And the fill?

@Tim Edwards @Mitch Bailey @Amro Tork It seems that CMC is not going to add fillers. In Sky130, magic has the capability to add the filler, could we use that on gf180? Maybe I could write something in python, can you give me some advice or paper that explains how to do this?

@aquiles viza @Tim Edwards designed the system, I believe. There is a

generate_fill

target in

caravel/Makefile

that is intended to mimic what happens on the platform tapeout. There are scripts and magic tech files involved.

This is the link https://github.com/efabless/caravel/blob/main/Makefile

@aquiles viza Klayout has filling capability but you have to be careful while using it. You will need to clean up the GDS in some areas.

I'm playing with the Fill Tool (

Edit -> Utilities -> Fill Tool

). I've still have some questions 1. The filler should cover the entire user space, or just near design cells? 2. The pattern should be a box or it can be any drc valid figure lie a cross? This to control the density. 3. Fill cells might create a very big structure. Could this be a problem? Or should I put a gap between fill cells?

@aquiles viza About the questions, I think 1. filers should cover the entire user space because the purpose of them is to equalize pattern density. 2. It can be any type of shapes unless it harms DRC validation 3. I am not sure, but we don't have to fill it densely because equalizing pattern density doesn't mean fill void spaces densely(but the denser, the more equal) as I think

Thanks @Junbeom Park for the feedback • The script allows the user to set where the fill should be done, I'm assuming it will be on the user area so I think it's fine • There's a recommended pattern? Something like a thumb rule? • I remember seen that the density in some cases should be under certain limits, over and under. The script is flexible in terms of the shape to use and the spacing of the pattern

@aquiles viza 2. I am new to the concept of filler and don't have any sense of pattern... 3. aha. I didn't know that. Thanks.