designrulecheck

Design Rule Check (DRC) is an automated process used in the design of integrated circuits (ICs) and printed circuit boards (PCBs) to verify that the layout of the design adheres to a set of manufacturing constraints, commonly referred to as design rules. These rules are established by the fabrication facility to ensure that the physical layout can be reliably manufactured with a high yield and within specified tolerances.

The DRC process involves comparing the designed layout against these rules. Design rules typically specify minimum widths and spacings for various layers of the IC or PCB, such as metal traces, vias, and diffusion regions. They also cover other aspects like antenna rules, adjacent layer spacing, and density requirements. If any part of the layout violates these rules, the DRC tool generates a report listing the violations, often with graphical indicators pointing to the specific areas of concern.

Addressing DRC violations is a critical step before proceeding to manufacturing. Designers must meticulously review and correct any identified issues to prevent manufacturing defects, circuit malfunctions, or reduced device performance. Failing to resolve DRC errors can lead to costly fabrication failures and delays. The successful completion of DRC signifies that the design is manufacturable according to the foundry's capabilities.