a specific design meets the constraints imposed by the process technology to be used for its manufacturing. DRC checking is an essential part of the physical design flow and ensures the design meets manufacturing requirements and will not result in a chip failure. The process technology rules are provided by process engineers and/or fabrication facility.

Types of Design Rule Checking

Each process technology will have its own set of rules. The number of DRC rules and complexity of rules increases as the manufacturing technology shrinks at advanced nodes. Here are some basic and common types of DRC rules:

Minimum width
Minimum spacing
Minimum area
Wide metal jog
Misaligned via wire
Special notch spacing
End of line spacing

Rule Type	Description
Minimum Width	Smallest allowable width for a wire or metal layer.
Minimum Spacing	Minimum distance between two wires or features.
Minimum Area	Smallest permissible area for a given layout feature.
Wide Metal Jog	Rules governing abrupt width changes in metal routing.
Misaligned Via Wire	Ensures vias align correctly with metal layers for connectivity.
Special Notch Spacing	Constraints for spacing around notches to avoid manufacturing defects.
End of Line Spacing	Required spacing at the end of lines to prevent shorts or defects.