DEF stands for Design Exchange Format. DEF file is a standardized data file that represents the physical layout of design. This file is given as an input to the EDA tool. We can generate this file at every stage of design flow. To send placement information from one stage to another stage. By using this file, we can load the design from one EDA tool to another EDA tool (like from cadence Innovus tool to synopsis ICC tool or vice-versa).
Note: LEF files have to load mandatorily before loading the DEF file otherwise an error will rise.
Contents of a DEF file
A DEF file contains detailed information about the physical placement and connectivity of all components, metal layers and other structures in the design.It serves as a detailed representation of design.
- Die Area
- Tracks
- Components (macros)
- I/O Pins
- Nets
- Blockages
- Halo
- Scan Chain
- Vias
- Slots
- Fills
- Region
- Row
- Metal layers
