Linking technology-CAD and physical design

With a focus on the software perspective, this paper examines benefits, scope, requirements, and key issues of the integration of technology-CAD with physical design. Two examples of software components for integration of TCAD with layout data are presented, and use cases are identified which result in different software requirements. Layout data volume and its relation to domain size and resolution of TCAD models is discussed, leading to the conclusion that full-chip layout processing capabilities is a key enabling component that is becoming an integral part of mainstream TCAD.