---
name: "qrouter"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "qrouter"
version: "1.4.71-2"
release: "Debian 12 (Bookworm)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/qrouter"
---

# qrouter(1)

Multi-level, over-the-cell maze router

## NAME

**qrouter** - Multi-level, over-the-cell maze router

## SYNOPSIS

```
qrouter [-noc] [-s scriptname] [options] [design_name]
```

## DESCRIPTION

**This manual page documents briefly the qrouter command.**

**Qrouter is a tool to generate metal layers and vias to physically connect together a netlist in a VLSI fabrication technology. It is a maze router, otherwise known as an "over-the-cell" router or "sea-of-gates" router. That is, unlike a channel router, it begins with a description of placed standard cells, usually packed together at minimum spacing, and places metal routes over the standard cells.**

**Qrouter uses the open standard LEF and DEF formats as file input and output. It takes the cell definitions from a LEF file, and analyzes the geometry for each cell to determine contact points and route obstructions. It then reads the cell placement, pin placement, and netlist from a DEF file, performs the detailed route, and writes an annotated DEF file as output.**

## USAGE

**Qrouter can run be run in several ways:**

- 1\.

  **Interactive mode. If qrouter is started without any** *options***, a tkcon window will be opened with an interpreter where commands may be entered.**

- 2\.

  **Normal batch mode. This mode is activated if a tcl script is given with the "-s" option. It can be run with or without a graphical window. If "-noc" is given, no graphical window will appear.**

```
    Run without graphical window:
     qrouter -noc -s routescript.tcl
    Run with a graphical window showing the layout while it is routing:
     qrouter -s routescript.tcl
```

- 3\.

  **Compatibility mode with qrouter 1.1. This mode is activated if either of the** *options* **"-c", "-v", "-i", "-p" or "-g" are given. This is a batch mode.**

## OPTIONS

- **-noc**

  **No console mode**

- **-s \<*scriptname*\>**

  **Run** *scriptname*

## COMPATIBILITY MODE

- **-c \<file\>**

  **Configuration file name (if not route.cfg)**

- **-v \<level\>**

  **Verbose output level**

- **-i \<name\>**

  **Print route names and pitches and exit**

- **-p \<name\>**

  **Specify global power bus name**

- **-g \<name\>**

  **Specify global ground bus name**

## INPUT

**The input files for qrouter is an unrouted or partly routed .def file containing the** **layout and a .cfg file containing the tcl script used to do the routing. The .cfg** **file also needs to specify a .lef file describing the technology.**

## OUTPUT

**qrouter will output the fully routed .def file (if successful routing). This may** **then later be converted to a GDSII file using tools such as magic.**

## SEE ALSO

**[qflow(1)](/qflow/1.md)**

## AUTHOR

**qrouter was written by Tim Edwards \<tim@opencircuitdesign.com\>.**

**This manual page was written by Ruben Undheim \<ruben.undheim@gmail.com\>, for the** **Debian project (and may be used by others).**