What is a .GDS file?
The file extension .GDS stands for Graphic Data System File. It is primarily used in the field of electronic engineering for Integrated Circuit (IC) design. These files are created by various computer-aided design (CAD) programs and contain detailed information about the layout of a circuit. This includes the different layers of the circuit, various geometric shapes, and text labels that describe parts of the circuit.
.GDS files are crucial because they serve as a standard format for exchanging data between different IC design applications. This means that engineers and designers can share and open these files across different programs without losing important layout information.
Several software programs can open .GDS files. These include: - Static Electric VLSI Design System: A tool used for designing very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits. - Juspertor LayoutEditor: A versatile editor for designing microtechnology and nanotechnology components. - WieWeb CleWin: Software specifically used in photolithography mask design. - Tanner L-Edit MEMS Design: A program used for designing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). - Zeni Physical Design Tool: Although now discontinued, this was once used for IC design.
Originally, the .GDS file format was developed by a company called Calma, which is why these files are sometimes referred to as Calma streams. Today, the format is maintained by Cadence Design Systems and is known as the GDS II format. This ongoing support ensures that the format remains relevant and useful in modern IC design workflows.
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