Magic - VLSI layout editor

Thursday, 25 December 2008 14:29

Magic is a layout system for integrated circuits. It incorporates expertise about design rules and connectivity directly into the layout sysetm in order to implement powererful new operations that simplify the task of creating layouts, including; a continuous design-rule-checker (DRC) that operates in background to maintain an up-to-date picture of violations;

An operation called plowing that permise intercative stretching and compaction;
A routing tools that can work under and around existing connections in the channels;
...and more.

Magic is a venerable VLSI layout tool, written in the 1980's at Berkeley. Due largely in part to its liberal Berkeley open-source license, magic has remained popular with universities and small companies. The open-source license has allowed VLSI engineers with a bent toward programming to implement clever ideas and help magic stay abreast of fabrication technology. For more information click here.