A technology-independent CAD tool for ESD protection device extraction-ESDExtractor

The challenges for developing an ESD (electrostatic discharge) layout extractor originate from unconventional layout patterns of ESD protection devices, parasitic ESD device extraction and device count reduction. This paper reports a new technology-independent layout extractor, ESDExtractor, which is capable of extracting all types of ESD devices and answers the demands for ESD design verification. A general methodology to extract both intentional and parasitic ESD devices, specific algorithms and implementation methods for efficiency-enhancement are presented, followed by a design example.