Klayout 25d View Hot! -
What are you using? (e.g., CMOS, MEMS, Photonics)
for layer_index in lv.each_layer do layer_info = lv.layer(layer_index) name = layer_info.name.to_s.lower
You have a string of 1,000 vias connecting Metal 1 to Metal 2. In 2D view, they look like a dotted line. In 2.5D view:
In the 25D View window, click on or look for the layer configuration table. For each active mask layer, enter two critical parameters:
If you are currently using the 2.5D viewer, ? I can provide more specific tips on: Optimizing the configuration for better visualization. Using net tracing with the 2.5D view. klayout 25d view
: Developers looking for the internal implementation can find it in the Class D25View API , which was introduced in version 0.28. Core Features of the 2.5D View : It is an extruded 2D view
The 25D View is a specialized visualization mode in KLayout that projects 2D layout shapes into three dimensions by applying thickness and height values to specific layers.
Visualize air gaps, suspended membranes, waveguides, and cavities to ensure mechanical and optical clearance before sending files to the foundry.
Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) requires uniformity. In a 2D layout, it’s hard to gauge density variation. The 25D view, when colored by layer height, gives a pseudo-topographic map. Rapidly alternating tall and short metal regions (poor density) looks like a mountain range, prompting dummy fill insertion. What are you using
In KLayout—the popular open-source GDS/OASIS viewer and editor—the 2.5D view is a hybrid visualization mode. Unlike a true 3D rendering (which simulates physical topography), 2.5D projects each layer vertically to create a pseudo-3D extrusion effect. Layers maintain their planar coordinates but are offset in the Z-axis, giving the illusion of stacked physical planes.
Share intuitive, spatial representations of complex device architectures with team members, fabricators, or clients who may struggle to interpret flat mask data.
The bottom coordinate of the layer relative to the substrate.
Navigating the Third Dimension: A Complete Guide to the KLayout 25D View Using net tracing with the 2
Click the button (green arrow) in the Macro Editor where you wrote your script.
To render the third dimension accurately, you must configure a stack-up definition. KLayout allows you to define: The specific GDS layer mapping.
Open your GDSII or OASIS file ( File > Open ). Ensure you have a technology file loaded ( .lyp or .lyt ) so layers have proper colors and names, though this isn't strictly required.
This allows batch processing of multiple layout versions, each with a standardized 45° tilt and lighting setup – perfect for regression visual diff testing.
