Lef v/s GDSII import for a hard macro

[mvvijay78]

Hi,
If for a hard macro both LEF and GDSii views are available it is normally recommended that we import the LEF view .I have following questions

1) Is there any difference between LEF and GDSII apart from one is text file and other is an binary.
2) If we import the LEF file and continue our design is it required that before generating the final GDSII for the design i bring in the GDSII view of hard macro or can we go ahead with the LEF files of hard macro and generate the GDSII for the design.
3)Does the LEF view have the complete routing details as the GDSII or is it just an abstarct view of thwe actual GDSII?

Regards
Vicky

 

[zhustudio]

1) LEF is only the frame of the hard marco, it does not contain detail internal info of the macro, only the external connection info. But common GDSii is complete layout.
2) you can continue ur design with lef, but for timing info you should generate GDS and give .lib file.
3) only abstract view