Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Da-Yeon Cho

Hyo-Sig Won

Myung-Soo Jang

Hyoun-Soo Park

A computer-implemented method includes placing standard cells based on design data defining an integrated circuit. A layout of the integrated circuit is generated by performing colorless routing. First, second, third and fourth patterns included in a quadruple patterning lithography (QPL) layer are arranged, based on space constraints, on the placed standard cells. The generated layout is stored to a computer-readable storage medium. The space constraints define minimum spaces between the first, second, third and fourth patterns. The method includes assigning first, second, third and fourth colors to the first, second, third and fourth patterns, respectively. Masks are generated based on the layout. A semiconductor device is manufactured by using the generated masks. A space between two patterns of the first, second, third and fourth patterns smaller than a corresponding space constraint of the space constraints indicates a color violation.

Computing system for performing colorless routing for quadruple patterning lithography

A computer-implemented method compresses placing standard cells based on design data defining an integrated circuit (IC). A layout of the IC is generated by performing colorless routing, by which a first pattern, a second pattern, and a third pattern in a triple patterning lithography (TPL) layer are arranged on the placed standard cells. The arrangement is based on space constraints. The generated layout is stored to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The space constraints define minimum spaces between the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern. A color violation does not occur between the first pattern, second pattern, and the third pattern. A first mask, a second mask, and a third mask are generated based on the layout. A semiconductor device is manufactured by using the generated first mask, the second mask, and the third mask.

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Seongnam-si, South Korea

Da-Yeon Cho