January 2003 - Layout Viewer LAVIS Version 2.5 released

TOOL CORPORATION has released Version 2.5.0 of the next-generation layout viewer LAVIS. This layout viewer is compatible with multiple formats, LAVIS displays large-scaled LSI layout data at ultrahigh speeds. Since its release in September 2001, LAVIS has assisted leading device manufacturers and has been utilized as an indispensable tool.

LAVIS Version 2.5.0 has been rolled out for providing expanded functions and ranges. Major expanded functions of Version 2.0.0 for LAVIS are described below..

Support of concerted and distributed environments

• Remote viewer

The remote viewer allows two or more people at remote areas to view the same data at the same location and same time via the Internet using a Web browser. With the remote viewer the client can move an area displayed and insert markers and share operational results with other people. The remote viewer also allows users to chat through command windows. This function eliminates the necessity of sending data or a screen image and allows users to use LAVIS as if they were viewing the same screen sitting side by side. This allows the construction of concerted and distributed environments in growing demand, thus increasing operating efficiency.
• Marker function

The marker function has allowed the user to input and save markers such as graphics and texts. Since specified coordinate values can be inputted, a variety of applications are available. Available graphics include points, rectangles, polygons, circles, ovals, free-hand shapes and characters, and texts. Multiple variations are available, such as specified painting and specified colors. This function can be used with the remote viewer in a great variety of scenes, for example, to get target points across and place marks at points of inspection.

Expanded functions for covering GDS files

Expanded functions for covering GDS files include additional display information and improved display speeds. These functions reduce time for reading data and displaying data that involve a particularly large number of cells (a few tens of thousands of cells), as in OPC output, to approximately half as much, thereby providing LAVIS a substantial improvement in performance for large data. In addition, they have improved the performance of LAVIS in the Solaris 64-bit multi-CPU environment, a performance about 2.5 times as great. Other powerful functions include compatibility with property and expansion of limits which have provided LAVIS further improvements in performance in design environments.

Expanded support for mask production processes

• Covering more different types of files

LAVIS has the ability to cover the latest EB formats such as JEOL52V3.1 and HL7000, as well as VSB11-JOB files. As a result, LAVIS can cover all EB formats and JOB formats that are currently in practical use.
• Expanded functions for displaying EB data information

These functions have provided LAVIS with the ability to display shot rank and exposure time. LAVIS can also display EB division frames (segments/stripes/fields/SSFs).
• Improved performance in reading VSB11

For reading files in VSB11 formats, LAVIS requires much less time, approximately 1/10th as much.

With these functions, LAVIS can provide substantially stronger support to masking production processes.

Functions of powerful tie-ups with other tools and expansion Expansion functions for specific applications have been made available through the utilization of powerful command scripts and user customization functions of LAVIS. In addition, operating environments can be expanded by kicking other tools from LAVIS.

• Function for cutting out GDS data

Any specific area of the open GDS data can be cut out from LAVIS to save the area as a separate file. This makes it possible to cut out and hand over only a specific area, for example, an error-containing portion to co-workers, thus facilitating the handling of data.
• Function for searching of Calibre DRC errors

Calibre DRC error results can be taken in by directly accessing to the Calibre database. It is possible to select errors, highlight selected errors, and produce a marker on any erroneous portion. This function allows an interactive analysis of errors. Besides, it can be expected that the analysis time can be reduced substantially through the performance of LAVIS to make data drawings at high speeds.
• Function for producing a set of layers for XOR display

LAVIS automatically produces a set of layers required for XOR display based on the overlapping of EB data and GDS data in layers. This makes it possible to detect data differentials easily, thus improving data inspection efficiencies.

All of these functions are constructed by means of LAVIS command scripts, thus making it possible for the user to further customize his/her LAVIS to fit environments and applications.

Many additional and improved functions

Besides the functions mentioned above, other functions and performances are added and improved. For more information, refer to the additional functions of Version 2.5 for LAVIS.

Future developments

Expanded support of concerted and distributed environments have provided a wider range of environments where LAVIS is utilized, thus offering LAVIS a larger availability. TOOL CORPORATION will continue to offer better functions and environments through tie-ups with other companies' tools and systems further. TOOL CORPORATION will continue to develop the utilization capacity of LAVIS as a standard layout viewer and looks forward to future challenges in the never-ending quest for future improvements.

* Specific names used herein are trade names.