PV Flow Overview
Physical Verification consists of several distinct checks, each targeting a different failure mode. They must all be run at sign-off, typically in this order:
Physical Verification consists of several distinct checks, each targeting a different failure mode. They must all be run at sign-off, typically in this order:
What gets checked?
Every geometric shape in the GDS file is checked against the foundry's Process Design Kit (PDK) rules - spacing, width, overlap, enclosure, density, connectivity, and electrical properties.
Primary Tools
Calibre (Siemens EDA) - Industry-dominant sign-off PV tool. Also: Synopsys IC Validator (ICV), Mentor Hercules. Foundry PDKs are certified for Calibre - it's the reference.
PDK Rule Deck
Foundry provides a Calibre rule deck (.svrf file) - typically 50,000–200,000 lines of rules. Engineers run this deck against their GDS. Do NOT modify rule decks without foundry approval.