Compression algorithm cuts mask files down to size

MEBESzip is a software product that compresses mask data files in MEBES format by a factor of 5-15x and significantly reduces file sizes as well as data transfer times.

New from SoftJin, MEBESzip is a software product that compresses mask data files in MEBES format by a factor of 5-15x and significantly reduces file sizes as well as data transfer times.

MEBESzip also allows selective decompression, eliminating the need of decompressing the entire file prior to use for any further processing.

MEBESzip addresses the challenge of handling increasingly large MEBES files sizes in the nanometre design era.

It converts mask data in MEBES format into a highly compressed proprietary binary format.

The binary format can be decompressed back to recover the original bit-forbit matching MEBES file.

"Our understanding of post-layout and mask data formats and years of research in applicable compression technology made it possible for us to offer a unique time and money saving proposition", remarked Kamal Aggarwal, Vice President Marketing and Strategy at SoftJin.

"Our R and D group was able to achieve a high level of compression by applying their prior experience and knowledge of working with layout design formats such as GDSII and Oasis to extend compression technology to mask data formats such as MEBES".

MEBES (Manufacturing Electron Beam Exposure System) is a proprietary mask data format from Applied Materials for exchange of fractured mask data.

It is the most widely used format for representing and exchanging mask data and is considered as a de facto standard format in photomask industry.

As per the ITRS roadmap of 2005, for a 45nm half-pitch node that is expected to be in use by 2010, the mask data volume for a single layer is expected to reach up to 825Gbyte.

The industry needs solutions that can deal with this enormous data explosion.

Compression techniques better than generic and commonly used compressors like gzip will be required to address this problem.

In recent benchmarks, comparing against generic compressors such as gzip, the MEBESzip has been consistently producing compression factors ranging between 2x and 8x better than gzip, with an average of 4x better compression across all tests runs.

The compression ratio by MEBESzip is found to be dependent on the CAD tool that generated MEBES data in the first place.

Compression ratios produced by MEBESzip are significantly better than any other similar products.

By compressing MEBES files by a factor of 5-15x, MEBESzip reduces the time taken to transfer these files across mask shops, foundries and manufacturing-related groups within integrated device manufacturers (IDMs).

MEBESzip reduces the disk space requirements for storing and archiving of MEBES files within these organisations.

MEBESzip can be integrated as a technology component of EDA tools, such as mask data preparation (MDP), resolution enhancement technology (RET), manufacturing rules check (MRC), mask data viewer and mask inspection tools that generate or consume MEBES data by using the application programming interface (API) available with MEBESzip.

It speeds up the entire mask data preparation, analysis and verification flow by eliminating the need for reading and writing entire MEBES files.

MEBESzip allows for segment-wise selective compression and decompression of MEBES files.

This feature in conjunction with API-based integration with upstream and downstream EDA tools enables on-demand reading of compressed MEBES data without having to decompress the entire file before being able to operate on the data.

MEBESzip provides an optional in-built verifier that provides on-the-spot verification to check the fidelity of the compressed file.

CRC-32 based checksum and MD-5 based fingerprint schemes are used in MEBESzip for verifying the data integrity.

MEBESzip offers the option of in-built data encryption and decryption to enhance the security during transfer of compressed data.

MEBESzip is available now, and is licensed in executable form as a stand-alone product or in object code form along with an API for companies that wish to integrate and sell it as part of their post-layout tools.

Currently, MEBESzip is also available for a 1-month free evaluation.

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