DRC for Component Placement

Three methods of DRC checking are provided in eCADSTAR:

• Online DRC checking. This method provides real-time checking and actively prevents the user from creating errors during the design process.
• Post Check. This method provides a quick check for component and routing clearances after modification.
• Batch DRC checking. This method is run manually by the user, either at the end of the design process or at a time of their choosing.

An example of a component clearance violation is shown below.

Figure 1: A Component Clearance Violation

Overview

To execute a Batch DRC check:

• Set the required DRC settings
• From the Report tab, click the DRC icon.
• In the DRC command panel, select the required option.
• Click Execute.
• Review DRC results.

All design rule check violations are now shown within the layout area. The Check Results dialog also displays all violations. Clicking each branch will display the errors by category. Clicking each error in turn highlights the specific violation on the layout canvas.

Checking DRC Results

The DRC check has been run on the design and the result shown below has been generated:

Figure 2: DRC Results

Gate and pin swapping

Gate and pins can be swapped to optimize the connectivity of the design. Gates and pins that can be swapped are defined in the part library. For more details, see the eCADSTAR Library Training Guide.