IGES as an Interchange Format for Integrated Circuit Design

There are several uses for neutral data transfer formats: to send your design out for fracturing and mask preparation, to move cell patterns to a system for routing, to move a completed design to a system for layout verification, and to archive a design. The latter is an interesting problem because integrated circuit (IC) designs are usually not "released" in hardcopy form as a drawing. Yet the data archive should be independent of system hardware and software revisions or "upgrades". Many larger companies are working on a data base management system (DBMS) for graphic design files. Those who have been looking at IGES for archival of other product graphic designs may wish to look at the IC capability cited.