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Language overview

Argon is a statically typed language for describing integrated-circuit layout. The syntax and type system are modeled on Rust. What's different is that geometric values, such as the edges of a rectangle, are variables in a linear constraint system rather than fixed numbers.

cell via_array(cols: Int, pitch: Float) {
    let cut = rect("via", w=20., h=20.);

    for i in std::range(cols) {
        inst(cut, x=(i as Float) * pitch, y=0.);
    }
}

Core ideas​

  • A cell is a layout definition you can call.
  • A function computes a value, or emits geometry and constraints into the scope that calls it.
  • Geometry constructors create rectangles, polygons, paths, and text.
  • Float values, including geometry, can be related with equality constraints.
  • Calling a cell produces a cell value; inst places it in the hierarchy.
  • Modules and manifests organize source, dependencies, technology data, and GDS imports.

Syntax​

Declarations and blocks use braces, and statements end with semicolons. A block's last expression, written without a semicolon, is its value.

fn half(value: Float) -> Float {
    value / 2.
}

let bindings are immutable. Functions can be used before they're defined; cells are resolved in source order, so declare a cell before the cells that call it.

Chapters​