          xIncode - InterConnect Design in Semiconductor Technologies
          ===========================================================



LEGAL STUFF

   Copyright (C) 2000-2005 by Karim Kaschani

   This file is part of the software xIncode developed to support the design
   of interconnects in semiconductor technologies.

   xIncode is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
   it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
   the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or
   (at your option) any later version.

   xIncode is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
   but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
   MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
   GNU General Public License for more details.

   You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
   along with this program; if not, write to the Free Software
   Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307  USA


INTRODUCTION

   xIncode is a tool to support the design of interconnects in semiconductor
   technologies. It accounts not only for electromigration and electrical
   overstress of single lines but also for arbitrary numbers of coupled lines
   in planarized and non-planarized technologies as well as for contact holes
   and vias. Some of its most important features are:

      + Metal and polysilicon lines are accounted for
      + No limitation in sigma specification
      + Arbitrary combination of layers is possible
      + Applicable to planarized and non-planarized technologies
      + Contact holes and vias are accounted for
      + Extensive on-line help available


INSTALLATION

   To compile 'xIncode' first adjust the Makefile, which is included with
   'xIncode' for your needs. Currently this Makefile only supports Linux,
   Solaris 2.5.x, HPUX 9.x and AIX 4.1.4. The settings for HPUX 9.x and
   AIX 4.1.4, however, are extrapolated but not tested (I hope they are
   correct). Besides I am quite confident, that only minor changes are needed
   to adjust them for other platforms (hopefully).

   Note, with the preset DATABASEDIR xIncode will look for technology database
   in the subfolder "examples". The technology files in this folder are just
   sample technology files. They do not represent real technologies. To test
   'xIncode' after compilation, do not modify DATABASEDIR. However, for final
   installation it is recommended to modify DATABASEDIR.

   Having adjusted the Makefile simply run

        make
     
   Please note, only the executable is called 'xincode'. As soon as it is run 
   its name becomes 'xIncode'. To test 'xIncode' after compilation simply run
   'xincode' in your compilation directory. Load one of the sample technology
   files in the directory 'examples' and play around with it.

   Afterwards you may want to install 'xIncode' with

        make install
   
   and finally clean up everything with

        make clean .


CONFIGURATION

   Configuration of 'xIncode' is explained in detail in the man pages
   'xincode(1)' and 'xincode(5)'.


BUG REPORTS

   Please send any bug reports (and fixes), code for new features, comments,
   questions, etc. to:

        Karim.Kaschani@arcormail.de

   Enjoy.

        Karim Kaschani
