A Methodology for Improved Verification of VLSI Designs without Loss of Area

This paper describes an IC layout methodology based on arbitrary outline cells, prevention of overlap, and mixed programs and graphics. Advantages are: no loss in area over hand packing; incremental checking of design rules, component interconnection, and timing; reduction of visible complexity; and easy implementation. Disadvantages are: possible proliferation of cell types and poor handling of cells with contacts not on the boundary. An implementation that uses and enforces this methodology is discussed