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MRouter Overview

The MRouter is an open-source maze router available from the free software archive on wrcad.com. It is derived from the Qrouter from opencircuitdesign.com.

The MRouter is a separate, stand-alone open-source project. Presently, users must download and build the MRouter tool. Instructions can be found in the README file in the distribution. Eventually, packages for the supported operating systems will be provided.

The Qrouter source code was converted from C to C++, and architected into two classes:

  1. A database class. This caches technology and routing information. It can read and write technology and route information in standard LEF and DEF file formats. It makes use of the open-source Cadence LEF/DEF toolkit to provide complete and correct handling of these files.

  2. The maze router itself. This is logically the same as the Qrouter, but the code has been refactored to make use of C++ encapsulation and other elements of the language. This will facilitate future development of new modes and features, and maintenance.

The two classes are exported as a plug-in library, intended to be used with Xic, or another application. Xic is a commercial graphical editor for integrated circuit design from Whiteley Research Inc. More information can be gound on the company's web site http://wrcad.com. Xic has a developing interface to the MRouter plug-in. providing full control of the routing operations, visualization, etc.


next up previous contents index
Next: Theory of Operation Up: Introduction to MRouter Previous: Introduction to MRouter   Contents   Index
Stephen R. Whiteley 2017-02-17