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Virtuoso Abstract Generator
Abstract Generator is a library modeling tool that lets you create abstracts for standard cells, macro blocks, and IOs from detailed layout information in Library Exchange Format (LEF), Design Exchange Format (DEF), and Graphics Design Station II (GDSII) Stream formats.
An abstract is a high-level representation of a layout view, which contains information about the type and size of cells, position of pins or terminals, and the overall size of blockages. The generated abstracts are based on physical layout and logical data, process technology information, and specific cell-modeling requirements. The abstracts are used in place of full layouts to improve the performance of place-and-route tools, such as Innovus. After the place-and-route is complete, the abstracts are replaced back with the layouts.
The functionality for abstract generation is available through two interfaces, which access the same executable. You can choose to access a particular interface based on your requirements, the current design environment, and the familiarity with an interface. You can invoke the executable either as a standalone application or from within the Virtuoso Studio design environment.
- The standalone Abstract Generator interface can be used to generate abstracts for a single library at a time. You can run this application both in GUI and non-GUI mode. The graphical interface of this application is modeled on the abstract generation flow steps — Pins, Extract, and Abstract. This interface provides advanced options and is designed for experienced users.
- The integrated Abstract Generator interface launched from the Virtuoso Studio design environment can be used to generate abstracts for individual or multiple cells of a library. This interface is simple and is designed for novice users who are either not familiar with or find the advanced options of the standalone application difficult to comprehend. Being tightly integrated with the Virtuoso Studio design environment, this interface allows users working on layouts to continue with generating abstract for their layouts in the same environment.
- The Dynamic Abstract Generator is used by Virtuoso Space-Based Router. It automatically creates abstracts for the Pcells based on a set of abstraction rules.
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