I am trying to set up DC-topographical. I can see in the recommended Synopsys methodology, that "mapping files for TLUplus" are required.
1. Is this valid, or can I do without them?
2. Can I produce these files? I have TLUplus and ITF files available for the given process. Or can they only be provided by the foundry?
Yes . these are valid. You should provide a mapping file that contains Metal name, via name .. like:
conducting_layers
metal1 <first metal name>
metal 2 <2nd metal name>
.....
<pull all the required metals under above section>
via_layers
via1 <first via name >
via2 <2nd via name>
.....
For more details you can also refer to STAR user manual.