Mask data preparation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You have new messages (last change).

Mask data preparation is the step that translates an intended set of polygons on an integrated circuit layout into a form that can be physically written by the photomask writer. Usually this involves fracturing complex polygons into simpler shapes, often rectangles and trapezoids, that can be written by the mask writing hardware. Tyically a design is delivered to mask data preparation in GDSII format (though the OASIS format is beginning to be used), and after fracturing is written out in a proprietary format specific to the mask writer.

Although previously a simple translation task, the changes required for resolution enhancement technologies (RET) can create huge data volume problems for the mask writer, so some care must be applied to mitigate these negative effects.

[edit] References

  • Electronic Design Automation For Integrated Circuits Handbook, by Lavagno, Martin, and Scheffer, ISBN 0-8493-3096-3 A survey of the field, from which this summary was derived, with permission.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../m/a/s/Mask_data_preparation.html"