You can enable or disable specific layers to see into lower layers of the stack, similar to how layers are handled in the 2D viewer. 2.5D View vs. Full 3D View
Unlike a true 3D CAD engine that models continuous arbitrary shapes, a generates a 3D visualization by assigning explicit thicknesses and vertical offsets to flat 2D layout shapes.
Ultimately, while full 3D modeling is a separate, more complex domain, KLayout's 2.5D view remains an exceptionally practical and powerful tool. It turns abstract layer data into an insightful physical representation, helping to demystify the vertical dimension of chip design and catch errors early in the workflow. klayout 25d view
In semiconductor terms, it treats your layout layers as a stack of blankets or blocks. It takes the 2D polygons drawn on a specific layer (e.g., Diffusion, Polysilicon, Metal 1, Via 1) and extrudes them along the Z-axis based on user-defined heights. Why Use 2.5D Instead of Full 3D?
The starting height relative to the substrate base (Z=0). You can enable or disable specific layers to
This report provides a technical assessment of the "2.5D View" functionality within KLayout, a popular open-source layout viewer and editor for integrated circuit (IC) design. While KLayout is natively a 2D tool, it offers robust 2.5D visualization features that allow designers to inspect layer stacking, process cross-sections, and 3D geometry without requiring a full heavy-weight 3D process simulation. This functionality is critical for Design Rule Checking (DRC) debugging, MEMS design verification, and ensuring correct layer ordering in advanced node technologies.
Remember that Z-start is cumulative. If Metal 1 is 0.5µm thick and starts at Z=1.0µm, the Inter-Layer Dielectric (ILD) or Via 1 layer on top of it must start at Z=1.5µm. Conclusion Ultimately, while full 3D modeling is a separate,
2D shapes given a fixed thickness (height) and a z-offset (elevation). Key Features
As you make changes to your layout in the 2D editor, your 2.5D view will not update automatically. To refresh the scene, you can do one of the following: