Tools I use for converting chip layer images into netlists for ChipSim
Reads a PNG file containing a layer image and traces all polygons encountered inside it. On first run, it must be taught how to trace nodes - with NumLock ON, use the number pad to tell it which direction to go, or press 'q' to exit and save the list of learned rules (or 'x' to abort without saving). The next time you run it, the previously stored rules will be automatically imported.
Currently does NOT recognize hollow nodes - if you have any, the vertex list generated may not make sense and the remaining tools below may throw errors.
Checks polygon data for consistency - makes sure that each via and buried contact connects exactly two nodes together and that no segments are hollow.
Reads in all of the layers, figures out which segments are connected to each other (and assigns node IDs appropriately), and builds segdefs.js and transdefs.js files for ChipSim.
By default, compiles in CMOS mode, but can be easily altered to run in NMOS mode instead.
Save each layer image as a transparent PNG file, then use "pngtrace" to vectorize each one into a matching ".dat" file.
Once all necessary files have been generated, run "check", verify that no errors are reported, then run "netlist".
Recognized filenames:
- 'metal2_pwr' + 'metal2_gnd' + 'metal2' + 'vias2'
- 'metal1_pwr' + 'metal1_gnd' + 'metal1' + 'vias1'
- 'metal_pwr' + 'metal_gnd' + 'metal' + 'vias'
- 'poly_pwr' + 'poly_gnd' + 'poly' + (NMOS) 'buried'
- 'diff_pwr' + 'diff_gnd' + 'diff'
- 'trans'/ 'trans_n' + 'trans_p'
At least one set of 'pwr'/'gnd' nodes must be provided.