Klayout 25d View Hot!

To project layers along the Z-axis, KLayout needs to know the physical thickness and relative height of each layer. This is done via a technology script or a layer definition file. You will need to map out your process stack: (Z = 0) Active Area / Diffusion Gate Poly (Thickness = ~100nm, Height = above Active) Contact Vias (Connecting Poly to Metal 1) Metal 1 (Thickness = ~200nm) Via 1 Metal 2 , and so forth. Step 3: Generating the Cross-Section / 25D Perspective

Before you can use the 2.5D view, there are a couple of important technical requirements to meet.

Everything looks like flat colored paper. Solution: You forgot to set the "Height" in Layer Properties, or you haven't tilted the camera (still in top-down orthographic mode).

When training new layout engineers, it is difficult to explain that a "Contact" is a hole in the oxide, not a physical block. In 2.5D, you can set the "Implant" layer to height 1, "Oxide" to height 10 (transparent), and "Contact" to height 11. The student literally sees the contact piercing the oxide. klayout 25d view

# Example to extrude Metal 1 from z=0.1 to z=0.3 z(input(10, 0), zstart: 0.1, zstop: 0.3, name: "Metal1") Use code with caution. Limitations and Practical Constraints

Click on > 25D View . A new workspace window will appear. Step 2: Define Layer Heights and Thicknesses

Note: KLayout’s exact menu names and plugin availability can vary by version; check the View and Layer dialogs for 3D/2.5D options or install community plugins that add stackup editors. To project layers along the Z-axis, KLayout needs

Once the stack-up is configured, click or Render . A new viewport window will appear showing your design in a 3D perspective. Rotate: Left-click and drag your mouse to spin the model.

Because semiconductor layers are often very thin relative to their width, the 2.5D view includes a on the right side of the window. Increasing this factor exaggerates the vertical dimensions, making it easier to see height variations that would otherwise appear flat. Advanced Visualization Features

Before you can use the 2.5D view, you need to ensure your system is properly set up. The most critical requirement is . KLayout must be compiled with OpenGL to enable this feature, and your graphics drivers must be compatible. Some older systems or configurations (like older macOS versions with OpenGL 2.1) have historically required a minimum of OpenGL 3.0 or newer , though modern versions of KLayout are more compatible. Pre-built installers from the official KLayout website usually include this support out of the box for Windows, Linux, and modern macOS systems. If you're compiling from source, it's crucial to enable OpenGL dependencies during the build process. Step 3: Generating the Cross-Section / 25D Perspective

Navigate to in the KLayout menu.

Do you need help writing a to automate your specific layer stack-up?

Before clicking buttons, let’s clarify the terminology. A true 3D view requires volume rendering (height, width, depth). KLayout does not natively do this because it is a layout tool, not a mechanical CAD tool.