Via Clustering (Via Groups)

On-chip inductors are commonly fabricated using thousands of small vias between signal layers. In Electronics Desktop Layout Editor, vias are represented as square primitives. While this is important for the purpose of fabrication, this level of complexity often introduces inappropriate mesh density for simulation. The via grouping option allows primitives to be grouped together and represented by a single primitive. This greatly reduces mesh complexity with a minimal decrease in accuracy. The accuracy is preserved by calculating an equivalent material based on the original geometry.

Given a group of square primitives, the via grouping tool automatically detects clusters of rectangular primitives and creates via groups accordingly. Via groups can then be combined or dissolved as needed.

• Both persistent and non-persistent via groups can be created.
• Persistent via groups keep the original primitives of a via group in the layout.
• Non-persistent via group creation deletes the primitive inputs.

Via grouping is accessible through both the user interface and EDB API.

To perform a via grouping:

1. Select the chosen square primitives.

2. Navigate to Draw > Via Groups as in the following figure.

3. One of several options can then be chosen:

1. Create: Make either persistent or non-persistent via groups on the selected primitives.
2. Combine: Merge selected via groups and/or via primitives into a new via group.
3. Dissolve: Restore the selected via group into the primitives that comprise it.