This topic provides a high-level overview of the new features in the IC23.1 release.
IC23.1 ISR3
Mapping Active Libraries with Dummy Libraries in Modgen Arrays
Certain PDKs require you to map an array dummy master and its parameters with a matching active master and its parameters. The following SKILL APIs are now available to manage the task:
IC23.1 Base
Modgen Transparent Editing Mode
In Layout MXL, you can use Modgen Transparent Editing mode to modify a Modgen directly from the top level. Modgen Transparent Editing mode provides all the functionalities of Modgen Editing mode, but with the top-level canvas object in context. The Virtuoso workspace menus and toolbars are available.
Customizing the Pattern Preset List in the Array Assistant
You can now customize the pattern presets that are listed in the Pattern Preset drop-down list of the Array Assistant. The new patternPresetItemList environment variable lets you add or remove presets from the list and change their sequence as per your design requirements.
New Array Assistant Replaces All Older Modgen Placement Solutions
In previous releases, the Modgen Pattern Editor, the Grid Pattern Editor assistant, and the Grid Pattern Mapping assistant were used to define Modgen grid pattern and other placement settings. In Layout EXL, the Auto Device Array assistant was used for the same purpose. There were multiple distinct solutions providing similar functionality.
IC23.1 supports a single abstracted graphical array placement solution—The Array Assistant. The Array Assistant serves as a one-stop solution to define all Modgen placement-related settings.
The Auto Device Array assistant has been now renamed to Array Assistant and is made available in both Layout XL and Layout EXL.
In Layout XL, the Array Assistant lets you specify the Modgen placement settings.
In Layout EXL, the Array Assistant lets you specify the Modgen placement settings, the guard ring options, the topology and routing settings, and the reuse options.
The Modgen Pattern Editor, the Grid Pattern Editor assistant, and the Grid Pattern Mapping assistant are no longer supported.
The mgPatternCB SKILL API has also been removed.
Removed Features
The Modgen Routing Toolbar
Starting IC23.1, the Modgen Routing toolbar is no longer included in the Modgen Editor. Use the Modgen Topology and Routing SKILL APIsto define Modgen topology and routing settings.
