摘要:
One embodiment of the invention provides a system that analyzes a layout related to a circuit on a semiconductor chip using an instance-based representation of a set of geometrical features that comprise the layout. The system operates by receiving a representation of the layout, wherein the representation defines a plurality of nodes that include one or more geometrical features. Next, the system converts the representation into an instance-based representation by identifying multiple occurrences of identical node instances in the layout, wherein each node instance can be further processed without having to consider effects of external factors on the node instance. The system then performs an further processing on the instance-based representation by processing each node instance only once, whereby the processing does not have to be repeated on multiple occurrences of the node instance in the layout.
摘要:
The present invention uses an instance based (IB) representation to reduce the time required for verifying a transformed layout that was generated from a reference layout. Specifically, an IB based representation is generated from the reference layout. The IB based representation includes sets of instance cells that include a master instance cell and slave instance cells. Only a subset of each set of instance cell needs to be simulated to verify the transformed layout.
摘要:
One embodiment of the invention provides a system that facilitates exposing a wafer through at least two masks during an integrated circuit manufacturing process. The system includes a radiation source and two or more illuminators. Each of these illuminators receives radiation from the radiation source, and uses the radiation to illuminate a reticle holder. The radiation that passes through each reticle holder is then combined in an optical combiner, before passing through an imaging optics, which projects the combined radiation onto a semiconductor wafer.
摘要:
A semiconductor layout testing and correction system is disclosed. The system combines both rule-based optical proximity correction and model-based optical proximity correction in order to test and correct semiconductor layouts. In a first embodiment, a semiconductor layout is first processed by a rule-based optical proximity correction system and then subsequently processed by a model-based optical proximity correction system. In another embodiment, the system first processes a semiconductor layout with a rule-based optical proximity correction system and then selectively processes difficult features using a model-based optical proximity correction system. In yet another embodiment, the system selectively processes the various features of a semiconductor layout using a rule-based optical proximity correction system or a model-based optical proximity correction system.
摘要:
A semiconductor layout testing and correction system is disclosed. The system combines both rule-based optical proximity correction and model-based optical proximity correction in order to test and correct semiconductor layouts. In a first embodiment, a semiconductor layout is first processed by a rule-based optical proximity correction system and then subsequently processed by a model-based optical proximity correction system. In another embodiment, the system first processes a semiconductor layout with a rule-based optical proximity correction system and then selectively processes difficult features using a model-based optical proximity correction system. In yet another embodiment, the system selectively processes the various features of a semiconductor layout using a rule-based optical proximity correction system or a model-based optical proximity correction system.
摘要:
Techniques for forming a design layout with phase-shifted features, such as an integrated circuit layout, include receiving information about a particular phase-shift conflict in a first physical design layout. The information indicates one or more features logically associated with the particular phase-shift conflict. Then the first physical design layout is adjusted based on that information to produce a second design layout. The adjustments rearrange features in a unit of the design layout to collect free space around a selected feature associated with the phase-shift conflict. With these techniques, a unit needing more space for additional shifters can obtain the needed space during the physical design process making the adjustment. The needed space so obtained allows the fabrication design process to avoid or resolve phase conflicts while forming a fabrication layout, such as a mask, for substantiating the design layout in a printed features layer, such as in an actual integrated circuit.
摘要:
Automated techniques for identifying dummy/main features on a mask layer are provided. In a multiple mask layer technique, the definition of a dummy/main feature can be based on connectivity information or functional association information. In a geometry technique, the definition of a dummy/main feature can be based on a feature size, a feature shape, a pattern of features, or a proximity of a feature to a neighboring feature. In one embodiment, multiple definitions and multiple techniques can be used.
摘要:
A method of evaluating a stepper process affected by lens aberration is provided. The method includes receiving, from a facilitator responding to a request, a set of optical models including lens aberration information, wherein the lens aberration information is difficult to extract from the optical models. A decision can be made using the set of optical models. The decision could include determining which stepper(s) can be used (or should be avoided) with a mask, a layout, a process, and/or a chemistry. The decision could include ranking a plurality of steppers based on mask data to determine the best stepper (or next best steppers) to use.
摘要:
In accordance with some embodiments, a method is provided for creating a photolithographic component, comprising: determining a target pattern for a circuit layout, the target pattern comprising target features; identifying a set of periodic target features within the target pattern; calculating a relationship between feature and pitch for the set of periodic target features; and determining a mask pattern from the target pattern using the relationship, wherein the mask pattern has a set of periodic mask features configured to result in projection of a first subset of the set of periodic target features when exposed to a light source that induces a first phase effect, and configured to result in projection of a second subset of the set of periodic target features when exposed to a light source that induces a second phase effect. In further embodiments, the method outputs the mask pattern as a mask dataset.
摘要:
Improvements in the fabrication of integrated circuits are driven by the decrease of the size of the features printed on the wafers. Current lithography techniques limits have been extended through the use of phase-shifting masks, off-axis illumination, and proximity effect correction. More recently, liquid immersion lithography has been proposed as a way to extend even further the limits of optical lithography. This invention described a methodology based on contact or proximity printing using a projection lens to define the image of the mask onto the wafer. As the imaging is performed in a solid material, larger refractive indices can be obtained and the resolution of the imaging system can be increased.