Optimization of self-aligned double patterning (SADP)-compliant layout designs using pattern matching for 10nm technology nodes and beyond

Lynn T. Wang, Uwe Schroeder, Youngtag Woo, Jia Zeng, Sriram Madhavan, Luigi Capodieci

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2016 · 10 citations · 4 references

Concepts

Abstract

A pattern-based methodology for optimizing Self-Aligned Double Patterning (SADP)-compliant layout designs is developed based on detecting cut-induced hotspot patterns and replacing them with pre-characterized fixing solutions. A pattern library with predetermined fixing solutions is built. A pattern-based engine searches for matching patterns in the layout designs. When a match is found, the engine opportunistically replaces the detected pattern with a pre-characterized fixing solution, preserving only the design rule check-clean replacements. The methodology is demonstrated on a 10nm routed block. A small library of fourteen patterns reduced the number of cut-induced design rule check violations by 100% and lithography hotspots by 23%.

References

4